OOC: Akitsu Expansion into Belau

[Zabuza825]

The HLE may have agreed to give them guns if they converted.

As for Akitsu, I reckon such an agreement would  be a sore point between Akitsu and the HLE? Which would complicate their relationship and make it difficult for them to get along. And if I recall correctly, our states were supposed to get along fairly well. Unless it was a secret treaty between the HLE and Akitsu's ruling class/emperor?

The main issue is the whole "Sentricism in Belau" thing, though. While the HLE wouldn't really want a big war over some tiny backwater, it can't be seen to abandon a Sentric ruler either and certainly not to give concessions to an Ostaran nation.  There are a few options around this though.

If Akitsu negotiates with the HLE before invading and gives the HLE something reasonably valuable (for example, Akitsu converting or accepting Sentric missionaries), the HLE could excommunicate Belau's rulers and then have less cause to protect the ruling class when Akitsu invades a short while later (Akitsu would need to wait a bit so the excommunication isn't suspiciously convenient). The HLE could then make a show of intervening, but pull back if Akitsu guaranteed Sentric religious freedom on Belau.

If Akitsu doesn't warn the HLE of its invasion, the HLE would be forced to defend Belau and its ruling class, and Akitsu would need to give the HLE something super valuable so it'd pull back. More than just guaranteeing Sentric religion freedom on Belau. I'm skeptical a promise to not invading more islands would be enough. But if it they came to an understanding, the HLE could possibly accept a Sentric Belau being a sort of vassal to Akitsu. But even that would look kinda bad for the HLE...unless it's an alliance the HLE had ample guarantee of.

Additionally, the HLE may seize some islands east of Belau in response in either case.

As I said before, King Guafi Inayik loved his harem too much was too committed to his many wives to want to convert to Sentricism himself, but maybe that could be part of the reason his son converted? The islands exported some wood and other materials to Lanlania and the King's son converted to Sentricism, in exchange for guns?

As for actual taking, well Akitsu wasn't really looking for a long war either, I was modeling this after what happened rl in Hawaii (link) and Akitsu would be hoping for quick, decisive action. That said, if Lanlania has a long record of defending Sentric countries Akitsu could talk to the HLE about it beforehand, mostly because the rulers of Akitsu wouldn't want to start a war with a major Brigidnan power and risk potentially being royally bonerowned immediately after unification.

And as I mentioned on discord, the rulers wouldn't convert at all. But that said, they could agree to change the law and allow religious freedom in Akitsu as part of the agreement, and then allow Sentric missionaries in Akitsu (those Sentric missionaries won't really change the majority religion in Akitsu though).

As for Lanlania taking islands east of Belau, yeah that would likely discourage Akitian expansion further eastward in any case. But Akitsu probably wouldn't do too much to try and stop it unless they felt they were directly threatened.