Update 32- Years 2064 to 2100: Rising Tide
Kelios’ war drags painfully onwards, but an end is in sight.
Just after beating back an attempted Naetsayan counterattack (following the reunification of the country after its brief civil war following the execution of the rogue commander Koroz), Keliosi forces under General Daren misdirected the Naetsayans, moving them out of position, before launching a deadly and lightning-quick strike against the Naetsayan Capital of Allan. King Tezar II was forcibly removed from power, and chaos took over in the country once again. Keliosi forces dug in, quietly playing the Naetsayans against each other, focusing on simply holding their ground while their enemies pummelled each other into the ground.
However, far greater than this victory was the diplomatic victory won over the Tsayans advancing southwards into central Kelios. Parleying with a powerful tribal chief, Tselo, they tried to convince him of the futility and impracticality of trying to continue a series of unsuccessful attacks against the south, and presented an alternative- the reconquest of the north.
Seeing the logic in the Keliosi proposal, Tselo used his significant influence to draw more minor Tsayan tribes onto his side, and crushed those who refused. Soon, the latest Tsayan migration was completely converted, and a northwards advance began against the remnants of Naetsaya.
Kelios, for the time being, is safe. However, their new allies, who have even started referring to themselves as the Tselotsayans, are a point of some concern. While they are working for the shared best interests of themselves and the Keliosis, if their goals diverge, then trouble may be on the way.
(-500 Keliosi Cavalry, -500 Keliosi Spearmen, +1 Rural Economy, -Naetsaya)
Meanwhile, for a time Kelios appeared to have a problem in the east. Syracia, after helping to crush the Saratsayans, made no moves towards retreating their forces from liberated territory- in fact, they did not leave it for the entire duration of the war against Naetsaya, ostensibly to provide defense. The Revered feared a betrayal, but it turned out to not be the case. The Tricameron of Syracia pulled their forces out, worriedly explaining that there had been a massive, organized strike against the east of their country by pirate forces.
In the nascent Azulian League, headed by Zamdar, things are going as well as can be hoped. A new, democratic government has been instated in Chancosanx, the Tuatha are stable, and it is sufficient to say that the Naetsayans are no longer a threat.
In the northeast of Zamdar, a Crystalist Colony, named ‘Sapphire’, has been created. This ‘new homeland’ for their religion and people has drawn Crystalists from throughout the nation to this new region, pushing its borders further north, towards the glacial peaks, where mines for religiously and economically valuable gems and minerals are beginning to appear. On the coast, the City-State known to the locals as Saradel, founded by the Citadel in ages past, agreed to join into the Azulian. Many suspect that outright annexation may be in its future, due to the very strong Zamdar influences in its population, but for now it retains a degree of independence.
The government in Adar has shuffled around numerous internal borders, creating several ethnically-mixed territories. The exact purpose of this is somewhat unclear, though it has rather chaotically increased or decreased the voting power of several groups. There has been some discontent against this move, but nothing particularly serious.
Meanwhile, Zamdar has worked to rebuild its military strength, for the first time in quite a while having the breathing space to build a navy, though its ship designs are quite out of date when compared with those of nations with significant naval history. This would quickly turn out to be a rather serious problem, as in an attempt to improve relationships with the Valins, the Justiciar Council also voted to send a small army by sea to assist King Erias III, formerly of Khemri, now Emperor Erias I of the Imperial Republic of Paleaveritas, in the fight against the Anabetan Empire. However, we must look at a few more regions before hearing of that... interesting... war.
The Republic of Norvalin has worked to fortify its lands and expand eastwards, though gains into the dry, cold lands of the interior have been limited, expensive, and unproductive.
Times are good in Achostai. Despot Vegai, succeeding Vahalan as the leader of the Orum-based Pirian nation, has officially dropped his claim to Arcadia, and focused on more profitable pursuits, such as strengthening the relationship between the Dengarai and Achostai. Additionally, possibly in an attempt to rebuild a relationship with the Valins, or to express their distaste of the Anabetan Empire, Vegai himself has led a force to fight in the Battle for Paleaveritas. Once again, however, that war can wait.
Gamorrea has fallen upon hard times indeed. Reaching the goal of their campaign, the barbaric northern cousins of the Gamorreans have conquered and razed Gorrah, the holy city of the south. This was the last blow for the frustrated residents of the south. The utterly bloated and corrupt government of Temuj Buzigora was overthrown, and the coastal regions of the corruption fell into an anarchic state, while the barbarians stormed and captured the west of the nation.
