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Post by zurajai on Oct 10, 2017 1:12:41 GMT
The Vaekirate representatives in Mog Bhelnom were giving use of the Orzag's official chambers for the peace talks to come. Constructed in the old Sultan's Palace using a mix of Almur and Gurhim architecture, the structure would serve as a fitting backdrop for the accords. Representing the Vaekirate would be Chief Priest Airic of Feymoure, the female Chief Priest hailing from the realm of the southern sylphs. A proponent of southern peace during the last century, Airic specifically requested the honor of leading the peace talks in the capital of the United Kingdoms.
Keeping to their part as hosts, rooms within the Sultan's Palace had been prepared for the incoming dignitaries. One by one their parties had arrived and been set to purpose waiting for their contemporaries. Last but not least, serving as a neutral party with ties to all nations involved, was the Naryur Kharok Szaboyar-Szekeres, who would stand in to express a calming and detached voice with hypothetically nothing to gain from the proceedings.
On the allotted day the grand hall was opened, with the central table left open for the diplomats and the flat stadium like structure around the center left open for their assorted retinues. The table was stone with a fine tablecloth thrown across it in Vaekirate Crimson. Water had been set out as the only refreshment with the tacit hope that the talks would be swift and reasonable.
"My dear friends," spoke Airic, the female sylph's wings buzzing with pride, "I am so pleased to see your decision to join us all here today, together, in the hope for peace. This war has been hard and cruelties have been exercised by many sides; perhaps here we can come to an agreement where all peoples might find harmony with one another."
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Post by cerdigon on Oct 10, 2017 1:52:59 GMT
King Aeron Sefti had not set sight on Mog Bhelnom since the War of Northern Independence. Nor had he wished too. The old Dwarven city was one that had stalked his dreams and his nightmares, yet the King had found much had changed in the century since he had stormed its massive walls with an army at his back. The Almur had taken rubble and transformed it into something beautiful and majestic that even Aeron could grudgingly appreciate. With the departure of New Byrnian Army, King Aeron had left the smoking ruin of Leoten behind and headed West to the Court of the Almur. He had been in the saddle for a year and it showed. Deep lines and crags haunted his once youthful visage and the King moved carefully, as if every step hurt. The last of the North's great monarchs was hurtling towards his end yet while his body withered, the King's mind remained sharp as a knife.
He had few friends in this room.
But when had he let such a thing ever stop him before?
A long moment passed as he waited for Airic to finish before the Fae King stood, one cataract clouded eye squinting as he struggled to bring the Fae into focus.
'' Let me be the first to thank the Vaekirate for this declaration of peace. I believe it saved a good many lives amidst blood that should have never been shed. I would also thank the Naryur for providing a neutral ground in which all parties could meet. ''
From the pleasantries, the old warrior pivoted to attack.
'' But let me also say that this war was not one of the Commonwealth's choosing or that of my grandson. Emperor Juan, my co ruler, left the Prince as his legal heir. This is beyond dispute. Parties motivated by their own self interest chose to intervene and turn what should've been a spark into a raging inferno that has left many thousands of innocents dead. Now we are where we are. I, speaking on behalf of my grandson, have accepted the principal conditions of this armistice. The independence of Ontare and Lucente into sovereign Kingdoms and Berranda City as an independent city state. '' A pause as he gauged the room, then continued.
'' This is not why I have traveled so far. I have come to have justice for Leoten on behalf of its citizens. I have come to ensure the sovereignty of my Kingdom and the withdrawal of all invaders from her sacred soil. While this has been accomplished in the South, it is not so in the North, where an army of occupation with no legal claim and acting to advance only their only territorial ambitions remain conspiring to overthrow our lawful rule. I demand that the Union of Haiho Ausvinthus immediately withdraw and comply with the Vaekirate Decree or be declared an Enemy of the Faith. ''
'' Secondly, on behalf of the citizens of Leoten, I demand financial repartitions from New Byrnis for their crimes against their fellow Aedek brethren. In the history of warfare, I cannot remember such a cruel and merciless bombardment that turned innocent men, women, and children into ash. There was no regard given to the civilian population. Financial reparations will help these poor souls recoup their livelihoods and repairing their shattered lives. ''
With his demands stated, the King resumed his seat next to Chief Priest Leolin, ceding the floor to let others speak.
