EAGLES ARE FLYING...

Our first two letters have landed and lo' and behold: the game works. Not only does it work, it's a pure joy! Odd really how a game that details the trials and tribulations of war can be described as joy, but the game is a fantasy one...

The first two letters detail much and being inside the mind of the rulers of this kingdom is exciting indeed. Already in these first two letters you can see character and personality of each ruler coming out and showing face. 

LETTER ONE
​ Pesilious to Rivas, from the borders of the neighbouring  kingom, "Formonia". 

The Text:

Dearest Rivas
​
I deeply regret to begin our correspondence with such dark and characteristically catastrophic news. We arrived in Formonia not three days hence but have up until now been unable to set up camp efficient for the preparing of post of any sort.

Formonia, as expected, is a barren land not unlike the swamps of home. Though it were agreed by the council that establishing a foothold here would benefit the war effort, we have not predicted some dark unforeseen circumstances.
​
Your knowledge may be beneficial.

The Formonians seemed to predict our arrival. In our haste we overlooked dark summonings and the Formonians have risen a force of ogres, we think from the caves of Carras. Though we cannot reverse the magics necessarily we may be able to erect some sort of barrier?

I have the camp’s magicians in deep research but to no avail, and in my inexperience I brought with the company but only three.
​
Your assistance and correspondence highly anticipated
Pesilious

LETTER TWO
From Rivas to Persilious from "The White Horses". 

The letter. (The second in fact, as Charles in his excited haste to get into the game genuinely posted a letter without a British stamp on it, meaning the "eagle being found dead" is basically true...furthermore a postie somewhere might be opening a medieval-looking letter and reading what must be the most bizarre letter he has read in years...with a bloody wax seal and all! Hilarious. 

The seal of "Asarualimnunna". Word of power is "Banatatu". Books says it "presides over armor and is knowledgable in milliatry matters."

This "seal" was copied from a magic book that Rivas owns, sent to Pesilious in hopes his magicians can summon a protective element against an incoming ogre attack. 

The text: 

Dear, Pesilious, This is the second letter. First eagle found dead, suspect fed tainted meat.

Am v. envious of you being in your army's command tent. Being only a mage, I may technically only advise. Commander here is Lucius Sextus Gavlanus, whom I think you met at last year's spring Festival of Light. He is so full of himself. I know he's experienced, but he doesn't like mages and only allows senior mage, my tutor, in council. Not fair - am prince. 

But perhaps I deserve it. Recently arrived at The White Horses, v. wet this time of year, and commanded unit sent to the runes there to prepare equipment for channelling light, but ran into enemy and lost much equipment. Whole thing started with me slipping on mud. Turns out the boots should have been hobnailed. How was I supposed to know!? No mud in the mage tower! Don't know how I'll regain respect; could see senior officers smirking. 

Your barrier: brought books with me, found a spirit your magicians might channel. Give them seal. Found it in Necronomicon, which comes with onerous warning, but I think it's a good spirit. Its name is "Asarualimnunna". Word of power is "Banatatu". Books says it "presides over armour and is knowledgeable in military matters." Was closest aid I could could find, hope it helps. 

PS: What do ogres look like? Have never summoned one. And are all soldiers/generals as stodgy as Galvanus? Has permanent disappointed frown. 

Your friend and brother, R

THOUGHTS SO FAR? 

So far the game seems to work really well. Not only does it make sense, it's easy to think of a return response even before using the "topic generation grid" to finesse it. Charles made a really fun and interesting decision to play a "prince" and his chosen characteristics of "gullible and sheltered" come out in his letter. It shall be really interesting to see what happens moving forward. 

I have drawn a card, rolled my dice and flipped a coin for my return letter, and I can tell you this: I don't think it's going to go well for Pesilious this week...

Come back for more soon.