(-2000 Takil-Gorrahn, -500 Horse Archers, -500 Axemen, -1000 Spearmen)
The Barony of the Hugions was the next nation to fall victim to this snowballing threat. With a good portion of its army expanding territory on the far side of the Keran Range, it was not in a good position to fend off several thousand mounted invaders. Much of the country has fallen under occupation, though the cities hold out, and the barbaric Gamorreans seem to be losing steam. Rumours from the now cut-off northern territories of Malkavian, Ikki, and even Orumo uprisings, taking advantage of the relative power vacuum. However, little can be confirmed.
(-1000 Hugion Militia, -500 Hugion Archers)
As for the expansion across the Keran Mountains, the Baron’s forces managed to claim part of the Kalmar River’s eastern bank before the Iron Faces reasserted their control over the region, preventing further gains. On the plus side, they seem to tolerate the new Hugion presence, even going as far as to open up trading relations.
However, in the north, things were not going quite as well for the Iron Faces.
The Khagan’s forces were already small and overstretched in holding onto Gorinese territory, and were hardly even strong enough to return northwards to re-establish control of the central plains and reinforce the region of Merhai against the Fairhelt invaders.
King Falhir’s army, meanwhile, ended the siege of Khori by crossing the Merhai Sea and assaulting it from the north. Unveiling new siege engines, it demanded the capital’s surrender. Nothing was forthcoming, and the capital fell in a rather anticlimactic assault. The Merhai were then cautious, but when they came to realize just how weakened the Iron Faces were, they started a bold advance, securing the Merhai heartlands. Treating the defeated with dignity, they have now established their control over the region, forcing the remaining Iron Faces down into the south, where they face, as always, an uncertain future.
(-2000 Iron Face Horse Archers, -10 Fairhelt Wooly Ramids, -500 Fairhelt Swordsmen, -500 Fairhelt Axemen)
Calm, of a sort, has once again fallen over the unending fields which were once the Empire of Gorin. In the vast northern regions annexed by Croyodon, rebellion has calmed down to an angry, but resigned buzz. Occupation forces have suffered some losses, but are maintaining order. The significant surviving warlords have moved into the south, where they enjoy much greater success fighting against the hated Anabetans.
(-500 Croyodonian Spearmen, -500 Croyodonian Swordsmen)
All in all, Croyodon’s treatment of Gorin, though very restrictive, is not downright abusive. However, many Gorinese are very angered by the floods of Nordrassan missionaries traveling through their lands, working to displace Masra. Offering incentives to convert, and harassing those who refuse, the traditional Gorinese religion is under a very real threat. In many cases, its practice has been forced underground.
Domestically, Croyodon’s Theocrats are continuing to grow in power, thanks to their success against Gorin. Atonical the Elect has begun a great project of shipbuilding, though many advisors suggest that he should work to build a fleet of more modern ships, rather than traditional galleys.
The Crystalist rebels have established the nation of Yashala, around the mountainside city of Emerald. Squeezed between two great powers, they have nonetheless managed to exist without becoming entangled in foreign politics, or worse, invaded. The nation has become a favourite destination for Masrans fleeing religious persecution. Though it officially has closed its borders to such immigration, many Gorinese have nonetheless arrived in the country. Rumours have spread that Yashala is attempting to purchase the Crystalist holy lands, around the cities of Ruby, Crystal and Shard, from Dengarai.
The Valins have, in the midst of their warring in Khemri, set out towards another reorganization. Recognizing the widespread Republics’ desires for increased independence, they have all been granted domestic independence, while they still act as a coherent whole on the foreign stage. The island of Veritas itself, now mostly a ruin with a few scattered fishing villages on the coasts, is set to become the home of the Uniarch, head of the Orthodox Oneist Church, and the Eldarium, a legislative body with the purpose or resolving disputes between the Republics. However, the dream of a rebuilt Veritas is still very far away.
The main changes have happened in what is now known as the Imperial Republic of Paleaveritas. Emperor Erias I and Stratikrator Khoraeus (son of the Lord Enrae who first allied with the Valins), both ethnically Khemrian, led the country and its military effort against Anabetan Khemri. Meanwhile, the populace under their control, enjoying a democratic government for the first time since the Second Exodus, have struggling to make any sorts of progress. A Valin named Karalius has been selected as the Tactikrator, but holding the odd nation together is consuming all of the Assemblum’s energies.
And there certainly have been many struggles. Firstly, Erias has chosen to not convert, retaining traditional Khemrian beliefs. However, several members of his family have, sparking some unfortunate tensions. There is a sense of segregation between people of differing ethnicities and religions, particularly amongst Khemrians, who feel that their culture is being dominated, and their people viewed as possible traitors. Many members of the former Khemrian loyalist army, typically being partly Valin in descent and well-exposed to the religion, have become more openly Oneist, but the elite orders of the Crystal Knights and Royal Guards have been more vehement in their rejection of the new faith, maintaining the Aegyptian dedication to civic ideals and loyalty to their leader. However, there is some syncretism developing between Oneism and Aegypt.
