Zeroth Directive

Archive II

One day in the winter of 1101, the Glorious Post, based in the dukedom of Caster, published a report that few paid attention to. 'The military drill Her Grace the Duke of Caster personally oversaw concluded yesterday. This marked the first appearance of the Caster fleet since the end of the Londinium War, with the newly-overhauled Gloriana once again serving as flagship. It was a clear proclamation that Victoria has escaped the shadow of war, the light of her glory fully restored. This report was quickly buried under news of rising inflation, as well as the latest gossip. The people of Caster showed little surprise when goods from Kjerag quietly began showing up on their stores' shelves, and few if any associated it with the report, if they remembered it at all. Classification Level: Top Secret Title: On the Current Situation in Kjerag and Supplemental Review of the Duke of Caster's Actions ...Once again, it must be emphasized that it would be dangerous and short-sighted to attribute the failure of the Snow Realm Campaign to the Duke of Caster's rash military strategy. In our review, we discovered that the duke's military actions were, in fact, an irrational attempt to salvage well-laid plans of subversion that were derailed by unexpected factors. The true failure occurred well before the Gloriana arrived in Kjerag. Information we obtained through various sources paints a far more complex picture than publicly reported. The Duke of Caster's initial plan was to bring Kjerag into Victoria's sphere of influence without firing a single shot: through economic assistance, cultural infiltration, and fostering local pro-Victoria factions. The plan began smoothly, at one point successfully turning both the Vine-Bead Court and public opinion against the reformist leader, Enciodes Silverash, but spontaneous resistance from various Kjeragi factions ultimately turned the tide. When her plan failed, the Duke of Caster attempted the path of military intimidation, only to find that the nation she faced was not even closely as backwards as she thought, putting her at risk of losing a large portion of her fleet as well as significant embarrassment with the rest of Victoria's eyes upon her. While we do not know the details of Enciodes's negotiations with her on her ship, the fact that Karlan Trade was able to obtain favorable terms in its subsequent agreements with the dukedom tells us all we need to know. From an economic perspective, Karlan Trade has a monopoly on communications with the outside. From a spiritual perspective, Enya maintains her absolute authority as Saintess. From a military and political perspective, despite resigning from his position at Karlan Trade, Enciodes Silverash retains control over armed forces sufficient to present a credible threat to a Victorian fleet, and Kjerag has also established close relations with Columbia by way of Rhine Lab. While Kjerag's military might is not yet enough to pose a threat to other countries, its unique environment and political advantages have cemented its position as a faction that is relevant, potentially even dangerous, should they express even greater ambitions. We must continue to observe and assess Kjerag's diplomatic stance with prudence. Compiled by: Sharp

Archive III

Undeniably, Enciodes plays a pivotal role in the affairs of Kjerag in this delicate transitional period. It would be a dangerous mistake to view him through the lens of other countries' systems and understand his role as that of a local warlord or head of government. The authority of the former is rooted in fragmentation and greed, and the latter in constitution and popular opinion, while Enciodes's authority comes from bloody victory and a massive, unsettling void. He does not hold any office, for there is no office that can define his authority in Kjerag. The ambiguity of this power structure gives Kjerag a strange sense of fragmentation. It has a nominal parliament, a Karlan Trade back on track in its commercial role, and an independent religious institution, but everyone knows full well that behind the clearly defined roles of these gears, there is a ghost without any formal responsibility who can bring any or all of them to a halt on a whim. But just as everyone believed he was about to centralize all the power in his hands and become the shadow leader of Kjerag, incomprehensible changes began to take place across the country, changes that were diametrically opposed to the narrative that was supposed to unfold. It used to be that only the best and brightest had the opportunity to study abroad under Karlan Trade's sponsorship. Now, new schools are emerging in every corner of Kjerag, including the most remote mountain villages. Even more noteworthy are their textbooks: the teachings and prayers of Kjeragandr are still present, to be sure, but there are also new subjects such as 'Physics', 'Chemistry' and 'Mathematics'. No one knows if the 'shadow leader' is behind these changes. Some call it the enlightening mercy of the Saintess Enya, while others see it as an investment by President Gnosis of Karlan Trade, but even more speculate that it is the silent leader without office who has been pushing these reforms behind the scenes. It is true that he possesses great power. But he has also carefully groomed his enemies and given them weapons more powerful than his own authority, weapons that can be used to end his reign. He is not building his throne, but a sword for Kjerag that can cut a throne in two, even if he is slated to be that sword's first target. It is a temporary despotism, and a necessary one, a transition that is scheduled to end with his fall. His reign began with a storm, and it will end with the birth of a stronger, more resilient Kjerag, one which he has nurtured, and one which will end his reign.

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