Inspired by the wonderful posts by u/Smiling-Otter, I present to you an AAR of my most recent run - the first successful run I did without a guide.

This will be the first of two posts, the second being more of a historical account of the events post-game rather than a play-by-play retelling as we have here.

Prologue: Rise to Power

·         Anton Rayne was born to a middle-class family in Holsord.

“It’s hard to be objective about childhood, but I was a bit of an oddball. I didn’t make many friends, but my mother raised me very well.”

 ~ Anton Rayne, Radio Interview (1953)

·         Rayne went to study history at the Deyr University of Culture.

“Young Rayne was an avid military historian. He could name every battle Sordland fought. He had about a hundred little lead figures in Renan uniform. He would gawk at soldiers on patrol, and was preparing to buy a uniform to do reenactments. But then, well, the coup happened.”

 ~ Number One, by Petr Vectern (1975)

·         Rayne agreed with Deivid Wisci’s teachings in principle.

“Even with him at the back of the hall, I could see how Luderin’s coup destroyed young Anton. Fortunately, Petr, myself and later Monica gave him a good grip on the world as it turned upside down. Some of the military interest remained, but he changed his course to diplomacy and global trade. I believe it was here that his political ambitions began to blossom.”

 ~ Fire, Oil, Ice, by Deivid Wisci (1963)

·         Rayne joined the Young Sords and a human rights group.

“I don’t know what caused Anton to join the Young Sords, but my best guess is that he fundamentally misunderstood their cause. When they spoke of Sordish national values, Anton interpreted those values as democracy and militaristic chivalry, rather than fascist drivel. I think the local Y.S. chapter was fairly moderate, and they fell in line with Soll after the civil war. He split off only a few months later and joined a human rights group instead.”

~ Number One, by Petr Vectern (1975)

·         Rayne protested the soldiers, even as the tanks rolled out.

“There are some things this book will not touch upon. Just know that the people of Sordland should thank the Colonel for ending the war so quickly.”

 ~ The Maroon Palace Years, by Anton Rayne (1973)

·         During military service he allowed a group of refugees through the border. He was later reported to Major Lancea.

“It was one of the big events in Anton’s life but nobody really talks about it. We called it ‘the Wehlen Incident’, which made it sound way more sinister after Smolak came to power. But anyway, the Wehlen Incident put a little bandage across Anton’s bleeding heart; it made him just a bit more cynical. He’ll hate me for using that word, but it’s true.”

~ Number One, by Petr Vectern (1975)

·         Rayne was offered the position of Foreign Minister in return for supporting Soll. He accepted, but the Soll administration fell anyway.

“Why did Anton, the student who fell in love with international, free-market economics support Soll? Because Soll was the leader. Anton knew the Colonel’s days were numbered, but he disliked the idea of plots and party politics being the deciding factor.”

 ~ Fire, Oil, Ice, by Deivid Wisci (1963)

·         Despite earlier support for Soll, Rayne aided the Alphonso administration. When the writing was on the wall for Alphonso, Rayne convinced him to step down.

“What are my final thoughts of the Alphonso years? That’s a difficult question. He laid the groundwork for half my presidency, but also created half my problems. His ideas were correct, but he relinquished too much power too quickly. He did not command the respect of the assembly, and that is what made him a one-term president.”

 ~ The Maroon Palace Years, by Anton Rayne (1973)

·         Rayne succeeded Alphonso as leader of the USP, entering the 1954 elections with promises to protect national values.

“Sordland is our nation, and what a wonderful nation she is! Strong as a goat, harder than steel, as brilliant as the sun! Nowhere else in Merkopa will you find a nation with such a capacity for might, glory and change! Greci Sordland!”

 ~ Rayne’s Campaign speech (1953)

Chapter I: President Rayne

·         The Presidency of Anton Rayne was won with promises of a market economy, relaxed immigration, neutrality and improvements to education.

“The most effective campaign poster was a pair of scales in an art deco style, balancing two spheres labelled ‘our responsibility’ and ‘your liberty’. In it was the DNA for much of the Rayne administration: firm, conservative leadership coupled with economic freedoms and individualism.”

