The messengers from Southern Gondor make a formal disclosure of their side of the war. The Corsairs of Umbar make them welcome.

"The Quiet Avenger seems to want to land a force at my only remaining non-capital harbour. I have a small force there to contest the beach-head and will be mobilising defending armies to take them out. Very aggressive play from the QA in any event ... he can't have left much at home if he wants to come and play in Gondor.

North Gondor and I defeated the Dark Servants of Sauron at Minas Ithil (again) and have landed armies on Barrad Ungol. The Cloud Lord army is here, though, with some other DS forces so our armies will probably cancel each other out and not leave enough to destroy the pop centre. This does leave North Gondor in a very secure position, however, with three recruiting centres in close proximity to Minas Ithil. Much better than we could have hoped at this stage of proceedings I feel.

The Cloud Lord attempted to assassinate Argirion at Minas Ithil but he survived and wounded the agent in the process. Other DS agents have been busy, however, assassinating Tarondor and taking a North Gondor army commander hostage.

The Dog Lord's starting armies have now been eliminated and the Witch King and Dragon Lord are in very weak positions, particularly as the Dwarves seized Goblin Gate this turn.

The Woodmen are a little exposed but the team are rallying to their aid. I am not aware of any Cloud Lord agents at Dol Amroth, but I do have a DS agent stealing from my pop centres. The first time that this has been reported and it is now turn 4! North Gondor has not had 1 gold piece stolen from him so the DS seem to be experimenting with their agents/moving artifacts around possibly. Is there anything that we can do or offer you to help your people sway to the side of the Free? Other than (repeatedly!) pointing out how overstretched the QA are..."

*** M'Lords Angamaite and Teldumeir smile at the Gondorian's entreaties about doing something about the Quiet Avenger, Adunaphel. Though the Gondorian messengers are polite, they are insistent, as are all nations at war.

There has been no formal disclosure of events from the agents of Sauron as of yet, but it concerns the Corsairs that the Witch King of Angmar is beleagured. This will bode ill for the Corsairs if we declare Dark in Eriador. Many things fall upon the declaration of Rhudaur, a neutral nation that neighbors Angmar. However, they have been all but silent ... have they too had a change in hierarchy? Is their leadership no longer viable? The longer Rhudaur holds out, the more precarious it becomes for the Witch King in the north.

However, in light of this, the Corsairs do not have any inclination to declare this early, for Good or Evil. We dismiss the Gondorian messengers and ponder the roles to come.

The World Market for Timber is now purchasing at 11 gold per unit. This was due to intense marketing strategies done by the Dark Servants of Sauron, manipulating the prices and buying out the WM stockpile.

This means the Corsairs of Umbar can sell our stockpile of Timber (3322 units) @ 11 each! mwaahahahahahahaha! We stand to gain 36,542 gold this turn!
Why the agents of Sauron did this, I don't know. It seems to me that the Free Nations of Middle Earth (especially the Noldo and Sinda Elves) will be able to sell their surplus timber for a hefty return as well.

Messengers and diplomats have been active between the Corsairs of Umbar and the Haradwaith. Since the operations of the Nazgul, Adunaphel (Quiet Avenger), are within earshot and within sight of our seaward towers, we notice that their fleets and forces have been scurrying back and forth in the Great Sea, looking for clashes with the Southern Gondor navy. It appears, from the earlier reports, that the Gondorians have forsaken the seas while they concentrate on the Ithil Pass in Mordor.

The Haradwaith muse that the Quiet Avenger is merely trying to weaken their enemies, and do not plan to rely on their navies in the future, despite the declarations of the southern neutrals. The Haradwaith also speculate that they are doing this to entice both the Corsairs and the Haradwaith to declare and strike early agains the Free Nations of Middle Earth.

I have admitted that if I were at the helm of the QA, I would have foregone such rash suicidal measures - but we'll see what the Quiet Avenger's plan is in the future.

A hasty message from the Easterlings states that they have heard rumors from the Free Nations that one of the neutral brethren has declared for one side or the other. We respond that we have not heard of such news, but if this is the case, it would have most likely been Rhudaur, considering this nation borders Angmar and Cardolan - warring nations.

I will endeavor to update one of the posts on page 1 to detail a little about the 25 positions in play for you amusement and curiosity. I have to state that the fees are quite worth it; I recommend that if you were a fan of A4R - this game will be right up your alley.

I have edited the first post of this thread to list details of all the 25 nations.

The herald from the Easterlings spouted that rumors were being exchanged among the Free Nations of Middle Earth that one of the five neutral nations has declared for good or evil.

M'Lords Angamaite and Teldumeir - the Princes of Umbar - looked at each other and told the herald that we have heard nothing of the type.

"If there is a neutral whom has declared," Regent Angamaite said, "then it would most likely be friend Rhudaur; they are closest to the fighting with the Witch King, Arthedain and Cardolan in the north."

