The Caravan Post: Usurper or Liberator?

[Barak Mandorallen]

(This Article is posted on boards in the Major cities and settlements by Caravan members and third party couriers)
The Caravan Post

Usurper or Liberator?

On the last edition of the post I had the chance to interview Hadrian Dominic, Current Oracle, for now that is. If my next target of interview has anything to say about it, that won’t last long.

I am of course speaking of Solomon Equisol, A diplomat by his own words, of which he had many to say, such is the way of diplomats and nobles I suppose.

The Lord Equisol, is an interesting man, as are most of the people who run things, he is not at all what I expected, and was actually surprisingly kind to a punk kid reporter such as myself. But of course that is the power of diplomats and politicians, able to act one way in private and be firebrands in public.

However, if his words were true, I see a bit of hope for peace in this debacle among Aphros elites, but I also advise caution my dear readers, for the truth can be subjective to many, and not everyone tells the truth all the time, This is true of my last subject of interview, Hadrian Dominic, and it will continue to remain true as long as these articles land within the realm of politics.

Now I asked many questions and he had many many answers, some I agree with, some I do not, but I will let you judge the answers on your own merit, and provide some minor commentary as needed.

This one is a long one, so stick with us till the end.

Q: "SO, I have to say, I had not heard of you at all till recently, can you tell me your previous roles and who you are? Where are you from? What did you do?"


A:"I am known as Lord Solomon Equisol to many, but-" 

"I am many things. I was one of the diplomats of Aphros, a representative of nobility, a Kingmaker, the Herald of Athelios, a councilman, and many more."

"Since the earliest days of Aphros, I pushed on the diplomacy deals that were greatly beneficial to us all- exposed corruption that was sinking Aphros as a whole- and fought on the battlefields for our nation, time and time again. I participated in the Trials of Oracle as well, though Vaelrun Emris was chosen at the time." 

"I'm from Aphros myself. Born and raised in that place too - it is my home, and I'll do everything in my power to see it exalted."

"-- even if it means making such a difficult choice now."

Q: "I had heard the original peace deal was in part, made over you was it not? Your capture? What led you from being a prisoner of Delphina to being an ally of them, championing the, well I suppose in your eyes, freedom of your people?"

A: "I do not side with Delphina."

"Going by pure political terms, I am borrowing the Delphina's Monarch military strength for military intervention, as Hadrian has illegitimately seized the military of Aphros."

"Many have likely overlooked the fact, but the Monarch of Delphina made no attempts to intervene with internal issues of Aphros, nor did she have a hand in deciding the future of Aphros. She does, however, have an interest in the region's stability, because no matter what people say, instability in one of the neighboring nations results in a number of issues for another."

Q: "Ok, interesting enough, Now, let's get to the meat of it all, You say your from Aphros, then can you give me your side of the story for why your siding with Delphina at the moment, I've heard Hadrian's let's be honest mild propaganda, and I've heard Vaelrun denounce you and demand your head, but what I really want to know, is why a son of Aphros is fighting his own people? Are things really so dire in your home?"

A: "As for Vaelrun-"

"I do not believe he has any place to speak. After he shamelessly chose to answer to the Giants as opposed to his own people, and voided any conversation with literally anyone before he rushed off to feed his sense of ego up in the north, he forfeit any involvement with Aphros."

"It is, however, an interesting phenomenon that people choose to overlook - the Oracle that chooses to serve Vdalion now."

"It would be equivalent of Delphina Monarch suddenly choosing to serve Aphros now, or perhaps a great part of Giant Moot Council choosing to serve Aphros instead."

"I'm certain you can see how this may appear, shall we say... rather unorthodox."

Q: “Back to why you fight, this to me is pretty important,and i'm sure it is to my readers as well. Can you explain that?”

A:"I attempted dialogue before. I was not listened to."

"Though, I aim to subdue Hadrian's illegitimate rule. I heavily encourage citizens of Aphros to not fight for the illegitimate Oracle. I stress heavily the point that we intend to minimize casualties and no razing shall be done - that this intervention is only intended to subdue rogue government."

"For your own safety, please avoid meddling, as once it escalates to violence, it may be too chaotic to ensure everyone's safety."

Q: “So what made you come to Delphina of all places? A place that had captured you and held you prisoner? It seems that the fact you went to your homes supposed enemy has cause alot of mistrust.”

A: ”I suppose you could call it desperate measures. As I've said before, my intentions are with ensuring Aphros is exalted - however, despite attempting dialogue before, it led to nowhere."

"I believe Emris has made a number of mistakes that sunk us all into destabilization- and quite literally led to people and the military losing their faith- with Hadrian doing precisely the same thing just before he was crowned unconsciously by an unknown individual."

"I attempted to speak to Hadrian. I believe he says that I'm offended that he would not save my life - which is incorrect and disingenuous, as he knows better after I've spoken to him personally."

"I am dissatisfied because he would do absolutely nothing to mitigate the situation and try to save losses- that he would avoid alternatives and potential risk in exchange of taking guaranteed loss instead."

"He would rather charge ahead, rearing his head against the situation- sacrifice the lives of people for 'show of strength' as he calls it."

"A man that would allow his people to die like expendable chips over his pride has no place as a ruler."