 ~ The Test of Gold, by Lucian Galade (1969)

·         Rayne declared his intent to work with the reformists on constitutional reforms.

“For the first swing at Reforms, Anton put forward a pretty moderate package. If I said that all three of Nia, Lucian and yours truly were happy with it, that should give a good understanding of just how moderate it was.”

~ Number One, by Petr Vectern (1975)

·         Rayne vetoed the ECFB.

“One may be confused that the somewhat forceful Rayne administration vetoed a bill that would’ve fortified the party on his first day – I myself did not quite see the logic beyond simple populism. When I asked him about it, he responded 'good for the party, not good for us.'"

 ~ The Test of Gold, by Lucian Galade (1969)

·         Rayne visited affected towns and attended the funeral of Bernard Circas in the aftermath of the assassination.

“You can just about see it in some of the photos – look at Anton’s eyes as he stands in a ransacked Morna marketplace. There was fear there. The civil war terrified my friend, and here he saw Sordland tiptoeing towards it once more.”

~ Number One, by Petr Vectern (1975)

·         Rayne initiated the L-1 High Speed Rail and awarded the contract to Underhall after a shady meeting with Walter Tusk. The administration also bailed out multiple businesses.

“I would’ve chosen his company anyway, the silly goose. I shan’t keep the money – surely people are watching the President’s finances. It’ll disappear into the nicest charity I come across within the next month or so.

 ~ Anton Rayne’s personal diary (1954)

·         In a quiet meeting in Conriat, Marcel shook Rayne’s hand.

“I will be clear – Marcel is a personal friend and there was no shady deal where he would defend the presidency in exchange for some comical bag of money. I am grateful that he gave us a more generous spin but it was entirely of his own accord.”

 ~ Anton Rayne, Radio Interview (1965)

·         After Rumburg closed their consulate, Sordland made a statement condemning their actions.

“While I maintain the Rumburg situation could’ve gone better, I must commend Anton for his excellent foreign policy. He took the Rumburgian threat seriously, listened to all provided advice and made all the preparations required. He is Soll and Alphonso’s better for that reason.”

 ~ Fire, Oil, Ice, by Deivid Wisci (1963)

·         Rayne accepted Orso’s deal and suspended constitutional reforms.

“Many of those reading this book would have been negatively affected by the emergency. I sincerely and fully apologise for any scant meals, disproportionate police actions, or violence that occurred because of that act. I do not apologise for the act itself. Many of those reading this book were not around during the civil war. Those who were understand my actions.”

 ~ The Maroon Palace Years, by Anton Rayne (1973)

·         In return for increased wages provided to the blue-collar workers of Gasom, the Rayne Administration invested a large 30% share.

“I could tell Rayne had a very particular plan for Sordland’s energy after he touched down in Lachaven. I didn’t fully understand it until a few years later.”

 ~ Fire, Oil, Ice, by Deivid Wisci (1963)

·         Rayne vetoed the G.R.E.E.N. Act.

“There can be no liberty until there is economic liberty.”

 ~ Anton Rayne, statement to Ekonomists (1954)

·         The emergency decree was announced to the Assembly and quickly enforced across Sordland. The act banned both the Young Sords and Red Youth, significantly increased police powers including the right to protest, and embargoed Rumburg and United Contana.

“If you set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything at any time, and you would achieve nothing. I was not elected president to be liked, I was elected president to serve and protect the nation, and I shall do just that.”

  ~ Anton Rayne, public speech after the announcement of the emergency act. (1954)

·         The EPA was completely removed.

“It was here I began to question Rayne’s energy policies. He clearly wished to drive growth in the energy sector, but for once I agreed with Lileas: this was a risk. I’m sure he believed the embargo would prevent Rumburg from gaining control, coupled with the significant Sordish share, but I wasn’t so sure.”

