Declaration of War Against the Labarean Empire by the Kingdom of Laeryll
Purpose
The Declaration of War Against the Labarean Empire by the Kingdom of Laeryll is the formal document that codifies the decision by the Kingdom of Laeryll to declare immediate war against the Labarean Empire. Its contents are based on the speech that King Olyxx III gave after the Festival of Light, in which he informed his subjects that they should prepare for warfare.
The codification of this speech was made for archival purposes, but also so that other parties could be informed about the decision to declare war.
Historical Details
Background
Tensions between the Labarean Empire and the Kingdom of Laeryll reached an all-time high when Lloridan, an ancient elven city in Zhai, was invaded by the Imperial Army in 903 LC in order to curtail the trade in magic items. This added to existing frustrations about the Labarean treatment of elven heritage elsewhere, as well as persistent rumors that the Labareans were active within the territories of the Kingdom of Laeryll. Some scholars added to this that the Labarean Magic Ban threatened the very nature of elvenkind, especially after centuries in which elven influence receded to accomodate for humans and gnomes.
Secondly, the assassination of Supreme General Kalied Ilbaereth that same year put Drynieth Herell in charge of the Laeryllian military. While Ilbaereth had been opposed to war with the Labareans, Herell was eager to join the fight in Zhai.
Thirdly, one day prior to King Olyxx's traditional state speech to close off the Festival of Light, The Citadel of Prydisyrr was hijacked and this event was (erroneously) attributed to agents from the Labarean Blade of Dorgoth and considered to be an act of war. This event was testament to the fear in which the elves of Laeryll lived: there was a widespread sentiment that an attack by the Empire would only be a matter of time.
Fourthly, not all Province Keepers participated in the talk leading up to the king's speech and those who were present were all overtly optimistic about the military capacity of the kingdom. The refugees from Zhai, wood elves from Qosid and dwarven clans from The Porcupine were all expected to join a well-trained, motivated Laeryllian army.
Public Reaction
While the public had been clamoring for a firm stance against the Labarean Empire, the lack of specifics about preparations for war caused concerns. The Communes of Qosid were shocked to learn that they had not been informed about the decision before the declaration was made.
Type
Decree, Royal
Medium
Vellum / Skin
Authoring Date
903 LC
Location
Authors
Signatories (Characters)
Signatories (Organizations)
Comments