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Post by aspenivan on Oct 13, 2017 3:46:43 GMT
In contrast to the Sylvan King, Grand Mayor Ishui Bolu showed no signs of war-weariness, though she had kept her attire to a rather simple layered robe of purple and blue and a modest crown. In the face of Aeron's fiery tirade she showed the classic stoicism for which House Ishui had become famous since the reign of Veliu.
"From the reports I've heard, the provincials of Dunmore are very much in support of the Union's current sovereignty over the area. The long injustice of serfdom in particular, I hear, has been abolished to much joy among the common people, as with the abolition of the land scheme in which originaries of the Sefti-Cerdigonian heartland controlled every parcel of worth. Even should the Union depart, the peasants will surely defend what they have won in self-rule. Demanding the province's return would result in unimaginable breaches of Dignity, re-enslaving the population and subjecting them to mass terror. This would be the only way to re-establish Sefti law - inviolable noble rights over both land and subjects - in Dunmore. If your Highness the King of the Sefti-Cerdigonian Commonwealth is truly earnest in your desire to stop the bloodshed, you must admit this end requires accepting that you cannot rule Dunmore. Ceding it to the Union of Haiho-Ausvinthus would be the least disruptive course of action for the locals, who have faced more than enough trouble already on account of Sefti power. However, another option would be to grant the province its own independence.
"As for your demand for reparations, I am entirely in agreement that they must be paid. My commanders' disregard for the lives of fellow Aedakom demands penance and repentance. However, your Highness must excuse me for lacking faith in your intentions: I must presume that should the Crowned Republic pay directly into the Sefti treasury, the gold would be devoured either by the Sefti Royal Army or the various schemes of the Sefti nobility - or both. You may claim otherwise and swear a thousand oaths, but what means are there to hold account? Would ten-thousand functionaries from across the North track every coin? I must insist that the Crowned Republic of New Byrnis pay into a fund controlled and administered by the Messarom Vaekirate itself for the express purpose of relieving the population of Leoten."
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Post by talis on Oct 13, 2017 5:02:09 GMT
Renoth Maidenshot, Chief Priest of the Orcs and spiritual advisor to High Chief Artog, attended the meeting in honor of the Vaekir. In some ways he disliked being here, knowing that even know Orcs were fighting against heathen armies in the north. But Duty called, and the Firetooth were steadfast in their alliance with the Vaekirate. If the Vaekir called a meeting, it was his obligation to be there, whatever the circumstances elsewhere. to show their commitment and adherence to Vaekirate authority.
"If I may, good Airic." He interjected. "The Ruination of Leoten was a great crime against the faithful, a wanton destruction with no regard for their lives such as not been seen since the Fifteen Years' War. I leave the matter of the civil war to our estranged partners, but I urge you to be stringent in this event. War is brutal enough without nations disregarding the lives of faithful civilians when it is convenient for them. If this example is allowed to stand, I fear that future wars will only increase in devastation."
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Post by cerdigon on Oct 13, 2017 5:14:14 GMT
'' Lords and Ladies, you hear the evidence of New Byrnis tacit alliance with the Pagan barbarians invading my Kingdom from the North directly. The aim of New Byrnis isn't fighting to support the justice of Berrandan Independence or that of Lucente. Instead it is the dismantling of the Commonwealth into pieces. Why do we not ask the Hessnyan's, long under the New Byrnian boot if they would wish to secede? Or the Gurdish or the Thrumish population of the Union? I guarantee you would find segments of the population who would be all too happy for partition and division. Allowing the independence of Dunmore or the annexation by the Union will only sow the seeds for future war and bloodshed not only in my own domain but in that of my fellow monarchs. The Union has large Thrumish populations. What is to stop them from claiming that they represent the United Kingdom's dwarfish population or Lucente's goblin population? The Union's foreign policy is forcing itself into regional conflicts for influence and territorial gain, as we see with its intervention in the West against the Firetooth as they move to recover rightful Orcish land and their invasion of the Commonwealth's frontier.. ''
The King turned his hard eyes from the Grand Mayor to Airic. '' The fate of Dunmore is not one I will discuss and is a non negotiable point. I will not allow the Union to use the threat of intervention to support every rebel cause that arises from the Commonwealth's vast population. What I will offer is amnesty for those who took up arms against their Seftian Lords, for these misguided mobs were obviously funded and supported by Union agents. Dunmore, despite New Byrnian attempts to introduce it into the agenda, was not why we have gathered here. It is secure a final and lasting peace in the South. '' Aeron relented after his tirade. The King might have been old but he had lost none of his fire that had made him one of the North's most energetic leaders over the last century and a half.