 ~ Fire, Oil, Ice, by Deivid Wisci (1963)

·         The Sordish budget was published: increases to the military and education, law and order and healthcare were maintained.

“As is often the case, the budget trumps dreams. Paskal, Nia and Lileas made compelling points for their respective ministries, but Sordland’s debt was already buckling. In the end, campaign promises and the security of the realm came first.”

 ~ The Maroon Palace Years, by Anton Rayne (1973)

Chapter II: A New Sordland

·         Rayne vetoed the Workers’ Rights Act.

“To cure the Sordish disease with socialism is like trying to cure leukaemia with leeches.”

 ~ Anton Rayne’s speech to the Assembly (1955)

·         Rayne gave the order to privatise and reform the education system.

“Have you ever been to our schools? They are like little monasteries! No room for critical thinking, medieval views on society, and a frankly appalling treatment of the country’s young women. This administration will embark upon a thorough modernisation of the education system, along the lines of the excellent schools in Agnolia and Lespia. There are those who believe that a move away from a dogmatic education would undermine Sordland’s national cohesion, and to them I say this: have you so little faith in your country that you believe removing the indoctrination of children would mean her death?”

 ~ Anton Rayne, statement to the Holsord Post (1955)

·         Rayne invested in the Gruni rural development plan, focussing on crop research.

“My God, Gus opened those documents like it was his sixth birthday. He really can be adorable sometimes.”

~ Number One, by Petr Vectern (1975)

·         Aid was received from Arcasia in return for air base access at Erlory.

By now it was clear to all that Anton would lean west, and this was the first big step in that direction. I remember the president giving a knowing nod towards the Arcasian ambassador as their jets flew over the welcome party.”

~ Fire, Oil, Ice, by Deivid Wisci (1963)

·         The Religious Harmony Bill was vetoed.

“This is nonsense. Why should preachers be forced to give sermons in Sordish? Such ideas are naught but dangerous, anti-religious rhetoric, and I don’t see why so many God-fearing members of this assembly agreed with it. The National Front wish to subordinate the divine to the government! Can you think of anything more hubristic than that?”

 ~ Anton Rayne’s speech to the Assembly (1955)

·         The Sordish Armed Forces embarked upon a modernisation program.

“No more will your sons march miles across a battlefield wearing mismatched uniforms and tin helmets. No more will they fight with rifles older than their wielders. No more will the enemies of Sordland see our great nation as easy prey. No more.”

 ~ Iosef Lancea, statement to Sordland Today (1955)

·         Sordland agreed to trade with Wehlen and supported a military operation to take down the BFF.

“Ah, the seductive wells of Wehlen. On paper, this was the greatest trade deal in history. An ocean’s worth of oil in exchange for help destroying a mutual enemy. But it was too good to be true – Anton knew this, but it was too good to turn down either.”

~ Fire, Oil, Ice, by Deivid Wisci (1963)

·         Rayne successfully negotiated an advantageous deal with Agnolia and entered into a military alliance with them.

“I was flabbergasted when I received the news that not only had Anton succeeding in the deal with Agnolia, but had also got them to budge on their steel prices. Furthermore, Sordland entered into a comprehensive military alliance with Agnolia. From what he told me, Mr. van Hoorten was indeed very sceptical of Rayne, and nearly walked out when he attempted to renegotiate steel. What won him over must’ve been the most eloquent diplomatic appeal possible, as Anton supposedly gave him an impromptu lecture about the harsh realities of the Markian Sea. Agnolia needed Sordland, and Rayne’s Sordland wished to be a good partner to Agnolia. Just the right blend of cold realism and warm-hearted idealism. The only casualty was our independence on Heljiland, but with the embargoes on United Contana that wasn’t much of a loss.”

~ Fire, Oil, Ice, by Deivid Wisci (1963)

·         The Emergency Act was revoked, by order of the President.

“I promised an end to this, and here I deliver. You promised patience, and it was received. Gone is the communist and the fascist firing shots down busy streets, so gone are the restrictions placed on the uninvolved citizen. The emergency was enacted for Sordland’s stability, and so too must it be revoked for that same reason. A Morgna Wes Core.”

