The League of Shadows Outpost was concealed deep beneath the Church of Esthland. Catacombs of dry old bones, statues and death masks of prominent 'Brothers of the Sword' cast eerie shadows about his office; conjuring in the imagination of Agent Fresh; a time - many centuries ago - before peace had reigned supreme. With a raised eyebrow, Fresh wondered if Europe understood what it would mean to turn back the clock to those dark years. He wasn't sure he could guess at the horror himself.

It was more with worry than a sense of anger that Fresh considered the lack of a report from his man in Constantinople. The League had multiple agents in the region and so his military report to Zurich would be accurate, but Fresh certainly hoped that nothing foul had befallen his subordinate in the meantime.

And what a military report it was. All coups which had occured only a short year before were transforming themselves into conquering armies. The League of Shadows had maintained peace for so many long years by preventing the rise of any form of nationalism; but it appeared that the common people of Europe were welcoming the opportunity to march under a banner with open arms. Fresh shrugged - some things now seemed inevitable...

...Not least the tragic consequences of the stupidity of the human race, apparently. What could one do under such circumstances other than absorb oneself in one's work?

The dossier on the Italian peninsula was at least filling out nicely. Fresh scanned the recent message from Naples .

Have acquired information about the renegades from Naples STOP
Group is lead by one Commandant Ciro STOP
Group draws support from poor rural farmers STOP
Promises to break up old aristocratic estates STOP
Citizens hungry for more land STOP
An army has been raised in Naples to expand their reach further STOP
Apologies for the delay FULL STOP

Perhaps by the end of the year, more information regarding the other uprisings would be forthcoming.

Drawing the Electric Telegram from its' box Fresh studiously relayed the data to H.Q.

*****URGENT MEMO TO LEAGUE OF SHADOWS HQ, ZURICH*****

MOMENTUM OF RENEGADE ACTIVITY CONTINUES.
APPEARS MULTIPLE OUTBREAKS OF NATIONALISM UNAVOIDABLE.
SUGGEST IMPLEMENTATION OF OPERATION FOXHOLE AND SEAL HOME BORDERS COMPLETELY.
ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT ON TRIESKA HAS FAILED.
AGENT IN CONSTANTINOPLE, CURRENT STATUS: M.I.A.
MILITARY REPORTS FOR WINTER '98 AS FOLLOWS:


AUSTRIA - Build A Bud
ENGLAND - Build F Lon
FRANCE - Build A Mar
GERMANY - Build A Kie
ITALY - Build A Nap
RUSSIA - Build A Mos
TURKEY - No Build Received! - Build A Con (default)


Thanks to those of you who sent in orders on time, even if unneccessary
The current deadline for Spring 1899 is now NoonGMT next Tuesday 23rd Feb. However I need to hear from our Turkey: Numpty to make sure he wishes to continue playing. If he leaves we will pause the game until a suitable replacement can be found. But goodness alone knows why he should! - you all stand on the borders of nationhood!

May I remind you that you now have two turns to establish your nations. At the end of 1899 the SC.s you own become your Home SCs for the remainder of the game.

Best
DEFresh