State of Esshar

[Epoch]

The City of Magic:
1806 AC

The seasons of autumn, winter and spring come by swiftly in the past year until it encroaches on winter once more. A colder winter, maybe only because of the war that looms on the horizon. The bold declarations from those factions all around the City of Magic do well to stir chaos.
The common folk stew in uncertainty for what is to come.

Alas, though, long overdue, the Archmagi of Osrona finally addresses the state and his people in response to this: Declaration of War by the Fireblooded, Deep Company and Grimmore.

"Prepare yourselves, this is going to be a long one." The newspaper warns to those receiving this by bulletin rather than by ear. And boy was it.

"It is with a heavy heart that I must address you so soon. I promised prosperity and instead we sit on the precipice of war. I understand your doubts yet do not despair. I promise you there will be no demise during my leadership. People once thought to be allies turncoat and strike our backs. I'll explain how it came to be for the majority who are as confused as I was.

The Gala of Ascension was a night of celebration, ruined when Orodyn Vartuul assaulted an Astor boy. It took only the mention of the Astor name to stir him into a mad rage. He ignored an honor duel request, demanded nobility be revoked and lunged at my throat. Varceal Vartuul and Lannis Grimmore joined his defense. They struck out at unarmed civilians, opposed justice and cared none for the dishonor of the assassination attempt. What followed was an execution and justice dealt when the defeated Orodyn requested his life for his captured brothers. Osrona honored the request even when we did not have to.

This leads us to today, where our beautiful city, Osrona sits at an impasse of war. A war with the poor rationale of revenge with far more nefarious goals underfoot.

Some claim mercy could have been shown however appeasing weakly-loyal allies only works for so long. As much as you do not want to hear it, this was inevitable. They disrespected hallowed terms of neutrality and showed they will not respect our sovereign rights.

Varceal Vartuul says the bloodshed will not be stopped and in the very same breath says that he is reasonable.

The Dragonlords demands show incompetence. To suggest the rich history of Osrona's Heroes be replaced by pirates is disrespectful. Putting a dozen coin-chasers as this cities militia is not only uninspiring but has to be a cruel joke. The leader of Osrona is one recognised by her people not put in by another government and the title of Archmagi is bestowed by the Old Gods.

The Grimmore deals in lies and deceit. The same boy who is putting you, who is putting Osrona in this predicament via usurpation is asking you to help him. He chooses not to stop all of this. Lannis once sought redemption from the Stellus, to earn his keep here and swore a blood-pact. He's broken it the second opportunity arrived.

There's something wrong with your character if opportunity controls your loyalty.

Osrona is a meritocracy and I am the example, an orphan who earned the title of Archmagi. Our revered Church pulls no strings and the Pelleaux work like anyone else, devoting themselves to the prosperity of the people. Under me is a council, however, I, a commoner make the final decisions. It was my decision to honor Orodyn's request when knight-keeper Pelleaux awaited orders.

As for the pirates (an image is plastered in the middle of the recorded speech).
         

These are the people Osrona's enemies want to be this cities militia. These letters are unfathomable. Lawless pirates and opportunists seek to self-impose themselves upon our city and its sense of justice. That's all this is, a war of conquest with threats of genocide if they do not get their way. They saw an opportunity and they seek to plunder.

However, one thing the Holy Order of Dawn will not tolerate is threats against the innocent. 

Unprovoked attacks against our citizens will be met in kind.

People of this country, Esshar, I implore you to see reason and fight for the light. Do not be swindled by these lies and darkness. This war is as uninspiring as their speeches, it is for no greater purpose. Their so-called leader has to employ pirates, unable to rally honest men to his cause. They're manipulators and liars. Do not be mindless sheep in their corrupted herd.

With this speech comes our stance on Achyon. Moxtli brought the treaty to a sudden close thus we'll be issuing a ceasefire with the City of Achyon.

The Order of Dawn will be focusing first and foremost on the defence of its home, Osrona and the surrounding territories that make up her city-state. As it always will, her people and her sovereign right will be the first priority. And like time immemorial, our knights will fight for justice, honor, righteousness and reason in these times of conflict.

To anyone that wishes security and safety, I offer Osrona's walls to you. Travel and trade will be slow for the next few years. Leaving our walls difficult but you will sleep at night knowing dawn will rise tomorrow and the light of Kraus will shine upon you. 

To conclude, I was informed recently of an old saying that Osronans used as a battle cry. If there's one thing to take away from this address, let it be this:

Hic Sunt Leones. It means Here be the Lions. Lions do not back down. Nor will Osrona."

Following this address from Archmagi Amori, Osrona announces war against the Fireblooded Temple in the north and the Sirenian Pirates in the south. Ever preparing to fight a war on both sides.
The Treaty of Entente with Moxtli confirmed dissolved.

In other news..
Osrona begins to garrison the Baleford Bridge and surrounding territories.
Expeditions outside the city become more frequent, the Order of Second Dawn seen preparing for a closer-fought war under Lightbearer Cristole's strong leadership. Knights and non-magi soldiers are withdrawn from the conflict in the west with Achyon.
Alistair ven Pelleaux rallies knights for an expedition north in an inspiring speech.