In a war of revolutionary character, guerrilla operations are a necessary part. This is particularly true in war waged for the emancipation of a people who inhabit a vast nation. China is such a nation, a nation whose techniques are undeveloped and whose communications are poor. She finds herself confronted with a strong and victorious Japanese imperialism. Under these circumstances, the development of the type of guerrilla warfare characterized by the quality of mass is both necessary and natural. This warfare must be developed to an unprecedented degree and it must co-ordinate with the operations of our regular armies. If we fail to do this, we will find it difficult to defeat the enemy. – Mao Zedong, on Guerrilla Warfare.

After a day’s walking over rolling hills and through curved valleys, the survivors of the Battle of Heihui Chen laid down their packs and set up camp. They had stopped for the night in the crux of a valley, on a clear area of raised grass next to a small, fast flowing stream. Whilst traveling, the Communists had been discussing who should be leading them, and two candidates had quickly emerged as the frontrunners. Beskar and GeneralHankerchief were soon the clear favourites, despite attempts by Azathoth, YLC and Beefy187 to convince the patriots that they could lead the Communists to victory as well as the leading candidates.

Beskar and GeneralHankerchief argued intensely on the journey, with GeneralHankerchief accusing Beskar of being a “soul snatching capitalist”, and Beskar in turn accusing GeneralHankerchief of bribery and unscrupulous deals. The Communists were confused by the debate and appeared to be roughly divided between the candidates by the time a common agreement decided to stop on the banks of the stream to set up camp for the night. As tents, cooking fires and a designated Lavatory Pit were all established; it soon dawned upon the official Counter of votes that there was a tie.

“Hmm, I wasn’t expecting this”, said the Counter. “This is a real pain, why couldn’t there be a landslide? I guess the only way for this to be solved is for some kind of Sudden Death mechanism where the-”

“I VOTE FOR GENERALHANKERCHIEF!” yelled a voice.

Everyone turned around to see Sigurd sitting on the grass with a grin on his face

“I’m voting for him because he has a green hat, like me!” Sigurd’s grin widened as he pointed at the puzzled, but happy GeneralHankerchief to indicate that, yes, he was indeed wearing a very green hat.

“Well, that’s settled then. GeneralHankerchief is now the Chairman of the People’s Extraordinary Detachment.” said the Counter. “Congratulations GeneralHankerchief, you now have to pick an Officer Corps to save us from the Imperialists. I sincerely hope that your, as well as our judgment is sound.”

“Of course”, said the new Chairman. “Under my leadership, PEXDET shall take the action required to ensure that we all survive to build the Marxist Utopia that Comrade Mao has promised us.”

And with that GeneralHankerchief leaped on to a nearby hillock, raised his fist and voice and let out a cry:



“Hail Mao Zedong Thought! Crush Reactionary Scheming! Strive for our Very Survival and Inevitable Victory!”

The assembled soldiers replied loudly, and in unison

“Banish the Imperialists! Break the Chains! Secure the Proletariat’s Triumph!”

Even Beskar joined in the chanting, disgruntled though he was that he had lost the election.

Once the fevered shouting wound down, the Chairman spoke, in a much calmer tone

“I know it’s now night, but I shall be accepting nominations all night for the four Officers who shall serve with me. I can accept nominations for other people, or for specific posts, but I need a nomination before I can pick you. You may choose to speak to me in private, or you can announce it in thread. But other than that, you are dismissed”

The Socialists then scattered, with some going back to their tents for rest, others going to nurture cooking fires, some staying still to play cards with their Comrades, and a few sprinting towards the designated Lavatory Pit.

But as the sun set, plans were created that, when revealed for all to see the following day, would show just how much that strong leadership was needed.

GeneralHankerchief – 12 – GH, Khaan, AA, landlubber, autolycus, John, Blackadder, Seamus, miotas, DIY, Renata, Sigurd

Beskar – 11 – Beskar, Romanic, Split, Secura, Azathoth, Shlin, Flax, CDF, aThis, Cute Wolf, Chaotix

YLC - 3 – Pinman, Winston, Beefy

Jolt – 1 – Jolt

Taka – 1 – taka

ACIN – 1 – ACIN

Didn't vote- TWELVE- AVSM, Death is yonder, Joooray, M3YUZ, Methos, Nictel, Niklas, Sasaki, Thermal Mercury, wideyedwanderer, wishazu

It is now the Night Phase, This phase will last for 23 hours, until 21:00 GMT.