However, soon messengers from Rhudaur claim that they *have* not declared, and plan to stay neutral for a few more turns at least.

As a neutral nation, the Corsairs of Umbar will inevitably declare to join the Free Nations of Middle Earth or Sauron.

I have discovered that this declaration isn't formal, that is, will *not* be broadcasted all over the land when it is done. However, there are spells and other actions that can prompt one side or the other to figure out which way a neutral nation is "swinging" prior to such an act.

One such consideration is the fact that upgrading/downgrading relations to nations of either side can be perceived early on, and if someone is spying, can be revealed by spell or espionage.

Lords Angamaite and Teldumeir,

I bring you greeting whilst our DS emissaries prepare a fuller report for you.

The situation is Eriador and in Ithil is very much the normal fight as is to be expected whilst those neutral decide where their allegiances lie.

Do no be deceived by the over enthused voices of the FP (Free People) who smoothly tell you of perceived successes that have not been achieved and will come to naught.

You will soon see that these smooth voices as the harsh braying and noisy clanging that they are when their plans come to less than they expect.

The FP have forces present on Ungol but it will bring them little joy.

It is very true that the combined forces of the Gondors are mighty when combined but divided they will fall. Your support would bring their swift destruction rather than the current (yet only initial) stalemate.

It is clear that the Witch King cannot prevail indefinitely against the FP without the help of the Rhudaur which seems will not be forthcoming in a timely manner and will leave Rhudaur no choice but to become vassals of the FP.

WK only long term hope is therefore a safe haven.

The FP clearly have not informed you of the burning of the woodmen holdings in Mirkwood including 2711 and the imminent and certain destruction of the Northmen capital and all the land around Rhun.

FP have clearly abandoned the Northmen with the intention of dashing their troops against the Morrannon but are setting a sorry and inadequate force against it – still around (hex #) 3116.

You cannot trust them if they treat their own so poorly as they have the Northmen.

Yours as ever (Dark) Servants,

Dendra Dwar
(The Dog Lord)

Indeed much has been speculated among the nations of middle earth, which way these most omnipotent powers would decide best suits their needs...indeed it has been discussed that their slightest moves would sway the paths of all denizens of the world...

Indeed you say that, in time, you would make a decision. That time is still perhaps far away from being made but I would say to you that time is a precious commodity for those already involved in the conflict.

Our Northmen allies in the far east are feeling the bite of the wargs from the LR, DogL, and Cl Lrd. The massive army of Akhorahil has moved into the rhun sea as well and still the Easterlings themselves are quiet....

While the free nations are holding their own, even gaining some ground, in other areas of middle earth, we understand that without the aid of your nations, the fortresses of Mordor may be impregnable...we will fight to the last but for naught certainly if the haradrim and corsairs also assail us from the coast or the rivers...

We respect the neutrality of all nations of men in the world, but seek to show you that your decision will impact the majority of people therein. We in the far north, even now, feel the swing of the pendulum and wonder how far it will travel before it's inevitable backward swing...

We wish to speak with your nations further and more specifically. We await your responses and hope that we can help you find the answers you seek...

Elraza of the Noldor

It appears to m'lords Angamaite and Teldumeir that the war for Middle Earth is fought for in earnest on both sides. The messengers from the Dog Lord and from the Noldor Elves are heated and full of emotion.

It appears that the issue with the Northmen in Rhovanion is a pressing topic. Both of the messengers have stated as much. It appears through their reports that the Northmen are hard pressed, and possibly will be crippled or perhaps even crushed.

A veteran of war, Regent Angamaite shakes his head and says that this war in Middle Earth is still young, and no doubt more blood will be shed ere a nation (whether good or evil) falls. Such an impact on our decisions as neutrals does not a matter make.

The Havens of Umbar host a delegation from Sturlurtsa - in the lands owned by Chieftain Ovatha II. The Easterlings state three prominent pieces of news:

1. The Northmen state they are losing their capital to Sauronic forces.

2. That the Northmen state that neutral Rhudaur has declared for the Free Nations in Eriador.

3. That a northern Easterling town has been literally invaded by an Eothraim army.

The Neutral Brethren Pact does not applaud the movement of outside forces on neutral towns. There will be something to come of this.

Sent to all nations of Middle Earth:

The Neutral Brethren Pact does not applaud arrivals of outside forces on our Pact pop centers. There are rumors of Free People forces visiting neutral townships without permission.

The Neutrals *do not* move forces upon townships of neither the Dark Servants nor the Free Nations. It goes against our neutrality. We do not like it when this occurs to us.

What happens to one neutral while yet undeclared happens to *all*. Please refrain from taking advantage of any neutral's position as it may sway us all to consider reprisals and/or rebuttals.

From the Corsairs:

The Neutral Brethren Pact does not applaud arrivals of outside forces on our Pact pop centers. There are rumors of Free People forces visiting neutral townships without permission.