However, the important point is that, despite domestic deadlock and a slew of troubles, Paleaveritas still stands. However, that is still not taking the actions of the Anabetans into account...
Lord Anabet, it is generally assumed by foreigners, has passed away from old age without an heir, and the nation is now ruled by his generals. However, those inside Anabetan Khemri remain convinced that he lives, caught up in a mix of his cult of personality and as the new center of the Aegyptian religion (King Erias III betraying the nation and all that).
Thus, the Anabetan Generals continued the fight enjoying strong support from the populace. A grand scheme was developed, to force the Valins and their allies out of Paleaveritas and put an end to Erias and his corrupt line.
First, a great armada of Caravels, Tridents, and even a contingent of Galleys, set out for Kehexou, with the intention of crushing the rebellion, before the island could be used as a staging point for a new invasion from the Valins.
Kehexou was still desperately building up its open-water fleet when the Anabetans arrived. Disorganized against the massive, intentioned strike, the Kehex fleet fought two costly battles and was forced into flight, some retreating into the temporary safety of the harbours, some setting out into the open ocean.
(-20 Anabetan Caravels, -30 Kehex Caravels, -10 Kehex Tridents)
With Kehexou’s fleet scattered, the invasion itself could begin. From staging points in the west of the island, the Khemrians swept away the surprisingly weak defenders with relatively few casualties. Partisan activity existed, but it was not a significant factor.
King Radyas Keledex, son of Birae Keledex, the Kehex noble who had taken control of the rebellion early on, was forced into the eastern extremes of his homeland. However, salvation was on its way.
The Valin, Achostaian and Kalmar Fleets, along with the escaped Kehex vessels, over 100 vessels strong in total, struck without warning. Now, the Anabetans were on the defensive. Two more naval engagements had reverse results of the originals, the end result being the Anabetan fleet’s retreat back to their base in the Khim Delta.
Now cut off, the Anabetan forces caught on Kehexou fought desperately, but the ever-growing Kehex allied presence on the island proved to be too much to overcome. The Anabetans, running out of food and whatever little local support they had enjoyed, were forced to surrender, de facto assuring Kehexou’s independence.
(-1000 Anabetan Pikemen, -5000 Militia, -500 Royal Guards, -500 Archers, -40 Caravels, -10 Tridents, -10 000 Kehex Militia, -500 Pikemen, -1500 Archers, -10 Caravels, -5 Tridents, -15 Valin Seleni)
The second part of the Anabetan plan was the advance of a great army through Emor, to threaten Kalmar back into the fold, then an advance against Paleaveritas from the north.
The plan started off well, though it left the Mogulian front worryingly underdefended. A large Paleaveritasian offensive, led by Stratikrator Khoraeus, reinforced with forces from Achostai, volunteers/mercenaries from Dengarai, and even a small contingent from distant Zamdar, overpowered the defenders at Delhi, with the help of their great new siege engines, the Tormentae, and terrifying explosive ‘grenades’, which had previously been assumed to be nothing but exaggerated rumours.
Meanwhile, as the northern Anabetan army traveled to Kalmar, Emor, eager to stay on Anabet’s good side, joined in. Quickly, they warned the commanders that a large, mysterious, presumably Valin river-fleet had been seen heading upriver. An investigative force was sent off to discover what exactly was happening, while the main combined army continued westwards.
Upon reaching Kalmar, the Anabetan and Emoran invaders were delighted to discover the area only lightly defended. The Kalmarian defenders were quickly pushed back. Once again, victory seemed imminent.
What happened next was a surprise to everybody.
The armies of Dengarai, rested after their campaign in Gorin, attacked the Anabetans from behind. Unprepared, the Anabetans quickly suffered heavy casualties as cavalry plowed through their masses of militia, coming to a stop only as the pikemen organized into formation. Eventually, the Dengarian assault was thrown off, but it was the beginning of the end for this army. Raids from Dengarai’s army, and counterattacks by the reinforced army in Kalmar plagued it as the Anabetans retreated.
Meanwhile, the purpose of the mysterious Valin riverboats made itself clear. Contacting the Gorinese resistance, an alliance was struck between Statikrator Majorian and Gazi Godruski, one of the last of the Bajo-Oni. And thus, a force of Gorinese rebels, with their newfound allies the Valins, crossed the Crystal Ridge mountains and descended upon Khi.
