Anatidian Stalemate Initiative

## Public Knowledge

The Anatidian "*Stalemate Initiative*" is a secret defense project started by the Anatidian government primarily at the direction of the country's Dictator. Very little is known of the project's goal or capability, other than the official statements given to the public and the international community. Unsurprisingly, the statements for each respective group are starkly different.

The message given to the Anati public is heavily propagandized—and the citizens know it, though do not care—and greatly understates the capability of the weapons being used. The version of the message given to the international community was still propagandized, but to a lesser degree. Anatidad was much more forthcoming with the international message. It is thought the civil message was understated to keep the public at ease, and more honest in the international version as a deterrent. Below, are the two statements.

## The Civil Version

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Anatidians!

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The government has begun the *Stalemate Initiative*, this project will endeavour to further fortify our land borders with all neighbouring countries.

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The Dictator and all government officials recognize that not all neighbouring countries are a threat to Anatidad, but state that any potential war is unpredictable, and thus so is the border. The government wishes to urge you to be cautious of the border, pass only through secure crossings, and otherwise remain relaxed!

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The countermeasures will be far from your homes, and it's all just a new form of landmine. These explosives will be checked on regularly. The project is safe, and most importantly so are you. ***Glory to Anatidad, Glory to the republic!***

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## The International Version

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*Our neighbours,*

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*La República Democrática de Anatidad* has started development of a new border security measure. It is the main part of the **STALEMATE** initiative. Along the *Anatidian side* of the border we are constructing an invasion deterrent. These weapons are coastal as well, meaning an amphibious assault on *Anatidian* land will also be counteracted.

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Our weapon is chemical in nature, and takes effect as a gas. In the letter you have received we include an image of the weapon. This weapon devastates a very large  area. The construction of this measure is legal, as it is built solely on our side of the border.

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**This letter is our** **formal international discouragement of an invasion. This is our only formal international statement** **on the matter being presented to you, and will be the only statement.** Do with this information as you please.

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— D. F. "Goose" Castillo, Dictator of Anatidad

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## The Known

Through acquired Anatidian Military documents (legitimately or otherwise), the major details of the Stalemate weapon have been uncovered. Using powderized Brazían Quartz, it utilizes an explosive charge to spread the dust into the air where it clings to the humidity in the air hovering above the ground at a maximum height of 2.4m for anywhere from a few hours to several days. Brazían Quartz has an unnatural electric charge, causing an almost magnetic effect inducing a near-static presence in the air with small particles. Though not fully understood (and very little of Brazía is), this property is still taken advantage of in the weapon. The near-static presence is weakened or entirely nullified in warm/dry conditions, it's thought that this is because those conditions are closer to the native atmosphere of Brazía that the unnatural effects are affected.

The aerosolized quartz powder is made through various processes of grinding, and low-amperage mid-voltage electrification. The present electric charge flows entirely into the quartz, binding it together in small chunks, and it may be handled with simple rubber gloves. The clumps of quartz are then placed into the weapon, and pressed to form.

The quartz aerosol's effectiveness itself is shown in the cloud's effect on the human body. Given the conditions of the heat of the lungs and natural human electricity, the aerosolized particles start to recombine and return to their original shape through an exothermic reaction. The energy from body heat and even low body capacitance causes the quartz to recombine and grow inside the lungs, generating a high amount of energy and consequently heat. This reaction causes lacerations and burns inside the lungs, simply from breathing, as the crystals grow.