The North PacificBoard

Emnaria has begun to industrialize with the rest of Anea for the past 32 years. The iron horses of the modern time and new zeppelin technology has spread across Emnaria. However, Huansigntao, which has remained a proxy-government since the Emnarian formation. Most military problems have been handled by the Huansing government and so have some politics, but foreign relations have been managed by it's neighbor to the West, Jakaska. Imperial Jakaska was formed around the same time as Emnaria by exiles from the multiple nations participating. Jakaska has recently sent "police" into Huansigntao to "prevent a communist uprising". However, the communist presence have staged coordinated rebellions across the country in late 1901. The Jakaska soldiers have ceased the government building and are "protecting" the officials. Multiple contacts from neutral civilians in Huansigntao have called for Emnarian intervention. After much debate, Kaiser Frederick VII of Emnaria has declared war on Jakaska, citing violations of national sovereignty of neutral nations and terrorist actions in the form of holding the Huansign government hostage.

February 15th, 1902

The Emnarian Army prepares to march across the border. Standing in formation are 30,000 Emnarian soldiers, all clad in the standard battle dress (British vers). This is the first war of the 20th century for Emnaria, and the entire nation is ready. The introduction of the Maxim recoil operated gun provides a strong weapon to test in the field. The Maxim replaced the older Mitrailleuse from the 1860s, however since no wars have broken out in 30 years, no real testing has been available.

At the order of Fredrick himself, as a sending off for the troops, all of the officers shout across the line, "Forward March!!!" (I wrote that in English but it is spoken in Traditional Emnarian). The squares of soldiers March forward across the border, waving their hats and shouting with joy, reminiscent of many older wars with the same beginning, ignorant, young soldiers.

March 2nd, 1902

After one month of endless marching, the Emnarian Army finally enters their first militarized Sector. The Army splits into three groups, 10,000 troops each. Group Alpha and Butter head in their own directions to search for Jakaskan camps, Group Charlie heads directly Northwest, toward the coast to gain access to a resupply point.

March 4th, 1902

A column of Emnarian infantry marches down a road through the jungle of Haunsigntao. There is a large opening on the right about 100 feet ahead, an oddly shaped hill goes up about 50 feet. It has multiple flat spots like tiers and it's max height is about 90 feet back. The column approaches the hill and they halt just before the edge of the forest. Commander Fharzgeine, an immigrant who often is made fun of by high command for his name, steps out from the edge of the forest. He stands there in the middle of the road, using his binoculars to watch the hill.

Suddenly, a crack of rifles erupts from the hill, bullets hit around the commander and his hat flies off of his head. He picks it up, fixes it, and shouts to his troops, "I think the mosquitoes around here have a hatred of hats!" The Emnarian soldiers remember their training, although not rookies (most have been in the service for years) they have not had the chance to experience war. The column runs into position amid the gunfire and the first row take a knee, the second and third rows stand shoulder to shoulder (in linear warfare this was done where 2 standing rows would fire at the same time, however, they would have to be packed like sardines. If a man stood too far back, then, because most soldiers held their rifles too low, he could hit his friend in the head, which is not too effective in using ammo or winning a battle). The soldiers ready their rifles and fire volley after volley. The new Gewehr 98 bolt action rifle makes quick work of the initial engagement. It only takes 10 minutes to dispatch the ambushing soldiers. After the skirmish, once they count Emnarian dead, they find 12 soldiers dead, leaving 18 soldiers left. Commander Fharzgeine survives, however he is now laughed at for his lunacy in the field. It seems that the enemies may be dispatched quickly and easily, but Emnarian tactics may prove to be outdated by modern terms.

Meanwhile, the 2 other columns following behind the 1st column arrive at the scene. After a quick chat and some planning, the force heads off again to regroup with the rest of the companies. News makes it back to high command and at first everybody is excited, but at the news of the heavy casualties and obvious misuse of tactics, high command has ordered a review of the training program and new tactics concepts to be devised by the strategic office. High command is determined to prevent a major bloodbath due to incompetence.