 ~ Anton Rayne, televised address to the nation (1955)

·         After a brief delay due to strikes, the L-1 Railway was opened.

“You and I come by road or rail, but economists travel by infrastructure. ”

~ Supposed quip by Anton Rayne (Date unknown)

·         Mandatory conscription was abolished, and the Sordish Air Forces were overhauled.  

“If Iosef taught me anything, it’s that mobility wins battles. As such, that is the direction the military was pushed. Every infantry unit was modernised into eager and well trained mechanised units, and the air force was transformed into a dominating scythe that could sweep through the land and skies at a moment’s notice. Of particular note were a new class of VTOL jets which could operate from tiny airfields or Agnolia’s two carriers. ”

~ The Maroon Palace Years, by Anton Rayne (1973)

·         With debt still mounting, Rayne reluctantly signed the Central Bank Reinforcement Act into law.

Rayne: “It’s all very simple: I want you to abolish economists.”

Holl: “Abolish economists, Mr. President?”

Rayne: “Yes, abolish economists! Quickly!”

Agnoc: “ALL of them, Mr. President?”

Rayne: “Yes, all of them. I look forward to seeing your plans for abolition soon – tomorrow, shall we say?”

 ~ Radio sketch (1955)

·         Healthcare was privatised, with funds being used to improve rural healthcare.

“In healthcare we see one of Sordland’s greatest enemies: stagnancy. Left unchecked, this would mean the collapse of the Ministry, potentially taking other parts of government with it. As such, this administration will pursue the partial privatisation of health, but fear not – Mr. Beniwoll and myself will ensure that there are no ‘nightmare scenarios’ and that life and death in Sordland will not be decided by greed. Already, initial funds from this program are being directed towards rural areas, especially those stricken by poverty.”

 ~ Anton Rayne, statement to the Lachaven Times (1955)

·         In a private meeting, Heron Garaci demanded Rayne tighten immigration on behalf of the Old Guard. Rayne refused.

“After a phonecall that raised many questions, I immediately went to the president’s office to speak with Anton in person. He told me of Garaci’s demands, looking almost vengeful. I asked him whether he would acquiesce…”

 ~ The Test of Gold, Lucian Galade (1969)  

·          The Old Guard demanded Rayne reverse his decision to remove conscription. Rayne refused.

“I said no. And very firmly too. I wasn’t about to abandon my dreams for Sordish prosperity because of a host of judges that didn’t know their place. Part of me knew this could cost us the presidency, especially given the look in Lucian’s eye. It was panic. He hides it well, but I could see on his face the doom he was trying explain to me delicately with words.”

 ~ The Maroon Palace Years, by Anton Rayne (1973)

·         The Old Guard demanded Rayne nationalise the Big Four. Rayne refused.

“I don’t care if they kill the presidency because of this, I won’t do it.

That’s a lie, I do care.

But I still won’t do it. Principle after principle has been waylaid throughout this presidency, but I won’t ditch my dreams. No, it’s more than a dream, it’s achievable. An ambition.

The Old Guard can go to hell, the corrupt bastards. For now, have faith President Rayne. Faith and President, those are two words that must make a difference. Morning will come!

Morning will come.

Morning will come.”

 ~ Anton Rayne’s personal diary (1955)

·         The government signed off on the Conriat Industrial City, handing the contract to Taurus Holdings, despite Rayne’s connections to Underhall Construction.

“As the situation with the Old Guard was falling apart, I noticed that Symon was also staying long nights in the Maroon Palace. I was worried that the news had leaked to him, but no, this was just Symon being Symon. Then, in the early hours of a morning – I don’t remember which – he ambushed me with a bunch of papers and the closest thing his face could get to an expression of excitement. He’d done it: a projection, one of his own, had put our GDP growth in the positive.”

 ~ Number One, by Petr Vectern (1975)

·         The government decided to retain its shares in Gasom.

