Kingdom of Belmorn
A New Crown, A New Beginning
King Alfran, 79, has formally announced his decision to step down as the human population's monarch and joint head-of-state of the Kingdom of Belmorn. Blaming his declining health and advanced age for this decision, he thanked his supporters for their allegiance in Belmorn's darkest hours, and he also thanked the peoples, both humans and Elves, for their stalwart courage in the face of destruction. This was a widely anticipated move by observers, as King Alfran's recent lack of public appearances in recent times often sparked rumours of his possible death or ill health. King Dryadson I, Alfran's co-monarch since the establishment of the Joint Crown state, met with the King in a private meeting of warm words and well wishes.
However, in a highly unanticipated move, King Alfran has elected his grand-daughter, Alistine III, to pick up his sceptre in his stead. This has caused immense anger in the human regal House of Ferren, who feel the rightful heir is Constance IV - Alfran's nephew and originally the next in line to the throne after Prince Irvin (Alfran's only son) died in battle three years ago. Alistine, who has barely reached the tender age of twenty-two, has been removed to an unknown location and placed under heavy guard until the crowning ceremony can take place.
King Dryadson I and his Elven court have supported Alfran's decision to elect his grand-daughter as his successor, describing her as a 'gentle soul, with a firm heart'. He went on to describe Constance IV as an 'honourable warrior, who would be better suited leading the Kingdom's human army, rather than the Kingdom itself'. These comments have fueled the fires of House Ferren, and there is talk of an active plot to place Constance IV on the throne through force - a move that would be disastrous for the realm's stability.
Alfran has dismissed concerns over his handling of the succession, and has proclaimed that 'the war is over, Belmorn is safe and now is the time for peace to take its course. A new crown, for a new beginning for our peoples!'
King Alfran's legacy has been colourful, and he will be fondly remembered by his people for his part in Belmorn's War for Survival twenty years ago. However, critics have always accused him of failing to act against the issue of racial discrimination, and of the treatment suffered by the Half-Elven population.
King Dryadson to meet with Jouria delegation
King Dryadson, 174, of Hadelmere Hold is to meet with representatives from Jouria later today to discuss the possibility of coexistence between their two nations. War has been on and off between Jouria and Belmorn for nearly two decades, and observers feel this is likely to continue for a further two decades before a decisive outcome is made. Nevertheless, King Dryadson is dedicated to the ideals of peace and compassion, and thus is attempting diplomacy. It is unknown what he seeks to achieve, but most observers feel he is aiming to secure a non-aggression pact in return for wheat shipments. Time will tell, however, if King Dryadson’s silver tongue can warm the hearts of the cold-blooded Lizardmen of the east.
Half-Elf preist slain by mob in Fengarde
A Half-Elf priest was brutally stabbed to death as he made his way from his parents’ home to his local temple of worship. Witnesses described the attackers as a ‘mob of feral street thugs’, and the town watch are investigating. They are treating it as a racially motivated attack. Critics are quick to point out that such incidents are increasingly common, not just in Fengarde but also Hadelmere.
Half-Elves are looked upon as freaks by most human communities, and as abominations in most Elven communities. This has resulted in years of violent abuse and discrimination. The names of Half-Elven parents are numberless in the ‘missing persons’ texts, and the Half-Elves themselves are prone to join them. Though most social experts expected this problem to fade as interracial relations became more common, elements in both societies have become increasingly hostile to the idea as the years and Half-Elven population advance.
King Alfran, 79, has formally announced his decision to step down as the human population's monarch and joint head-of-state of the Kingdom of Belmorn. Blaming his declining health and advanced age for this decision, he thanked his supporters for their allegiance in Belmorn's darkest hours, and he also thanked the peoples, both humans and Elves, for their stalwart courage in the face of destruction. This was a widely anticipated move by observers, as King Alfran's recent lack of public appearances in recent times often sparked rumours of his possible death or ill health. King Dryadson I, Alfran's co-monarch since the establishment of the Joint Crown state, met with the King in a private meeting of warm words and well wishes.
However, in a highly unanticipated move, King Alfran has elected his grand-daughter, Alistine III, to pick up his sceptre in his stead. This has caused immense anger in the human regal House of Ferren, who feel the rightful heir is Constance IV - Alfran's nephew and originally the next in line to the throne after Prince Irvin (Alfran's only son) died in battle three years ago. Alistine, who has barely reached the tender age of twenty-two, has been removed to an unknown location and placed under heavy guard until the crowning ceremony can take place.
King Dryadson I and his Elven court have supported Alfran's decision to elect his grand-daughter as his successor, describing her as a 'gentle soul, with a firm heart'. He went on to describe Constance IV as an 'honourable warrior, who would be better suited leading the Kingdom's human army, rather than the Kingdom itself'. These comments have fueled the fires of House Ferren, and there is talk of an active plot to place Constance IV on the throne through force - a move that would be disastrous for the realm's stability.
Alfran has dismissed concerns over his handling of the succession, and has proclaimed that 'the war is over, Belmorn is safe and now is the time for peace to take its course. A new crown, for a new beginning for our peoples!'
King Alfran's legacy has been colourful, and he will be fondly remembered by his people for his part in Belmorn's War for Survival twenty years ago. However, critics have always accused him of failing to act against the issue of racial discrimination, and of the treatment suffered by the Half-Elven population.
King Dryadson, 174, of Hadelmere Hold is to meet with representatives from Jouria later today to discuss the possibility of coexistence between their two nations. War has been on and off between Jouria and Belmorn for nearly two decades, and observers feel this is likely to continue for a further two decades before a decisive outcome is made. Nevertheless, King Dryadson is dedicated to the ideals of peace and compassion, and thus is attempting diplomacy. It is unknown what he seeks to achieve, but most observers feel he is aiming to secure a non-aggression pact in return for wheat shipments. Time will tell, however, if King Dryadson’s silver tongue can warm the hearts of the cold-blooded Lizardmen of the east.
A Half-Elf priest was brutally stabbed to death as he made his way from his parents’ home to his local temple of worship. Witnesses described the attackers as a ‘mob of feral street thugs’, and the town watch are investigating. They are treating it as a racially motivated attack. Critics are quick to point out that such incidents are increasingly common, not just in Fengarde but also Hadelmere.
Half-Elves are looked upon as freaks by most human communities, and as abominations in most Elven communities. This has resulted in years of violent abuse and discrimination. The names of Half-Elven parents are numberless in the ‘missing persons’ texts, and the Half-Elves themselves are prone to join them. Though most social experts expected this problem to fade as interracial relations became more common, elements in both societies have become increasingly hostile to the idea as the years and Half-Elven population advance.
