EASTERN EMPIRE RECOGNISES SEAWARD ISLANDS AS LATEST PROVINCE
Eastern Empire forces have been confirmed as the Sea Legions of the Seaward Islands, as Governor Specius Lucretius Caecilius was confirmed in person by the Emperor Eusebius IV. The Seaward Isles, previously an independent nation immediately south of the Empire's home coastline, had been a cause of considerable financial loss to the merchants of the Empire for several centuries prior to the protection of the Empire being extended to the islands in mid-1101 YAC.
THE GRAND SULTANATE OF THE UTTER WEST AND THE EASTERN EMPIRE TECHNICALLY AT WAR IN THE SEA OF CARAVANS AND THE STEAMING SEA
The Western Confederacy and the Eastern Empire are technically at war as of 2nd day of 8month 1101 YAC.
This state of affairs prevails because of two issues still unresolved between the mighty powers.
Firstly, the Eastern Empire has maintained its innocence in the face of growing evidence that its secret agents have abducted and imprisoned members of the armed forces of the West during those soldiers' vacations on the Isles of Ienos.
Secondly, in relation to the island chain nation of Ienos itself, the Utter West has formally recognised Ienos and its democratic council government as the legitimate sea power in the Dreadsea. This effectively shuts out the Eastern Empire unless they are prepared to fight a fullblown land and sea war against the West and its allies amongst the small but powerful nations of the Wild Lands to the south and west of the Empire and its eastern allies.
