Luthori

[Ligbruderkrieg]

The Southern Seleya Command in Mordusia, under which the Luthorian “South Seas” Fleet is under the command of, has announced that, to “protect international shipping lanes in times of great uncertainty” and “provide increased support for Mordusian territorial defence”, that in an yet-to-be released agreement with the Government of Istalia in Romula, that the Luthorian Empire would now be engaged in recurring patrol sessions in the Sea of Lost Souls. 

This area, in which both the Imperial Confederation (through the Commonwealth of Mordusia) and the Istalian Empire (core territory) have a presence, has long been a vital trading point, with thousands of oil tankers, cargo ships passing by the area every single day. Through its coastline, Mordusia maintains an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Sea of Lost Souls – in which Mordusia has full jurisdiction.  

Admiral Oliver Tadming, in charge of the South Seleya Command, said that Luthori and Istalia engaging in joint operations – came following “extensive talks between both parties on the nature of their cooperation”, he moreover stated that it was “likely” that this operation transforms into a “wider Confederation-SOMECO collaboration in the Lost Souls” - pointing out to the successful talks with Istalian officials in Romula.

While the Sea of Lost Souls is a highly-important passage for international shipping, it has been the theater of numerous conflicts in history – the most recent one being the infamous Lost Souls War, also known as the “Hubris War” between the Canrillaise Empire and the State of Beiteynu, this war, lasting between 5470 and 5473 led to the Yeudi state’s naval defeat to the Canrillaise forces. Luthori’s decision to remain neutral in this conflict, even if Beiteynu had recognised then-Emperor Albert as its monarch, was later described as the “most short-sighted decision in Luthorian foreign policy history” and led to the rise in internet memes describing Luthori as a “bottler” or an “incompetent” state. 

Admiral Tadming, while knowing of the historical context behind this Sea for Luthori – nonetheless said that this operation was aimed at “security in the Sea of Lost Souls, for the smooth passage of commercial vessels, together with partnered states in Majatra”. The Fort William Stock Exchange reacted positively to the news – as in the absence of the Aldegar Canal, the Sea of Lost Souls became the number 1 passage for worldwide southern trade - and by extension Luthorian trade.

Both Admiral Tadming and the Luthorian Foreign Office stressed the role of Istalia and the wider SOMECO organisation in this multilateral operation, a Luthorian diplomat stated that “Istalia and the SOMECO as a whole – are an essential part of this operation, with Luthori merely providing increased support to their existing operations in the area, through an cooperation agreement between both states.”  

“Istalia and Luthori have a long history of working together – and the willingness of Romula of not only acquiescing but also agreeing to work together with Luthori in a wider regional patrol scheme in the Sea of Lost Souls will reinforce security in the area and increase mutual understanding”, said Foreign Secretary Stanley when asked about the Sea of Lost Souls’ announcement.