A Meditation

[Gavin_ 2027]

A Meditation

11th of the Amber Cold, 1611

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Preamble

 

The hearth is temperate, emitting an audible flurry of crackling, amber embers. The gilded chandeliers adorned with candle lit flames gives the dining hall a secure sense of comfort and cosiness.

 

Despite this apparent tranquillity, I recline in a state of perplexity. The uncertainty of the righteousness and justification of my previous actions, embedding a stomach-churning feeling deep within. It is within this state of perplexity, that I am forced to pen my thoughts concerning the matter to provide not only myself with clarity of thought, but my people with clarity of conscience. It is within the confines of Baden’s Hold that I do proceed.

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Introduction

 

The man who pens this contemplation is none other than I, Frederick Staunton-Baden. I was the brother of a King, I am the Arch-Chancellor of his son, yet most recently, I am the harbinger of war. I write with a tone deprived of lament - no trace of it on my mind, nor sympathy for those declared enemies of my people as it is of their own doing.

 

I do write with conviction however, having heard the rhetoric and sophistry of the so called ‘men’ who would insult my Kingdom, my House and myself.

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The False Pretense of an Empire

 

Following the demise of the Kingdom Haense-Ruska, it was the victor, Courland who was declared an Empire. I will momentarily declare why this is a false claim with the sole aim of bringing the Kingdom of Courland into disrepute.  

 

I shall state objectively and without a trace of subjectivity, the transgressions of each Kingdom, starting with a list of offences by the Kingdom of Haense-Ruska;

 

1. The raiding of lands belonging to the Kingdom of Courland by a Baron of the Kingdom.

2. The murder of Meric Staunton, Lord Emissary of Courland whilst on a diplomatic mission at the court of his cousin, Marius, the former King of Haense.

3. The beheading of Duke Marna whilst in Karlsberg.

4. The kidnapping of the daughter of Duke de Savin.

5. The kidnapping of a Courlandic Princess.

6. The issuing of an Ultimatum.

7. A Declaration of War.

 

Now, I shall list the transgressions of the Kingdom of Courland;

 

1. The raiding of lands belonging to the Kingdom of Haense-Ruska.

2. The execution of a Count of the Kingdom of Haense-Ruska.

3. Victory over the Kingdom of Haense-Ruska.

 

I shall not delve into detail pertaining each item listed above. However, I do not believe that I must as it is quite clear who the blame for the demise of the Kingdom Haense-Ruska befalls. Despite offering amnesty and refuge to all of the North, we were branded as tyrants. Detestable!

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The Mardonian-Courlandic Conflict

 

Whilst the Duchy of Mardon was under a regency, the regent at the time decided to take advantage of the situation by declaring their intent to betray and rebel from the Kingdom of Courland on the eve of battle with Haense. The Duchy of Mardon decided that when their liege most needed them, it was time for them to pursue their own interests.

 

Unbeknownst to them at the time, it was Courland who Triumphed and it was Courland who would not forget this sickening treachery. Thusly, war ensued. The Kingdom of Courland however, decided to be merciful as it had been with the Kingdom of Haense-Ruska. One must recall the Mardon-Courland Treaty of 1607. Again, we were branded as tyrants.

 

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The moon now was at its peak, owls hooting, the flames from the Hearth beginning to dwindle - he rises.

 

 

 

With a brief addition of Courlandic pine, and the stoking of the fire with Courlandic iron, its heat once more radiated and illuminated the dining hall.

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The Courlandic-Ruthern Conflict

 

All one has to do is recall the Ruthern Restoration Act of 1604 for an example of the kindness, generosity and good-will shown to House Ruthern. This relationship would end when the House Ruthern, a Crown Vassal invaded a foreign Duchy within the Kingdom and annexed the County of Istria. This was declared an inexcusable, unjustifiable, illegal and illegitimate action.  Thusly, the Crown issued, once more, generous terms to which they did not agree to, for accepting whichever terms you see fit does not complete the accord. We then summoned them to court and were met with, at the start, pleasantries. This good nature suddenly changed when I branded them as rebels and traitors for refusing to accept and comply with all of the terms - as it was declared would happen in the Royal Response to the Annexation.  They then drew their weapons and aggressed upon their liege in his court - a boy died. To the death of this lad, I do not condone nor will I ever condone infanticide, however, this is the doing of his own men. The boy was caught up in the conflict and sadly perished. May he rest with GOD above.

