Reclamation of Morrdun (TG Invite Only)
Morridane Newes
Reclamation of Morrdun Begins!
For the first time in over a century Morridane Reclamation forces are ready to purge our former capital of the animate threat.
The news broke earlier today when the Minister of Reclamation, Richard Clarke, unveiled detailed plans outlining the assualt, recontruction and layout of Morrdun's Reclamation. This follows weeks of efforts by the Morridane Militia's recent operations in the area surrounding the ruined city. Successful offensive by Morridane troops have resulted in a series of firebases and eathworks that now surround Morrdun as the Aerial Corps fly recon patrols to indenitify ket target zones for the upcoming bombardment later this week.
As the Militia gears itself for the forthcoming assault a number of units of the Deathwatch are actively engaged in clearing out remaining pockets of animates, though some casualties have been reported though none resulted in outbreaks. But fortications have been raised to protect the Reclamation forces before they make their first advances into Morrdun.
~ ~ ~ ~
OOC:
Send me a telegraph if you're interested in joining either as an observer or militry.
If you're part of Ka-Spel's 'Allied Nations Non-Aggression Pact', feel free to join at any time.
Read through the factbook (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=554572) first before posting, it explains the background.
Sir Damien Riso (http://www.tempestmusic.com/images/damienV2.jpg) sat in a high-backed leather chair at his desk, overlooking paperwork surrounding the newly-ratified "Allied Nations Non-Aggression Pact"; a result of ka-Spel's International Conference. His office was located on the highest floor in the Traumstadt State House, elaborately decorated. Sir Riso considered his office his second home, and indeed often found himself spending more time in that office in Traumstadt than even in his own territory, Ugolahn City, and had gone to great lengths to ensure maximum comfort.
A knock at his office door sent him out of his reverie. "Come in," he said without taking his eyes off the documents he was perusing.
Rosmarina (http://www.avtitle.com/images/young-professional-woman.jpg) was a petite woman, most notable for her striking green eyes. Born of Italian decent, her eyes were uncharacteristic of the ethnicity, but nonetheless awed anyone she met with its contrast to her dark mahogany hair and slightly olive-tinted skin tone. "Sir Riso, there is a telegram from Morrdh."
The name forced Riso into attention. Years worth of military training made the impulse reactionary. Morrdh had just signed the Non-Aggression Pact, along with 7 other nations, and in particular had impressed Riso with their diplomat's no-nonsense demeanor. Riso liked no-nonsense people; it made for a clearer head.
The telegram requested assistance, though the wording was vague. Something regarding reclamation of territories, fierce measures taken on casualties, and what was apparently a rogue alliance, known as The Animates.
"Why have I never heard of The Animates? Surely, if they've been fighting for over a century, such a rogue coalition would have made international news..."
"Sir Riso..." Rosmarina looked away suddenly, a shadow of fear traced her otherwise serene expression. Riso wasn't sure what to make of the reaction. How had Rosmarina been aware of a military presence that he was not?
"Sir... The Animates are not a rogue coalition. Now technically, anyway."
"Rosa, it says here..."
"Sir, animates are zombies."
Riso's expression softened into that of shock, then hardened instinctively; another product of 20 years of military service.
"Rosa, get on the phone with Queen Belladonna. Inform her that I am sending 500,000 troops to Morrdh."
"Sir, I implore you..."
"That is my will, Rosa. Do not disobey me."
Rosa fled the office in hysterics. Her footsteps could be heard in the office outside Riso's door, and her voice through the walls. The Queen was not going to like this.
Riso sat back in his chair for the first time in hours. "God help them all."
Commander Lothwyn Serlov sighed as she buttoned up the jacket of her officer's uniform then pulled on her greatcoat and brushed her hair back so that her cap could sit on her head. She glanced round her cramped, makeshift quarters before proceeding outside into the chill of the morning air where her armed escorts were waiting with rifles slung. They stood to attention and saluted before forming up to give her protection as they made their way to the nearby Command Post.
The Command staff saluted as she entered to which she waved them down and said. "At ease."
The various personnel returned to their duties as Lothwyn walked over to the map laid out on a large table which marked the positions of troops and the outer environs of Morrdun. She removed her cap and placed it on the table in front her and asked, "Whats the latest?"
"Our sentries covering our flank to the west had an eventful night. A bunch of 'em corpses let their stomachs get the better of 'em so it seemed, though a couple of Deathwatch units kept 'em back until we got flamers up there."
"Any casualties?"
"None were reported, though we did rotate the soldiers and let the docs have a butcher's. Last we 'eard the docs gave 'em the all clear."
"Ok good, what of the scouts?"
"They've located a number of labour freeholds, McKay and the rest of his Steamfitters went over to have a word with them. Aside from that we had a message come through an hour or so ago."
"It is anything more worth while than a report from the Service Corps or orders from the Ministry of Reclamation?"
"As a matter of fact Commander it is."
"Well that makes a chance, so what does it say?"
"Well it seems that one of new found allies, Ka-Spel, is sending over 'ere 500,000 troops to 'elp out."
"500,000 troops?! Thats nearly the entire Militia!"
"Thats what it says Commander, we decoded it twice and got the War Office to confirm it."
Lothwyn was at a loss as to what to say, 500,000 troops was a major boost to the ongoing Reclamation efforts. Though would it do them any good in the long run?
