New Westmoor/Archives/Letters

Welcome fellow historian to the letters page of New Westmoor Archives! In this room we store copies of old inportant letters that detailed the opinion's and actions of inportant nobles of the continent. The origional copies are stored in a hidden vault of Westmoor Museum hence we can only offer you copies. Good luck with your research!

Letter from Lance Hagakure Duke of Al Arab to all rulers of east continent relating to his defection from Eponllyn to Armonia on March 15 of the year 1013

Rulers of East Continent I have changed the allegiance of my duchy from that of Eponllyn to Armonia. The reasons I have done this are because I feel that Eponllyn's diplomatic policies in the south are resulting in further and further isolation from the rest of the east continent. For the time that I was present in the realm we had no good allies and no good friends who would support us and it seemed we had no intention of finding them.

To spare my peoples of Al Arab and the surrounding duchy from decresing standards and lack of development with the surrounding nations I have changed my allegiance to that of Armonia a realm which does care about communicating with other realms and developing lasting friendships.

I appologize to my Queen Siana and the people of Eponllyn for this betrayel but this decision has been a long time coming and first and foremost I must think of the people of my city and the surrounding lands.

Lance Hagakure Duke of Al Arab Margrave of Al Arab

Letter from Atanamir of Umbar King of Perdan to Neji Uzamaki Kronogos (King) of Nivemus declaring the intent of war unless certain conditions are met on February 15 of the year 1013

Kronogos Neji,

Perdan has announced to conduct a humanitarian intervention in your realm. Our allies have granted us passage for this mission, but will not participate in an offensive war, this is explicitly between Perdan and Nivemus.

Nivemus has failed to be what it should have been, a successor state of Old Rancagua. Nivemus has picked only those parts from history that fit them best, but in order to be a successor state you have to take the full package. Perdan will ensure that Old Rancaguans will be give their realm back and at least the original homelands of Old Rancagua will be returned. We will succed there where others failed, where Nivemus has failed. This is Perdan's gift to its former ally, it is my gift to my ancestors.

Perdan will be from now on in war status with Nivemus till following terms will be accepted by Nivemus:
- Nivemus will secede the Duchy of Oroya to an independent realm, which truly follows the ways of Old Rancagua.
- The new realm will be a Monarchy, Sir Talius shall become its King, further former Old Rancaguans (not ex-Sironites) for the council shall be decided along with Perdan.
- The new realm will be in Oroya - Pedrera - Pucallpa - Juazeiro - Salta, the original lands of the Old Rancagua. The name of the realm is free to decide, it should have though a connex to the history of the greater region.
- Nivemus shall remain in Ashforth - Dale - Obando - Caqueta (lands that Old Rancagua had occupied from Oligarch and Eleador)
- The region of Oberndorf (originally a land of Oligarch) will go to Westmoor and Nivemus will give up any claim on the region of Oberndorf. Claim disputes will be settled this way for good and Westmoor can take care of the oppressed region and people.
- Kronogos Neji steps down and Nivemus will turn into a Democracy. This will be the lesson that you will get due to the civilian oppression you practice.
- Both realms can continue to have the Order of the White Tree as religion, but the main seat will be in the other realm. Also, any of the current Nivemus elders will be demoted and the new elders will sit in Oroya and consist out of nobles of the other realm.
- The Haradrim will completely migrate to Perdan and serve the family of Umbar again. Individuals can stay if they decide so. The Harad tribe elder is already here now and is granted asylum.
- Both realms will be in diplomatic Peace status to all realms and each other for a period of three months. An alliance between them is not possible for six months.
(further points may be added, especially if the longer Nivemus abstains from accepting these terms)

These are the terms that Nivemus has to fulfill.

As you see Perdan has no intention to kill Nivemus, nor establish a colony. Even if you lose this war, you can continue to exist. We are no destroyers (except Ibladesh, but they wanted it so) but liberators for the people you are oppressing. No matter what your fake statistics say. I trust contemporary witnesses more than plain cold numbers when its about human life.

We just want to see those few lands of the North ruled by the rightful, by the just, by the good and fair ones, by those who respect humanity and the virtues that were lost long ago in this region. Ideals that we in Perdan share and enjoy so much.

Kronogos Neji, it is up to you now. Sir Atanamir of Umbar King of Perdan

Letter from (and letters relating to the following) Autry Bendix Queen of Armonia containing a copy of a letter from Eoric Dishman (noble of Perdan) knight of Brive requesting the arrest of all adventurers in Armonia sent to all rulers of East Continent in which Queen Autrey requests the removal of Eoric from Armonian soil on January 6 of the year 1013

Rulers of the East,

A Noble of Perdan is now in Armonian lands demanding that we arrest all our adventurers.

Letter from Eoric Dishman Message sent to everyone in the region Oc Lu Pesh (2 recipients) Nobles of Armonia,

I, Eoric of Perdan, regret to inform you that a fugitive has absconded into the lands of Armonia. A murderer has fled Perdan after slaying the patriarch of my family. I have followed the trail of this vagabond for several days and this cur, that calls itself an adventurer, now dwells within your lands. The miscreant has defiled the law, desecrated the nobility, and has slain my father. This cannot stand.

I demand an investigation of all roaming armed peasants. I want to see a confession extracted from every so called 'adventurer' within the borders of your realm. Pass this message to your lands councils. You have two days to comply.