 

What I find utterly repulsive is the capitalisation of this tragic event by House Ruthern. They are disgracing the boys legacy by using his unfortunate death as propaganda for which to fuel and justify their lust for war. GOD will judge each and everyone of you according to your actions. To you rebels, we shall meet you on the battlefield.

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The Kingdom of Courland was founded on the principles of Liberty, Freedom and Truth. Yet when we are subjected to Subjugation, Slavery and Dishonesty, we must strike. Remember, it was us who took on the Empire and called upon the nations of the world to aid us in our conquest of tyranny. We cannot be tyrants for it is not in our nature to be so.

 

As the birds once more begin to sing their morning song, I shall leave you - the GOOD people of Courland with a final remark.

 

 

Ave Courland

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Signed,

Prince Frederick Staunton-Baden, Arch-Chancellor of Courland, Count of Trier.

[Cornivore 1292]

Uther Grimlee reads this saying"Hm, I better stay neutral in this conflict." 

[LoLzboi 661]

Nikolas would read the document, nodding

[Ixli 1472]

The traveling elf would pick up the long document, reading over the marks upon the paper. "I do not - will not - involve myself in such silly conflicts of the valah. Again, they prove themselves plagued with anger against one another. Johannessburg is a ripe example of this - the failing of the valah disease that land, forever marking it with death. I, time and time again, have come to their aid only for the end of a conflict to result in more of equal proportion. Do you want another Oren to happen, I ask you? There is no peace without war, of course not, but there is also no peace when there is ALWAYS war!" Varen'thal spits out. 

[JuliusAakerlund 2402]

48 minutes ago, Gavin_T said:

All one has to do is recall the Ruthern Restoration Act of 1604 for an example of the kindness, generosity and good-will shown to House Ruthern. This relationship would end when the House Ruthern, a Crown Vassal invaded a foreign Duchy within the Kingdom and annexed the County of Istria. This was declared an inexcusable, unjustifiable, illegal and illegitimate action.  Thusly, the Crown issued, once more, generous terms to which they did not agree to, for accepting whichever terms you see fit does not complete the accord. We then summoned them to court and were met with, at the start, pleasantries. This good nature suddenly changed when I branded them as rebels and traitors for refusing to accept and comply with all of the terms - as it was declared would happen in the Royal Response to the Annexation.  They then drew their weapons and aggressed upon their liege in his court - a boy died. To the death of this lad, I do not condone nor will I ever condone infanticide, however, this is the doing of his own men. The boy was caught up in the conflict and sadly perished. May he rest with GOD above.

 

What I find utterly repulsive is the capitalisation of this tragic event by House Ruthern. They are disgracing the boys legacy by using his unfortunate death as propaganda for which to fuel and justify their lust for war. GOD will judge each and everyone of you according to your actions. To you rebels, we shall meet you on the battlefield.

 

"His only transgression being that of not paying a sum of 7k mina, to the very person he'd explained was of dubius nature and trying to have him killed. In response to such you brand them traitors and kill him then claiming he was simply manipulated? It is laughable at best to argue so vaguely, even at that you make the point to think you've only angered kingdoms, there are many others you've angered this rebellion is the voice of the many not the voice of a single force. I wish not for power nor for land but simply for the giant that fails to see its own corruption to be shown what happens when one falls from grace." Ilthrumar would say as he thinks of his former liege and the early death he'd had at the hands of the nation he trusted.

[Vetren54 368]

"This argument is riddled with fallacies." , Tiberius would murmur to his comrade as he read the missive. "Its just like Courland to lie themselves out of something they put themselves into."

[func_Soap 410]

"Care to share the lies? I'm sure we can clarify them. Taking a boy of eight to a meeting you're intending on refusing the terms to an amnesty for is questionable in its own right, but to draw first... They might as well have killed him themselves, yet they still use his death as an excuse to war us. And let's not forget the multitude of attacks made on the 19 and 12 year old princesses by Hansetic Assassins. A 12 year old, being shot at and having thanhium thrown at her in a church."

