I was part of some of the peace negotiations, and there it actually wasn't objectively Astrum's fault. It was Helyg Derwyddon who suddenly stopped responding to an offer that was very fair and very similar to the HD offer to Astrum. They subsequently ignored their offer, claiming they hadn't received it, and withdrew from the negotiations without much reason.
That was kinda my recollection, too. Or pretty close, anyway.
HD: We will offer peace. The terms are A, B, C, and D.
Morek: Sounds good to us.
Astrum: We will go along with A, B, and C. But we would like to modify D so it is like this.
HD: Gah! You obviously don't want peace! We withdraw from these negotiations!
D'Hara: Awww, come one guys! The Lurians are the real enemies. Can't we all just come back to the table and talk?
Crickets: Chirp! Chirp!
