Karthage Manifest: A Proclamation Regarding Karthage and Foreign Powers
We, the Nobles of Karthage, proclaim this day Karthage’s position on her relationship with Foreign Powers, a warning to those who would be her enemies, and a promise to those who would be her friends.
1) Karthage will protect her merchants. Karthage desires nothing more than to establish trade routes throughout the known world, increasing the wealth of both her and her partner in trade. If at any time, Karthage feels that her trade is being threatened by another power, Karthage will respond in an appropriate manner. If because of war between Karthage’s partner in trade and a third power, Karthage’s trade is threatened, Karthage will respond in an appropriate manner. Woe to the one who kills a merchant, or indeed any citizen of Karthage, for they will be heaping embers of destruction on their head.
2) Karthage will ensure free waters. Karthage has gone to much troubles to ensure the safety of her merchants and explorers on the seas. If at any time either her explorers or merchants are prevented from going about their business by the navy or blockade of any nation, Karthage will respond in an appropriate manner.
3) Karthage will protect her allies, and the interests of her allies. An act against them will be considered an act against Karthage, and will be dealt with accordingly.
4) Karthage will ensure a balance of power in the Mediterranean. Those countries that at the time of this proclamation border the Mediterranean, Karthage considers their friends. If at any time Karthage judges that these friends will be replaced by another power who Karthage may feel would be less friendly, Karthage will take appropriate actions.
The stability of the world is our priority, for it is through the stability of peace that trade and knowledge can flourish, creating a better place for all to live. We do solemnly swear that we will work to achieve peace using whatever means are necessary. Let this proclamation be sent far and wide, read to the people of Karthage and all the rulers of the powers we know. Let also a copy be placed in the Temple of Baal, as an everlasting reminder to us of our sacred duty.