Duty and Justice, Eoric Dishman Knight of Brive

King Nosferatu, what kind of authority, if any, does this Knight have? Do you think this may have something to do with the assassination attempt of Duke Barzelli? In any case could you please recall him from our lands, seeing as how our official relations are set to neutral? Lady Autrey Bendix Queen of Armonía Duchess of Itorunt Margravine of Itorunt

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Letter in response to the above from his majesty King Jor, presumably sent to rulers of the East Continent

A most disturbing turn of events. A simple knight making demands of lords, dukes, and a queen?

Protect the weak, the innocent and the helpless in the Divine's name. Commoners or not, there is no proof of their guilt and therefore they are innocent of the crime that this knight wishes to see them tortured for.

Besides which, such actions would be foolish. So-called adventurers serve a noble purpose in that they root out dens of evil and corruption before they grow powerful enough to bring harm to the countryside and destabilize the rightful rule of the aristocracy.

King Nosferatu, I ask that you please bring this wayward knight to heel before in his grief he seeks to draw the blood of innocents.

Ad Majorem Divina Gloriam, Sir Jor Tanos King of Westmoor Ambassador of Westmoor Priest of Church of Humanity

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Letter from ][osferatu Reapers [sent presumably to all rulers of east continent] addressing the above issue (and the assassination attempt earlier in the month). Written sometime between 6th/7th of Jan.

Queen Autrey,

No Perdanese noble has been sent to your lands under my consent. Our Judge had abdicated and I had to wait for the new one to be elected. She is already working on both cases you brought forth and justice will be dealt.

With Honor, ][osferatu Reapers King of Perdan

Letter from Neji Uzamaki Judge of Nivemus concerning banned nobles from Nivemus sent to all Judges of East continent on June 30 of the year 1012

Letter from Neji Uzamaki Message sent to the Judges of East Continent (7 recipients)

Judges of the East Continent,

Nivemus has banned the following nobles for conduct detrimental to the realm:

Cesera Azul
Czarixina Opvanova Eleonore Illithian
Ferleve de Hauteville
Hyzenthflay Ahrairah
Icius Rae of the House of Drakon
Sirius of the House of Drakon
Izialav Principe
Jaroslav Principe
Kelsa Noyan

These nine nobles are suspected of being Saxons. Also, they have caused Nivemus much turmoil over the past 8 months. I would advise against accepting them into your ranks, especially all of them at once, but if you do, look for tell tale signs such as anti-government tendencies.

This shall be my last act as Legodos of Nivemus.

Regards,

Neji Uzamaki Legodos of Nivemus, Earl of Salta

Declaration of war from ][osferatu Reapers King of Perdan against Fontan sent to all rulers of East Continent on April 26 of the year 1012

Message sent to the Rulers of East Continent (9 recipients) Fellow Rulers of the EC,

There were many rumors lately about what has been going on in the north and sadly, most of them have come true judging from some letters I received. Apart from the background funding of Fontan (which violates the 1vs1 war I promised to stay out of), there seems to be a greater masterplan of taking out Westmoor so that Perdan is next. As if Perdan has any interests north of Bescanon but so be it, we won't sit idle waiting for our turn while Westmoor is being consumed.

Thus, I declare war on Fontan.

Let me make it clear that I do not seek Fontan's annihilation like what happened with Ibladesh, but I will see that Perdan's safety is ensured and also that Westmoor restores the borders they had before the war broke out and keeps them this way.

I have little to say about the refuge that was offered to the members of the CoI while both me and King Dobromir had made it clear what this would eventually lead to, you are about to experience that first hand. All CoI temples we'll come across will be burnt to the ground regardless of where they stand. I would close them down now if I were you and I'm not neccessarily talking only about Fontan.

Chancellor Aulus, I hope your sponsors have plenty of gold to donate. You'll need it.

With Honor, ][osferatu Reapers King of Perdan

Letters between nobles of Fontan and Westmoor after the battle of Greatbridge on April 16 of the year 1012

Request from Rhidhana Dubhaine Message sent to all nobles in the region Greatbridge (74 recipients) Good Knights of Westmoor,

Why do you continue to make war? Do you believe there some virtue in the needless slaughter of your own people that king Jor's renewed hostility has provoked?

Have your people not already paid a far steeper price than the gold we sought in reparations for the treacherous theft of our hallowed capital and the damage wrought by your rulers in our lands?

At every turn we have sought to make friendship from the seeds of hate your forefathers planted in these ancient Fontanese lands, but it seems that friendship comes hard to bandit chieftains who proclaim themselves king and those seeds of hate have become an abundant harvest. I pity those who must stand in their furrows as the reaper approaches to do his grim work, and more so those who remain for the harrowing which must surely follow. But if liberty and justice are to be once more firmly established in these lands there can be no leniency.

But it is not yet too late for those of you who love the people who look to you to guidance and lands within which your estates reside.

Lay down your arms and sue for peace, Fontan will welcome you with open arms and restore to you that liberty which is your right by birth. We have no kings to oppress you nor secret councils to betray your trust. Here in Fontan we elect our government to implement our collective will, for they are the servants and we are the masters.

So come, turn your back on tyranny and this meddlesome priest who would squander your blood and your treasure for his petty schemes. No longer need you be interlopers or invaders, the chains of your bondage forged by potentates and kings in foreign demesne. Swear fealty to our common wealth and you may stand proud and tall in your own right, as do today the many fine knights who march beneath the banner of liberty to meet you in battle.

