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Doctrine for Diplomats:
As envoy, you may speak in our name. If there’s a *very* good deal on the table, you may commit to it on our behalf, at your discretion.Our objectives, in order: Protect Blackburn, claim the throne, deal with the other claimants. So we want the other powers fighting each other instead of us, and ultimately we want them to renounce their claims and pledge loyalty to us as king.
* Try to learn their objectives, and send back any useful info by letter. Regular updates preferred.
* If they publicly back our claim to the throne and renounce their claims, that’s a basis for us to form a committed alliance. Meaning we agree to defend them, help against their enemies.
* Peace/non aggression treaties lasting up to a month may be offered, if they reciprocate. May be public or secret.
* Joint military operations against other powers may be discussed, but don’t promise anything specific until you write back or ride back to confirm. Feel free to play up the *possibility* of us sending forces to aid them.
* If you have something too sensitive to put in a letter, or want to talk details in person, ride back to Blackburn.
* We can make symbolic concessions, and imply support for claims on territories that *aren't currently ours*.* Acheron special: We don’t need them to pledge loyalty, so long as they commit not to messing with our rule outside the city.
* Emelle special: Blackburn submits to the authority of the temple of light, of course, and they will recognize our righteous claim to the throne, of course. Right? Right.
* Royal Guard special: We really want these guys. Do what you gotta do.These limits are there to avoid a situation where two envoys agreed to contradictory alliances or pledges, because they’re on opposite sides of the island and didn’t check in with HQ.
Once we get any idea what the strategic picture is, what people want and who our enemies are, should be able to give you more independence and some more specific goals.
Duke Luxiano to Vizier Greenlark
The army will be moving north. Direct letters to Natwich. We hope to end the Emelle war, ideally by unclear how the queen will react when it is done, writing just to keep you informed.
Regarding Karvale, do you know how large of a force is besieging?
Dear King,
The sieging force is a little over three thousand. I think today I will travel north towards Archeon for intelligence purposes, since there doesn't seem to be any actions I can take here.
Courageous Commanders, Daring Diplomats, and Valorous Vassals, your weekly dispatch:
Once again, an update on the general situation. Remember to send back reports. Or maybe you all already did, but they haven't arrived yet.
Our forces:
Duke Luxiano, Uhtred, Dragon Copperash, and Godfrey Wysel command the main army at Damerel. Half will be moving up towards Natwich, as part of an effort to end the Emelle war. The other half will rest a day and then move north as well. 8 infantry companies, 4 cavalry companies
Rozmar and Highclover have returned to Blackburn to figure out how supply lines work. 2 cavalry companies
Greenlark is somewhere in Karvale or Glentos, as an envoy.
Strategic Situation:
Stavelot is a trusted ally. Their main concern is readiness against the empire.
Mystic is bound to us by marriage alliance. The mercenaries have been dealt with and the city is safe. A small Stavelot force is present. Mystic has asked us to intervene in the Emelle war. We will, but our war goals differ; we have no enmity with the church and will seek a negotiated end to the war.
Emelle is under attack by a force of around five thousand Mystic and Crownguard soldiers. The traitor Crown Captain has been executed and our friend Pijano has taken over as crown captain. The fighting has damaged these forces somewhat.
Glentos and Karvale are at war. Karvale has not raised levies, and seems likely to fall without outside help.
Acheron remains unknown.
Goals
End the Emelle war, ideally on our terms, preventing destruction and death.
Ensure the safety of the Blackburn domain.
Dear Duke.
In glentos capital. 1.2k size glentos army unrelated to previous passed through doing defence/peacekeeping. I may die to bandits or "bandits" soon. I travel to Archeon. Presently alone in the capital.
Duke Luxiano to vizier Greenlark, 8th august 1025
Be careful of bandits or bandits. Blackburn only has one trusted vizier. If Glentos and Acheron become unsafe, seek protection in Emelle lands. They have sent letters asking for our favor, and so should treat you well, even if taken a hostage.
Marshal Markus of Stavelot has met with me personally to discuss matters of the realm and crown. The marshal is preparing to act as needed to secure the stability of the realm. Emelle war still unresolved, we’re working on it.