|
The following is a speech delivered by Grand Duke Darius II in response to what he sees as mass violence across the Empire:
My fellow Laghimans, we are living in a truly historic era of the Empire: international trade has skyrocketed, external politics has seen no rest, safe and affordable travel is available to the common person, and so much more. Yet among a truly progressive era for the Empire, violence has been very wide spread. A good friend of the Stark family, Duke Nicholas II, has been murdered. Across the seas an invasion of Casadia from organized nations has taken place, injuring many on both sides. In the far north where loyal Vahnic Explorers are stationed, Wychwood is attacked from our northern neighbors, the Karatites.
Among Laghiman shores, we have treacherous elves expanding into our population, weakening our nation and our unity. Our efforts to spread Humans across the Ivangetop sea to penetrate the Vulcite stronghold has progressed wondrously, yet we are still forced to operate carefully and cautiously within our own territory due to fear of retaliation from Lady Theodora. Our efforts to combat sea raiders responsible for killing my father and almost an entire crew of distinguished individuals have progressed incredibly well, yet many fishermen refuse to do their jobs without an escort from the Laghiman guard. Regardless of the specific threat, the general idea of Laghiman citizens being attacked by Imperial criminals is disgusting, is it not?
Well, today I say no more. Laghima under my father and the previous Starks were spineless, weak, and child like. Our people suffer because of a poor economy: our industries are failing, our exports are decreasing, our national wealth has decreased and worse will come soon unless action is taken. Our people suffer because of a fear of intolerance; the Vulcites know we cannot exterminate them all due to Imperial law and regulation. But today I say no more to this. Last week, the number of Vulcite's deemed dangerous by the Vulcite Watch Commission exceeded 25 within this year. Citing the Aphra Acts of 522 A.I., they abolished the Vulcite Assembly indefinitely. When I learned this, I immediately ordered a select group of the best individuals within the Laghiman Elite Guard to take shelter in Vulca, in secret, until they receive my word. Last night, they heard my word. They recieved my word to storm Lady Theodora's compound and execute her for treason against the Empire, against Creeperism, and more importantly, against Laghima. In the process of the operation, they discovered her royal prisons. Inside this prison was my disillusioned son, Darius III, sleeping with his family. Today I am proud to announce that thanks to the cunning operations of Laghiman soldiers, Darius III and Vali Stark have returned to Laghima after what seems like a life time across the sea.
The death of Theodora is only the first step in my plan for Laghima. Together, we will reclaim our nation and it's glory. Together, we will show the Empire's filth and criminals that violence will be met with destruction. No one will stand in Laghima's way any more. Today I proclaim that Laghima will adopt a policy of near isolation in order to revitalize our economy, our people, our purpose, and our nation. Today I announce that Laghima will be closing it's international markets across the Empire. Today I announce that Laghiman borders will be closed to the general populace save for the politicians of the Empire who are close to Laghiman leadership. Today, marks the greatest effort Laghima has ever seen to increase our people's pride within their government, as well as their leaders.
Zhün a Nazat.
_________________
Hasan 'Darius V' Stark
Protector of the Vahnic Exploration Company
Ilkhan of Greater Karastan-Laghima
|