The acting capital of Anabetan Khemri was caught by surprise, and put up a good fight, but it could counter neither the fury of the Gorinese, nor the advanced forces and explosives used by the Valins. The city fell, and several of Anabet’s leaders were captured.
As this was happening, Stratikrator Khoraeus left a small force to hold the line in Tekrehexou, and set out into the infamous Hexki Valley, the vale extending from the eastern extreme of the Crystal Ridge Mountains to above the city of Said, which itself is perched along a thin north-south road, with the end of the Hexki pass to the west and steep drop-offs to the east.
Attacking with great force, once again, the invaders won, and Anabetan forces were still struggling to find tactics which worked well against the deadly new Valin explosives. Said was taken, and the delta was open for the taking.
From the Battle of Said onwards, things went into a freefall for the Anabetan Empire. Dengarai overwhelmed Emor in its entirety, while the Anabetan army in the area broke down and its frightened militia scattered, to begin slowly making their individual ways home. Small areas which had been taken by Kalmar and Veritas, as token gestures of aggression after Emor sided with Khemri, were also handed over to Dengarai, to avoid future border disputes and to free up more forces for the western front.
Tekrehexou fell to a rather disorganized assault consisting of Valins, Achostaians, a token Kehexou force, and the legion from Zamdar. There was certainly a lot of bad blood between Achostai and Zamdar, but things remained civil between them as de facto allies, and throughout the campaign the two groups, at least on an individual level, began to warm up towards each other.
The battles for the Delta were difficult, but the Anabetans were simply exhausted, the populace had become disillusioned, and order was quickly beginning to break down.
As the Valins and their allies began to bring their advances to a halt to consolidate their gains, an odd quiet descended over most fronts of battle. The situation, and its implications for the future, are very significant.
Anabetan Khemri was an empire as great and powerful as it was short lived. No heirs, by blood or appointment, exist to the former Lord of Khi. Technically, the nation still exists, in a broken, severely weakened state, but its armies are all but gone, its fleet sunken, and its leaders absent. A small semblance of order remains in the remaining Anabetan lands, but it is only a step above anarchy, and a new power is almost certain to rise out of the mess, one way or another.
The forces of the Bajo-Oni Godruski and Stratikrator Majorian have carved out a large region of southern Gorin free from foreign domination, though Croyodon has yet to recognize its independence. The alliance between Majorian and the Gorinese is extremely worrying to Croyodon, who may end up facing huge rebellions and Valin invaders.
Meanwhile, the Vassal State of Zuoharra has declared itself to be fully independent, for as never really considering its vassalage to be anything more than a one-way right of passage agreement for Khemri, a sudden request for soldiers and gold was met with anger. Nurmafer has regained its independence as well, with little struggle- this may be due to Anabetan plans to set it free, which were never completed due to the government’s untimely collapse.
The future of Khemri is extremely unclear. Much discussion will likely be needed before suitable new borders can be drawn up. Whether or not they will be accepted remains to be seen.
Possibly the most interesting result of Anabet’s collapse, however, is one of faith. Aegypt, the state religion of Old Khemri, taught civic virtue, the reign of Nikkal-Rae, (who epitomized the Unity of Khemri and Kehexou), and devotion- almost to the point of religious reverence- to figures of authority, most specifically the King.
However, with the perceived betrayal by King Erias, the death of Anabet, and chaos amongst the clergy, the faith is thrown into disarray. When confronted with a distinct pressure from the Oneists to join their religion and the worship of the One, however, a syncretic faith has begun to appear, throughout the realm of Aegyptian faith. The permutations are myriad, but the generals features are as such- the Aegyptian values are maintained, but instead of a patron god and its earthly representative, they devote themselves to the One, a being beyond such simple things as nations. As I said, there are many variations- some still refer to the one god as Nikkal-Rae, some in Paleaveritas consider the King to be an earthly representative of the One, and so on. Disorganized though they are, this system of belief is spreading like wildfire throughout the lands of Khemri, Kehexou, and the Aegyptian population of Paleaveritas.
(-Anabetan Khemri, -Emor, -2000 Neaveritasian Autorian Knights, 2000 Paleaveritasian Knights of the Republic, -1000 Regian Guards, -1000 Phoenix Archers, -1500 Scimitari, -5000 Militia-1000 Dengarian Spearmen, -1000 Cavalry, -1000 Swordsmen, -500 Archers, -10 Kalmar Galleys, -500 Axemen, -2000 Swordsmen, -1500 Norvalin Autorian Knights, -1000 Zamdar Archers, -500 Zamdar Cavalry, -500 Achostaian Knights of the Sapphiric Order, -10 Jyuphia)
Kelios’ war drags painfully onwards, but an end is in sight.