THE KA-SPEL ROYAL HERALD
Ka-Spel to Send 500,000 troops to fight zombies!
UGOLAHN CITY, ka-Spel.
In a massive press conference earlier this morning, Commander of the Military Sir Damien Riso announced he was to send 500,000 troops of the ka-Spel Royal Arms of various infantries to the Commonwealth of Morrdh, a nation that has been guaranteed the protection of the Royal Armed Forces, to reclaim territory that fell prey to widespread zombie infection over one century ago. As of the time of this publishing, citizens are outraged with the decision. The Royal Family declined to comment. More updates on this story as they occur.
______
Sir Damien Riso stood at the foot of a podium overlooking 500,000 men who had just been informed that they were being sent overseas to a foreign nation, to fight a war that had nothing to do with them against a force that was entirely not within their realm of expertise. It was not an enviable position to be in.
The Riso Stadium had been home to many an event; pop star acts, high profile political events, campaign speeches, major sporting events, but never had the stadium housed 500,000 soldiers, all awaiting a speech from their Commander in Chief before being sent off to war. However, only one thought was on any of the 500,000 minds in attendance: This was probably going to be their last speech.
And indeed it may very well be. Riso was an ambitious man, but he wasn't stupid. He knew the risks involved in this endeavor (perhaps not as intimately as the Morridanes, but nonetheless...), and he understood that most, if not all, of his men may very well not make it home. It was his only hope that the outcome was closer to "most" than to "all".
Princess Coldheart sat on the stage, set back a bit from the podium, on a high-backed chair reserved solely for her when she wished to attend events held in Riso Stadium. She was there in person, surely, but whether she was there in spirit was a matter open to debate. The Princess looked sick. Pale as paper and face wretched into some kind of mild disgust - so mild, in fact, that you'd have to look closely to catch a glimpse of the rage going on in her eyes. But it was there. Hiding behind the mask of pristine royal indifference, there was indeed disgust.
The chair next to Coldheart - an elaborately decorated golden chair set up a bit higher than Coldheart's - was surprisingly empty. No, Queen Belladonna was not in attendance tonight. In fact, she hadn't attended many things since the news that 500,000 of her youngest, most promising men were being shipped off the Morrdh to fight something they were wholly unprepared to deal with. To say that she was angry would have been an understatement. To say that she was livid wouldn't be entirely accurate. The Queen had almost struck Damien where he stood when she saw him first after hearing the news. The amount of self-restraint she displayed was something Damien Riso was both envious of and eternally grateful for. In some ways, however, her tongue was sharper than her sword.
"You are, perhaps, the biggest disgrace to the Royal Armed Forces that I have ever encountered. Not only do I regret appointing you Commander, I wish I had the heart to see you to the death chambers! If Edward were still with us, you would not be standing today. His heart wasn't quite a big as mine!"
And it wasn't. Edward ka-Spel was the Queen's late husband, King ka-Spel, whose father had founded the nation. It was after Edward had died that the Queen vowed never to re-marry, and in her grief, to never allow ka-Spel a king again. ka-Spel would be an Empire run by a Queen for the duration of its life, and Coldheart respected her mother too much to deny her that wish. Damien had looked up to the Royal Family, and Edward in particular. Edward became a mentor of sorts to a teenage Damien, teaching him the skills needed for forming a superior military and forging intelligent alliances with other nations so you'll never have to use it. It was under the condition that Edward liked Damien so much that Belladonna appointed him Commander in Chief. After the death of Edward, however, Belladonna had taken on something of a maternal relationship with Damien. It was because of this, Damien was convinced, that he was still breathing.
He had eventually calmed the Queen down enough to listen to his reasoning. And it was a rather simple reasoning; if the animates were not stopped, they would spread. If they were to spread, they would eventually reach ka-Spel.
It may have been simple arithmetic, but convincing the Queen to come to terms with that had been an all-day affair. Even Coldheart, usually dead-set against any military activity that was not forged in self-defense had agreed with him with remarkable ease. Under opposition from both her daughter and Damien, the Queen had relented, but would not agree that it was right. She would allow him to assume his role as Commander in Chief, but she would not support this decision.
And so Damien stood, amass disapproval from both his Queen and 500,000 men, preparing to give a speech in an attempt to motivate them. This seemed like a mountain, but Damien had climbed mountains before. He must remain clear, concise, and in charge of his men at all times. This would be no exception.
"Brave soldiers of the Royal Armed Forces. I stand here today as your Commander in Chief, your leader, your political ally, your neighbor, your friend, and a fellow citizen of the human race. I come here not to give you orders, but to give you courage.
"The Commonwealth of Morrdh is in the midst of a serious threat. A threat so serious, it cannot be expressed in mere words. The threat that faces Morrdh is a threat to their humanity, their lives, and most of all, to the entire human race. It is our duty, not as allies with Morrdh, but as fellow members of this earth, to aid them in suppressing this threat. I will not fool you; many of you will make it home severely injured. Many more of you will not make it home at all.
"I stand here today urging you to be strong; to be confident, to be courageous, but not to be delusional. Battle will be hard, it will be frightening, and you may see things you have only dreamed about in the most unnerving of your nightmares. But you will be victorious. You are the best army in the world; I have seen to that. You will enter the battlefield, you will aid the Morridane forces, and you will come back glorious. You will send a message to the Morridane people that the Empire of ka-Spel is a strong ally, and force of unrivaled fortitude, and a loyal partner. You will not back down. You are better than that. You will look an ungodly being in the eye and you will not be afraid, you will be determined, and you will win.