For if your king will not make peace with Fontan, Fontan may surely make peace with each and every one of you.

Lady Rhidhana Dubhaine Marshal of the Fontan Rangers

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Request from Thomas Foxglove Message sent to all nobles in the region Greatbridge (74 recipients)

Marshal Rhidhana,

You, of all people, should know that Westmoor sought peace with Fontan for over 300 days -- throughout the reigns of both King Maedros and King Jor. You certainly know it to be true that I personally arranged for both Oberndorf and Commonyr to be returned to Fontan through your unopposed Takeovers before the ceasefire, as a show of good faith from the Westmoorian people to the peoples of Fontan.

During the peace negotiations that followed, Sirion acted as mediator. The peace treaty that Westmoor proposed was thought to be fair and reasonable by the mediator, but Fontan continually rejected it and underhandedly tried to turn other realms to a war against Westmoor. One of your former Chancellors (I forget which one. You have had several), even raised the subject of Fontanese claims on the Duchy of Westmoor during negotiations!

You asked us to demilitarize Greatbridge. Although Westmoor could not accept such limitations being written into the treaty -- for how could we have killed monsters, the undead, or done any civil work? -- we actually kept our troops out of Greatbridge, Dulbin, and Evora, to give you peace of mind along the full length of your border. In return, Fontan set up militias in Commonyr and Braga. So your people wanted Westmoor's border regions to be undefended, while you had militia guarding your own borders.

In exchange for peace, your Chancellors have continually asked us for reparations for the destruction of the Flow of the Balance temple in Krimml, ignoring the fact that Sirion had more or less razed that temple to the ground before Westmoor even arrived. And also ignoring the fact that Fontanese troops destroyed and looted temples of both Sanctus Acies and the Church of Humanity within Westmoor's lands. Should we have asked your people for reparations for these acts?

As a further act of good faith, Westmoor allowed its standing armies to fall in size to a level more suited to the peace that we wanted. In contrast, Fontan has built up a mobile army that is currently stronger than that of Sirion. By all accounts, funded by a band of robber barons who are ruling your realm more like a Tyranny than a Democracy.

So, in all fairness, how could Westmoor have interpreted Fontan's actions as anything other than a preparation for war? To the majority of Westmoor's nobles, it seems that Fontan holds out a hand of friendship while hiding a dagger behind your back. This was not helped by one of Chancellors approaching King Dobromir of Caligus to offer friendship, while at the same time preaching to all who would listen about the "threat of Caligus" and how it needed to be stopped.

At no point in the history of this conflict has Westmoor acted in the way that you like to suggest when you speak publicly. You request that Westmoorians turn from our cause and join your realm that has now been so greatly tainted by double-dealing with other realms, acts of betrayal, and your acceptance of support from your robber barons, that it has become a political outcast in this continent. It seems as though your time would be better spent putting Fontan in order and returning it to the once proud democracy that it was.

Sir Thomas Foxglove Lord General of Westmoor, Count of Poitiers

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Letter from Cnaeus Aulus of the Scipii Message sent to everyone in the region Greatbridge (74 recipients) Lord General,

If even half what you said were true, it would make quite the tall tale in Fontan circles. What you have wrapped into conspiracy seems nought but a fragile collection of lies.

But speak as you do of Temples, and you the former Lord who took up residence in my Manor in Oberndorf, I make the subtle point that the temple you raised still stands, at my then command, and with my then insistance despite the protestations of others, until such a time as Westmoor was actually willing to settle the discord between us and see the matters resolved. You took down the former temple in Oberndorf, yet I refuse to do so. Fontan has ever made a point of avoiding restarting the fire depite having good cause to, such as with the flagrant abuses of the ceasefire by Westmoor, sending troops over our borders lead by known traitors to our realm, and totally wiping all diplomatic negotiations to date that had been offered.

You base your dishonourable breaking of agreement on mistruths, at the threat of militia 100 men strong in borderlands which wouldn't even easily stop a monster horde, of neurotic reactionary panic at seeing Fontan, whose mobile army outnumbered yours anyway at the end of the last period of hostilities, return to the standing force it should have been. All your premises where contrived; the times you offered a new treaty of totally unnegotiated clauses, of your renaging of promises with a change of who wears your Royal Hat, and with the threat of allies who bankroll your entire Kingdom.

It is telling when Westmoor betrayed it's ally, tried to profiteer, was duly slapped down, and now accuses conspiracy upon those it has itself conspired against and sought to do War upon, and then convinces itself of its own just cause and righteousness just to save face. Sir, if you had a semblance of understanding of your own hypocrisy and delusion I should hope you'd stand aghast in shame.

Sir Cnaeus Aulus of the Scipii (Lord)

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Report from Rhidhana Dubhaine Message sent to all nobles in the region Greatbridge (80 recipients) Lord General Thomas,

Insult whom you may, but know that Fontan is ruled by an Assembly to which every noble house may send a representative after but thirty days of loyal service to the realm. Unlike Westmoor we trust our nobles with the details of our diplomacy and with the power of lawmaking, as has been the way since the days of my mother and the generations who preceded her. Our Chancellor may speak as he will but it is the Assembly which agrees treaties and alliances, laws and customs.

As to previous hostilities, my sole interest as Minister of Defence was to bring your government to the negotiating table, at that time believing there was yet some honour amongst your peers and the possibility of an amicable peace. I did no more than was necessary to achieve that, and considerably less than was within my power and mandate.

