Black Eagle independent?
by GreenbrierThe recent conversation here about Karameikan independence, recognition, etc. gave me a new idea on this topic.
After his tour of the Black Eagle Barony, courtesy of the halflings, Stefan cuts Ludwig loose - see PWA 1 pg. 231, Eirmont 23 1010 "Karameikos Closes a Border". In that event he is said to impose sanctions - all trade ceases between Karameikos & the Barony and border guards turn back any nobles or administrators who try to enter Karameikos. Further, he revokes Ludwig's baronial status and says that Karameikos will no longer protect the barony from "well-deserved acts of retribution - even from other nations."
Nearly a month later on Kaldmont 17, 1010 the Five Shires declare war on the BEB (pg. 234). So Ludwig has nearly a month to work with this situation, and being more clever than his cousin I think he'd use it well. Stefan's decree on Eirmont 23 would allow Ludwig to argue that he has effectively been granted independence by Stefan - border controls have been instituted, his title is no longer recognized within Karameikos (he is now said to be a common citizen), and most importantly Stefan has announced that he will not defend the territory of the Black Eagle Barony against other nations. Yet Ludwig still rules so what is he if not independent? Stefan fully intends to reclaim the territory and called for those interested in ruling it to present themselves to him, but for now he has acknowledged that the Black Eagle Barony is outside Karameikos' control and Ludwig is the current ruler. Persuading another nation to help preserve an independence granted by Stefan could be much easier than asking them for aid in seceding in the first place.
I would imagine Ludwig already has agents in Thyatis, but if not this gives him time to send overtures. He, a loyal subject of the Empire who only sought to help his cousin bring Thyatian civilization & order to the backward Traladarans, has been turned over to the tiny knives of halfling mob justice now that Stefan has gone too soft on the barbarians. I could see Thyatis responding favorably to this idea - Thincol is busy at the time trying to consolidate control over the Isle of Dawn, but it wouldn't take that much to fortify the BEB and deter invasions by the Shires or Karameikos. Thyatis has poor relations with the halflings and no doubt would love to have a naval base in the area to go after the Shires & Ierendi pirates who target Thyatian ships. It could also be sweet revenge for Thincol to now recognize and protect Ludwig, after Stefan refused to aid Thyatis during the war and sought recognition from Alphatia.
The formation of the Western Defense League earlier in 1010 limits Thyatian options to act against Karameikos without also having to tangle with Ylaruam, Darokin, Rockhome and the Shires, which would be far too costly and likely not a fight Thyatis could win in this era. But Stefan's declaration gives Ludwig something to work with that I think the DDC would go along with, diplomatic niceties are their thing and Darokin certainly doesn't want a war with Thyatis. Agreeing that Stefan had granted the Black Eagle Barony independence, even if unwittingly, would give them a way out of war without destroying the fledgling alliance. Darokin could also assure Stefan that any Thyatian incursions into Karameikan territory outside the BEB would activate the alliance, and Karameikos certainly would be in no position to leave the WDL in a huff and face the prospect of dealing with Thyatis alone.
Alternately, Ludwig could seek protection from the Heldannic Knights. Same setup, except he emphasizes that he is of proud Hattian descent and loves Vanya...the Knights would no doubt love to have a port on the southern coast of Brun for stopovers on the long trip south to Vanya's Rest in Davania and a couple of airships deployed to the area might be enough to deter the halflings & Stefan from invading.
Either way Ludwig could grant the power that aids him an extraterritorial enclave in the south of the barony to build a port that would be fully under their sovereignty & control...while he continues to rule in Fort Doom as he sees fit and they agree to help defend him against Karameikos or other nations. Maybe even both powers come to his aid and share the new port, something like the old Anglo-French condominium structure in the New Hebrides (now the independent nation of Vanuatu). In the end Stefan's reluctance to deal with his cousin could cost him one more time...his attempt at avoiding the issue himself by rendering Ludwig vulnerable to other nations might be just the ticket the Black Eagle needs to ensure his survival.