State of Esshar

[Jumpy]

— 1751 —

living side by side

might as well be worlds apart –

city of contrasts

War.
War is declared across all of Esshar. Nations. Kingdoms. Groups. Guilds. Ideas. As the stars bear witness to the world shedding their humanity a response from the City of Secrets is expected. Requested by some. Who else but a bard could tell the world of Alabastre's decision?

King Basil's words are given out ad verbatim.

"Alabastre always remained a safe haven for its people."

"But it seems the rest of the world is only interested when even the smallest spark of dark candle is ignited- sending them to frenzy of panic and reach out as soon as possible. To someone who's not a warrior, it is understandable."

"To someone who is, it looks silly. Though..."

"Make no mistake - Alabastre will stand against the darkness, in defense. It will safeguard the newer generation and those that seek solace from war; and should things get dire, we will lend our forces to battlefield directly. Otherwise?"

"Our presence is felt not with the march of thousand boots."
"Our presence is felt when key figures fall on the opposite side."
"My men will continue the hunt - as they always have. Alone, as they always have."

A message lies within the man's words, that much is clear, and it isn't long before Kofe shares words of his own.

"Ever since that meteor came from up above the fight against darkness has touched those who had no intention on partaking in it. I cannot shun a man for being a coward, so long as he accepts he is one.

Those who binds themselves to Helheim remain our enemy. Those who bestowed death upon Ella remain my enemy. Those who come for my family will be met with all I possess.

Etch your worth upon the world if you wish to live, Demons.
Etch your mistake upon my children if you wish to die.

King Alexander, we appreciate your act of defense. We will not reciprocate.

The City of Secrets will welcome the innocent, those who have yet to lose their humanity as we older ones have. For they do not deserve to lose their friends and family as we have.

We will not advance.
We will not meddle.
Seeing this as weakness would be an act of sheer folly."

Adding to the announcement a prominent figure in Alabastre speaks their own thoughts: Bay, Lorespeaker of clan Eryni.

"By all means send the children and those that wish not to fight towards Alabastre. The doors have been open here for a number of years - Whether it be for learning or otherwise they can find shelter here.

That said… Those in Alabastre that wish to take a front on this war? Join me. I can’t sit idly by while I know the Demonic threat runs rampant and is now scaling an all out attack alongside Theria. That’s not what my clan would want - This is what should be done.

And Valero? I hope you brought your dancing shoes because I’m coming right for you. This isn’t the friend I made those years ago amongst the Spirit Realm’s waves."

• Alabastre will not join any side on the ongoing war.
  
• The help extended by Alexander rei Petrakis to defend the City of Secrets is accepted, but not returned.
  
• Alabastre invites every children across Esshar to seek refuge away from the tides of war and promises their safety within the city.
  
• In order to accommodate for orphans of war and young magi seeking knowledge, many small academies within the city lower their cost for entry, making knowledge more accessible to those who seek refuge.
  
• Cassius Gracia carries on his dream of faring the seas by taking the helm of Alabastre's small, yet effective naval forces, ascending to the position of Naval Commander.
  
• After the successful treatment of many, Kofe, Lorespeaker of clan Ilian and Rella Caller extends their help to any occultist wishing to control and cure the insanity that comes with their magic within the safety of Alabastre's borders.
  
• Bay invites any and all who have personal stakes within the war to hunt alongside him using small, compact teams for guerrilla warfare.
  
• Ilburg remains equally neutral.