When Fontan agreed a ceasefire we made our terms clear and they did not change whilst the ceasefire lasted. Your realm was to make reparation for the damages it inflicted on our lands, to refrain from stationing your armies adjacent to our capital, and to apologise for the repeated treacheries which marked the end of Westmoor's involvement in the Great War. I know not what terms we would now require, that is a matter for discussion should the eventuality arise, but I doubt they will be so lenient.

You may claim it a kindness that you did not oppose the liberation of Commonyr and Oberndorf, but we both know that those territories fall within the borders Sirion promised most fulsomely to defend on Fontan's behalf. Further we both know that sizeable elven forces were mustered close to the border to enforce those guarantees if needed. Your people should be glad that you had the presence of mind not to press the matter, but any capital your good character may have earned with Fontan has long since been squandered by the dishonest dealing of your king.

The mood in the Assembly has grown increasingly grim as we've readking Jor's various treaty drafts. He has sought to remove every term which Fontan proposed at its start, to place obligations upon my people which would not be reciprocated by his, and to evade all responsibility for Westmoor's fundamental crime: that she treacherously coveted an ally's capital and sought to make it her own. And now that we have rebuilt the fine lands which war laid waste he chooses to launch a fresh campaign of conquest obscured by the same old tired lies which so easily come to his lips.

None now speaks favourably of Westmoor nor her knights, not even I who long championed an amicable peace. I therefore think it very unlikely Fontan will again withhold the full measure of her power. We have given your government ample opportunity to prove their integrity but there comes a time when even the most generous amongst us can take no more.

But I will not demonise the rank-and-file who march beneath Westmoor's colours. Many a good knight has the misfortune to be born in a dishonourable realm and it is not our intention to punish such if they see the error of their ways. Knights of good character who can no longer abide the stench of king Jor and his placemen will be happily welcomed in Fontan where they will know honour, respect and liberty.

Lady Rhidhana Dubhaine Marshal of the Fontan Rangers

Letter from ][osferatu Reapers King of Perdan sent to all rulers of East continent stating support for Westmoor in the Westmoor/Fontan War and warning for the Church of Ibladesh in the north on March 25 of the year 1012

Esteemed Rulers,

It looks like the tension between Westmoor and Fontan is building up. Perdan's affinity to Westmoor is something that cannot be hidden. In the case that a war brakes out however, Perdan will not get involved as long as it remains a 1 vs 1 war. If other realms see this as an opportunity to seize lands from Westmoor while they are fighting Fontan we will not sit and watch.

Changing subject, it has fallen to my attention that the Church of Ibladesh has found a new home north. I won't say names, you know who you are. In the case you missed my and King Dobromir's ultimatum some months ago though, let me remind you that CoI should be considered dead on this island. If not, we'll make sure it stays dead along with its supporters. Just take a look at what happened in Ibladesh and ask yourselves a simple question: "Do I want this in my homeland?". If the answer is yes don't worry, we'll soon come for you and this has nothing to do with the possible war between Westmoor and Fontan. If on the other hand you prefer your realm alive, make sure those infestations called CoI temples are shut down soon.

There won't be a 2nd warning. Next time I'll refer to this matter will be to let you know we're coming. Take my word and act accordingly.

With Respect, ][osferatu Reapers King of Perdan

Letter from his highness King Jor Tanos sent to all rulers of East continent stating an end to the cease fire with Fontan on March 24 of the year 1012

My fellow rulers,

For one hundred twenty-three days I have ruled Westmoor, seeking peace and understanding with all realms across the continent. I have been fortunate to be able to call some of you my friends.

Even under the reign of then-King Maedros, I served leally as an ambassador for the Kingdom. In that function, I met many of you or your predecessors. Only one series of rulers have repeatedly refused any overture and offer of friendship, countering instead with demands for gold, lands, and restrictions on the affairs of Westmoor's armies within Westmoor itself. This does not include the many times those leaders outright ignored all missives sent to them.

Of course, I speak of Fontan and its Chancellors. Fontan, a shadow of its one time strength. A nation that provokes wars but can only win a battle with outside intervention.

They have demanded gold for damages their armies caused, they demanded that Greatbridge be seceded to them and, when failing that, attempted to dictate that Westmoor could have no armed presence within the region.

Now they amass on our border, as per usual lying behind closed doors in an attempt to garner foreign support. This is while they have begun to harbor Ibladeshi murderers and rapists to bulk up their armies. I have seen the crimes the Ibladeshi committed in Aix with my own eyes. The death and destruction were unimaginable. Even now, the city has not fully recovered.

The Fontanese refusal to even discuss peace or compromise in addition to their gathering of soldiers simply proves their intent. Westmoor does not have time on its side.

As such, effective immediately the ceasefire between the Kingdom of Westmoor and the "Democracy" of Fontan is declared null and void with Fontan in breech of the spirit of the ceasefire. As required by its terms I officially give notice that a state of war will resume between these two realms.

Westmoor pushed for peace while Fontan schemed and plotted for war, for conquest. Westmoor must defend itself.

Divine go with you.

Jor Tanos King of Westmoor, Ambassador of Westmoor

Letter from Dobromir Menethil King of Caligus sent to all rulers of East continent on January 24 of the year 1012

Chancellor Zadek,

Firstly it is good to hear from you once again. However, it would have been nice had your contact with me not be for the sole reason of inquiring to get Fontan city back.

