Peace Treaty
A fragile accord to end the war between angels and demons.
The Treaty of Paris, signed by representatives of King George III of Great Britain and representatives of the United States on September 3, 1783, officially ended the War of American Independence and recognized the Thirteen Colonies, which had been part of colonial British America, to be free, sovereign and independent unified states. It forms one treaty out of many that are collectively named the Peace of Paris (1783). The treaty set the boundaries between British North America, later called Canada, and the United States, on lines the British labeled as 'exceedingly generous,' although exact boundary definitions in the far-northwest and to the south continued to be subject to some controversy. Details included fishing rights and restoration of property and prisoners of war.
- Type
- Narrative Outcome
- Factions Involved
- Heaven, Hell, Mortal Realm
- Status
- Conditional/Route Dependent
- Significance
- Endgame Resolution
Lore & Background
Peace negotiations began in Paris in April 1782, following the fall of Prime Minister North's government on 20 March, in the wake of British defeat at Yorktown in the U.S. War for Independence at the hands of the Continental Army, the French Royal Army and the French Royal Navy. Representing the United States were Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, Henry Laurens, and John Adams. Representing the Kingdom of Great Britain and King George III were David Hartley and Richard Oswald. The treaty was drafted on November 30, 1782, and signed at the Hôtel d'York at present-day 56 Rue Jacob in Paris on September 3, 1783, by Adams, Franklin, Jay, and Hartley. In September 1782, French Foreign Minister Vergennes proposed a solution to deadlocked negotiations, which was rejected by the United States. The American delegation perceived that they could obtain a better treaty in negotiating directly with the British in London. John Jay promptly told the British that he was willing to negotiate directly with them and to bypass France and Spain, and British Prime Minister Lord Shelburne agreed. The terms were that the United States would gain all of the area east of the Mississippi River, north of present-day Florida, and south of present-day Canada. The northern boundary would be almost the same as it is today. The United States would gain fishing rights off Nova Scotia's coasts and agreed to allow British merchants and Loyalists to try to recover their property. The treaty was highly favorable for the United States and deliberately so from the British point of view. Shelburne foresaw highly profitable two-way trade between Britain and the rapidly-growing United States, which came to pass. Great Britain also signed separate agreements with France and Spain, and provisionally with the Netherlands. The Congress of the Confederation ratified the Treaty of Paris on January 14, 1784, in Annapolis, Maryland, in the Old Senate Chamber of the Maryland State House. British ratification occurred on April 9, 1784, and the ratified versions were exchanged in Paris on May 12, 1784.
In Their Own Story
The air in the neutral chamber hummed with residual magic, a stark contrast to the silence between the two delegates. One hand hovered over the parchment, glowing faintly with holy light; the other rested on a quill etched with infernal runes. No words were spoken as the ink dried. The war did not end with a bang, but with this quiet, trembling agreement.
Reader's Guide
The path to peace begins early with building alliances across faction lines rather than choosing sides exclusively. Mid-game decisions regarding corruption and truth reveal leverage needed for negotiations later. In the final episodes, specific dialogue choices determine if factions agree to cease hostilities or continue fighting. Success depends on prior relationship levels with key leaders from both Heaven and Hell.
Did You Know?
- The Treaty of Paris was signed on September 3, 1783, but was drafted on November 30, 1782.
- The American delegation bypassed France and Spain to negotiate directly with the British in London.
- Only Article 1 of the treaty, which acknowledges the United States' existence as free, sovereign, and independent states, remains in force.
- The Congress of the Confederation ratified the treaty on January 14, 1784, in Annapolis, Maryland.
- British ratification occurred on April 9, 1784, and the ratified versions were exchanged in Paris on May 12, 1784.