Thesmar

Hi Direwolf18,

Very likely.

The only way IDA reinforcement can come is via Hankey Bay etc, since the high road thru North Watch Province has been interdicted in at least a half dozen places.

Securing northern North Watch Province along the ~north-south mountain range would seem to reduce the effective defended frontage required the most [ie just the mountain passes and coasts], while providing Silkiah the best buffer, if it doesn't join Siddarmark outright as some have suggested, or at least the alliance, which I think is far more probable.

Personally, I'd love to see an open final battle with whatever is left in Silkiah and or North Watch and DE or EHM or whoever is in command of the September contingent [with plenty of RSA riflemen], after the canal has been taken, in a final demonstration of just how outclassed the IDA is to any survivors who make it back to Desnar.

From the TO&E RFC posted October 1, 2012, only a third of the new infantry regiments [paid for by the CoGA] had rifles, a sixth just smooth bores or matchlocks, the other half arbalests and bows.

I don't expect that weapon ratio to improve in any final [in this war at least] battle.

L

Direwolf18 wrote:Oh I absolutely agree that the Desnairian army is going to be poorly equipped, although not totally weaponless. They will have a significant amount of time to re-arm to an extent. Granted they suck at the whole manufacturing thing but even still.

I however think they will send most of what they do have left in terms of modern equipment to hold the Allies at Silkiah. There will be the battle that is the final blow for them in the war. Another decisive defeat, and this time they lose their historic dominance of Silkiah in the process will be the true breaking point for them.

They get one more swing, and it probably won't be a particularly good one.

SPOILER ALERT















What I'd suggest is to take some more senior captured prisoners from those countries soon to be isolated and give those senior prisoners the terms for those countries to join the empire, similar to Siddmark, or become neutral. Those senior prisoners would be transported to their countries and released, bringing the terms to their leaders. They would know first-hand the depths of their defeat. Offer very reasonable terms as fighting depletes both men and supplies. This is a win-win for all parties. Then Charis could focus on the main show in Zion. Merlin wants intact countries to build that technologic base.

Unfortunately, that is unlikely to work. None of the prisoners are high enough in rank that their King or Emperor will be inclined to listen. Harless may have been high enough, but he's dead.

They will also be "cowards who surrendered rather than fight to the death against the heretics". If they come back with talk about giving up the fight the Inquisition will demand their deaths as traitors and heretics.

Dohlar and Desnair may have suffered great losses, but I doubt they will be ready to change sides and stand against the Church. And, no, being neutral will not work either. Clyntahn is only able to see two sides and if you aren't on his side you must be an enemy of God.

schoeffelk wrote:SPOILER ALERT















What I'd suggest is to take some more senior captured prisoners from those countries soon to be isolated and give those senior prisoners the terms for those countries to join the empire, similar to Siddmark, or become neutral. Those senior prisoners would be transported to their countries and released, bringing the terms to their leaders. They would know first-hand the depths of their defeat. Offer very reasonable terms as fighting depletes both men and supplies. This is a win-win for all parties. Then Charis could focus on the main show in Zion. Merlin wants intact countries to build that technologic base.

It's hard to say whether or not the prisoner idea would work... There are lots of people in both Dohlar and Desnair who are firm believers in the COGA but who are not fanatics. There might indeed be a possibility of talking to the governments of these countries who find themselves unable to continue the war and who are isolated from the temple, suggesting fairly mellow terms of peace, and having those terms accepted.

Don

Desnair might not be ready to side against the church, but that does not necessarily they will go willing after them either, they could not do alot and still appear to be obeying the church if htey choose to do so.

Hi Don,

It has been suggested before by others that Ahlverez will probably be captured and could be used as such an agent, one that would be listened to.

For myself I disagree because I expect him to be a player, ie a regent when King Rahnyld IV's reign folds up.

Of course it might also be Thirsk if other predictions are correct.

L

n7axw wrote:It's hard to say whether or not the prisoner idea would work... There are lots of people in both Dohlar and Desnair who are firm believers in the COGA but who are not fanatics. There might indeed be a possibility of talking to the governments of these countries who find themselves unable to continue the war and who are isolated from the temple, suggesting fairly mellow terms of peace, and having those terms accepted.

Don