I am going to make this as clear as I possibly can. You put on a nice happy friendly face in front of me and the rest of the rulers here preaching you wish for peace serenity and stability amongst the nations, but just like your ‘Democratic church’ deep down Fontan is extremely corrupt and opportunistic to its core. Right now Fontan is desperate for more power in the continent as it cannot stand as a force on its own with what it currently has.

I for one don’t believe your intentions for good relations with Caligus nor did I truly believe it from your sister Katalnyfae Dragul. Fontan has been at war with Sirion throughout the years so the official but undeclared stance against Caligus was simply the following ‘It is not currently in our best interest to be hostile with Caligus for the time being.’ Now if I just leave it like this I will obviously be accused for making things up. However it is a known but covered up fact that many ex-Yssarian nobles reside in Fontan and are on its assembly. We both know they want their realm re-created and obviously wish revenge and their obvious target would be Caligus.

For enough for my elaborations on the matter. The thing I am finding most despicable at the moment is you contact acting like we are really good close knit friends whilst behind my back you are preaching of the ‘Perdan/Caligus’ threat. I cannot speak for Perdan but I do know that Caligus has never been a global threat in any way, shape, or form. There is no time that Caligus sought to be a global threat by exponential expansion like Fontan did when it grew up to 7 cities. Nor has Caligus ever let a religion grow corrupt and take away any spec of honour that the realm had. This goes for both Fontan and Ibladesh.

I must say this if your idea that Caligus is a threat well then I guess it is only Fontan that has to worry. I have deep respect for Sirion and Prime Minister Ilias and of course Ambassador Peristalico. Perdan I feel is agood friend now once again. Obsidian Islands have always had good relations with me obviously being apart it is difficult to assist each other directly. Westmoor under King Jor who had wanted to side with Caligus over Ibladesh but got abdicated is now back on the throne. I don’t intend to seek vengeance on Westmoor and we are both making progress in improving relations between us. As for the new nations of Epolynn and Armonia I wish Queen Siana and King Dread both honourable long tenures. I know they had to undergo a difficult time and they both strived to change and abandoned a corrupt Ibladesh.

To close the subject. Your request for Fontan city is officially denied.

Signed Dobromir Menethil King of Caligus

Letter from his highness King Maedros addressing unrest in the realm sent to all nobles of Westmoor on October 7 of the year 1011

Letter from Maedros Iltaran Message sent to everyone in your realm (38 recipients) I had been hoping that actions would speak louder than words Duke Gregor.

Now, onto other matters. Count Hergoervik seems to have three criticisms of me; firstly that things are going badly and as King I bear ultimate responsibility, secondly that I haven't communicated enough and finally that my diplomatic proposals have been overly harsh to Fontan. I'll address these in reverse order.

The demand that we surrender Greatbridge actually predates my reign and was originally made by Chancellor Basilius of Fontan. Its been discussed a few times in the House of Lords and unanimously rejected on each occasion. I've also offered Fontan peace on the principle of status quo ante bellum (that is to say, the pre-war borders). While I've never actually received an explicit refusal of this proposal, their failure to respond amounts to the same thing. Now, some weeks ago I did take a harder line with them, offering only Commonyr and reparations. No, it wasn't successful, but it was tried only after the other options had repeatedly proven just as unsuccessful.

With regard to communication, yes, its something that hasn't been very good. I am endeavouring to fix the problem as best I can. Part of that is directing the Ambassadors to report directly to the nobles of the realm regarding our diplomatic situation. Part of that is letters like this one.

Finally, we have the fact that I am ultimately responsible for the state of Westmoor. And yes, Lord Hergoervik and my other critics are right to hold me responsible. However, there are two other pertinent facts that you should also consider when you look at my performance.

The King must work with what he has. Westmoor has one ally, the Sultanate, which is in even more desperate straits than we are. The dominant power in our region is Sirion, who are three times our size and with whom we have spent nine tenths of our existance at war with. They are understandably less than sympathetic towards us. To our west we have Caligus, who we were at war with just a few months ago and were lucky to make peace with so cheaply, as well as Perdan, who haven't forgiven us for breaking the alliance. Both of these realms are heavily engaged with Ibladesh and have no interest in getting involved in another dispute. Finally, there is Fontan, who are equally convinced we intend to destroy them and that Sirion will conquer us on their behalf.

Now, I'm not interested in arguing about how we got into this position and whether or not other realms perceptions of us are correct. We are in this position and all we can do is make the best of it. There aren't some magic words we can say that will suddenly work everything out for Westmoor. This is a long, hard, bloody _slog._

This leads into the second point. I have been criticised for not making peace for Fontan. But what I have not heard is a new plan to make peace with Fontan. Simply switching monarch will not be enough I assure you; if it was then my succession to King Flaylen would've resulted in a treaty. Surrendering our 'claims' to Oberndorf, Commonyr and Krimml has been attempted. If anyone can explain to me how we can easily make peace to Fontan, then step forward.

Sir Maedros Iltaran King of Westmoor

"The King and the Realm (the sequel)", Referendum by Armstrong Ironsides issued to all nobles of Westmoor on October 6 of the year 1011

editor: Titled 'the sequel' as there was a mistake draft that was only sent to the nobles of Morshes

Westmoor,

Many of us feel that King Maedros has declined in his performance as King. This decline has caused a reform movement and a failed rebellion. Despite the sympathy of loyalists we worry that the Realm will suffer these inadequacies once again in the future. Therefore, we ask the King to step down from his position and face re-election, essentially an abdication. As this is a serious move I feel it is less dramatic and traumatic to put this question into a referendum. In this way we can avoid harmful and poisonous argumentation and get right to the point. The clarity of the matter shall be decided here.

