Pacifist Party

The **Pacifist Party**, colloquially referred to as the "**peacers**", was a notable faction within the Elder Council during the early phases of the Covenant Wars. This group staunchly opposed the Empire's dominion over the northern province of Skyrim. Prominent pacifist politicians spearheaded the colonial resistance against the Imperial policies concerning Skyrim and were advocates for peace negotiations with the Covenant.

In the lead-up to the Covenant Wars, which erupted in 4E 223, the Pacifist Party faced its demise following an unsuccessful assassination attempt on Kydonius Therin during the inaugural sessions of the Elder Council in the same year.

The party championed the ascendancy of Godrich Ashcrow to the position of West Magister and Eydis Tharn as East Magister. Their support was pivotal in ensuring that the selection of a new Emperor was not solely under the purview of the Elder Council, thereby decentralizing its influence over such decisions and others alike.

## History

In the annals of the Elder Council, the distinction between the pacifist and militant parties can be traced back to around 4E 215. The genesis of this division was Kydonius Therin, a distinguished member of the Council. Therin, through the process of whipping, rallied support for a military campaign against uprisings in the northern territories. This advocacy for war polarised the Council, giving rise to two distinct factions.

Those who resisted the call for war coalesced into what became known as the Pacifist Party or the "peacers". Conversely, the faction that championed the military campaign was dubbed the Militant Party, colloquially referred to as the "fighters". As time progressed, these designations gained widespread acceptance and became an enduring tradition within the political landscape of the Elder Council, shaping its dynamics for many years.

## Motivations

In the intricate tapestry of the Elder Council's history, historians have delved deep into understanding the motivations that swayed individuals towards the Militant or Pacifist factions. Eight salient characteristics have been identified that distinguished these two groups:

1. **Age and Establishment**: Militants were generally older and had a more established presence within the Council. They were more inclined to uphold traditions and resist innovative changes, in contrast to the more progressive Pacifists.
2. **Perception of Legitimacy**: Militants viewed the Empire as the rightful governing body, believing that any resistance to it was ethically incorrect. Conversely, Pacifists held the conviction that their stance was morally justified, given the Elder Council's infringement on the rights of the Nordsmen.
3. **Reaction to Violence**: Individuals who were repulsed by physical assaults on Imperial Legion officials gravitated towards the Militant stance. On the other hand, those who were appalled by the Empire's reactions to events, such as the Trial in Narfinsel, aligned with the Pacifist viewpoint.
4. **Economic Ties**: Merchants situated in port cities, with deep-rooted financial connections to Skyrim, predominantly identified as Pacifists. In contrast, very few Militants had such extensive ties within the economic system.
5. **Views on Independence**: Some Militants, termed "procrastinators", acknowledged the inevitability of Skyrim's independence but wished to defer this outcome. Pacifists, with a more urgent perspective, sought to capitalize on the present and expedite the process.
6. **Fear of Disorder**: Militants harbored apprehensions about potential anarchy or despotism that could arise from unchecked popular rule. Pacifists, however, took a deliberate stance against the overarching dominance of the Imperial government.
7. **Optimism vs. Pessimism**: A marked difference in outlook was evident. While Pacifists were buoyed by the confidence that Skyrim's independence was on the horizon, Militants were more pessimistic, doubting such a future.
8. **Approach to Governance**: Militants were wary and conservative, fearing the repercussions of rapid change. In contrast, Pacifists were proactive, making concerted efforts to challenge and reform the existing Imperial governance.

## Prominent pacifists

* Countess Eydis Tharn, Princess of Kemen
* Count Godrich Ashcrow of Skingrad
* Duke Vulcuno Thrassor, Prince of Kemen
* Lord Myrio Aren of Miscarcand
* Lord Nelsor Abor of Welke
* Lord Narodarr Torlafsson of Moranda
* Adeis na Quaar, Guardian of the Frostcrag Spire
* Balos Essen, an advisor from Cheydinhal
* Phaendar Caentaris, Lord of Castle Doublecross
* Lord Sabas Krevon of Ontus
* Lord Tavion Bracchus of Linchal
* Lord Jorran Haller of Vlindrel
* Grand Vizier Alexander Ernyon (defected to the militant party)