“The meeting on the state shares in Gasom was one of the more difficult ones throughout the Rayne presidency. We were seriously struggling with debt, but eventually we decided to not budge an inch. With the benefit of hindsight, this was the right call, as Rumburg’s proxies were ultimately unable to exert control over our oil, but no one was truly happy with turning down such a mass of wealth.”

 ~ Fire, Oil, Ice, by Deivid Wisci (1963)

Chapter III: Victim of Changes

·         The Rayne administration pursued privatisation. Rayne had a blunt, if slightly manipulative phone call.

“Through some truly presidential wordsmithing I convinced Marcel to spend his favour on a non-interference guarantee. He bought it when I told him about the pressure that the Old Guard were sending me, and I told him about their demand for nationalisation. I truly don’t know whether I was telling the truth…”

 ~ Anton Rayne’s personal diary (1956)

·         Rayne vetoed the UELA.

“We have fought a grim but victorious campaign against Bludish terrorism, and I will not see their cause resurrected by a band of overzealous racists. Vetoed.”

~ Anton Rayne’s speech to the Assembly (1956)

·         The government launched a massive privatisation campaign, selling a majority share of the SSC and the entirety of the Nedam Mining Group. These were split between Koronti and Tusk evenly.

“The gloves were off now. Rayne was unshackled! Anton was now deadest on making his mark as fast as possible – the bridges with the Old Guard were thoroughly burnt, so he made no effort to avoid pissing them off. The only way he could survive was to make himself such an icon of Sordland that he could brawl with the Supreme Court on popularity alone.

~ Number One, by Petr Vectern (1975)

·         The Rumburgian whistleblower was granted asylum.

“I’m sorry, say that again? I don’t think I heard you correctly.”

…

“Heavy wa- God in heaven… I need to meet him in person. Thank you.”

~ Anton Rayne, overheard phone conversation (1956)

·         The Supreme Court deemed the Emergency illegal.

“If our people feel that they are part of a great nation and they are prepared to will the means to keep it great, then a great nation we shall be, and shall remain. So, what can stop us from achieving this? What then stands in our way? The prospect of another winter of recession? A spring of violence? Perhaps a summer of constitutional coups?  I suppose it might.

But I prefer to believe that certain lessons have been learned from experience, that we are coming, slowly, painfully, to an winter of understanding. And I hope that it will be followed by a spring of common sense. If it is not, we shall not be diverted from our course.

To those waiting with bated breath for that favourite media catchphrase, the 'U-turn', I have only one thing to say: 'You turn if you want to. The President’s not for turning!'”

 ~ Anton Rayne, televised speech to the nation after the court’s decision. (1956)

·         For the rest of the term, Rayne decided to focus on the re-election campaign and improving his image.

“After the famous U-turn speech, the Raynist wing of the USP went onto a war-footing. Its allies were few, and its enemies were many: the Old Guard, the statist conservatives, the socialists, the nationalists and the reformists. Privately, I had comes to terms with the likely end of the Rayne administration, though there was a sort of doomed romanticism in the air.”

~ The Test of Gold, Lucian Galade (1969)

The Raynist Autumn - Decrees

·         Bergia was formally integrated into Sordland, its special status removed.

“Bergia is a part of the Republic; as much as the Maroon Palace is.”

~ Anton Rayne, statement to Sordland Today (1956)

·         The Fair Trade and Competition Commission was established.

“This one was an attempt to curb the capitalist frenzy Anton’s privatisations had created. It certainly helped, especially with Nedam’s controlled collapse. Can’t give too much insight on it though, that’s more Symon’s wheelhouse.”

~ Number One, by Petr Vectern (1975)

·         All distinctions between sexes in education were removed.

“The third of the famous Autumn Decrees was penned by Ms. Morgna, Ms. Walda and Mrs. Rayne, though the First Lady’s role was entirely unofficial. In my mind, it was the most important of the three, decisively aiding the female liberation movement without angering the conservatives. As I often told Anton, and as Monica fervently agreed, women make up half the electorate – though I would also always add that women are equally varied in their political persuasions.”

