The Efferian Declaration of Secession

Purpose

The Efferian Declaration of Secession acted as the formal announcement to the Merchant States of the Twin Rivers, and the rest of the continent, of the regions intent to officially separate itself from their then controlling government, and form their own.

Document Structure

Publication Status

In the weeks following Efferia's secession, a small distribution of cheaply made copies of the declaration were given to all settlements within the territory as a way of informing the population of the new situation. Some towns, namely those closest to the border with the Merchant States, have recreated the declaration in more stable mediums, one even carving it into a tone in the market square, as a way to show added opposition to the ruling ideals of their neighbors.

Historical Details

Background

Through much of the second and third eras, the region of Efferia, situated between the northern elven kingdom of Tarminas, and the Twin Rivers, existed as a loose conglomeration of independent towns and villages. However, over the course of the later years of the Third Era and the beginning of the Fourth Era, these territories were slowly acquired by the Merchant States of the Twin Rivers, the economic power to their south.
The Efferian culture, one that flourished in their independence, chaffed under the plutocratic systems of the Merchant States. This friction finally came to a boil in 1223rd year of the Fourth Era.

Public Reaction

For the people of Efferia, the declaration was seen as a rallying point around which they could focus all of their efforts into opposing a ruling power that they saw as in direct opposition to their historic ways of life.
For the Merchant States, the declaration was initially seen as a minor sign of nothing more than moderate discontent from the poorer peoples of an underproductive territory. This stance was quickly revised when all profits from Efferia ceased entirely, spurring the states to begin the three year long Twin Rivers Civil War.

Legacy

Today, Efferia has continued to resist probes into its territory by the Merchant States, but has integrated much more smoothly into the political fabric of the continent as a whole. For the Merchant States, Efferias secession marked a turning point in an expansionist policy that had existed since Centrums rise to power in the Second Era. While still opportunistically looking to increase their holding, the states are more focused on consolidating their power over the holdings that they already control, lest a similar incident occur.

Medium

Vellum / Skin

Authoring Date

1223, Fourth Era

Location

Efferia