Q:"So here is a question, and please do not take this the wrong way, Im not being confrontational, not on purpose, but what makes you the right choice besides him? From what I have seen, even Vaelrun the previous oracle who abdicated now agrees with the decision, and even wants YOU dead"

A:- for starters, I don't decide the future of Aphros while being between the knees of Giants."

"But ah-"

"I do have large experience with statecraft. I was well educated on such matters, and I can keep myself composed in a way that would ensure I make the right decision for the realm - and not make an impulsive decision on a spot."

"I also believe that the realm of Aphros needs a period of stability, to rebuild and get back on their feet, though unfortunately it is rotten right now, hence it must be cured of such sickness. After all, stability amidst the rot would only solidify that status further."

Q:"And would you allow Aphros to be a vassal state under Delphina? As I have heard that is what they want?"

A:"A ridiculous notion."

"I've elaborated before that the Monarch of Delphina is only aiding with military intervention - but when it comes to decision making, it is left solely up to Aphros, and it will remain so in the future."

"Under no circumstances Aphros will become a vassal state."

Q: "But, what makes you more legitimate then him as Oracle? From my standpoint as a neutral party it seems that your nearly doing the same as him in a way, and please do not take that the wrong way."

A: "Aside of the skill and portfolio of myself that I've outlined-"

"Technically speaking, there is no legitimate Oracle right now, nor there were any Trials, or legitimacy that has passed on in any way whatsoever. The way the Crown was acquired was also wrong."

"Along with stability and prosperity that I seek to bring, as well as advancement of Aphros as a whole, I intend to flesh out the rules of legitimacy more clearly - to avoid such chaos in the future."

"But most importantly, the wishes of the people will be heard. I have no doubt that they're tired of everything being so chaotic."

"I vow to put an end to it."

Q: "One more question then, If you are to win, what do you have planned for Hadrian Dominic? Im guessing Vaelrun would fight to the death against you, but I personally would not say the same of Hadrian, DO you think he is a bad man? or merely misguided in your eyes?”

A:"I think both Hadrian and Vaelrun are misguided men. They believe they know best for the country - but they're soldiers in mind and heart. They belong on the battlefield, leading our troops."

"Not with the Crown on their head." 

"Statecraft is nuanced and complex, and while there's a place for fiery speeches, and perhaps pride and honor too-"

"There is also place for cunning, wisdom and patience - something that they seem to severely lack. Like I said, the minds and hearts of soldiers."

"-- mercy."

"Mercy is what I'd give them. Vaelrun made his choice to be with Vdalion, and even though I heavily disapprove ofhis decisions, I will not execute a man over that."

"Hadrian is misguided and short-sighted, but he means well. Executing a man over that is a folly too."

"But-"

"As much as my mercy is vast, it is not infinite. If they're to engage me in combat that would see me killed, I believe it is only appropriate that equal force is to be given in return."

"Perhaps the coming battles will cool their tempers, and a part of me hopes that it does - I stick to my word that I intend to minimize casualties."

"Yet, at the same time, I cannot afford to jeopardize my own life either - for it would render all of my goals null if I am to simply die."


Q: And a final question for you Solomon, WHat are your thoughts upon the Hive? As fear and hatred of them has been a center issue in this really, That fear had lead to most of these wars and contention.”

A:"I believe that the fear that people had about the Greathive is justified, as it was largely an unknown entity that has also found itself used in various battles and skirmishes."

"Perhaps that can change, perhaps not - but regardless, certain actions have been already done to facilitate this image.

"Though-"

"Much like the state of the nation can change with the ruler, perhaps the state of the Greathive could be also changed with new Monarch Elanil Caewynn."

"I believe I could answer more at another time, once I see how the Greathive is managed going forward- but as I'm rather pre-occupied with the matters of Aphros lately, I did not have the time to delve in their latest exploits."

"In short words - we'll see if anything changed."

As I had warned, a long one, and a lot to unpack, the things we went over were long and varied, and as I have said before it is hard to make the truth in the reeds among the nobles and diplomats of the realms.

Now I would LIKE to hope everything he said to me was truthful, for if it is, I have a great deal of hope for Meranthe and Delphina and Aphros in general, because if they, meaning Hadrian and Solomon, I have a feeling Vaelrun will be, rather unrelenting in his crusade, though, an interview with him is next. Are able to reconcile and work together it will make Aphros clear of the chaos that it is currently embroiled in, and perhaps avert war with Delphina.

In this humble reporters opinion, I find the shift to Delphina, a place he had been at war with a rather, drastic one, though Solomon himself admits this, bringing a foreign army is absolutely Drastic, though with the abolishment of the Heralds, perhaps he felt he had no choice and no voice.

But I can only hope that they can come to terms that do not end in war, and if Solomon is as understanding as he says. Then perhaps there is hope to be found on that next Horizon.

IS Lord Solomon Equisol

A Liberator from Illegitimate Rule in Aphros?

Or a Usurper Seeking a Crown?

This has been Fireball Finn, Shining a Light on the darkness that is festering in the world we live in.

Until next time dear Meranthe

Stay Safe

Mestra Bless

(Disclaimer: None of the words said by the interviewee have been factchecked nor are backed by this Newspaper. This story is ongoing, and is subject to retractions.)