If you feel that the King should abdicate, please vote yes.

If you feel that the King should remain on the throne, please vote no.

The referendum will last three days and require a simple majority. It shall also be presented to all nobles of our Kingdom.

In service of the Realm,

Rebellion declaration by Arica Maldives to the realm of Westmoor on October 1 of the year 1011

Nobles of Westmoor,

I have stated my reasons many times why King Maedros is unfit to rule.

I know many are displeased with King Maedros, but would rather not see him replaced. I would agree with these sentiments if I thought it would be possible for him to improve which I think there is little to no chance of.

I am happy to see that there has been some better discusion of something to make sure we don't have bad rulers. Though if any method doing such a thing ever got implemented, I believe King Maedros would still fall short of fulfilling his duties. Not to mention certain fanatacis that would strongly oppose any type such thing no matter how rational it is as they would rather have their puppet on the throne.

If you are of my previous mentioned mindset towards the King, I ask that you remain neutral in this rather than take up arms against me. Reason being I plan to expediate the process of remvoing King Maedros who I don't think will ever live up to his duty, as well as allow for more free rational discussion for a method to which to enforce that future Rulers live up to certain standards and implementation if agreed is needed. I of course welcome any support, but unless you think King Maedros is perfectly capable of leading this realm and are totally against any sort of monitoring then, I hope to not see you in battle.

I don't plan on being succesful in this, but greatly hope I am. If succesful I would have the ban on King Maedros removed, as he is still a fine Westmoorian noble and warrior. After the discussion and possible implementation of a method dealing with future rulers, if enough respectable nobles publically asked me to step down for another vote for a ruler I would do so. Though I do think I would be capable for ruling, but being communicative, have honorous intentions first, and listen to and encourgage to discussion in the House of Lords.

The is no fighting currently with Fontan, so this rebellion doesn't pose a threat to our security. Also since I hope this is just a battle between those strongly for and against King Maedros there would still be plenty of nobles left to defend the realm in that rare case. I also don't think another ruler change we drastically hurt Westmoor's image, especially if we come out if with a method to have standards for future rulers.

Since I promised I would step down if succesful and if wanted, for those nobles I asked to remain neutral this would simple be a way to organize the realm quicker to allow better and more open discussion without critizing others. It would even be possible King Maedros get elected again.

For Westmoor,

Declaration of War from Ilias Thunthorn Prime Minister of Sirion against Westmoor sent to
all rulers of the East Continent on September 7 of the year 1011

Letter from Ilias Thunthorn Message sent to the Rulers of East Continent (6 recipients) Rulers of East Continent,

An unanimous Realm Council of Sirion has today decided to declare war on Westmoor.

Ever since the war between Fontan and Westmoor begun we have made it clear to Westmoor that we will not stand aside and let them reap the fruits from our long war against Fontan.

After making it clear to Westmoor that we would not tolerate an attack on Krimml or Westmoor advancing further into Fontan's lands and Westmoor choosing to ignore this we have no choice but to turning words into action and declare war.

This is the declaration of war I sent to King Maedros:

We have ignored that you taken regions from Fontan as we have been quite annoyed by their conduct in this war. We have let your raid on Ashforth that has cost us dearly in time and efforts pass but now that you are ignoring our demands to leave the remaining regions of Fontan alone we cannot ignore this any longer but will declare war within the hour.

Sir Ilias Thunthorn Prime Minister of Sirion

Letter from Rhidhana Dubhaine minister of defence (of Fontan), passed on by Brock Ketchum minister of finance (of Fontan) to
region of Krimml on September 6 of the year 1011

Proclamation from Rhidhana Dubhaine
Knights of Westmoor,

You have been duped by your rulers into a war of conquest without honour. The matter outstanding between our realms could have been easily resolved at the outset if King Maedros had apologised for the illegal seizure of Krimml when our realms were still allied, and for the attempts of Duke Gregor to extort gold for its return - also whilst we were still allied.

An ally who holds a knife to your throat whilst demanding your patrimony as compensation for his effort is in fact no ally at all. He is a baseborn villein and all men and women of good birth and pedigree are duty bound to ensure justice is meted in full and exacting measure for his crimes. Fontan's cause is therefore just and we will see the lands you've captured and despoiled in recent weeks returned, even if it costs a generation their youth and their life's blood to achieve it.

We will never allow the flame of democracy to be extinguished by such as you serve, no matter the privations we face in her defence, and the history of this continent is written in the blood of powers who believing otherwise payed the ultimate price for their folly.

However having fought alongside Westmoorian knights during the Northern War I am certain that many amongst you are not of so low a character as those who rule your realm.

Therefore on behalf of the people of Fontan I extend amnesty to any knight amongst your company who foreswears wickedness and serfdom. Offer your sword and loyalty to Fontan, and we will bring you honour and glory beyond measure.

Here amongst our nobility you will be free to speak your mind, to hold your government to account, and to establish estates under the full protection of laws which are decided through common consent and plebiscite. We hold these liberties the birthright of every noble with the courage to claim them, no matter their family nor background, and I know full well there are those amongst you who secretly harbour these same ideals.