[Archbishop 1784]

"You've skipped out how soldiers of Courland went and tried to raid and kill the Tosali leader whilst still fighting on your side, happily they've now switched but hey you've skipped out very obvious examples of war mongering by the empire of Courland." says Felix Fitch.

[JuliusAakerlund 2402]

8 hours ago, mra8ur93ss said:

"Care to share the lies? I'm sure we can clarify them. Taking a boy of eight to a meeting you're intending on refusing the terms to an amnesty for is questionable in its own right, but to draw first... They might as well have killed him themselves, yet they still use his death as an excuse to war us. And let's not forget the multitude of attacks made on the 19 and 12 year old princesses by Hansetic Assassins. A 12 year old, being shot at and having thanhium thrown at her in a church."

 

"Taking a boy of eight to a meeting? Indeed we did if you hadn't the faintest clue my liege is a young count left in his position because of the ravages of war upon his family and the sacrifices they've made for Courland in their wars." Ilthrumar says calmly.

 

"A meeting you're intending on refusing the terms to an amnesty for?" He'd say as he continues reading. "It took near a saints hour for the talks, it was the young count that had fulfilled everything but the payment of minas to the snake duke, he talked with his King wishing only for him to understand the plans the duke had for his life and land the ulterior motives he had. He pleaded as he hadn't the money to pay that his men and loyalty was worth more to the King alive and by his side rather than branded traitors because of the dukes manipulations of fact." He'd continue on. "Yet not only did the King not listen, he branded them traitors for not being able to pay and not wishing to pay the very person whom lies and deceives to tarnish their name, that oogles their land with a forked tongue and watery mouth." Ilthrumar takes a breath before he shakes his head.

 

"Not only that after the young count and his uncle tries to calm the court by telling them they wish only for peace a man standing but a arm's length from the count draws his axe in anger, threatening his very life do you think we would just stand by and watch as he is slaughtered unjustly? The host protected the count and quickly made ways to find a escape for their liege, it is my only regret we failed to protect him." Ilthrumar would seem passionate yet he's quite calm as he speaks.

 

"You have lost your way Courland and House Staunton with it you've been corrupted and become the very force you've sought out and destroyed.

You lie using your strength and influence to hush those that haven't the power to speak up for themselves, create entire realities of falsehood and manipulate your own people. I fight for my people Courlander, if these lies and falsehoods make you feel better about the side you've chosen may it be so even if I fall on the battlefield at least i've died fighting for that which is right." He'd step forward slightly as he speaks his last piece.

 

"You use Hansetic Assassins to represent some wrong doing by House Ruthern? You speak as though it was Rutherns that attempted upon the life of those children? If you truely believe so you must be quite blinded. The force that fights you is not one people, not one society, not one culture, not one kingdom it is the united force of all the people you've wronged and the people you've angered while Courland has flabbed its fat to choke and supress others. 

Choke them hard enough and they'll bite back, remember this is the very way your fight against the Empire that Courland toppled began."

 

[Sky 0]

"A nation built on war, is a nation lost in peace." mutters Trevane to his father.

[Chryasor 269]

18 hours ago, Gargled said:

The traveling elf would pick up the long document, reading over the marks upon the paper. "I do not - will not - involve myself in such silly conflicts of the valah. Again, they prove themselves plagued with anger against one another. Johannessburg is a ripe example of this - the failing of the valah disease that land, forever marking it with death. I, time and time again, have come to their aid only for the end of a conflict to result in more of equal proportion. Do you want another Oren to happen, I ask you? There is no peace without war, of course not, but there is also no peace when there is ALWAYS war!" Varen'thal spits out. 

Another elf would walk up beside him, taking the paper from his hands and reading over it

"Just over 15 years ago there was a big war, and now theres another one, how long ago was it that the elven realms went to war with each other?

The humans need to simply commit to peace for once, and realise there is a greater foe."

[gandalfo 1452]

Moved to The Great Library. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.

 

If you feel this is a mistake, please contact myself or any FM and we'll restore it.