[b][i]Kingdom of Belmorn[/i][/b] [hider=Nation Status] [b]Current Leader/Government:[/b] King Marhorn Dryadson I (Elven) and Regent Guardian Constance IV (Human) [b]Settlements Owned:[/b] 2 [b]Provinces Owned:[/b] 1 [b]Population:[/b] 80,000 humans/45,000 Elves/10,000 Half-Elves [b]Standing Army:[/b] [indent] - /<450 Elves>/ - /<1,000 Humans>//[/indent] [b]Population Happiness:[/b] 65% [b]Imports:[/b] [b]Exports:[/b] Wheat (Jouria) [b]Wealth:[/b] Average [b]Alliances:[/b] [b]Trade Pacts:[/b] [b]Cease Fires:[/b] Jouria [/hider] [center][u][b]The Throne of Fengarde Remains Empty[/b][/u][/center] Though King Alfran has stood down from his position as King of Belmorn’s human population, his granddaughter has yet to ascend the throne. This has created an atmosphere of apprehension, as half the Kingdom is left leaderless, and many of the gentry are angry that Alfran did not remain with the crown until the succession ceremony. The old man has withdrawn to Hadelmere Hold, where he is seeking the medical council of the Elves. Until Alistine’s crowning ceremony can take place, Fengarde has been placed under the temporary governance of Constance IV who has accepted the duty of ‘Regent Guardian’ until his cousin has been formalised as head of state. Many people in Fengarde see this as a coup, and already tension is building on the streets. King Dryadson is monitoring the situation closely, and has [b]moved the bulk of the Glade Watchers into position around the human city[/b]. He has urged calm and patience, and that all proceedings take place at an official capacity. [center][u][b]Halfling Delegation Intercepted [/b][/u][/center] Four small beings walking down the forested footway. Twenty slender figures cloaked in green, watching from the trees. Had Belmorn’s borders been more unstable, the Glade Watchers would have leased their arrows and vanished to leave the dead for the carrion. As it was, however, Belmorn was a peaceful land – despite its internal disputes – and outsiders were handled with warmth where practicable. Appearing from the shrubs and bushes, the Glade Watchers approached the Halfling Delegation with bows unstrung. After a brief discussion between the two groups, the Glade Watchers formed an escort for the Halflings. They head for Hadelmere Keep, and a private meeting with the Elf King Dryadson. [center][u][b]Elven Quarter Besieged in Fengarde [/b][/u][/center] Owing to the lack of a human monarch, many of Fengarde’s residents have started to believe there is a conspiracy by the Elves of Belmorn to subdue them. Although there is little logic in this belief, and even less evidence, people are taking to the streets. Regent Guardian Constance IV has so far held back the Fengarde militia, allowing mass protests and riots to storm towards the city’s Elven Quarter. King Dryadson has warned that he will directly intervene if his Hadelmere kinsmen are harmed on the watch of the Regent Guardian. Many fear this may lead to civil war, but others consider this a mere spat between Alfran’s nephew and King Dryadson. Nevertheless, spat or not, King Dryadson has ordered the assembling of a further Glade Watcher Regiment, which would boost their total strength to 600. [center][u][b]Jouria Non-Aggression Treaty Signed[/b][/u][/center] King Dryadson has achieved an uneasy peace between Belmorn and Jouria, after intense talks between himself and the Lizardfolk. Though it is understood that Jouria interprets the Elves of Belmorn as potential assassins of King Almon IX, a six-month non-aggression treaty has been agreed in return for wheat shipments from Fengarde. It is expected that this will deescalate the tensions along the Kingdom’s eastern borders, and perhaps make way for stronger relations in the future.