Just after beating back an attempted Naetsayan counterattack (following the reunification of the country after its brief civil war following the execution of the rogue commander Koroz), Keliosi forces under General Daren misdirected the Naetsayans, moving them out of position, before launching a deadly and lightning-quick strike against the Naetsayan Capital of Allan. King Tezar II was forcibly removed from power, and chaos took over in the country once again. Keliosi forces dug in, quietly playing the Naetsayans against each other, focusing on simply holding their ground while their enemies pummelled each other into the ground.
However, far greater than this victory was the diplomatic victory won over the Tsayans advancing southwards into central Kelios. Parleying with a powerful tribal chief, Tselo, they tried to convince him of the futility and impracticality of trying to continue a series of unsuccessful attacks against the south, and presented an alternative- the reconquest of the north.
Seeing the logic in the Keliosi proposal, Tselo used his significant influence to draw more minor Tsayan tribes onto his side, and crushed those who refused. Soon, the latest Tsayan migration was completely converted, and a northwards advance began against the remnants of Naetsaya.
Kelios, for the time being, is safe. However, their new allies, who have even started referring to themselves as the Tselotsayans, are a point of some concern. While they are working for the shared best interests of themselves and the Keliosis, if their goals diverge, then trouble may be on the way.
(-500 Keliosi Cavalry, -500 Keliosi Spearmen, +1 Rural Economy, -Naetsaya)
Meanwhile, for a time Kelios appeared to have a problem in the east. Syracia, after helping to crush the Saratsayans, made no moves towards retreating their forces from liberated territory- in fact, they did not leave it for the entire duration of the war against Naetsaya, ostensibly to provide defense. The Revered feared a betrayal, but it turned out to not be the case. The Tricameron of Syracia pulled their forces out, worriedly explaining that there had been a massive, organized strike against the east of their country by pirate forces.
In the nascent Azulian League, headed by Zamdar, things are going as well as can be hoped. A new, democratic government has been instated in Chancosanx, the Tuatha are stable, and it is sufficient to say that the Naetsayans are no longer a threat.
In the northeast of Zamdar, a Crystalist Colony, named ‘Sapphire’, has been created. This ‘new homeland’ for their religion and people has drawn Crystalists from throughout the nation to this new region, pushing its borders further north, towards the glacial peaks, where mines for religiously and economically valuable gems and minerals are beginning to appear. On the coast, the City-State known to the locals as Saradel, founded by the Citadel in ages past, agreed to join into the Azulian. Many suspect that outright annexation may be in its future, due to the very strong Zamdar influences in its population, but for now it retains a degree of independence.
The government in Adar has shuffled around numerous internal borders, creating several ethnically-mixed territories. The exact purpose of this is somewhat unclear, though it has rather chaotically increased or decreased the voting power of several groups. There has been some discontent against this move, but nothing particularly serious.
Meanwhile, Zamdar has worked to rebuild its military strength, for the first time in quite a while having the breathing space to build a navy, though its ship designs are quite out of date when compared with those of nations with significant naval history. This would quickly turn out to be a rather serious problem, as in an attempt to improve relationships with the Valins, the Justiciar Council also voted to send a small army by sea to assist King Erias III, formerly of Khemri, now Emperor Erias I of the Imperial Republic of Paleaveritas, in the fight against the Anabetan Empire. However, we must look at a few more regions before hearing of that... interesting... war.
The Republic of Norvalin has worked to fortify its lands and expand eastwards, though gains into the dry, cold lands of the interior have been limited, expensive, and unproductive.
Times are good in Achostai. Despot Vegai, succeeding Vahalan as the leader of the Orum-based Pirian nation, has officially dropped his claim to Arcadia, and focused on more profitable pursuits, such as strengthening the relationship between the Dengarai and Achostai. Additionally, possibly in an attempt to rebuild a relationship with the Valins, or to express their distaste of the Anabetan Empire, Vegai himself has led a force to fight in the Battle for Paleaveritas. Once again, however, that war can wait.
Gamorrea has fallen upon hard times indeed. Reaching the goal of their campaign, the barbaric northern cousins of the Gamorreans have conquered and razed Gorrah, the holy city of the south. This was the last blow for the frustrated residents of the south. The utterly bloated and corrupt government of Temuj Buzigora was overthrown, and the coastal regions of the corruption fell into an anarchic state, while the barbarians stormed and captured the west of the nation.
