A New Campaign

As we prepare to start our next Imagi-Nation mini campaign we must take a moment to set the stage with our players.  Diplomacy makes for strange bedfellows and fleeting alliances.  Rules will be Batailles de l’Ancien Regimes and the Wulfenbuttel War by Charles S. Grant provides the framework, transferred to our locale.

Campaign Preliminaries

In the wake of the Litharus raid on the Latverian city of Alten and the failed attempt to annex Rondovia, Latveria found itself and King Alfred needing a “win.”  To that end an alliance was sought with neighboring Odessenau, setting aside for the moment their old territorial dispute.  (see map)  Odessinau, feeling threatened by a rumored alliance between Litharus and Vaneria, was only too willing to work together.  For now. 

Our world as re-imagined.

During the long winter diplomats like Latverian ambassador Casimir worked diligently to hammer out an accord, followed by generals and rulers developing a military strategy.  “I propose” said Field Marshal Oleksander of Odessinau, “that we marshal our forces in Odessenau, north of the Dnister River.”  He continued, “once merged, our combined army will be something the Vanerians cannot match.  We just need to work out details of overall command and the invasion plan.  Naturally, we would take the lead in all command decisions.”  Awaiting an explosive response he was pleased with the relative calm murmur that ensued.  “Our goal will be to strike through the disputed territory, drive to the mouth of the Dnieper River where it empties into the Black Sea and force an acquiesce to our demands.  Cutting their interior off from the Black Sea will be decisive and I doubt we will even need to besiege the fortress there.”  The Latverian representatives were neither surprised nor totally displeased by the proposal.  Their army would be far from its supports, but if successful they would receive in compensation the territory claimed by both Latveria and Odessinau.  “And if the Vanerians respond by crossing the Southern Bug (or Boh) River, driving on the Dneister River behind us to cut our lines of supply and communication?” queried General Rudolf von Alten of Latveria.  “The Vanerians are not the force they once were.  Intrigue and suspicions are the norm in their court and they will not risk leaving Savastapol open.  Besides, having this territory so close to our capital city Chisinau is simply unacceptable.  They will behave as we expect” he assured the room.  The mutual distrust between old enemies was present and heavy.  “Yes, always assume the enemy will do what you want them to” thought General von Alten to himself.  But King Alfred of Latveria had put them on this course with King Alaniz and so they would fight.  “A most excellent analysis and plan my dear general.  The Latverian Advanced Frontier Force will take their place beside you.  We will of course need time to move into position.  When, if, Spring ever truly comes, we will be ready to strike together.”

“Excellent!  Wine to toast our joint venture” called Oleksander.   A fine red wine from the coastal regions was brought forward, goblets filled and toasts drunk.  And one server, who had been intently but discretely listening, lingered near the maps laid out in full view.

A few weeks later....

"Is all in readiness Kohuddin?" "Yes Nazir Wafeer, the troops are assembled, rations and armaments issued, spirits are high" replied Brigadier Kohuddin, representative of the allied troops that would partake in the campaign.  "That is well my friend, for our ruler Jaan Abdul-Jaleel Yamn (long my he reign) directs us to strike.  As you know, my watchers and spies report that a rough alliance has been formed between our hereditary enemies Latveria and Odessenau.  Though we have made no recent aggression against their borders they seek to reclaim territory belonging to the Sovereign of Two Continents and Khan of Khans of Two Seas."  He paused to recover his breath: "Our armies shall make a pre-emptive strike against these usurpers and break them like ice in the spring."  

"Vizier Çavuşoğlu, as chief of our diplomats it falls to you to deliver the news to our erstwhile opponents.  We have something special in mind."  Wafeer allowed himself a small chuckle, "special indeed."  The moment passed he snapped, "Kohuddin, issue the appropriate march orders."

And so it begins...