TO THE NATIONS OF PROVINIA
So far, the Inner Circle has kept publicly quiet on the war between the
Lords of the Crown and Harn. The time for that silence is past.
We have had our own disputes with the Lords of the Crown. Sir Codric
garissoned several provinces on our side of the treaty border on turns 52
and 53 - AFTER the treaty had been signed. This alone, however, would not
be enough to move us to war, only to extreme annoyance.
But several turns ago, when it looked like half the civilized world was
coming to invade us, Jheremai the Scarlet was our staunchest ally. He
worked tirelessly around the clock behind the scenes to persuade our
enemies to see reason. He stood by us in our darkest hour, and we hold it
a sacred duty to repay that favor when he asks us for repayment.
We don't care whether or not Codric's invasion was a response commensurate
to the Horselords' ghazi.
We don't care whether the ghazi should or should not have been launched in
the first place.
Frankly, we don't care if Jheremai raped Sir Codric's aged grandmother.
Our sacred honor demands that we not stand by if our steadfast ally could
use our aid. We will not abandon those who stood by us now when they need
us the most.
Sir Codric has insulted our friend, belittled him, and now is waging war
upon him.
THE INNER CIRCLE HEREBY DECLARES WAR UPON SIR CODRIC.
We also declare war against any factions who are participating in the
campaign against Harn. These may expect no mercy.
We declare war against all those in lands that accept Codric as their
leige. Those Lords of the Crown who have been misled by this man and wish
to disassociate themselves from him may contact us to do so at this time.
We also urge any neutral nobles travelling through Lords of the Crown
territory to contact us at this time with their IDs. Otherwise, all those
in Lords territory will be considered our enemies. If you aren't sure of
the borders that the Lords have claimed, feel free to consult with us or
them, but in essence these include Provinia northwest of Yellowleaf to
approximately column 61 and row cv, excluding the territories of the Tuatha
De Danaan.
If we had followed our enemies' lead, we would have simply attacked
without warning, doubtless to much greater effect. But it goes against our
grain to act so dishonorably, and we refuse to sink to Codric's level.
The Illustrated Man [1010] for the Inner Circle
(The wig goes back into the box, and the Illustrated Man dons instead his
general's hat.)