With the signing of a recent peace treaty, the realms of Armonia and Eponllyn have ended their hostilities and now are looking towards the future. With Armonia setting up a Tournament on the 14th of September, I petitioned the Queen of that realm, Autrey Bendix, and was granted an interview.
Editor Vessol: Could you describe to our readers your background and how you came to be queen of Armonia?
Queen Autrey: "The Bendix Family originates in Uforth, a tundra region The Barony of Makar, a hard viking realm in Northern Atamara. I was sent to Ibladesh by my father Furious Bendix to repay a debt to the Shifter Family (now defunct) from his youth. Over two decades ago his life was saved by an unlikely Talerian, Khorne, whose daughter Leliel was Viscountess of Aeng during the the war against Caligus. I guess I showed a knack for command and I rose up the ranks. I've lived here since I was a young woman."
"I became Queen of Armonia when our Founder, the Great Dread Fantom, retired from rulership after a long absence due to illness. I wouldn't call my election a great victory by any means: I ran for the position unopposed."
V: What was the reasons behind the War of the Southern Queens and are you happy with the conclusion and peace treaty that your realm and Eponllyn drew up?
QA: "Eponllyn sent an assassin named Valko D'Este to kill the our Founder, the Great Dread Fantom. Armonia gave Eponllyn one week to ban Sir Valko, and when they failed to do so, we went to war. Valko has conveniently disappeared since then, so unfortunately no one will be able to question him personally. Queen Siana maintains that she had no knowledge of Valko's actions or intentions, but she also made no attempt to make any sort of apology or reparation. My hands were tied on this one- only one thing to be done, unfortunately."
"The War was put to and end with considerable help from a few rational thinkers in Eponllyn with whom I worked out the details of the treaty. They know who they are. Understand that we had no desire to destroy Eponllyn completely- we just can't abide sitting idle with potential enemies right next door to to our Capitol. We kept Ejarr Puutl as a buffer zone to prevent any further assassination attempts or other hostilities, and we gave up Ar Raqqah as compensation."
V: What lessons do you feel that your realm has learned from Ibladesh in the past and what are your long term plans going forward for your realm?
QA: "Theocracy doesn't work, plain and simple. The problem with it is that people are promoted for their zealotry, not their competence, and that makes for poor infrastructure. Making 'faith' a requirement for advancement in society takes away all of its meaning. Nobles should not be promoted or persecuted for what they believe, but rather according to their abilities. Hubris brought about the fall of Ibladesh, and that is why we made our peace with Eponllyn in as fair and cordial manner as we could, rather than with greed or pompousness."
V: Do you have any thoughts on who from your realm might win the tournament coming up soon?
QA: "I didn't host this tournament to prove anything in particular about Armonian martial prowess- one person's individual skill with a blade or a lance makes little difference on the battlefield, where strategy, tactics, cohesion, and maneuver are the key to victory. The tournament is an opportunity for people all over the continent to come together, take a vacation, and learn from some of the greatest champions of the East. We do have many fine veteran cavaliers and heroes, however- Tanya Jimenez, Intarex Tibro, and of course Sceptre Meadowcrest, who is widely considered to be the most honorable Cavalier on the continent."
V: Finally, If you could speak with a young and aspiring noble, what would you tell them to sway them into becoming a noble of Armonia? What makes your realm stand out?
QA: "Armonia rewards enthusiasm for public service over any other trait. Though we are a Monarchy, every other government position is electable; I do not make any appointments here. We have many great young commanders and government officials who have shown their intelligence and dedication and have risen to the position they deserve. Armonia also has a strong military tradition, and the elite nobility of our realm sponsor the training of many younger nobles personally."
V: Thank you very much for your time Queen Autrey, I really appreciate it. I certainly learned a lot that I did not know before and I'm sure many readers will say likewise.
-Editor Vessol on September 7, 2012
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