"The Morridane's, and indeed the world, needs our help, and it is our duty to oblige. Go forth, make us proud, and show the world what the ka-Spel Royal Arms are truly made of. Godspeed, and good luck to you."
Within a few days of the news breaking the following message was dispatched;
~
TO: The Empire of Ka-Spel
RE: Military Assistance
On behalf of the Commonwealth of Morrdh I wish to thank you for your offer of somewhat unexpected assistance, we've barely had time to arrange billets for your men.
We will be dispatching a unit of Deathwatch troopers to train your men in the basics of anti-zombie tactics, as well as lending you a number of Lee-Enfield bolt action rifles for your men to practice with. I have included below a list of recommended equipment;
Bolt action rifles, automatic weapons aren't as effective.
Flamethrowers, we've had a great deal of success with these weapons.
Gas masks and reinforced protective armour, we can supply these if needed.
Shotguns and grenade luanchers.
Upon your arrival our doctors will brief your medical staff and give them some extra training. We also have some armoured units which we can turn over to your men, though they maybe a little outdated by your standards.
I bid you a safe journey.
Commander Lothwyn Serlov
C/O Morridane Militia, Morrdun Camapign
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Official Communique From the Empire of ka-Spel
To: Commander Lothwyn Serlov
C/O Morridane Militia, Morrdun Camapign
From: Sir Damien Riso; Royal Arms Commander in Chief
Re: Military Assistance
Thank you for the briefing on the situation. I think you will find my men most cooperative. We currently have everything you suggest with the exception of bolt action rifles. If you could supply them to my men, I will be sure to reimburse your government for the cost of supplying ammunition and weapons to 500,000 men. I will see to it that everything else is packed with the troops, as well as a fleet of high security vehicles. Also, feel free to inspect our armor and protective gear to see that it is sufficient. If it is not, send us either a bill for reimbursement for anything you supply, or a request for more/updated equipment.
General Salvatore DiSano has been put in charge of my men. He brings with him 20 Lieutenants to aid him. I think you will find him most cooperative and highly skilled in warfare, but you will have to excuse his rather abrasive personality. However, he is under strict instruction that he is under the command of your commanders in chief, and brash as he can be, you will find that there are few men who can get a job done with the efficiency that he can.
On a final note, my Armed Forces are highly trained in civilised warfare, but are in no way acquainted with the unique dangers that face them in Morrdh. Please tread lightly. You will find that the men are some of the most capable and intelligent in the world, but to be frank, they are scared shitless. Please take good care of my men.
Regards,
Sir Damien Riso
Commander in Chief of the ka-Spel Royal Armed Forces
Lothwyn read the Ka-Spel rely and muttered to herslf, "This Riso person seem at least hald decent."
She quickly glanced through a report that she had recieved from the Service Corps' Quartermasters a few hours earlier, which detailed some shortcomings in supplies for the Ka-Spel. Though it did mention about how they could be addressed by cutting back on supplies for the Penal Corps, something which Lothwyn wasn't keen on. Though she could always commender supplies from the Navy since these days all it did was to enforce a self-imposed blockade and little else.
She grinned and darfted a response;
~
TO: The Empire of Ka-Spel
RE: Military Assistance
I look forwards to meeting your Commander and his command staff upon their arrival.
It is recommended that your fleet puts in at the Naval base at Saltaire where equipment for your troops will be prepared, plus there is a Militia base that we'll be turning over for your usage. We will give you a few weeks to settle in and complete a brief training course before directing your forces to assist in the Reclaming of Morrdun. Your officers are welcomed to join my command post and act as observers whilst the Morridane Militia begins the inital assualt.
Commander Lothwyn Serlov
C/O Morridane Militia, Morrdun Camapign
Inside the government district of Avisron's capital, Acuran, sat a rather large building that appeared just as most of the other government buildings did. It was massive, blunt, and gray. In fact, it had the same stone look as most other structures in the Constitutional Republic. It wasn't that Avisronians loved their stone, but that after the continents first encounter with the plague, most people wouldn't live in a home made of anything weaker.
Deep inside the mammoth building lay a room filled with computer screens, massive television monitors, and a direct connection to the President. Today this room was alive with activity, for the Office of Homeland Security had discovered a new objective.
On one of the screens was David Wallace, the President of the Constitutional Republic of Avisron. "Mr. President, Sir, this nation isn't exactly within our sphere of influence. They've never been a rich nation, or close to home, because they've always been infested. We just never noticed."
"That's still no excuse. We've got to do better."
"We'll order more satellites. But that's beside the point. We have other problems."
The President didn't look happy. Then again, dealing with walking corpses could put a real downer on one's mood.
"Oh? What's the problem?" he said with a slight sigh in his voice.
"They've evolved. The ACID expedition says that they act in a more sentient manner. These aren't the standard zacs. We definitely need to contain - and eliminate - this strain of the virus. If it gets out, it'll be significantly more difficult to handle."
The President responded dully. "I'll make a speech tomorrow. You have my permission to begin preparing."
The young man responded simply. "Thank you, Mister President."
And with that exchange, the nation of Avisron was set in motion to be involved in another clearing operation. The one biggest advantage the Avisronian forces would have was the support of their families back at home. As a nation that had been threatened by the animate threat time and time again, the Avisronian population overwhelmingly supported hunting ghouls down all over the world.
