Rebels on Eirdanos Continue to Hold Out

House Alexin has finally done what many had predicted they would do: begun military operations against the rebel cities of Kratos and Kerameikos. The decision has dismayed many among the aristocracy, especially those who have given public or tacit support to the rebel cause. Loyalists, on the other hand, hoping to capitalize on the downfall of Governors Damokles (Kratos) and Adelphos (Kerameikos), have quietly begun to line up behind House Alexin. The Count appears to enjoy some degree of popular support, but this will surely erode quickly if military advances are not made forthwith.

Taking the military option constitutes a serious gamble for the Count, and if the war drags on, he can expect further challenges to his legitimacy. The house shields protecting the key command centers in Kratos and Kerameikos are still operational. Dissident elements that have been causing trouble of late have retreated behind the shields. This will help House Alexin maintain order, but if those shields remain up, the cities are nigh impregnable. And as long as they stand, they are an ongoing witness to the apparent illegitimacy of the Count's claim to authority.

In response to the news from Kratos and Kerameikos, the city of Limenas and its Governor have taken up arms and are reported to be sending emissaries to several townships in the southern region to convince them to join the uprising. This is indeed a worrying turn, as Count Alexin needs the support of every city governor he can get at the moment. The question now is whether House Alexin will divide her forces up so as to deal with Limenas militarily or try diplomatic options. Both paths involve serious risk for House Alexin, which may come to rue their decision to escalate this conflict.