Update from the field:
Greetings allies,
After receiving extensive updates from our generals, our court thought it prudent to update the international community on the ongoing conflict in Western Khabranth.
Status of the war: cautiously optimistic for Minervan forces.
Recent activities: The first phase of the war, which has lasted an extensive period of time, was to engage in defensive preparation and recon. Minerva relied on its reserves in Fortuda to hold the castle in the event of an invasion, and began the process of constructing several small mobile ships to launch into the Fortuda Bay. This is because it feared losing major ships should sending them through the Valyrian Sea lead to complications in the canals in Khabranth. Without the ability to use its navies, Minerva relied on slow defensive posturing. However, the success of future offenses could open the door for Minerva revising this unwillingness to send her main fleets, however.
In the mean time, the Royal Minervan Cavalry marched through Valtoros, having received support and permission from its longtime ally and neighour. They arrived in the Tri-Town area, Oasae, which they then quickly occupied the long-quiet Khabranthian outpost. From there, they began a slow mobile operation into the north, into western Khabranth territories, to offer recon should Khabranth's forces march west towards Fortuda.
This strategy proved effective, as several small raiding parties were surveyed long before they could reach Fortuda, and they were little match for the immense defenses of the city.
Fortuda's real liability was from the sea, so prudent effort to launch those small ships was a high priority. Fortunately, Khabranth's efforts have been defensive as well. This gave Minerva the time it needed to prepare for its offense.
As the months past, Minerva fielded a unified national army, and marched them through its northern lands, Plures Napiskea. They met up and reinforced the Fortudan reserves, which by then had only faced a few raids.
Casualities have so far been minimal, with no major confrontations on sea or on land. However, some small settlements on the fringes of Fortuda have faced night-time raids that have left a few farmlands torched, and a few guard brigades have been captured. With the core Minervan Army fielded though, Minerva is confident casualties in her national borders will slow down or stop.
Next phase: The Khalinar Offence
Small reserve brigades from New Thoth have met with the Royal Minervan Cavalry, which will play the role of recon as the Royal Minervan Army marches eastward. The target of this offense is Khalinar itself, which seemed unable to defend Gimpy's incursions in their earlier conflict. Minerva has sent word to Khabranth through formal diplomatic channels, requesting a gentlemenly conflict. Minerva promised to field her armies on the outskirts of Khabranth's capital, in hopes Khabranth will do the same. This will be the first major battle in the conflict, and the hope is by doing so formally and through traditional combat, the war will be won by one side soon.
Both sides are negotiating on a time for this conflict. The international community will be kept abreast.