Colonel Derek Collins, the young man who had briefed the President, had a busy few days ahead of him. As Director of the Office of Homeland Security, he was responsible for coordinating between the President, the military, and the foreign nations involved in any international clearing operation. He had done it before, though, and he had a system.
Before he began to mobilize Avisronian forces, it was necessary to see that they would be accepted into the nation in question. So he typed a quick letter.
[START MESSAGE]
To: The Republic of Morrdh
From: Colonel Derek Collins, Avisronian Air Force (AVAF), Director of Homeland Security
Subject: Assistance
The Constitutional Republic of Avisron has long known of the zombie menace. Over two hundred years ago, our society was almost lost to it. Since then, our armed forces and population itself have adapted to better handle the threat they pose to the living.
We feel it is paramount to the security not only of Avisron, but of the world, to help you eliminate the hordes which trample your nation. We have a professional anti-animate army, and, should you allow, we will quickly come to your aid.
If you agree, we will quickly forward your more information and begin to mobilize our forces to come to your aid.
[END]
TO: Colonel Derek Collins, Avisronian Air Force (AVAF), Director of Homeland Security
RE: Assistance
I thank you for your offer and accept it greatly, the more, the merrier as they say.
Though I doubt your men would of much use in Morrdh itself, perhaps you could help co-ordinate the Reclamation of the mainland and of the former Ruskkie Empire. As I understand the mainland is still overrun by animates and if we could reclaim it, the libereated lands and resources would greatly aid us. Course in exchance for your help we'll let you stake a claim on some of the cities.
We'll also be putting this offer past our friends from Ka-Spel, who I am sure would be most interested.
Richard Clarke
Minister of Reclamation, Unified Republic of Morrdh.
[START MESSAGE]
Re: Assistance
From: Colonel Derek Collins, Avisronian Air Force (AVAF), Director of Homeland Security
I'm happy to hear that you've agreed to allow Avisronian forces into your nation to clear out the ghoul threat. The choice you've made in an infinitely wise one which your children and your children's children will thank you for. I am confident as I compose this message that within a few year's time your time will be purged of the undead threat.
The 15th Army will be leaving for your nation soon. This equates to roughly 300,000 personnel, all having been trained in the standard Avisronian anti-ghoul techniques and tactics. Our personnel have all be equipped with the Avisronian Standard Infantry Rifle (ASIR,) which is a single shot semi-automatic rifle specifically designed for clearing operations. They also posess our newest breakthrough, the ASIBDU, or Avisronian Standard Infantry Battle Dress Uniform (Animate Edition.) It provides comprehensive protection from the ever-infective bite.
You'll notice, once the fighting begins, that our forces fight in a very pre-modern way. That is, we using firing lines and squares during anti-zombie operations. We've found this to be the most effective way for our personnel to directly engage the enemy. We also possess large numbers of rigid hulled airships, which allow for quick transportation of forces and supplies, as well as a very capable weapons platform. Our navy will also provide multiple vessels from which we can provide support.
We'll take your suggestion and begin our clearing operations in the northern region. Should you need anything further, you can just contact this department.
[END]
Morridane Newes
Battle of Morrdun!
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Early yesterday morning an artillery barrage signalled the beginning of the 'Battle of Morrdun', the 100-odd gun bombardment is expected to ccontinue for 72 hours before the Militia makes its first advances into the city.
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In other news, whilst Morridane troops prepare for the forthcoming assualt the vanguard of Ka-Spel's Royal Armed Forces arrived in port at Saltaire today after an uneventful voyage. They are expected to make camp at Saltaire as the rest of the Ka-Spel forces arrive and under go training. As we were going to print news arrived saying that Avisron has also comitted troops to Morrdh and is due to arrive and begin operations on the"mainland" in the coming weeks.
THE KA-SPEL ROYAL HERALD
Troops Deployed in Morrdh; Citizens Protest
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TRAUMSTADT, ka-Spel,
Proceeding a monumental parade yesterday through the streets of Traumstadt, wherein some 500,000 troops marched down Traumstadt Blvd, ka-Spel Royal Armed Forces officially departed yesterday; with their sights set on Morrdh. The military is being deployed to combat a deadly strain of the Animatae virus; in which zombies are created out of deceased victims of the virus. The departure was overseen by Commander in Chief Sir Damien Riso, though he did not go with them.
A majority of the Armed Forces consists of the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy; accounting for some 425,000 troops. However, the remaining troops are enlisted within the Royal Ground Forces.
Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters stormed the Traumstadt State House yesterday, camping out on the steps of the State House. The protest was mostly peaceful, though the Traumstadt State Police monitored the situation. 10 arrests were reported. The Royal Family has still declined to comment on this situation.
OOC: Sorry guys, been horrendously busy. Will update with an IC post tonight.
The jet was quick, but not quick enough for General Salvatore DiSano. If you were to ask him, not much in life was quick enough, especially when it came to war. He wasn't the type of many who enjoyed sitting around, waiting for orders to be confirmed by Sir-General-Deputy-Colonel-What's-His-Face who had never seen the inside of a battle tank in his life. He preferred to get the missions, and leave the specifics to the people who actually fought.
That's why General DiSano liked Sir Damien Riso so much. Riso knew the inside of a battle tank with his eyes closed. He could re-assemble an M-16 in just under 8 seconds. He was a veteren of many wars fought for ka-Spel, and General DiSano like that. But most of all, he respected him.
