The Westbrooke Express: January 7th, 191 F.T

== VOHNENHEIM ANNEXED BY SIDONIAN REPUBLIC ==
News from the west arrived earlier this week, along with a delegation of ambassadors from the Republic of Sidonia. They declared to the office of the Archon their intent to annex the town of Vohnenheim and its surrounding territories into their nation. Despite immediate protests from Westbrooke Officials present in the meeting, the Sidonian Representatives simply informed that their intentions had already been made manifest, and that Vohnenheim was firmly under their control.
With this sudden act, many in Duloris wonder whether the current government would be able to resist such influences, should their interests conflict with those of the Republic of Westbrooke. While the Republic was meant to be a bastion of freedom, away from the politics of Leomoth, it seems inevitable that this nation will soon become embroiled in such matters. 
=== ARCHON ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF REPUBLIC MILITARY FORCES ===
With the annexation of the town of Vohnenheim, we look to the Archon for answers on how the Republics government will deal with the growing threat of outside influence into the continent. The Archon gave a statement earlier this morning, outlining how his office will approach this delicate subject. He has stated the following objectives: 
* Turn 'Irenes Outpost' into a fortress to prevent outside incursion.
* Expand the southern border and establish fortifications and settlements at key locations.
* Increase the size of the military by 50%
* Establish a Naval Fleet based in the town of Ieravon
The Archon also gave a public statement, addressed to the governments of Leomoth. He stated that the people of Duloris are just that; the people of Duloris, and that no force in Leomoth would infringe upon the freedom that they have toiled to achieve, at least without a fight. He also warned the nations of Leomoth that further expansions into Duloris without consulting the Republic of Westbrooke would absolutely not be tolerated.
=== FIRST CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF DULORIS COMPLETED ===
A historic moment for the continent, January 5th marks the return of a ship which has not been docked in several months. The Unbroken Blade, a ship normally operating out of the Northern waters of Duloris, has docked in the port at Vohnenheim, arriving from the east. The ships Captain, Aulane, tells a tale of adventure, and great strife, claiming to have sailed all the way from Ieravon, to the north, all the way around to Vohnenheim. She spoke of a great jungle, sparkling waters, soaring mountaintops, a colossal tower, a chain of undiscovered islands, and more. The journey apparently took the vessel around four months, and only occurred after the ship was caught in an eastern-facing wind, knocking them off course.
=== OFFICE OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS APPROVES 'DULORIS NATIVE CITIZENSHIP ACT' ===
It is no secret that the lands of Duloris were not entirely uninhabited, as was once thought in decades past. Take the Formis, synthetic peoples created by this lands ancient Precursor Civilization, still active and functioning even now, many of them serving the Republic. Even now, we know not how many of them still walk the land. Besides them, there have been multiple 'organic' peoples discovered across the continent, from the times of the precursors and beyond, who remain here whether by magic, or biology. The existence of these people has been acknowledged since the founding of the Republic, with the Formis being mentioned by name in that document. Still, the question has been raised; should these people be granted citizenship?
This question was debated among the Office of Internal Affairs, and after much deliberation, submitted to the wider council. With the approval of the Archon, the 'Duloris Native Citizenship Act' has been unanimously approved, granting citizenship to all natives of the continent. The issue was decided upon with great ease, with the Archon citing the loyalty and commitment of the Duloris Natives which operate out of the City of Starcrest, including Lt. Factus Formis & Cpt. Apollo, as well as several other Duloris-Natives which have come under his employ. The Archon gave this statement:
"This Republic has grown to encompass much of this continent. And while we have lived here for many years, we must remember that this is an ancient land, and that we are not the first to inhabit it. The Vel'Kari Civilization which once held dominion over this vast land is our forebear, and though they are now gone, many of their people still remain. If we are to make claim to sovereignty of Duloris, we must allow those who once made this claim into our fold, and learn from their experience."
=== TRIBE OF SNAKE PEOPLE DISCOVERED TO THE NORTH-WEST ===
The Swamps of Draymore, long shrouded in mystery, has been the spot of many disappearances since it was first discovered in 189. A dangerous place full of terrible beasts, another inhabitant has been discovered deep within. Intrepid explorers in the area have discovered what appears to be an entire tribe of a strange people, unlike any seen before. They described them as serpentine, with scales covering their faces, and bearing forked tongues. They spoke in a language unknown to their discoverers, and were not at all friendly, attacking the party upon learning of their presence. At this time, not much is known of these people, save for their name: The 'Yuan-Ti'. While many are hoping for peaceful relations with them, others are skeptical, and are weary of such a seemingly barbaric people.