It was a windy morning in the port city of Vaisung. Many consider the city to be Ocreau’s gateway to the Verronto sea, which made it a hub for trade within the nation. Vaisung is the the largest city in the division of Mar, and was once the seat of power of an alliance of city states. Now it is the 4th largest city in all of Ocreau and home to a thriving trading industry. The residents here still remember the power their city once held, and some wish that their city had more impact on the politics of the nation.

A vessel belonging to one of these companies was docked in the harbour. Crates of Ocrese pepper and other spices were loaded, one by one, onto the back of the ship while the captain on the vessel supervised. One of the crew approached the captain, asking them to review the plotted course.

Captain Sari Coste, like many in her trade, was not happy about the recent suggestions by the Ocrese government. The extra distance they would have the travel would cost them both time and money. However, the concerns around the violence between Acrad and Hastur were understandable. Everyone knew that Ocreau wanted no part of that war.

The detour would add an extra 3 days to their journey to Lieria, one of the Verronto Confederation states. The captain approved the new course as the last crate was loaded onto the ship. They would leave in a few hours.

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Concerns about trade disruption still echoed throughout the Ocrese government. The People’s House debated how best to minimise the impacts of the Acrad-Hasturian war. But, the major issue stopping any consensus from forming was the unknowns surrounding what Acrad intended to do.

“Perhaps then, we should contact Acrad about whether or not they intend to battle in the Verronto Sea?” said a member from the Druidic party, a minor party concerned with magic rights.

The suggestion was backed by the Democratic Unionist Party and their allies in coalition, the Labour Party. The People’s House called upon the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to draft a letter to the government of Acrad.

[@Roby6Com]
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To the Honourable General Commander of the Republic of Acrad,

We bring good tidings from the north. It has come to our attention that the hostilities between the Republic and the Divine Empire of Hastur may have ramifications for life in the Verronto Sea. 

The Commonwealth believes that any operations undertaken in the waters of the sea would have dire consequences on trade. We ask that the Republic carefully considers any unintended effects of any military activity in the region.

Kindest regards,
Lady Maria Ira II, Governor General of the Commonwealth of Ocreau
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The letter was passed onto the Legislative Council where, after a few minor alterations and some extensive consultation with a translator, it was signed by Governor General Ira and handed off to a waiting diplomat to be sent to the nation of Acrad.

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“... this morning the government sent a message to Acrad asking what its intentions are about the Verronto Sea. The uncertainty surrounding this issue has caused many trading companies to suffer losses in the stock market” said the familiar voice of the radio announcer

“We interviewed some of those affected by the latest recommendations by the government. One trading ship captain said, ‘I understand the danger, but the alterations to our route will delay the delivery by up to three days’.”

“A separatist group in Mar have protested the recommendations. More to come…”