As the jet descended upon Saltaire, Salvatore took the opportunity to enjoy the scenery. They were not landing in a sanctioned airport, but rather a clearing that had been established the first time the Morrdhs took the land, through fire. Needless to say, there was a lot of open space in Saltaire.
The windows of the jet revealed something very similar to what DiSano expected; barren, desolate, and abhorrently bleak. This is where the gathering of troops was supposed to be, and he supposed that made sense. He vaguely wondered how far away the mainland they were supposed to be attacking was.
He turned to his assistant, Darren. "Darren. When we land, you are to seek out this Lothwyn Serlov lady, and tell her that I've arrived. Inform her that our troops are arriving half on Naval vessels and half on Air Force jets. We'll need to clear a space for them to land."
General Salvatore DiSano continued to look out the window, overlooking the vast plains of Saltaire, muttering to nobody but himself; "I'm coming for you, motherfuckers."
The Command Post shook every time the heavy guns fired, lanterns and other equipment rattled each time the bang of the artillery was heard. Lothwyn looked at her pocket watch and noted the time, only a few more hours of this to go.
She sighed and rubbed her forehead, her head was still pounding thanks to the foresaid artillery. She wasn't used to be being close to artillery, skirmish fighting was more her style. Besides this was her first major command since becoming the Commanding Officer of the Morridane Militia, something which caused an uproar amongst Morrdh's more traditional officer caste. Though Commander was a title that Vermillion create since obivously the more normal rank of Lord General wasn't suitable.
Her thoughts were disrupted as one of the junior officers walked over, "Mam, we've just got word that the first of Ka-Spel Royal Armed Forces and their General have arrived in Saltaire. Half of their forces will be arriving by air, we've already got our sappers working on preparing the airstrip up there...though the Admiralty none too pleased about it."
"Well stuff 'em, its bad enough that they barely ever let the Aerial Corps have a free reign to do what they're supposed to do."
"Which brings me onto the other thing they aren't happy about...an issue over certian supplies which the Militia 'unlawfully seized without right nor proper orders!' or so they say."
"Well tell 'em if they have any problems they can speak to the Lord Governor about!"
"Yes mam...what about the Ka-Spel General?"
"Tell him I'm coming up by train in a few hours to meet him."
Off the Coast of Garvenberg
It had been a quick bit of time since the Prime Minister had made his speech officially announcing Avisronian involvement in the reclamation of Morrdh. Public opinion polling indicated that the Avisronian public was neither vastly in support of the effort, nor vastly against it. While a slight majority had answered in support, the numbers were far from spectacular. This wasn't particularly troubling for the Liberal Democratic government, since it wasn't an election year, but if things got out of hand and people started dying in droves, lasting damage could be done.
What this meant, effectively, was that Avisron needed to score a quick victory to really get things fired up and secure the people's support.
The Avisronian armed forces were good at that, especially against the undead. The biggest victories in Avisronian military history had come at the hands of the undead, but so had its greatest defeats. The national pride - and hatred of the zombies - had boiled at such a level before that the military had actually raised recruitment standards because they were unable to provide for the training of all those interested in shipping off to bash some heads in.
Nevertheless, past heroics were not enough to insure swift, unwaivering victory in this conflict. But having brilliant leadership was.
General Adam Dalle, who was just as renowned for his political writings as his cunning tactical moves, had been on the short list of commanders to send to the Morrdun theater, and ended up winning the bid more because of his political affiliations than anything else. That was not to say he wasn't the best man for the job, he very well may have been, but ultimately his support of the expansionist agenda had earned him the nod from Castle Avisronia - the seat of the Avisronian Prime Minister.
And so with that, General Dalle had planned to jump directly into the battle. Rather than launching some massive staging operation that would be swarmed by international media whom would in turn be there to see any potential massive failure, he discreetly ordered for 20,000 Avisronian Army soldiers to board amphibious assault ships and set sail for the region. There was a definite military presence with the force, but it was small and had been ordered silent by means of the recent National Security Act.
The force had sailed in a complete media blackout for days while the soldiers were briefed on various tactics necessary for fighting the undead, and also informed of the new threats which this particular breed posed. The atmosphere aboard the three dozen or so ships was at best tense, at worst completely volatile. The young soldiers knew they were in the midst of an enemy that their society had been fighting for generations, and that many - perhaps none - of them would return home.
Radio silence was finally broken when the vessels got to a place that could reasonably be assumed as territorial waters of the Nation of Morrdh, lest they be fired upon and have to go kill their allies. As the vessels set up anchor off the coast of Garvenberg, the first signs of conflict began to emerge on the mainland. Anyone on the decks of the vessels could look toward the western sky and tell that the ruined city was burning. In preparation for the amphibious assault, General Dalle had ordered AVG-11 Strategic Bombers to bombard the hoards of undead that roamed through the city streets and surrounding area. It wasn't accurate enough to completely eliminate them, but it would provide much needed thinning as the soldiers landed along the beech.
After a series of radio calls to Morrdh commanding forces made them aware of the Avisronian presence, the initial landing forces began to depart their vessels. Cheap landing crafts would do the job of getting the scouting forces ashore. Their job was simply to set up initial firing positions and quickly eliminate any ghouls who may have been roaming the immediate area.