~ The Test of Gold, by Lucian Galade (1969)

·         In exchange for Sordish Petroleum, a trade deal with Lespia was struck. Furthermore, Sordland entered into a comprehensive alliance with the Republic of Lespia.

“Mr. Alvarez makes Petr look like a Wruhecist ascetic.”

~ Anton Rayne’s personal diary (1956)

·         When Anton learned of the Suno affair, he was outraged by Galade’s bugging and didn’t allow for an investigation. However, he did fire choose to fire her the next day. Marcel had the story buried… for now.

“Hindsight makes judgement difficult. From my position back then both my colleagues had behaved unprofessionally, not unalike egregiousness but also unalike in the reasoning behind the actions. Both have since apologised, and I have apologised to them in turn.”

~ The Maroon Palace Years, by Anton Rayne (1973)

·         The Women’s Rights Commission was established, and Rayne donated a significant sum of money to the Sordish League of Women.

“I would say it was the with the Sordish League of Women that we found the unlikely heart to the Raynist ideology. Earlier in the presidency, Raynism was a confused blend of Alphonsoist economics seemingly random social policies. Afterwards, Raynism remained odd and seemingly contradictory, but it functioned nevertheless. It was progressivism in the service of conservation, it was individualism empowered to enhance the collective, and it was feminism to support the traditional family. But most importantly, it was Raynist – and only a continuation of the Rayne Presidency could bring it to fruition. And the public soon cottoned on.”

~ The Test of Gold, by Lucian Galade (1969)

·         The Gendarmerie was retained by the Ministry of Defence.

“The Gendarmerie should probably be the Interior’s tool, but that look in Graf’s eye... I don’t trust her, she’s always agreed with the Old Guard’s party line. Am I getting paranoid? Was Iosef right? Why did Graf demand such an absolute solution?”

~ Anton Rayne’s personal diary (1956)

·         The Equal Ability Bill was signed, and mandatory vaccination was introduced against polio.

“We are not anarcho-liberals; we shall operate the powers of the state to help those without the means or know-how to help themselves.”

~ Anton Rayne, statement to The Radical (1956)

·         Anton Rayne rejected the invitation to the Aschraf Anniversary.

“The truth was that I was scared. The risk of an actual assassination was very low, but I didn’t want to face the Bludish people after Bear Trap. The official line was ‘we shouldn’t meddle in their affairs’ but it looked fairly weak when Mr. Leke expressed disappointment. It was much more comfortable staying in Holsord, incrementally improving relations.”

~ The Maroon Palace Years, by Anton Rayne (1973)

·         Military Industrial Aid from Arcasia was accepted.

“Is Beatrice still seriously considering war? Is she that bull-headed? Perhaps the only thing that would stop war is joining ATO? Perhaps

No. That’s a sinful thought.”

~ Anton Rayne’s personal diary (1956)

·         Due to a combination of cold economic policy, Bludish discontent and the memory of the emergency, protests erupted nationwide.

“LEKE, STAHLER, EJALL, HORTEN, RICTER AND SUHEIL JOINTLY PETITION FOR RAYNE’S RESIGNATION – SIGNATORIES REACH 2 MILLION”

~ The Radical Headline (1956)

·         The USP began obstructing the state apparatus.

“Tory had taken a side. So began the Presidency’s hardest year.”

~ Number One, by Petr Vectern (1975)

Chapter IV: Checkmate

·         The Protect Women Act was signed into law.

“This is an excellent foundation, though it is a shame that these are mere foundations and not a sturdy home.”

~ Ciara Walda, statement to The Radical (1957)

·         On the advice of Mansoun Leke, Rayne passed a decree to enshrine minority rights.

“Conservatives believe in what binds societies together. Society is stronger when we love, support and protect each other. I don’t support minority rights in spite of being a conservative. I support minority rights because I am a conservative.”

 ~ Anton Rayne, statement to the Holsord Post (1957)

·         The Supreme Court launched an investigation into Rayne for his unlawful emergency.