(-2000 Takil-Gorrahn, -500 Horse Archers, -500 Axemen, -1000 Spearmen)
The Barony of the Hugions was the next nation to fall victim to this snowballing threat. With a good portion of its army expanding territory on the far side of the Keran Range, it was not in a good position to fend off several thousand mounted invaders. Much of the country has fallen under occupation, though the cities hold out, and the barbaric Gamorreans seem to be losing steam. Rumours from the now cut-off northern territories of Malkavian, Ikki, and even Orumo uprisings, taking advantage of the relative power vacuum. However, little can be confirmed.
(-1000 Hugion Militia, -500 Hugion Archers)
As for the expansion across the Keran Mountains, the Baron’s forces managed to claim part of the Kalmar River’s eastern bank before the Iron Faces reasserted their control over the region, preventing further gains. On the plus side, they seem to tolerate the new Hugion presence, even going as far as to open up trading relations.
However, in the north, things were not going quite as well for the Iron Faces.
The Khagan’s forces were already small and overstretched in holding onto Gorinese territory, and were hardly even strong enough to return northwards to re-establish control of the central plains and reinforce the region of Merhai against the Fairhelt invaders.
King Falhir’s army, meanwhile, ended the siege of Khori by crossing the Merhai Sea and assaulting it from the north. Unveiling new siege engines, it demanded the capital’s surrender. Nothing was forthcoming, and the capital fell in a rather anticlimactic assault. The Merhai were then cautious, but when they came to realize just how weakened the Iron Faces were, they started a bold advance, securing the Merhai heartlands. Treating the defeated with dignity, they have now established their control over the region, forcing the remaining Iron Faces down into the south, where they face, as always, an uncertain future.
(-2000 Iron Face Horse Archers, -10 Fairhelt Wooly Ramids, -500 Fairhelt Swordsmen, -500 Fairhelt Axemen)
Calm, of a sort, has once again fallen over the unending fields which were once the Empire of Gorin. In the vast northern regions annexed by Croyodon, rebellion has calmed down to an angry, but resigned buzz. Occupation forces have suffered some losses, but are maintaining order. The significant surviving warlords have moved into the south, where they enjoy much greater success fighting against the hated Anabetans.
(-500 Croyodonian Spearmen, -500 Croyodonian Swordsmen)
All in all, Croyodon’s treatment of Gorin, though very restrictive, is not downright abusive. However, many Gorinese are very angered by the floods of Nordrassan missionaries traveling through their lands, working to displace Masra. Offering incentives to convert, and harassing those who refuse, the traditional Gorinese religion is under a very real threat. In many cases, its practice has been forced underground.
Domestically, Croyodon’s Theocrats are continuing to grow in power, thanks to their success against Gorin. Atonical the Elect has begun a great project of shipbuilding, though many advisors suggest that he should work to build a fleet of more modern ships, rather than traditional galleys.
The Crystalist rebels have established the nation of Yashala, around the mountainside city of Emerald. Squeezed between two great powers, they have nonetheless managed to exist without becoming entangled in foreign politics, or worse, invaded. The nation has become a favourite destination for Masrans fleeing religious persecution. Though it officially has closed its borders to such immigration, many Gorinese have nonetheless arrived in the country. Rumours have spread that Yashala is attempting to purchase the Crystalist holy lands, around the cities of Ruby, Crystal and Shard, from Dengarai.
The Valins have, in the midst of their warring in Khemri, set out towards another reorganization. Recognizing the widespread Republics’ desires for increased independence, they have all been granted domestic independence, while they still act as a coherent whole on the foreign stage. The island of Veritas itself, now mostly a ruin with a few scattered fishing villages on the coasts, is set to become the home of the Uniarch, head of the Orthodox Oneist Church, and the Eldarium, a legislative body with the purpose or resolving disputes between the Republics. However, the dream of a rebuilt Veritas is still very far away.
The main changes have happened in what is now known as the Imperial Republic of Paleaveritas. Emperor Erias I and Stratikrator Khoraeus (son of the Lord Enrae who first allied with the Valins), both ethnically Khemrian, led the country and its military effort against Anabetan Khemri. Meanwhile, the populace under their control, enjoying a democratic government for the first time since the Second Exodus, have struggling to make any sorts of progress. A Valin named Karalius has been selected as the Tactikrator, but holding the odd nation together is consuming all of the Assemblum’s energies.
And there certainly have been many struggles. Firstly, Erias has chosen to not convert, retaining traditional Khemrian beliefs. However, several members of his family have, sparking some unfortunate tensions. There is a sense of segregation between people of differing ethnicities and religions, particularly amongst Khemrians, who feel that their culture is being dominated, and their people viewed as possible traitors. Many members of the former Khemrian loyalist army, typically being partly Valin in descent and well-exposed to the religion, have become more openly Oneist, but the elite orders of the Crystal Knights and Royal Guards have been more vehement in their rejection of the new faith, maintaining the Aegyptian dedication to civic ideals and loyalty to their leader. However, there is some syncretism developing between Oneism and Aegypt.