As the initial few hundred scouts began to land, several massive airships began to lurk inland from their home carrier sitting off the shore. Their job in the coming months would be instrumental.
To: The Republic of Morrdh
From: The Avisronian Office of Strategic Resources
Subject: Loans and Support Now Available
The Avisronian Office of Strategic Resources is the Constitutional Republic's management team when it comes to the production, allocation, and use of Avisron's vital resources and infrastructure. We also feel that the people of your nation both require and deserve an increase in their standard of living. However, as your population is currently under siege and controls limited arable land, we're putting forth the following offer.
The Republic of Morrdh will be allowed to open a credit account with the nation of Avisron. With this account you will be provided with food - corn, wheat, and potatoes - to feed your entire population. Not only will this much needed food provide your citizens with much needed nutrients, but it will provide a morale boost which will be evident in combat as your society struggles to reclaim its home.
Not only would we provide food, but our trained medical staff would be made available to you, and begin treating any sick or wounded that are held up within your strongholds. We also have a plethora of supplies which can be shipped out to you immediately.
We would also like to begin planning for the future - when your nation has been completely reclaimed. You will need to expand on current settlements and possibly even start new ones. This will call for a massive amount of manufacturing and construction. The Constitutional Republic is prepared to help you get back on your feet by providing equipment and engineering support to construct the factories you will need. This will employ many people, helping stabilize your economy.
This is all far in the future, of course, but we will that having a plan as we move ahead will definitely give us a leg up when it comes time to begin rebuilding your nation. You're completely free to reject this offer, but we feel that this plan, which would allow you to pay back your debt in small increments for decades, is the best deal you can get.
[END]
To: The Avisronian Office of Strategic Resources
From: The Unified Republic of Morrdh
Subject: Loans and Support Now Available
On behalf of the Unified Republic I thank you for your offer and gradly accept it, I am sure that it will greatly improve conditions in Morrdh. It will hopefully enable me to push through parliament an Act that will place food production and supply under the control of the state, which I hope will ease the food crisis and put more on the table for the Morridane worker.
Though we will keep the scop tanks, though with your aid we can finally complete much needed maintaince and install some new improvements that our boffins have been working on for soem time now.
As for your offer of contrustion equipment and support, that will be of get use. I will get my Minister of Reclamation, whom you've already spoken with, to dispatch layout plans of our new cities. Due to the ongoing animate threat our cities are foritified on the inside in the form of a grid of walls and gates designed to allow a district to be lockdown in the case of an outbreak.
I look forwards to our joint partenership.
Edmund Vermillion
Lord Governor, Unified Republic of Morrdh
(OOC: Hey guys, sorry I've neglected this a bit, but I'm ready to jump back in. Morrdh - is there a map of some sort? I don't know where I'm sieging once I get in there. My forces have arrived, but I'm not sure how you want to run this, so I'll wait for you to respond RPing the meeting of our commanders.)
(OOC: Theres a map of Morrdh itself in the factbook, though I'll post the link here. http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y81/mad_ruskkie/Stuff/albion.jpg
Avisron is going to be landing troops on the Ruskkie mainland, of which I'll put a map up for.)
((OOC: Awesome. now I know where I am. Heh. I just need to know where we're invading once we meet. Again, I await your initiation :-)
(OOC: The Reclamation efforts are focused on Morrdun, probably land troops on the Ruskkie mainland once Morrdun is reclaimed.)
[OOC: We'll see how far inland the professional anti-zombie forces of Avisron can be by the time you guys clear out Morrdh. :p Morrdh, do you want to RP the zombies in the area around where I'm landing?]
(OOC:I think I will. :D )
Garvenberg
The city was taking a pounding from the Avisronian bombardment, further leveling the already ruined city. The half-crumbled buildings were blown apart and much of the aged, dried out wood scattered throughout the ruins were easily set alight. In a few scant hours clouds of smoke were visiable over the dead city as flames razed unchecked throughout.
A mile or so away a lone figure watched the city burn with empty eye sockets and a half rotten face. Surrounding it were many animates under the control of the creature's mind, each one edger to swarm into the city to feed. The creature only made one thought before signalled the animate horde forwards.
Feed
Garvenberg
One of the most dangerous situations during any military operation was the brief period during an insertion when a great deal of soldiers were already deployed, but were still unable to fight effectively either because they were massive outnumbered or simply not prepared to engage the enemy. Several times in the past this had caused massive casualties for Avisronian forces. While there was no fix-all way to keep it from happening, simple foresight could prevent many instances of it.
In this case, General Dalle had decided to make the city of Garvenberg completely impassible. Or, at least, mostly impassible. One of the keys to understanding zombie warfare was that nothing was ever completely impassable.
While the massive amounts of soldiers and equipment poured onto the wide beaches in simple transport boats and the larger LTACs, the initial forces took up firing lines further inland. The tactics of the professional anti-zombie forces looked like they were from 200 years prior, with firing lines and the sort. It was effective, though. A simple, well stocked line could hold a force much larger than their own.
The intense inferno burning inside the city would only grow larger, however. Carrier based aircraft soon dropped in upwards of 300 fuel-air explosives into the city. These devices relied on a complex chemical formula to essentially ignite the air. Shortly thereafter, the inferno would become self feeding - sucking debris from the surrounding area into it. The extreme temperatures were more than enough to torch skin and muscle, which was non-coincidentally just enough to neutralize a zombie.