“Strategy meetings for the trial began immediately, but attempting to get a not-guilty verdict was basically impossible. Instead we prepared, rather grimly, to have Anton martyred. Make the whole thing look like the sham it was, make the narrative not about the legality of the emergency but a conflict between the President and the corrupt Old Guard. We reached out to Edmonds’s centrists and repaired relations with Morgna’s reformists, not to change the result but to ensure a distinction between the court as a whole and Hawker’s cronies.”

~ Number One, by Petr Vectern (1975)

·         Sordland held a state visit for Dwight Walker, but did not take the final step into ATO membership.

“At this point I was supportive of ATO membership – we were already well-integrated into the western economic sphere, and this had the added benefit of deterring Rumburgian aggression. Anton disagreed, stating that no sane Queen would attack Sordland now that it was militarily effective and allied with three neighbours. I wasn’t so optimistic.”

 ~ Fire, Oil, Ice, by Deivid Wisci (1963)

·         With low unemployment, improved living standards, excellent trade volume and rising GDP, the Sordish Recovery Period began in earnest.

“A piece of lesser-known trivia relates to the Radical article glumly admitting the success of Raynomics: Anton had it framed and put in his desk. ‘A source of pride and mirth,’ he called it.”

~ The Test of Gold, by Lucian Galade (1969)

·         With a successful PR campaign, economic recovery and a series of populist bills, anti-Rayne protests dissipated.

“A few protests had to be dispersed by mounted police, but most simply petered out. Six dead and a hundred injured. I suppose that’s as good as I can expect.”

~ Anton Rayne’s personal diary (1957)

·         Lileas Graf resigned from the cabinet, informing Rayne that she would be running against him for leadership of the USP.

“Perhaps she would’ve succeeded in her bid, but we’ll never know. A few weeks later, a great fire arose in the north, turning all the plans and destinies of Merkopa to ash.”

~ The Maroon Palace Years, by Anton Rayne (1973)

·         Alone in the Maroon Palace, Rayne picked up a phone, spoke quietly, then put it back down. He waited their a few minutes, looking through the window, then returned to the phone.

“Get me the cabinet, the general staff, Staalport. Perla and Wraclawitz – I know it’s late… I think you understand.”

 ~ Anton Rayne (1957)

The War of the Rumburgian Folly

·         The war planning meeting was attended by Rayne, Lancea, Kruger, Wisci and Soll. Operation Fallen Crow was a-go.

“This was to be a clash of titans. Rumburg was at the peak of its power – only her nuclear weapons were out of the picture, removed by the Alliance of Nations. But her economy was mighty, the fires of Thornbough were well fed, and the million soldiers at her disposal were in position. Many would say that Rumburg didn’t stand a chance against four nations – but Rumburg was no average nation.”

 ~ Fire, Oil, Ice, by Deivid Wisci (1963)

·         Agnolia, Wehlen and Lespia all rallied to Sordland’s aid.

“SORDLAND DELCARES THE HOLSORD COALITION IN EFFECT – SORDLAND LESPIA AGNOLIA AND WEHLEN MOBILISING – RUMBURGIAN BUILDUP CONTINUES”

 ~ Geopolicito headline (1957)

·         Rumburgian Tanks crossed the border – the Rummo-Sordish War had begun.

“All now depends upon the whole life-strength of the Sordish people, of all our allied peoples and of all our well-wishers in every land, doing their utmost night and day, giving all, daring all, enduring all-to the utmost-to the end. This is no war of chieftains or of princes, of dynasties or national ambition; it is a war of peoples and of causes. There are vast numbers, not only in this Republic but in every land, who will render faithful service in this war, but whose names will never be known, whose deeds will never be recorded. This is a War of the Unknown Warriors; but let all strive without failing in faith or in duty, and the dark curse of Rumburg will be lifted from our age.

 ~ Anton Rayne, confirmation of the Rummo-Sordish War (1957)

·         Following Iosef’s plan, Estord fell into Rumburg’s hands.

