The Decree of the Southern Gap

Decree of the Southern Gap
The First Decree of Czar Aleksandru IV
Territorial extent	Durnstaal
Enacted by	Czar Stanislav Aleksandru IV
Date enacted	November 29th, 1042
Status: In force

The Decree of the Southern Gap is a royal decree enacted by Czar Aleksandru IV in 1042 in response to the death of his father, Czar Aleksandru III on campaign into lands formerly held by the Emmirian Empire. The loss of his father after decades of fighting to force Emmiria out of Duernian lands convinced Czar Aleksandru IV that any attempts to push the border farther south would result in more loss of life so he declared the act of invasion south through the "Southern Gap" to be illegal. The anger that would normally accompany a decree of this nature was nullified by both the popularity of the former Czar Aleksandru III and Stanislav Aleksandru IV's own military experience and prowess.

When the Confederacy of Duern formed in 1580 the decree was folded into the Grand Law code and following the collapse of the confederacy in 1629 remained a part of Duernian law. Despite being almost 600 years old by that point, the decree was still widely respected in Duern, notably causing a coup in 1640 when Czarina Voronin II of Duern attempted to violate it by ordering an army south. Her overthrow ended the Voronin family's rule over Duern and began the Husa Dynasty with Czar Richard Husa I taking power in 1642.

Following the formation of the Federation of Durnstaal, the Decree was once again folded into the new law code where it remains in effect to this day. To date, it has sparked major contention twice since the founding of the Federation: first in 1831 when Durnstaal was considering joining the Pan-Adulan Coalition against Skith and later in 2008 when Durnstaal agreed to send peacekeeping forces to neighboring Saudi Jiddiya. Both times, the wording of the Decree specifying "intent to conquer" proved a deciding factor in decision-making.

In the nearly one thousand years that the decree has been in effect, it has arguably not been violated once. What few military actions Durnstaal has taken since the Decree was put into effect have all seen deep discussion, not the least by those who originally planned them. In modern times, the Decree is a rallying point of sorts for isolationists and pacifists, especially those of conservative leanings.

"The ancient laws of our lands mean nothing against pleasing foreign masters!" -Elder Ferka Israti, on Durnian involvement in the Jiddiyan Civil War.

"Your descendants will not look on you as you look on Aleksandru if the Skithans end your bloodline first." -Cárova ruka Nik Vuc, arguing in favor of joining the Pan-Adulan Coalition.

"By royal decree of Czar Stanislav Aleksandru, fourth of the Aleksandru family and rightful ruler of Duern, shall a new law be made. The south-eastern border of Duern is hereby declared to be a line extending from the Kalater Mountain range to the coast of Lake Gravenna through the forts of Duernian construction located throughout the dry plain which exists between the two. No soldier of Duern, in the employ of armies domestic or foreign, shall ever march across this border with the intent to conquer the territory beyond it, as was the death of Czar Stanislav Aleksandru III."