'' As for Leoten, it is my view, and that of my subjects, that these commanders should be put on trial for war crimes. I will forgo that demand however to speed along these proceedings and get much needed aid to my subjects.. I have no objection to funds being administered by the Vaekirate though I would ask that His Holiness accept an advisor from Leoten's local government to direct the funds where they are needed most at restoring the cities infrastructure. All funds will not go towards the military infrastructure of the city and will be instead directed towards repairing its trade districts and helping the population recover. ''
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Post by zurajai on Oct 14, 2017 19:42:43 GMT
Kharok listened to the responses by all parties at hand with growing interest, leaning in from his seat at the table to catch every detail of their words or off to his interpreter when languages were spoke that he did not understand. His nodding was consistent, seeming to agree or at least see the merit of each point raised by the parties involved. In particular, he seemed greatly aggrieved by the same issues Renoth Maidenshot had raised and had voiced a quiet affirmative in response. At last, as Aeron voiced his final thoughts, Kharok raised his hand to speak.
"I believe we are all in agreement; the harm done to Leoten was flagrant and unacceptable. Such acts are immoral and should have no place in this world, among Aedakom or Pagans. It is clear that we can all agree that the Vaekirate would do well to assist with the efforts to aid the people who suffered most at the hands of their foes. In addition, it is clear that the city of Berranda has earned its freedom, alongside Loo-Can-Tee. Perhaps instead of dividing it on racial lines, let the borders be set at where they lie now with the populations of either side free under Vaekirate supervision to move if they so wish during this tumultuous time. I see no reason to split up families or move them from their homes without their express desire.
With that complete, we must turn our eyes to Dunmore; if what the Recimir says is true, there is no reason the people of Dunmore should not be allowed to live by their wishes. But, to cede it to the Union would be a flagrant disregard for why this war was fought. I propose that they should be given special dispensation within the Commonwealth to self-govern; a protectorate, perhaps, so that they need to be forced back into social hierarchies not of their own choosing. The United Kingdoms has found some measure of success providing such rights to its people and I would be honored to personally assist with the plan, if it is agreeable."
For her part, Airic listened carefully. Her wings fluttered at the claims of each and every party of interest or with a thought to voice and she waited till each had spoken their mind before giving her verdict.
"I believe this is the most acceptable path. Sovereignty is what the Dunmorians wish for, but to simply give them to the Union would be far from that. I shall happily lead the reconstruction of Leoten myself, to service my fellow Aedakom Sylphs in this time of dire need, and will gladly take on the assistance of such a representative of the Navaren people to help direct such work. What say you to this peace treat? No other harm shall be done, no other gold shall pass hands; let us now think to the people, to give them what they need as Dignity demands."
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Post by aspenivan on Oct 15, 2017 1:04:00 GMT
"On behalf of the Crowned Republic of New Byrnis, I accept the terms proposed by Chief Priest Airic, in accordance with the suggestions of the good Naryur Kharok." While Bolu would have preferred that Eshara gain something for its trouble entering the war, she knew that insisting on the point could only weaken her position. Perhaps in the future, when her treasury had recovered from the hefty investments she had made into war preparations as well as the upcoming reparations payment, she could send at least a monetary gift as a token of goodwill.
