Dwilight University/History/Astromancy at War!/Allies versus Xinhai: The Conflict Escalates
Facts for this report were collected through interviews and general research. I am blessed to have had the cooperation of Queen Alanya Costella and Archon Anabellium West. No thanks go to Low Edward of the Raivanlands.
Allies versus Xinhai: The Conflict Escalates
In the Spring of 8 YD, while the war between Aquilegia and Xinhai was still cold, Aquilegia’s northern allies, the Libero Empire and the Raivanlands, declared war on Xinhai. While many await the first engagements, this historian sought out to find the reasons why the realms entered the war and what the Xinhaittites thought about it.
From my digging, I unearthed three strings pulling the Liberonians into the war.
The first string is in defence of Aquilegia. As allies, the Liberonians are acting to protect the little realm from Xinhai. Emperor Faolin and the Aquilegions are no doubt pleased that they made an ally in such an advantageous position. Their entrance into the war opens up a second front against Xinhai. Causing a second front on an enemy is a strategy often unbeatable even by the best military veterans.
The second string is the general anti-Xinhai mentality of the Liberonians. This I feel is rooted in many reasons. The first cause is because of the ongoing rivalry between the duchy of Springdale and the duchy of Donghaiwei. Though some may disagree with my interpretation, in many ways and through many guises, these two regions have been foes since the beginning of recorded history. Following the bread crumbs reveals that even before the current realms existed, these two duchies were competitors. Simply put: Springdale versus Morek and now Libero versus Xinhai. Only the future knows which two flags will take up this ancient feud. The second cause of the Liberonian’s anti-Xinhai mentality is because of the alleged jerkiness of Xinhai. Claims such as extortionate trading prices, self-serving diplomacy, insular administration and aggressiveness towards weaker realms (ie. Xinhai warring on Aquilegia) fuels the Libero Empire’s offensive campaign into Xinhai. This was as much as I could gather on why the Liberonians dislike Xinhai, but these few facts give cause and determination to the Libero Empire’s declaration of war.
The third and final string I collected during my research is the acquisition of land. Since the Libero Empire is bordered by the ocean and the city-state of Morek, there is only one avenue for expansion – through Xinhai. Xinhai now has the burden of a two front war and the potential loss of territory. They may be forced into a defensive stance. The Liberonians are probably aiming to exploit Xinhai’s lower hand and grab as much land as possible.
From Xinhai’s position, the declarations of war come as no surprise, especially from the Libero Empire. Before the entrance of the two realms, there was always a layer of mistrust and mutual-dislike between Xinhai and the Liberonians. Now that war is on, the veil is discarded and full combat can occur. I bet they feel that they would be at war with the Libero Empire even if there was no such thing as Aquilegia. That sounds like a confident opponent, but whether or not Xinhai is able to handle the pressure will be material for a future article. For the moment they seem optimistic, ready for action even.
While I hear rumours of peace talks attempted by Astrum, I feel that a conclusion through diplomacy would be a crime against all of the realms involved. What began as an isolated conflict has now grown into a continental arena. What sort of valour and glory can be won at the negotiation table, and for who? What a waste all of that military spending, strategizing, and colluding will go if not one army crosses enemy lines? Please stop interrupting the war with your white flag waving, let them fight out their issues. You are embarrassing yourselves. (And you will put me out of work).
Spring of 8 YD (or the 22nd of November, 2009)
