Split Walls Secession War

A war lasting from 260-263PE during the reign of Jonah III

**Background and Origin**

The Empire was continuing to expand, but during this era it became a victim of its own size. Two major powers in the north attempted to secede from the Empire. Rak Danning the incredibly large powerful and influential trading hub and the defensible mountain city of Wrennost.

this attempt to secede was met with initial efforts to negotiate, but these quickly gave way to direct military action.

**Key Individuals**

* Crimsonsky
* Jonah III the Merciful
* Tremorfist

**Major Events**

259PE: Rak Danning, under a new charismatic leader, attempts to reassert its independence and become an independent state. They first try politically, when this is thrown out by the Ro'Tier in Tor Honarik. In response their representative to the Ro'Tier resigns and the Governor of Rak Danning announces the old nobility position of Dann has been restored. The Danns are now recognised again and they elect their charismatic leader as First Dann or Commander in Chief.

260PE: Rak Danning under the Danns secedes from the Aurian Empire.

260PE: Two weeks later, Wrennost also secedes. Some historians claim Wrennost only dared do this because the military reaction to Rak Danning's decision was non-existent. Negotiators are sent out but are unsuccessful. Some of the ancillary locations to Wrennost and Rak Danning also secede. Some in the Empire suggest that they are forcing these surrounding towns to secede using their own military.

260PE: In the last months of the year, Jonah III, persuaded by his Visier that he must treat the secessionists as invading enemy states, declares the seceding cities and their populace as enemies of the Empire. War is declared against them. The Aurian Military begins to assemble in preparation for the Spring.

261PE: Armies move to directly take back the surrounding areas of Rak Danning and one of the revolts key leaders is killed in the field at the first battle of Turton Hill. Internal loyalists in Rak Danning help pressure the populace and the city is returned imperial control without need for a siege or an assault on the walls.

261PE: Wrennost forces win a key battle ending the first undermanned campaign to bring them to heel. The Sharp Peaks Offensive ends when the expeditionary force is ambushed in the mountains and broken by the Wrennost forces.

262PE: The army moves to crush Wrennost but it prooves very resilient. Its previous victories have brought many allies to its side and in particular some elves from Quintox. Wrennost forces use magic to help them in their fighting. Crimsonsky is assigned to the war in this year and helps turn the tide in key battles. He is most known for the destruction of the slope-side down of Westface by bringing comets of flame from the sky. This sorcery was later called the 'Reign of flame' and he did it twice more in his life each time in support of the military. he also calls up Tremorfist an old apprentice now ally of his to help with the fighting.

263PE: Wrennost are beaten back to their city but it cannot be taken due to its very defensibkle position and impressive dwarf made walls. In the end Tremorfist brings down Wrennost's walls with an awesome display of arcane might. This enhances the role of Tor Armakan as a military force encroaching on Kalash's area of power and heightens tensions there. However the Sarrifs' reputation in the army is significantly improved. The Wrennost survivors hate the Sarrifs and this event begins a long standing anti-magic sentiment in that province.

263PE: The war is declared as over and secession reversed.

**Legacy**

Tor Honarik is forced to reply heavily on Tor Kalash and Tor Armakan to solve these rebels. In the end, the Sarrifs' reputation in the army is significantly improved and wizard involvement in the military is vastly increased and organised much more strictly. it made Crimsonsky very influential and powerful. It increased tensions between the armies leaders and the Sapphire Wizards' Guild. It also brought a lot of popularity to the Emperor Jonah III and his crafty Visier. This is because he looked strong by stopping the sessions so completely but also because he was able to show such mercy to Rak Danning sheding little blood even amongst those who reclaimed the title of Dann. The destruction of Wrennost was in many ways blamed on the secessionists for refusing to reasonably come to heel and on the respectful fear of wizards in general. So the old emperor could die the next year knowing his legacy was in tact.