So cast off the yoke of King Meadros and his robber gang. They are small and wicked men who seek to profit from the victories of those whose boots they're not fit to lick or wounds worthy to describe.

Come, be done with folly and calumny. We offer you friendship, companionship, and a lasting future as equal partners in the greatest history this world has ever known.

Lady Rhidhana Dubhaine Minister of Defence of Fontan

Brock Ketchum Minister of Finance of Fontan

Letter from ][osferatu Reapers Judge of Perdan, Marshal of the Perdan's Home Defense to
Antonious Turner Lord Justice of Westmoor, Count of Bruck on August 29 of the year 1011

Letter from ][osferatu Reapers Message sent to the Judges of East Continent
Royal temporarily absent An assassination attempt on Nightmare Aroo, King of Perdan, Ambassador of Perdan has left him seriously wounded. The throne will be empty until he returns.

Sabotage! Nightmare Aroo's guards, in Woolton, have captured Addonwy Ap Rhodri, an infiltrator working for Ibladesh while he was trying to escape from his successful assault on Nightmare Aroo, King of Perdan, Ambassador of Perdan.

So, is this the way Ibladesh is bargaining for peace Patriarch Roberd? I think you just signed your death pact here.

I will honor our prisoner agreement but this worm is excluded. He'll be tortured, boiled, skinned, disfigured and everything else that comes to my mind this time. Next time he gets caught for the most meaningless reason he'll be hung and left to dry in the sun for the vultures to feast upon his carcass. Even if he emigrates and returns he's in my black list. I will hear nothing about this, you have a dead man walking in your realm (currently in my dungeons).

This is sent to everyone here to avoid future debates on how "honorable" was this lowlife's execution. His death is a matter of time as long as he sets foot on this continent.

A good evening to you all,

][osferatu Reapers Judge of Perdan, Marshal of the Perdan's Home Defense

Letter from Basilus Decimus chancellor of Fontan to
region of Greatbridge on August 1 of the year 1011

Duke Gregor had just reminded the Chancellor that he had an appointment to keep with Sirion in Ashforth. Basilius responded...

Letter from Basilius Decimus Message sent to everyone in the region Greatbridge (9 recipients)

Aye Gregor, I do have an appointment to keep, and I appreciate you reminding me.

How is it after all these years we still confont one another in battle...and to think we once fought alongside each other before your treason...to think I raised an army and marched across the continent to collect your lifeless corpse, and you now reign over the coty Westmoor. Duke Morningstar is probably turning in his grave, as I would if I were passed on.

You too old friend, have an appointment, but with destiny. And be sure that when that day approaches, I and several of the elders of Fontan who remember what you have done will be there to collect. Mark my words.

And now, if you excuse me I shall take my leave.

Good Day Gregor.

Basilius Decimus Chancellor of Fontan, Marshal of the Manticores

Letters between Lady General Arica of Westmoor and
General Ilias of Sirion between July 30 and 31 of the year 1011

Letter from Ilias Thunthorn Lady General Arica,

The peace agreement we made with Fontan and that have been made public for the entire continent to see clearly recognises that Ashforth rightfully belongs to Sirion and that the city is to be handed over to us by now.

This should be a well known fact of anyone that have kept up with events on this continent the last few months.

We are still working on the logistics of the actual handing over the administration of the place. The stupid and pointless war you are wagering on each other for no reason at all makes that a lot harder. This does not change the fact that Ashforth is a part of Sirion and if you attack Ashforth you are attacking Sirion.

We agreed to peace with Fontan so we would get Ashforth without seeing it destroyed first and I won't see raiders ruining that for us. I give you 24 hours to completely withdraw from Ashforth. Any looting or other damaging acts should stop immediately or you WILL face the consequences.

Regards,

Sir Ilias Thunthorn General of Sirion, Count of Flismar

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Letter from Arica Maldives Message sent to: Dobromir Menethil, Nightmare Aroo King Dobromir and King Nightmare,

I write to you now for because King Maedros was recently caught in battle, and Sirion is on the verge of declaring war with Westmoor. I have been extremely disappointed with my realms diplomatic ability so I will give a short recap of what has been happening in case they missed anything.

Fontan declared on Westmoor, in claim to get back at Westmoor holding Krimml for awhile even though Westmoor threw out its King because of his decision to try and hold the city. More realistically Fontan wants to take Westmoor's lands. Fontan has been the aggressor in both failing a TO and harassing persistently with infiltrators. Westmoor did nothing in retaliation because we wanted to work out a simple peace. Fontan won't agree to that and is demanding Greatbridge for peace and they are tying to get away with this because they know Sirion has their back. So when Westmoor made it's first attempt at attacking Fontan, Sirion instantly threatened to declare war on us if we don't stop. We pulled back and nothing happened diplomatically while infiltrators continued to attack us, and Fontan tried to rebuild. Now Westmoor has just assaulted Ashforth to make the city go rouge with doing as little damage as possible and again Sirion is making threats at Westmoor.

It is known that Sirion wants to retake Oligarch eventually, and Fontan is going to try to expand somewhere and Westmoor is the only space. Once Sirion destroys SoA they will probable aid Fontan in attacking Westmoor. It is unreasonable to expect Westmoor to sit around and try to be controlled by the dishonorable Fontan and their new giant friend Sirion until they are ready to destroy us.

I am asking for your help to aid diplomatically to either get Fontan to accept a peace with no restrictions other then a length of time for the peace, or to have Sirion stay out of the business of between Fontan and Westmoor.