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Post by cerdigon on Oct 15, 2017 14:17:12 GMT
'' I am not comfortable allowing Loo Can Tee to border the Commonwealth's most productive agricultural province, a province that feeds half of my country and if at risk would put the rest at starvation. A buffer is what is needed, hence why Cerbon will be divided and is the only acceptable answer, despite whatever strain it puts it on the civilian population. War is cruel as the Ruination of Leoten has shown but we must ensure a just and safe peace. If we do not, it will only feed the flames of further conflict. My original terms remain Naryur. Lucente will annex its population centers and the Commonwealth will annex the human settlements, dividing Cerbon in two. This will protect Hakin from potential raids and attacks which the Loo Can Tee have proven to be quite effective. ''
'' As for Dunmore, I am willing to grant consent for the formation of an elected body from among the gentry, with limited self government and taxation rights. Such reforms will be instituted by my grandson. At the conclusion of these peace negotiations and the complete end of hostilities... '' The old King said raising a kerchief to suppress a cough.. '' I will abdicate as King of the Commonwealth in favor of my grandson Prince Rhodri and retire from public life. '' King Aeron had ruled the Commonwealth for over one hundred and fifty years as an absolute monarch but he had recognized the political realities of the situation. He was no longer the strongman that the Commonwealth needed to survive, that would be up to Rhodri. With Aeron still alive to carry out a smooth succession, he could continue to shape policy behind the scenes and ensue the stability of his dynasty.
'' If this is acceptable, I move we close these proceedings. ''
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Post by aspenivan on Oct 15, 2017 20:38:33 GMT
"You slander the Loo-Can-Tee with your words," the Grand Mayor pointed out. "They have shown just treatment to those under their army's occupation, and their land raids have struck only military columns as far as I have been informed. If it is their wartime piracy you object to, surely their land borders have nothing to do with your concern. And once they are at peace, I have no doubt they will cease such activities. When, in their long history of self-rule, have the Loo-Can-Tee ever started a war until now? What past crimes can you point to as any reasonable evidence for mistrust?
"As for your proposed 'concession' to Dunmore, you fail to address any of the reasons for their disloyalty." Bolu now turned her head to the Chief Priest; she recognized his moral authority before King Aeron's. To Airic, she allowed emotion to enter her voice that she refused to direct at her Sefti opponent. "What use is a council of gentry, when all standing noble titles are monopolized by the descendants of those who conquered the land? What use, when the people's grievances were the violent imposition of serfdom and mandatory worship to the benefit of the nobility? Surely the solution to Dunmore's troubles is not even greater feudal autonomy, for which the Commonwealth is already infamous. It must be farmers' autonomy. Burghers' autonomy. Concessions which I doubt the Commonwealth can grant without twisting its own laws beyond recognition; this is why I initially suggested either independence or integration into the Union of Haiho-Ausvinthus.
"However," she turned back to King Aeron, her tone settling back to its matter-of-fact neutrality, "I am prepared to let you prove me wrong, but your current proposal is no such thing."
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Post by cerdigon on Oct 15, 2017 21:42:36 GMT
'' You have no moral high ground to lecture me mayor. '' The King said with a sneer. '' I can certainly point to all of YOUR past crimes. You who ordered the massacre of an entire city, the slaughter of its inhabitants. This is a violation of the Commonwealth's sovereignty. A sovereignty that has been violated by the interference of New Byrnis and the Union at every step despite the legalities of all concerned. The Loo Can Tee have slaughtered the nobles of Cerbon, have raided deep into Hakin, burning and killing. I will not have them a stones throw from the Old Imperial Capital of Thesus, Mayor. I do not care for their past history of gentle farm folk, I care that only weeks ago they were at the banks of the Jetma and threatening my Queen and my children in their own capital. '' King Aeron's voice was growing louder with each word, his bronze fist slamming onto the table.
'' I am tired of New Byrnian games and New Byrnian threats. There will be no independence or ceding of Commonwealth territory, the only autonomy I grant will come from what the Commonwealth gives. This is what I'm offering: an elected council of the gentry, local gentry made up of Dunmoran stock who can represent the concerns of their citizens. The roots of which are based on the rights of worship and taxation. Issues that the gentry are best equipped to address as the primary landholders. Further reforms will be implemented by my successor. If the Union refuses to withdraw, I will prepare my armies. ''
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Post by aspenivan on Oct 15, 2017 22:10:35 GMT
"The crimes of my generals I am already prepared to atone for," Ishui Bolu quickly riposted. "The crimes of which you accuse Loo-Can-Tee, however, are entirely fictional. What slaughter? What burning and killing? Without a doubt many a brave noble died in combat, but is that not the nature of their duty? Of course, the vast majority of the defeated are prisoners rather than casualties, and of their treatment I have heard of only proper conduct. Likewise, I have heard of only proper conduct towards the populace in Cerbon and Hakin, with no reports of looting or destruction of settlements.