However, the important point is that, despite domestic deadlock and a slew of troubles, Paleaveritas still stands. However, that is still not taking the actions of the Anabetans into account...
Lord Anabet, it is generally assumed by foreigners, has passed away from old age without an heir, and the nation is now ruled by his generals. However, those inside Anabetan Khemri remain convinced that he lives, caught up in a mix of his cult of personality and as the new center of the Aegyptian religion (King Erias III betraying the nation and all that).
Thus, the Anabetan Generals continued the fight enjoying strong support from the populace. A grand scheme was developed, to force the Valins and their allies out of Paleaveritas and put an end to Erias and his corrupt line.
First, a great armada of Caravels, Tridents, and even a contingent of Galleys, set out for Kehexou, with the intention of crushing the rebellion, before the island could be used as a staging point for a new invasion from the Valins.
Kehexou was still desperately building up its open-water fleet when the Anabetans arrived. Disorganized against the massive, intentioned strike, the Kehex fleet fought two costly battles and was forced into flight, some retreating into the temporary safety of the harbours, some setting out into the open ocean.
(-20 Anabetan Caravels, -30 Kehex Caravels, -10 Kehex Tridents)
With Kehexou’s fleet scattered, the invasion itself could begin. From staging points in the west of the island, the Khemrians swept away the surprisingly weak defenders with relatively few casualties. Partisan activity existed, but it was not a significant factor.
King Radyas Keledex, son of Birae Keledex, the Kehex noble who had taken control of the rebellion early on, was forced into the eastern extremes of his homeland. However, salvation was on its way.
The Valin, Achostaian and Kalmar Fleets, along with the escaped Kehex vessels, over 100 vessels strong in total, struck without warning. Now, the Anabetans were on the defensive. Two more naval engagements had reverse results of the originals, the end result being the Anabetan fleet’s retreat back to their base in the Khim Delta.
Now cut off, the Anabetan forces caught on Kehexou fought desperately, but the ever-growing Kehex allied presence on the island proved to be too much to overcome. The Anabetans, running out of food and whatever little local support they had enjoyed, were forced to surrender, de facto assuring Kehexou’s independence.
(-1000 Anabetan Pikemen, -5000 Militia, -500 Royal Guards, -500 Archers, -40 Caravels, -10 Tridents, -10 000 Kehex Militia, -500 Pikemen, -1500 Archers, -10 Caravels, -5 Tridents, -15 Valin Seleni)
The second part of the Anabetan plan was the advance of a great army through Emor, to threaten Kalmar back into the fold, then an advance against Paleaveritas from the north.
The plan started off well, though it left the Mogulian front worryingly underdefended. A large Paleaveritasian offensive, led by Stratikrator Khoraeus, reinforced with forces from Achostai, volunteers/mercenaries from Dengarai, and even a small contingent from distant Zamdar, overpowered the defenders at Delhi, with the help of their great new siege engines, the Tormentae, and terrifying explosive ‘grenades’, which had previously been assumed to be nothing but exaggerated rumours.
Meanwhile, as the northern Anabetan army traveled to Kalmar, Emor, eager to stay on Anabet’s good side, joined in. Quickly, they warned the commanders that a large, mysterious, presumably Valin river-fleet had been seen heading upriver. An investigative force was sent off to discover what exactly was happening, while the main combined army continued westwards.
Upon reaching Kalmar, the Anabetan and Emoran invaders were delighted to discover the area only lightly defended. The Kalmarian defenders were quickly pushed back. Once again, victory seemed imminent.
What happened next was a surprise to everybody.
The armies of Dengarai, rested after their campaign in Gorin, attacked the Anabetans from behind. Unprepared, the Anabetans quickly suffered heavy casualties as cavalry plowed through their masses of militia, coming to a stop only as the pikemen organized into formation. Eventually, the Dengarian assault was thrown off, but it was the beginning of the end for this army. Raids from Dengarai’s army, and counterattacks by the reinforced army in Kalmar plagued it as the Anabetans retreated.
Meanwhile, the purpose of the mysterious Valin riverboats made itself clear. Contacting the Gorinese resistance, an alliance was struck between Statikrator Majorian and Gazi Godruski, one of the last of the Bajo-Oni. And thus, a force of Gorinese rebels, with their newfound allies the Valins, crossed the Crystal Ridge mountains and descended upon Khi.