Unfortunately, the extreme temperatures meant that a vortex was created in the air around the city, which made flying an airship too close in more than a little dangerous. The airships could still scout further inland, away from the city, but their ability to aid the troops on the ground became greatly limited. Regardless, they soon moved inland and began hunting for hordes to slaughter.
(OOC: There is a river that runs out of Morrdh that isn't named, so I'm just going to refer to it as the Morrdh River.)
5km outside of Ludford
General DiSano had flown into Saltaire, met with Commander Serlov, was given his proceedings, and set off in a mission to accomplish them in less than an hour. Efficiency; Salvatore liked that. In fact, he'd even much liked Commenader Serlov's no-nonsense attitude. Then again, if General DiSano's country were under threat from animates, chances are good that he'd not be making any jokes, either. Or, rather, he would, but they wouldn't be funny; they'd be frightening.
Commander Serlov's orders had landed 1/3 of the ka-Spel Royal Arms in his possession, trudging through the center of the island en route to Morrdun. They'd settled for a clearing approximately 5 kilometers outside of the city of Ludford, where the triple rivers that rested the in center of the island converged into the River of Morrdh. They were told that the Morrdh River led directly to Morrdun, ad so they were to follow it. According to the Commander, once they reached the mouth of the Morrdh River, they were less than 50 kilometers from Morrdh.
The plan was that General DiSano's ground command would attack Morrdun on the ground, in direct contact. The Royal Navy Fleet, consisting of some 60 ships, were to sail along the northern coastline of the island, u-turn just south of Nordfast, and attack Morrdun at the delta of the Morrdh River that emptied into the Great Western Ocean.
Another third Naval Fleet, consisting of roughly 120 ships, was to sail south from Saltaire and converge with the Avisron forces along the Ruskkie mainland, bringing up the rear of their forces. It was undetermined how far in Avisron forces would be when ka-Spel's navy got there, but they were assured that they would know by the trail of dead animates how far to go.
[Encrypted Message]
To: ka-Spel Military Forces in Morrdh Theater
From: General Adam Dalle, Avisronian Ruskkie Command (RUCOM)
Some of my scouting forces have detected a force of ka-Spel military personnel traveling toward the Avisronian landing position in Garvenberg. While I, and the Avisronian nation, greatly appreciate your apparent offer of support in the retaking of the former Ruskkie Empire, I'm afraid that we simply cannot accommodate another force landing within the nation at this time.
Avisron is already inserting a massive amount of troops onto the beaches in Garvenberg, and there simply isn't enough room for added personnel. Further, the Prime Minister is preparing to push a measure to increase our local footprint to well over 1 and a half million troops. Basically, we've got the Ruskkie Empire covered.
With that said, I truly do appreciate your offer of assistance. In return, I offer my assistance in Morrdh, should you need it.
[END]
Morrdun
It had been a few days since they had stormed the city, the combined Ka-Spel/Morridane force had taken and cleared a large factory complex in the city's West End. The buildings and their thick outer walls had weathered the Plague Years well, plus the place had been reinforced at some point in the past century when it was a labour freehold.
However the freehold had fell to the animate horde a few years back, the signs of fierce fighting where everywhere along with a breach in the basement levels where a sewer tunnel had collapsed to neglect thus allowing the animates to get into an otherwise fortified position. Lothwyn had ordered some of the sappers to block it once the passage was discovered, as well as ordering regular patrols and sweeps of the factory grounds. So far things had been without incident and with a Tesla tower and power plant up and running radios and other equipment were being installed to turn the complex into a field HQ.
Lothwyn was touring the complex, checking the defenses and stopping to talk to some of the troops to boost their morale a little. She had just entered the Command Center when she barely heard a shout from outside over the chatter and whine of radio sets that filled the room. Her fears were proven a few moments later when alarm bells throughout the building started ringing. There was a sudden burst of activity as soldiers gathered up their kit and started running outside as officers and NCOs shouted out orders.
Without thinking Lothwyn grabbed her rifle and ran outside whilst thinking, I'll be damned if I sat out of harm's way when 'em stiffs show up in force.
It had been a day and night of consent gunfire when the Morridane troops began to realise this wasn't no ordinary animte attack, the stiffs just kept on coming despite the hail of gunfire. Lothwyn herself had lost count of how many bullets and rifles that she had used over the past 24 hours since the attack had begun but luckily the walls held. She eventually decided to return to the command post to see how the battle was going and hopefully get some rest.
[OOC: I'm sorry for the delay. I've been super busy. I should be a bit more active now.]
Garvenberg
The Avisronian soldiers who had been rushed inland from the amphibious assault division sitting offshore soon begin setting up their prefabricated fortifications. These simple platforms would offer a plethora of assets as the operation to liberate the city progressed. At their basic level, they provided a fixed point from which Avisronian soldiers could calmly fire down on the advancing hordes without fear of being devoured.
The fortifications, which were among the newest assets in the Avisronian inventory, looked like a cross between super modern housing and old castles. They were 10-15 feet high, made of an advanced plastic material, and light enough to be air transportable. Essentially used to form a fenced in courtyard, they were going to be invaluable to the Avisronian liberation effort. Soon after the Avisronian troops begun to land, massive stretches of the wall were being linked together. Hospital pods, ammunition pods, helicopter landing pads, and fuel dumps were all to reside within the new Avisronian forts.