"And I find your insistence on imposing noble titles upon the free peasants of Dunmore troubling. Perhaps they will accept promotion from among their own ranks more readily than re-instituting the old titles, but without an end to serfdom there will be no end to the violence." She frowned. "It is disturbing, I must say, how with one hand you present your supposed concern for 'ending the violence,' while with the other you present the refrains of 'war is cruel' and readily dismiss 'strains on the civilian population.' Which hand is your true one? Choose, good King, and then stop waving around the other."
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Kho
Landed Knight
Posts: 140
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Post by Kho on Oct 17, 2017 23:02:24 GMT
'The people of Dunmore have made their choice.' Hairuwulf Theudis at last spoke. He had kept respectful silence and nodded every now and then in agreement with a point made by the Mayor, but the undignified raving of King Aeron now forced him to speak - lest his shouting and screaming win out over the Mayor's calm reason. The former Recimir's cold eyes had not left the King at all during the course of the negotiations, and the longer he watched the more convinced he became of the essential madness that gripped the half-elf. And the word of a madman could never be trusted - not that the word of Aeron Sefti could be trusted anyhow. 'They welcomed liberation and actively struggled to see Sefti occupation lifted. The Holy Union of Haiho Ausvinthus and True Eshara has no plan to withdraw from Dunmore until the independence of the region is recognised. Eshara did not enter this war to annex Dunmore, but now that it's people - like their brethren in the south - cry out for freedom, Eshara cannot ignore their calls; just as it could not ignore the calls of the Berrandans and Ontareans and those of Loo-Can-Tee. Eshara is not prepared to negotiate on the status of Dunmore - if the Sefti wish to discuss this matter, they may do so directly with Dunmore's rightful representatives. However, if the Sefti eschew negotiations with Dunmore, then the tongue will be silent and the rifle will speak.' He said it matter-of-factly, in that stern way of his.
'As for Loo-Can-Tee, there is no reason rooted in reality to deny its people their full ancestral territories. Drawing arbitrary lines across the ancestral homeland of a people is not fitting at all and will no doubt create tensions and conflict in the future. Cerbon in its entirety must go to Loo-Can-Tee. If King Aeron has doubts about the integrity of the people of Loo-Can-Tee, he may have them as he pleases - but these doubts are no basis for denying Loo-Can-Tee its territory. As things stand, we do not recognise these 'crimes' that Loo-Can-Tee is accused of - it is not a crime to use all available force and strategies so as to gain liberation.
'As for reparations for the unfortunate destruction at Leoten, Eshara is prepared to contribute, alongside New Byrnis, to funds for reconstruction. Eshara insists, however, that a representative from New Byrnis also oversee the administration of these funds. While we have no doubts about the integrity of Sefti "advisors" or Vaekirate overseers, it is fundamental that there be complete transparency and cooperation on this matter. It can only be achieved if a New Byrnian advisor is also assigned to the administration of these funds. We reject the idea that the Mayor ordered the killing of the civilians of Leoten and respectfully request that the King not make any further unsubstantiated claims or accusations. The tragedy at Leoten must, of course, be investigated by New Byrnis so as to discover how such a catastrophe came to be inflicted on Leoten's inhabitants, but it is too early at this stage to accuse anybody of anything. As far as we can see, it was a tragic military misjudgement and should be treated as such until the investigation is complete.' For the first time in the course of the meeting, Hairuwulf lifted his gaze from Aeron Sefti and looked for a few brief moments at the Mayor. His expression was unreadable, though perhaps it grew - for a few brief moments before his gaze returned to the King - less frigid.
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Post by talis on Oct 17, 2017 23:45:05 GMT
"Are we to accept, then, pagan conquest of an Aedak land?" Renoth glanced at Airic, but said no more. His words carried all the weight of implication he needed to: the Union was honorable enough, but they were not Aedak. The souls, faith and honor of the people of Dunmore would be at stake under a heathen ruler. It would also set a terrible precedent, destroying any pretense that the Aedak nations were willing to put aside their differences when threatened by other faiths.