*“The feint away from Estord made sense strategically, but no-one could’ve anticipated the horrors unleashed upon its residents. Massacres, the abduction of children, looting, chemical weapons. One-hundred thousand died within a week. The effect was felt country-wide. ‘Remember Estord.’ Enlistments doubled, as did the sale of war bonds. The Radical even stopped its opposition to the war. Those from Estord were naturally the most changed. The 11^th Infantry fought like demons, leading to their assignments to the most vital battles.”

 ~ The Test of Gold, by Lucian Galade (1969)

·         Coalitional forces decisively won the aerial superiority.

“For two days, the Sordish and Agnolian air-force flew sortie after sortie to defend their airfields from Rumburgian bombers. The largest engagement was the Battle of Lenkurg, with 300 Rumburgian craft pitted against just over 100 Agno-Sordish jets. Quality won out over quantity, giving enough time for massive airwings of Lespian fighters to arrive on the frontlines. With their air power now fully realised, the Coalition launched a massive coordinated strike on air facilities, then information facilities, then land fortifications, and finally military industry.”

 ~ The Rummo-Sordish War In Colour, by Tuomas Sacker (1970)

·         With Wehlen and Lespia’s aid, the pincer manoeuvre was launched. Estord was encircled and retaken.

“I will remember the raising of the Maroon, White and Gold above Estord for the rest of my life. I was there last week. The soldiers were cheering three words over and over again: 'vectern sis da!'”

 ~ Iosef Lancea, statement to the Holsord Post (1957)

·         With Rumburg stunned, the Coalition launched a full-frontal assault. Tzarsbourgh fell within days.

“The atmosphere was electric as the armies moved unopposed. Every hour the radio announced the capture of another Rumburgian town. When Tzarsbourgh was taken people partied in the streets. They had to stop people in Agnland from using fireworks because of all the planes still flying overhead.”

~ Number One, by Petr Vectern (1975)

·         Capitalising on their momentum, Sordland launched a spearhead manoeuvre towards Thornbourgh with the aid of Lespia, while Wehlen launched an assault against Dome in support of Agnolia.

“Fallen Crow was a masterpiece. It was art. We have not seen manoeuvre warfare executed so beautifully in Merkopa since its invention. We slipped between a giant’s legs and drove a spear through its spine.”

~ The Maroon Palace Years, by Anton Rayne (1973)

·         Exactly two months after the first shots were fired, the Sordish flag was raised over Thornbourgh.

“We congratulate the men and women of our armed forces for their skill and bravery and loyalty to this country. We were faced with an act of unprovoked aggression… and we responded, as we have responded in times past: with unity, strength and courage, sure in the knowledge that though much is sacrificed, in the end, right will prevail over wrong. And I put it to the honourable members of this Assembly, that this is not a day for them to debate, launch inquiries or carp – that will happen, I can assure you that. No, this is a day to put differences aside, to hold one’s head high, and take pride in being Sordish!”

~ Gloria Tory, speech to the Assembly on VR Day (1957)

·         With the Queen captured, Rumburg offered unconditional surrender. Dome was handed back to Agnolia, Wehlen annexed the land up to the River Erzh and Rumburgian foreign policy was to be largely dictated by ATO. Sordland itself occupied a massive swathe of the country, including Tzarsbourgh, establishing a series of temporary military districts.

“Suddenly, Sordland was a superpower – the transformation was practically overnight. At the start of Anton’s presidency, the country was a political mess, deep in a recession and caught between two leviathans. But now it had knocked the crown off the world’s largest monarchy with a well slung stone. The second largest army in the world was shattered. The world looked on in awe, and the Sordish people realised the feat they’d just accomplished.”

~ Fire, Oil, Ice, by Deivid Wisci (1963)

·         Rayne was the war’s greatest beneficiary. The investigation vanished, the internal opposition crumpled and the elections were looking to be a cakewalk. After an uneventful autumn mostly spent on reconstruction, Sordland went to cast its vote once more.

\"I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end.\"

 Epilogue coming soon!