Talk:Northern Sentinel's Decree on the Imperial Protection of Wehnimer's Landing

Cordarius says, "I've received Earl Jovery's letter. I am sure you are all aware."

Cordarius says, "Lord Elidal has received his own letter, and I have come to read...ours."

Cordarius pulls a furled scroll with a wax blue phoenix seal from his robe and slowly peels it open.

Cordarius recites:

"I have heard you, citizens and alike of Wehnimer's Landing. I have always heard you."

Cordarius recites:

"When the demon Hochstib came to steal your freedom and peace in 5103, I heard you. The banners of the north rose to the sky while our brothers and sisters took to the field to rescue Wehnimer's Landing from the mad Baron. Our sons and daughters fought and bled beside you. We understand the value and promise of a free Wehnimer's Landing as much then as we do now."

Cordarius recites:

"When Barnon Slim usurped the government of Wehnimer's Landing in 5111 and ordered the Silver Gryphons executed, we went on to dispatch the might of the imperial north and crush any oppression of the town's people and their protectors."

Cordarius recites:

"In 5112 we joined forces in eliminating perhaps the single greatest threat of our lifetimes, when we rid the world of Althedeus during the War of Shadows. We did not do such as men standing in opposing corners. We did so as a united people who embraced life, freedom, and family above all else."

Cordarius recites:

"In 5115, I issued the command to construct the Hendoran Outpost within the grasslands near Wehnimer's Landing, to be commanded by Sir Thadston at the time. It was not an act of war, it was not the preamble of an invasion. It was to serve as a staunch reminder to our shared enemies beyond the walls that we have fought and stood together, and we will continue to do so. It was to remind those threats lurking in the shadows of the world that together we have always known nothing less than victory."

Cordarius recites:

"In 5116, your great citizens braved it all to save my life, when the wickedness of Chaston Griffin had put it in peril. We have faced countless enemies and have seen years of turmoil, but from each conflict we have risen stronger. But that has not come without its scars."

Cordarius recites:

"It is at times difficult to forget our wounds. Even if the flesh has long since healed, the memory of its pain can linger. It is that anguish that can forge a man into a weapon for good, or for evil. When do we admit wrongs, and what do we do to end their cycle? When does a man swallow his pride, face his sin, and deliver grace?"

Cordarius recites:

"It is why writing this letter has pained me so. There has never been a time when I looked upon Wehnimer's Landing as anything but a trusted ally and neighbor to the north. Never once have I sent troops to occupy your lands, or garnish your resources, or impose upon your freedoms."

Cordarius recites:

"I am an old man, and with age has come wisdom, but perhaps I had been a fool to believe my actions were somehow more valued in comparison to inked words. Had I known letters and not blood was more critical in proving my intentions, then there might be thousands of imperial mothers who did not have to bury their sons or husbands."

Cordarius recites:

"I refuse to accept that we have entered a world and time where actions are meaningless. You, Wehnimer's Landing, above all should know the danger of silvered tongues in the mouths of corrupt and depraved imperials. Those who have sinned against you were as much our enemy as they were yours."

Cordarius recites:

"If it is words you are desiring, then so be it. I hope the action in that alone speaks louder than the ink on this parchment. It is my genuine fear that for those in such need of these things will still find themselves unsated. Will words provide true comfort, and quiet the fears that actions alone did not? Time will tell."

Cordarius recites:

"Twenty years ago, Wehnimer's Landing was declared a protectorate of the Turamzzyrian Empire. That has not changed, nor will it. Within that status, Wehnimer's Landing exists under the protective eye of the Empire. Your enemies are our enemies. Your interests are our interests. Your freedom and existence are equally important to the Empire, which is why your town remains beyond imperial borders, but can still benefit from our resources and might."

Cordarius recites:

"But our two people can surely benefit from further clarification. I have received Lord Elidal Dhenin's requests, and recommendations, and I have ruled a response accordingly."

Cordarius recites:

"By decree of the Lord Sentinel of the North, Earl of North Hendor, and Lord Protector of the Broken Kingdom, and by grant of his Imperial Majesty, Emperor Aurmont Chandrennin Anodheles, I have hereby ordered the following:"

Cordarius recites:

"The protectorate status of Wehnimer's Landing remains unchanged and shall not be revoked."

Cordarius recites:

"Non-imperial entities or governments are disallowed from laying claim to any territory within or around Wehnimer's Landing. This includes the presence of any foreign military, such as outposts or armies. Such advances will be viewed as an act of war."

Cordarius recites:

"The formation of the Barony of Darkstone shall never result in the future annexation of Wehnimer's Landing, affording the town the right to not be absorbed into imperial territory."

Cordarius recites:

"The town of Wehnimer's Landing will be officially recognized to govern itself independently, in both the creation and management of their laws and leadership, without any interference or influence from imperial entities, so long as said regulations do not run contradictory to the established laws, well-being and interests of the Turamzzyrian Empire."

Cordarius recites:

"Threats, dangers, and enemies of Wehnimer's Landing shall also be designated at the same status level within the Turamzzyrian Empire. Furthermore, the Empire shall defer to Wehnimer's local laws and defense measures first but will respond accordingly in relation to the severity of the threat to imperial interests."

Cordarius recites:

"Likewise, adversarial organizations, armies, or governments officially identified as threats to the Turamzzyrian Empire will also be subject to the same status level within Wehnimer's Landing, affording the Empire the right to extradite imperial criminals to face trial and justice within their borders."

Cordarius recites:

"Imperial citizens found guilty of crimes or corruption operating within the walls of Wehnimer's Landing shall be subject to imperial justice and will no longer be provided safe haven for abusive or criminal behavior. Crimes of imperial citizens within Wehnimer's Landing, at the discretion of the Northern Sentinel, may be tried and punished within the jurisdiction of Wehnimer's Landing's courts."

Cordarius recites:

"Additionally, Wehnimer's Landing shall be free to conduct trade as an independent government, allowing them autonomy in their economic matters, so long as said contracts do not negatively harm or undermine the interests and well-being of the Turamzzyrian Empire, or are entered into agreement with imperial-designated adversarial organizations or governments."

Cordarius recites:

"The imperial position of Regional Envoy of Wehnimer's Landing shall be vacated at the end of Charlatos, 5123, and at the prior approval of the mayor shall henceforth be doubled in capacity, serving for terms of two-year cycles. It is now established that no official governing or advisory position within Wehnimer's Landing shall be held by any non-citizen of the town."

Cordarius recites:

"It is my hope, that as I have always heard you, that you will now hear me. May the future of Wehnimer's Landing, and the neighboring Barony of Darkstone be one of shared benefit, cooperation, and peace. May we agree that those who would wish or work against such an outcome are mutually our enemies and will be responded to in kind. May we never lessen the weight of actions and tarnish the good deeds of our truest heroes."

Cordarius recites:

"By my hand,"

Cordarius recites:

"Earl Eddric Jovery. The Northern Sentinel. Earl of North Hendor. Lord Protector of the Broken Kingdom."