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Kho
Landed Knight
Posts: 140
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Post by Kho on Oct 18, 2017 1:16:41 GMT
'The people of Dunmore,' Hairuwulf spoke, without lifting his gaze from the King, 'are predominantly of the Esharan faith. It is Esharan land inhabited by Esharan people.' Turning his gaze upon Airic he continued, 'this conflict is not religious, however, and I protest tremendously against this attempt to make it religious. In all cases, the honourable Orc has clearly misunderstood my words: at no point have I suggested that Eshara will annex Dunmore. If the people of Dunmore should ever wish - of their own will - to enter into union with Eshara, that is one matter, but what is being proposed and what will be defended by Eshara is the establishment and recognition of an independent Dunmorian nation. The people of Dunmore have tasted freedom, just as those of Ontare and Loo-Can-Tee have, and their cry for freedom must be heard and acknowledged.'
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Post by zurajai on Oct 18, 2017 4:45:54 GMT
"You speak false on that, Hairuwulf, though not on everything you have said," uttered Kharok, rising to the response; he had sat quiet, looking with beetled brow as the surprisingly aggressive point was raised by the Firetooth, "The population of Dunmore, as I am aware, are not Esharan. They followed the faith of the long-dead warlord Sylph, Tanglemane. Though I appreciate your desire to represent the people, if you start stating all pagans belong to the banner of Eshara then you put yourself as master of many lands that are beyond your reach and the foe of many who would see you friend by other circumstances.
The point is conceded, though, that the citizens of Dunmore do wish for increased freedoms; they have languished beneath the hand of serfdom too long. A vile practice, by all my dealings with it, and one I would not willingly consign even my worst enemy to. Their desires are no less valid than those of Loo-Can-Tee and Ontare. Call upon them to be a protectorate of the Commonwealth and Empire, I suggest; give them increased freedoms to self-govern while still remaining members of their mother country. This is the only fair way to represent BOTH sides of the conflict respectfully."
Airic, for her part, seemed to agree. Despite this, she certainly seemed to have a different focus for discussion as she chimed in her own interpretation.
"My esteemed colleague raises an important point. The precedent set by such an act would be unthinkable and it is not one I intend to create now. The simple fact is, the nation of Dunmore did NOT rise up in open rebellion until the arrival of the Esharans; some might point to agitation by the Esharans as cause. The only way to confirm the good intentions of the Union's intervention is to provide the freedoms the Dunmorians desire WITHOUT compromising their status as an Imperial Province; anything less and the ruse has been made clear.
I suggest the following, in line with the Naryur; the province of Cerbon, in full, should be ceded to the Loo-Can-Tee Republic with the caveat that ALL Imperial assets within the region are returned as well as the fair compensation of the Empire for its loss, paid in full by Loo-Can-Tee. In addition, for the period of one year the Vaekirate shall oversee the free movement of all citizens of the current Imperial Province of Cerbon who wish to remain as citizens of the Esharan Empire by emigrating to another region within the Empire. We shall work with the Imperial bureaucracy and officials to make sure this transition functions as smoothly as possible.
The province of Dunmore shall become an Imperial Protectorate, with a democratic leadership to be modeled after any citizen-representative system the citizens and the Imperial government can agree upon; this may be, but is not limited to, Lucentian Republicanism, Firetooth-esque Great Houses, or the constitutional democracy of the United Kingdoms. They will continue to pay taxes through their own government to the Empire, will still serve within the military, and will still function in all resource-related capacities as a province of the Empire, so the economy of the Empire does not suffer from the loss.
Lastly, the Crowned Republic shall pay a lump sum to afford the repairs to Leoten as well as proper compensation to the families who suffered beneath their bombardment. The Vaekirate will launch its own investigation, requiring one representative from Navaren and one from New Byrnis to assist, into discovering the truth of what occurred. If the Union wishes to add to this sum, they are welcome to, but it may not reduce the amount the Crowned Republic will pay.
What say you to this?"
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