Arica Maldives Lady General of Westmoor, Countess of Hagley

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Letter from Ilias Thunthorn Lady General,

Bah! As we perform them a lot I am kind of an expert on the kind military operation you describe and it isn't possible to conduct them without severe damage to infrastructure and population.

You have to remove the income of the place and when that happens recruitment centers and workshops goes as well due to lack of maintenance. Hordes of peasants will rise to defend their homes and businesses and you will have to slaughter them all. Fortifications will be destroyed by your siege engines as you fight the peasants defending their homes.

Remember what Krimml looked like when Fontan lost it. At that point we had only conducted a campaign like the one you described (except for us hitting the Flow temple as well). And that was with us maintaining takeovers a lot of the time to speed things up.

Most importantly, with the number of men you have there the operation will take a considerably longer time than the week within the Fontanese are to hand over the city to us. Your presence is delaying the time it will take for Ashforth to leave Fontan hands not speeding it up. The only thing you are achieving is to damage Sirion assets which we of course not will not tolerate.

You are of course correct in surmising that we would not tolerate you driving Krimml rogue either. That would make it impossible for Fontan to hand over Ashforth without committing suicide. We hold no great love for Fontan but we will protect our own interests with blood if need be.

About peace between Westmoor and Fontan, Sirion has offered to mediate. Both of you claim that the other side refuses peace. Minister Rhidhana has said that their only condition has been to have Westmoor accept responsibility for holding onto Krimml which I frankly think you should as it was an opportunistic and despicable acts from someone who claimed to be an ally.

But Chancellor Basilius is admittedly one of the worst diplomats that have ever ruled anything on this continent, and I wouldn't be surprised if he has added unrealistic demands for any peace agreements. Any gods should know thet he did that over and over again when negotiating peace with Sirion something which in the end cost them a lot of territory as we were prepared to leave them the duchy of Karbala in early negotiations. So let me know if they have added any other demands for peace to you.

You should know that it was only yesterday Minister Rhidhana wrote to me and asked me to have our Prime Minister intercede diplomatically to end your war, that doesn't seems like someone who is trying to avoid peace. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help in negotioations.

We still want you out of Ashforth for all the reasons stated above.

Regards,

Sir Ilias Thunthorn General of Sirion, Count of Flismar

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Letter from Arica Maldives (Personal message to Ilias Thunthorn) General Ilias,

I greatly respect Minister Rhidhana, and she told me this myself. I relayed her information to my King, but still nothing happened. With King Maedros in jail, this course of action can't happen for awhile.

And indeed Chancellor Basilius is one of the worst diplomats. He demanded first that Greatbridge be demilitarized, and then after changed to demanded in the region completely. Westmoor can't accept either of these terms. Sadly us Generals are directly in charge of diplomacy.

Also, I think a giant realm like Sirion can afford to rebuild a city that you already don't need to maintain your overwhelming strength. Fontan isn't helping you much either but constantly putting the city in starvation.

I will agree to have Westmoor leave Ashforth after the sunrises(until then no looting) if either of the two conditions are met.

1. Sirion forces Fontan to accept a white peace with no restrictions other then a time limit of peace. Once King Maedros is out of jail I will make sure he gives a formal apology.

or 2. Sirion gives Westmoor a short reasonable time in which they will be receiving Ashforth from Fontan, or taking it militarily. And also for Sirion to not intervene between Fontan and Westmoor diplomatically or military even if Fontan may ultimately be destroyed.

Arica Maldives Lady General of Westmoor, Countess of Hagley

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Letter from Ilias Thunthorn Lady General Arica,

I will certainly forward your demands to the Fontanese and strongly urge them to accept them. I'll see if I can get them to release your King to expediate negotiations as well but I wouldn't hold my breath about that.

As for when Ashforth is to be handed over to us we are hopefully talking about days. Lets say within a week, give or take a day or so. You may notice that the Fontanese hasn't bothered to appoint a Duke because of the imminent handover. Certainly before our armies need to refit again.

The city should already been handed over but there happened to be a Westmoorian army between Chancellor Basilius and Ashforth at the time and the Chancellor isn't known to avoid an opportunity to stall if given one. It would go faster if you could avoid attacking the Chancellor while he gets to Ashforth to hand the city over.

What I can't promise is noninterference if you persist in your war. We do not plan or want to interfere at this point, we still have the Sultanate to deal with, but at the same time we won't let our hands be tied but reserve the right to protect our interests.

We are unlikely to accept that you destroy Fontan and conquer their lands altogether. We will make it clear to Fontan though that they won't be able to rely on our forces if they decide to not accept peace though.

Yours in Battle,

Sir Ilias Thunthorn General of Sirion, Count of Flismar

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[presumably sent to Ilias] General Ilias,

I will withdraw the troops in Ashforth to Oligarch. I see Chancellor Basilius is in Greatbridge, so Westmoor will track his movements to make sure he is going to Ashforth.

If Ashforth is not handed over to Sirion in 7 days starting now, then Westmoor will assault and start a TO of Krimml. Since this will be a problem for Sirion, you should make sure Fontan does its part.

Also if there is no peace with Fontan in 7 days starting now, then Westmoor will start a TO of Oberndorf. I think it would be extremely dishonorable if Sirion didn't allow this.

If the second condition is met then the first one obviously won't matter. If neither are met though we will proceed with the response for the first one.

Arica Maldives Lady General of Westmoor, Countess of Hagley