Treaty of Ærilar
The Treaty of Ærilar (7574), also known as the Straits Treaty or Common Tariff, established the Straits Cartel, regulating strategic straits through tariffs and mutual defense agreements among signatory nations. It marked Aedeland's apex in diplomacy under Jakob av Varung, Foreign Secretary and Governor of the Sørtarnland Company.
Background
Gotha's key straits have long held geopolitical and economic significance, yet no conventions ensured free passage. Wars like the Pan-Anarian War and the Tandem Wars centered on control of these passages. Aedeland, pursuing dominance through its doctrine of access, pushed for a straits cartel to monetize and secure control of these vital waterways.
Varung's efforts culminated in the 7574 Ærilar Conference, showcasing Aedeland’s military strength and diplomatic influence. The negotiations resulted in an unprecedented agreement among historical rivals, though Vittmarker observers formally objected.
Treaty Terms
The treaty created a shared tariff system for ships passing cartel-controlled straits, with revenues divided equally among members. Signatories pledged mutual defense of these passages, generating estimated revenues of ₲ 8.4–32.2 billion annually.
Signatories
- Aedeland: Strait of Andlat, Zengten
- Livaria: Aer Strait, Calcit Channel, Strait of Helvolk, Svetov Channel
- Anat Tahan: Strait of Afti
- Anisora: Western Strait
- Auresia: Hattaro Strait
- Helreich: Strait of Helvolk
- Helland: Zengten
Challenges and Fallout
The treaty faced immediate resistance from Vittmark, which ended longstanding port concessions and likely orchestrated the assassination of Varung and the brutal murder of his family. Anisora undermined the agreement by allowing foreign ships to bypass tariffs under flags of convenience in exchange for exclusive port rights in Vittmark. Efforts by Aedeland to enforce the treaty through legal claims and a second conference failed, leading to Livaria and Auresia withdrawing from the cartel. This diplomatic unraveling left Aedeland reliant on Anat Tahan and Helreich, triggering a realignment of alliances that shaped the geopolitics of the early 77th century.