This ought to be interesting . . .

From The Merry Rose, Atlantia's mailing list:

Their Highnesses Bryan and Brianna, and Andreas and Kallista of AEthelmearc announced today at AEthelmearc Twelfth Night that Their Kingdoms would stand together to forge an alliance against the Kingdoms of

the East and the Middle at Pennsic War.

First the news . . . .

Pennsic XLI is going to be different from any Pennsic before it.

For the first time, the traditional opponents, the East Kingdom and the Middle Kingdom, will be fighting as allies, against Aethelmearc, in whose lands Pennsic lies, and Atlantia.

The alliances were announced at courts in the four kingdoms' on Saturday, Jan. 7.

At East Kingdom Twelfth Night in the Barony of Carillion, Prince Kenric announced the alliance, as did Prince Savaric at the Midrealm's 12th Night in the Barony of Northwoods. Both men will be sitting the throne for the first time.

Prince  Bryan and Princess Brianna of Atlantia made their announcement the at Winter Ball in their Barony of Bright Hills.  Andreas Morgan, prince of Aethelmearc, made his announcement at 12th Night in the Shire of Sylvan Glens. He, like the prince and princess of the Midrealm and the East, will be on the throne for the first time. Prince Bryan has reigned before.

Pennsic has traditionally, for the last four decades, been a war between the East and the Middle with the other kingdoms allying on either sides. Some kingdoms do have treaties or agreements on who they will fight alongside at Pennsic. The announcements of the sides is a major part of Opening Ceremonies, even though most of the decisions have been agreed upon by them.

Details of the war points and battles have not yet been announced. Additional alliances have not been announced either.

Pennsic will take place from July 27 to August 12, 2012, at Cooper's Lake Campground in Pennsylvania.

Now the analysis

Here are some immediate reactions to the new alliances at Pennsic.

First of all, it's a creative, bold idea, and I think it will revitalize the war. Things had gotten into a rut.

Personally, I think it's great that we get to ally with the Midrealm, plan with them, fight with them and drink with them. For two long, fighters in the East have been told to dislike the Midrealm and beat Midrealmers at Pennsic. This will bind the kingdoms better.

I do not fear losing friendships with Atlantia and Aethelmearc, which were once part of the East. Those relationships are solid.

In terms of fighting and war points -- assuming those are in the plan -- it's all going to come down to additional allies. Ealdormere and Ansteorra will be among the keys. They tend to bring good, solid armies. In the past, Calontir has allied with Ansteorra by treaty. How about if Bloodguard is fighting behind the Calon Shield Wall? Norhshield will also carry some importance, and it will be interesting to see where the other kingdoms go.

In fencing, I feel even more strong that Ansteorra can change the tide. I hope they do fencing as they have been -- two mass battles and a champions' battle.

Ok, now to think some more.

What do you think?