The acting capital of Anabetan Khemri was caught by surprise, and put up a good fight, but it could counter neither the fury of the Gorinese, nor the advanced forces and explosives used by the Valins. The city fell, and several of Anabet’s leaders were captured.
As this was happening, Stratikrator Khoraeus left a small force to hold the line in Tekrehexou, and set out into the infamous Hexki Valley, the vale extending from the eastern extreme of the Crystal Ridge Mountains to above the city of Said, which itself is perched along a thin north-south road, with the end of the Hexki pass to the west and steep drop-offs to the east.
Attacking with great force, once again, the invaders won, and Anabetan forces were still struggling to find tactics which worked well against the deadly new Valin explosives. Said was taken, and the delta was open for the taking.
From the Battle of Said onwards, things went into a freefall for the Anabetan Empire. Dengarai overwhelmed Emor in its entirety, while the Anabetan army in the area broke down and its frightened militia scattered, to begin slowly making their individual ways home. Small areas which had been taken by Kalmar and Veritas, as token gestures of aggression after Emor sided with Khemri, were also handed over to Dengarai, to avoid future border disputes and to free up more forces for the western front.
Tekrehexou fell to a rather disorganized assault consisting of Valins, Achostaians, a token Kehexou force, and the legion from Zamdar. There was certainly a lot of bad blood between Achostai and Zamdar, but things remained civil between them as de facto allies, and throughout the campaign the two groups, at least on an individual level, began to warm up towards each other.
The battles for the Delta were difficult, but the Anabetans were simply exhausted, the populace had become disillusioned, and order was quickly beginning to break down.
As the Valins and their allies began to bring their advances to a halt to consolidate their gains, an odd quiet descended over most fronts of battle. The situation, and its implications for the future, are very significant.
Anabetan Khemri was an empire as great and powerful as it was short lived. No heirs, by blood or appointment, exist to the former Lord of Khi. Technically, the nation still exists, in a broken, severely weakened state, but its armies are all but gone, its fleet sunken, and its leaders absent. A small semblance of order remains in the remaining Anabetan lands, but it is only a step above anarchy, and a new power is almost certain to rise out of the mess, one way or another.
The forces of the Bajo-Oni Godruski and Stratikrator Majorian have carved out a large region of southern Gorin free from foreign domination, though Croyodon has yet to recognize its independence. The alliance between Majorian and the Gorinese is extremely worrying to Croyodon, who may end up facing huge rebellions and Valin invaders.
Meanwhile, the Vassal State of Zuoharra has declared itself to be fully independent, for as never really considering its vassalage to be anything more than a one-way right of passage agreement for Khemri, a sudden request for soldiers and gold was met with anger. Nurmafer has regained its independence as well, with little struggle- this may be due to Anabetan plans to set it free, which were never completed due to the government’s untimely collapse.
The future of Khemri is extremely unclear. Much discussion will likely be needed before suitable new borders can be drawn up. Whether or not they will be accepted remains to be seen.
Possibly the most interesting result of Anabet’s collapse, however, is one of faith. Aegypt, the state religion of Old Khemri, taught civic virtue, the reign of Nikkal-Rae, (who epitomized the Unity of Khemri and Kehexou), and devotion- almost to the point of religious reverence- to figures of authority, most specifically the King.
However, with the perceived betrayal by King Erias, the death of Anabet, and chaos amongst the clergy, the faith is thrown into disarray. When confronted with a distinct pressure from the Oneists to join their religion and the worship of the One, however, a syncretic faith has begun to appear, throughout the realm of Aegyptian faith. The permutations are myriad, but the generals features are as such- the Aegyptian values are maintained, but instead of a patron god and its earthly representative, they devote themselves to the One, a being beyond such simple things as nations. As I said, there are many variations- some still refer to the one god as Nikkal-Rae, some in Paleaveritas consider the King to be an earthly representative of the One, and so on. Disorganized though they are, this system of belief is spreading like wildfire throughout the lands of Khemri, Kehexou, and the Aegyptian population of Paleaveritas.
(-Anabetan Khemri, -Emor, -2000 Neaveritasian Autorian Knights, 2000 Paleaveritasian Knights of the Republic, -1000 Regian Guards, -1000 Phoenix Archers, -1500 Scimitari, -5000 Militia-1000 Dengarian Spearmen, -1000 Cavalry, -1000 Swordsmen, -500 Archers, -10 Kalmar Galleys, -500 Axemen, -2000 Swordsmen, -1500 Norvalin Autorian Knights, -1000 Zamdar Archers, -500 Zamdar Cavalry, -500 Achostaian Knights of the Sapphiric Order, -10 Jyuphia)
