A caravan of [[farne:locations:Upper Thalia|Thalian]] refugees is forcibly turned back by the [[farne:locations:Alestia|Alestian]] military at the [[farne:locations:Shesslia|Shesslian]] border, with several casualties.  Word of the deaths reaches the refugees in [[farne:locations:City of Alestia|Alestia City]], sparking riots and allegations of barbarism.  Elements of the Alestian citizenry are incensed at the refugees' ingratitude, adding further fuel to the fire.  By nightfall of the 11th, widespread fires are burning across the Alestian capital.  

In an emergency session of the Council of Electors, Elector [[farne:actors:Jain Talpin]] has called into doubt the leadership of Prince Elector [[farne:actors:Merwin Stannisal]].  Fully half of the council signed on to Talpin's measure of no-confidence, creating an unprecedented constitutional conflict.  The law, and half the council, is firmly with Merwin's camp, however, the Talpin camp is demanding Merwin step down.  The Talpin propaganda machine has gone into overdrive, demanding that Alestian generals and admirals not follow unlawful orders, introducing enough legalese to confuse the most loyal soldiers.  In the interim, the city smolders...