The Neutrals *do not* move forces upon townships of neither the Dark Servants nor the Free Nations. It goes against our neutrality. We do not like it when this occurs to us.

What happens to one neutral while yet undeclared happens to *all*. Please refrain from taking advantage of any neutral's position as it may sway us all to consider reprisals and/or rebuttals.

***
Greetings from Gondor on behalf of the Free People.

We can confirm that these rumours are unfortunately true and that a force has inadvertently strayed onto the Easterling town of Ilanin. We apologise for this faux pas and emphasise that we will make every effort to avoid reoccurrences in the future.

We pray that you understand our dilemma. Whilst our Northmen brethren are being subjected to unimaginable torment from the marauding forces of Sauron mistakes are liable to happen. We urge all neutral nations to repel the emissaries of evil and take up arms to rid Middle Earth of this menace and join us side by side in our struggle.

We would also be at pains to remind the Neutral Brethren Pact that DS forces have also recently invaded Easterling borders at Ashkiri which is the unfortunate resting place of the great Tarondor who was brutally murdered just 10 days ago.

Northern Gondor

Things are heating up, as reports from the north trickle into the Havens of Umbar. There are words from both the Dark Servants and the Free Nations that the Northmen capital of Shel-Krain has been captured by Dog Lord forces in Rhovanion. It also appears that the Dragon Lord of Dol Guldur has been beset with many adversaries as well.

In the south, we Corsairs have set up a second camp, An Harnen, and have continued to build up our reserves. A group of emissaries has now penetrated Southern Gondor and has sent information back to us about that nation. They have been building up new camps themselves, it appears, and there are no reports of Sauronic forces in that neighborhood.

From Southern Gondor:

Greetings Mighty Princes of Umbar, your northern brethren send you their best wishes. With the holiday season being upon us some of the Free have been slow to send in their turn reports but they are all in now. As if sitting on a beach getting a nice tan is more important than Middle Earth! Bah. The Dragon Lord faces destruction with multiple Free armies about to wipe Dol Guldur off the map. The Witch King is also under huge amounts of pressure despite the other DS' best attempts to assist him. A dragon has turned up in one of his armies though, so we expect some fireworks before he goes to the wall.

The Free players are reporting some strange activity from the DS. All over the place we are finding Nazgul in charge of armies. Although some of them make decent, or emergency, commanders it is a waste of their resources. Increasingly our opinion is that they have a good tactician on their team but the newer players are not being micro managed and thus making some strange choices. Once again Ji Indur failed to assassinate a target, being stopped by the militia at Minas Ithil once again. Possibly their agents are not as all powerful as they are rumoured to be! In my own news the QA sneakily avoided my forces and has now turned up at Pelargir.

The Free won the day at Barad Ungol although we did not seek to attack the fortress just yet. We had hoped to build up some forces but the DS have cleverly (and luckily in truth) moved some blocking armies to Minas Ithil which managed to not get overrun by the larger FP forces. There should be another fierce battle at Barad Ungol this turn but we hope to continue our winning streak in the Mordor theatre. How do things fare in the southern lands?

Have you had anymore thoughts on your declaration and what we can do to win your support?

Very busy lately. I may be offered a literary contract with RLR Associates for my novel, Dark Water. Haven't heard final word - but it may be a go.
We Corsairs have settled in the Harnen hinterlands and our mage, Meriot, has discovered the whereabouts of Foamcleaver - a major artifact of power. We will be dispatching a group to retrieve it.

We have been building our forces in the southlands, but it has been slow-going because of our lack of resources (particularly bronze and steel). We do bear a magnificent navy, however. Our main characters have also been increasing their worth, and we have named a new Commander.

Diplomacy in the Southlands have been upbeat, but we Corsairs have learned that the once-neutral standing Rhudaur have decided to declare for the Free Nations of Middle Earth. This places the Witch-King of Angmar in a very perilous situation in the far north. There are rumors that the Easterlings and the Dunlendings may decide to stand with Sauron.

If such a scenario occurs, the Haradwaith and the Corsairs will most likely split, and we're afraid that there will be war in the Southlands ere long.

The Lord of the Dwarves, Bain, has been slain by the second of the Nazgul, the Dragon Lord, Khamul. There was a huge battle at Dol Guldur in Mirkwood, but it appears the Dragon Lord remains strong and secure, despite his many enemies.

The Gondorians have been fighting to a standstill in Osgiliath and the Ithil Pass. They may be wearing down because the Dark Servants are pressing them and getting in full stride.

The Quiet Avenger approaches the Corsairs and states we must prove our loyalty ere declaring for Sauron by striking Free Nation objectives. We are to provide our turn report as well. We Corsairs were quite squeamish about this. We told them that they ask much and give little; but the consensus from the agents of Sauron is that they will do everything to make certain our needs are met.

Turn 10 is not far away.