In a photo opportunity that was sure to symbolize things to come, an Avisronian flag was raised atop a pole in the middle of the chaotic construction zone.
The Morridane command post was as hectic as always, personnel were rushing back and forth checking off tags and dispatches. Luckily the castualty lists remained blank, though Lothwyn did spot a pile of reports from the Medics warning that some soldiers may end up being pulled off the line for 'Medical Reasons' which were left unclear. Her thoughts were interrupted when a Corporal called out to her as he waved some sheets of paper over his head. "Commander, I need to speak to you!"
"Very well Corporal, lets hear it."
"Yes mam, Command say that a Light Armour unit has been dispatched to us and should arrive in the next few hours."
"Bouts frickin' time, I requested some support two days ago! Let me guess...'paperwork problems' again?"
"Fraid so, though theres some good news."
"Good news? Don't hear that often."
"No, we don't. But good news it is, some troopers managed a supply run through the sewers and brought through some flamers."
"Now that is good news Corporal, though is there anything else?"
"Yes, the sappers are down in the tunnels right now blocking off side passages so that the tunnel is safe. Though we've set up a Vicky at our end just to make sure. Oh and a report came through a few hours agon saying that the Avisronians have landed and captured part of Garvenberg."
[OOC: I'm sorry I've been gone again. I've had some issues. I should be here more often now, if you guys still want to do this. If you do, could someone start RP'ing the zombies on the mainland?]
Off the Coast of Garvenberg
Pundits on the Avisronian homeland had joked that one could move from ship to ship and never have a hole in the horizon ahead of you all the way from Avisron to off the western coast of the former Ruskkie Empire. This was by no accident. Senior policymakers around Castle Avisronia were at the head of this massive deployment, and they had their reasons...
(OOC: Here goes! ;) )
Outside Garvenberg
The Avisronians probably noted the lack of zombies within Garvenberg, just the odd one or two roaming the streets or lurking in the half-ruined buildings that made up the city. On the fourth day of the Avisronian relcamaton efforts a dense fog bank formed over the marshes that laid to the south of Garvenberg concealing the movements of a vast horde.
Little did anyone know, within a few hours Garvenberg would be assualted by a large army of undead in what would later be dubbed the 'First Wave'...
The Avisronian Military Intelligence Division had set up their headquarters in a tent on the northern side of Garvenberg. It was a rather primitive operation, a young intelligence analyst thought as he stepped outside for a cigarette. This country made him feel strange. It wasn't necessarily cold in the sense of temperature, but everything simply felt lifeless.
What should I expect.
He finished the cigarette while watching a platoon of combat engineers move a series of giant fortifications into place at the end of the street. In the days since the landing force discovered the city of Garvenberg for the most part departed of the undead, the combat engineers had worked to seal the city off. The larger highways had proven to be easy. The difficulty came in finding every side street, every building with collapsing or weak exterior walls which could collapse under the weight of the undead.
Thankfully, the proximity to the beach meant that sandbags were at a
premium. Massive fortifications had been built around the weaker fronts in the natural protection. Ten feet high in places, these fortifications would provide ample fighting positions on the outside of the city as well as help to prevent undead invasions.
The intelligence officer finished his cigarette and walked back into the tent. The atmosphere had changed immensely. From a calm, collected bore, to all out panic.
"We've got contacts all over the southern quadrant! A platoon of DARTs ran up on them and we've lost contact. We're vectoring some KHaU's in. This is going to get very ugly very fast."
Soon after the contact was made, a Fast Response Force of 45 KHaU-13 Light Attack Helicopters began to take flight. Their cut throat, professionally trained pilots relieved to be in the safest place during a confrontation with the undead. The two man crews had been extensively retrained to make the KHaU-13 platform into one of the most lethal anti-zombie assets the Constitutional Republic possessed.
Before long they were massing up south of the city. They formed a straight line horizontal to the massive (and it was massive) zombie horde. Their job was to thin this mess out to buy time for the forces on the ground.
"All units, open fire."
And with that, the helicopters opened up with their mini guns. Their gunners had been retrained to go slow and conserve ammo, and also to aim for the upper-body, though the rounds would very easily shred the legs off any ghoul.
And thus, the Battle of Garvenberg had begun.
It was the sudden burst of gunfire, followed by a couple of blasts that signalled the explosion of perhaps some land mines that awoke Lt. Alan Rennie. He cursed as he scrambled round his makeshift quarters to find his uniform and more importantly a rifle. It was obivous that the Avisronian positions were under an animate attack, something which Rennie had seen often enough, and like hell was he going to sit around and do nothing whilst serving as a liason between the Morridane and Avisronian forces.
Finally he had himself sorted and quickly checked the ammo on his bolt-action rifle, which many of the Avisronian soldiers had referred to as an 'antique', though it would serve him well enough.
Morridane News Broadcast 27th August 2008;
...It was been almost four months since the Reclamaton of Morrdun began and yet there is much of the city still under Animate control.
Troops of the Morridane Army spearhead by the Deathwatch have become bogged down amongst the ruins of the city's heart, zombies are the least of their problems as many of the charred ruins have barely been standing for the last century. Casulties from sudden collapses of buildings actually rose above those caused by animates and thus forces the War Office to consider alternative plans to continue with the Reclamaton.
It is widely supected that plans are being discussed whether or not to conduct a combined aerial and ground bombardment with firebombs to raze the entire city in an attempt to clear out most of the stiffs...