Breland - Zilargo Alliance

Diplomatic action

Due to the alliance between Breland and Zilargo the gnomes granted Breland exclusive services of their bound elementals.

For almost seventy years, a Zil's response when asked about the status of his country’s relations with any of the Five Nations was predictable: “We are a principality of the crown of Galifar, and we are the loyal servants of the kings and queens of Galifar.” This proclamation meant the gnomes were effectively neutral—a useful status for Cyre, for Breland, and even for Thrane, all of whom paid enormous sums to Zilargo for siege engines, magical devices, elemental-bound armor and weapons, mercenary companies, and other supplies. This materiel was shipped by sea or lightning rail for prompt delivery—and covered by illusion to disguise its true nature.   In 962^YK, however, the Zil's mantra changed to “We are loyal allies of the Brelish crown.” To the other nations, Zilargo's alliance with Breland seemed to cement the two nations, providing unending gnomish support for Brelish adventurism, led by the brash new king. These fears were realized, at least in part, when the gnomes granted Breland the exclusive services of their bound elementals. This was one of many factors that led the now-awakening giant to such dominance during the latter years of the war.  

There’s disagreement even among the gnomes as to why Zilargo's leaders decided to change their tune and formally align themselves with Breland. Some say that the new Brelish king made threats, and the Zils were making too much money to want battles so close to home. Others claim that King Boranel offered astounding sums of cash, and greed overcame them. A few even announce, with all sincerity, that Breland had shown that it was the only nation of honor and, as such, deserved Zilargo's support. In my view, the Zils acted no differently from the Reachers and the Valenar: They declared their independence.   Subtle, cunning, and manipulative—in true Zil fashion—the “alliance” reassured Breland (its former master and the only real threat to Zilargo) while breaking from its control. After all, provinces of a country do not ally themselves with their overlord; only equals becomes allies. As for the timing of this move, the recent coronation of a young and inexperienced king in Breland cannot be overlooked. Indeed, Zilargo intrigue is a wondrous thing. - Renowned Zil librarian Augusta Wainwocket