Casus belli

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A casus belli (/keɪsəs ˈbɛlʌɪ, kɑːsʊs ˈbɛli/ KAY-səs BELL-eye, KAH-soos BELL-ee, from Latin cāsus bellī, meaning case for war), often referred to by players as a CB, is an event or circumstance that serves as a justification for war. In Chronicles of Elyria, a valid casus belli is required in order to formally declare war upon another realm or ruler; in other words, a person making a formal declaration of war must provide some form of justification for their doing so. Depending on the nature of the war and the desired outcome, this justification can be acquired in several ways.

Types of Casus Belli

For Claiming a Title

• Casus belli from Favor: A sitting ruler can lay claim to their liege's title with sufficient support from his or her peers.
• Casus belli from Fame: A character who reaches a fame level consistent with a particular tier of title can lay claim to titles of that tier.
• Casus belli from Wealth: A character who becomes sufficiently wealthy can pay to fabricate a claim on a title.

Tribe Specific

The following casus belli situations are known to be specific for the tribes of the Children of Mann.

• Brudvir: Upon the death of a Brudvir ruler with no living heirs, his direct vassal with the highest leadership ability automatically obtains a casus belli to claim the throne.
• Dras: Upon the death of a Dras ruler with no living heirs, their successor is chosen through a democratic process, where the Nobility will vote among themselves.
• Hrothi: Upon the death of a Hrothi ruler with no living heirs, his oldest direct vassal automatically obtains a casus belli to claim the throne.
• Janoa: Upon the death of a Janoan ruler with no living heirs, a casus belli is given to whomever among the eligible hunters proves themselves most potent in trial by combat.
• Kypiq: Upon the death of a Kypiq ruler with no living heirs, the Kypiq choose the new Monarch through a battle of wits.
• Neran: Upon the death of a Neran ruler with no living heirs, a power vacuum is created and peers or underlings of the deceased will vie for control of the title through reputation, prestige, and overall popularity. The person who is able to raise the most support for their claim will ultimately be given Casus Belli, and a reason to take possession of the land and titles.
• To'resk: Upon the death of a To'resk ruler with no living heirs, a power vacuum is created and peers or underlings of the deceased will be granted Casus Belli based on who has the best reputation among those eligible to fulfill the vacant role.
• Waerd: Upon the death of a Waerd ruler with no living heirs,a power vacuum is created and whomever among the vassals looks most like the last leader is granted Casus Belli, so as to keep the appearance of continuity among the people. As a result, the vast majority of the Waerd look extremely similar.

There are likely other possible casus belli, but currently only these ones are officially known at this time.