Epic Stencil War

The **Epic Stencil War** was a major Graphitan conflict fought between all of Graphitus, including the mighty Dracosaur, and the Barbarians, a widespread Staedtler anarchist group, from 1906 to 1936. The war engulfed all of Graphitus and left an indelible mark on its history and military technology.

* Events
* Further Details

### Background

In the lead-up to the 20th century, a clandestine assembly of Staedtlers, known as the Barbarians, gathered underground beneath Rally. This group despised all forms of authority and remained relatively unknown in its early years. Little did the world realize that a massive Pencilcillin smuggling operation, masterminded by Peteus T.S.D., was unfolding right under their noses, literally. However, in 1906, the Barbarians decided it was time to make their presence felt.

On July 6th, two SBACs, piloted by Barbarians, crashed into the headquarters of GNN (Graphitus News Network) in Stencil. This horrific attack resulted in the loss of 212 lives, including prominent activist Seksi Dingle, who was tragically being interviewed at the station during the incident. The nation was shocked, and Graphitans were devastated. It marked the largest act of mass murder since the infamous Staedtler Bombings of 726. Initially, Stencil hesitated to wage war against the Barbarians, suspecting the attack might have been orchestrated by only a fraction of the group. However, the events that transpired during the Riot of Elkbury would soon change their opinion.

October 8th dawned with uncommon sunshine in Elkbury, a Staedtler town accustomed to its snowy climate. But before long, the tranquility was shattered as approximately 600 Barbarians emerged from their underground hideout. For months, they had secretly burrowed towards Elkbury, which they swiftly besieged and captured within hours, mercilessly slaughtering every inhabitant. This cruelty proved to be the final straw. The following day, the government of Stencil officially declared war on the Barbarians.

### Escalation

War had broken out, but the Barbarians' underground stronghold remained elusive, hidden deep within the vast expanse of the Staedtler Empire. While Stencil knew it existed somewhere within their territory, its exact location remained a mystery. Two years passed, with the case remaining unsolved, until a reformed Barbarian named Tatsui Dimond stepped forward. Tatsui revealed the precise location of the barbarians' bunker; immediately below Rally Plaza. With this newfound knowledge, the Graphitan forces, led by General Harrison Pencilton, mobilized for what would become the opening chapter of the Epic Stencil War.

In a daring nighttime operation, Graphitan drillers excavated furiously, and commandos infiltrated the bunker's labyrinthine tunnels and chambers. Armed with an array of katanas tailored to each fighter, they engaged in intense close quarters combat against the entrenched barbarian fighters. The battle was fierce and relentless, as both sides fought with unwavering determination. After hours of bloodshed, the fighting concluded, with Graphitan forces ultimately emerging victorious, thanks to General Harrison Pencilton's tactical brilliance and the formidable soldiers that made his army. But they knew that this was not the end, as some barbarians had almost certainly fled the scene and survived.

Nevertheless, with the bunker now in their possession, the Graphitan military gained access to vital intelligence and resources that would play a crucial role in the progression of the Epic Stencil War. News of the successful mission spread like wildfire, galvanizing nations across the globe to join the conflict in a united front against the Barbarians. Graphitus, renowned for its military prowess, stood at the forefront, rallying its forces to confront the anarchist threat. The Dracosaur, an awe-inspiring sea snake of immense power and loyalty, became a symbol of hope, representing the combined strength of all Epsilonians. Its presence in propaganda and news struck fear into the hearts of the Barbarians and instilled confidence in not only Graphitan troops, but every one of its citizens.

As the war escalated, Graphitus unleashed its full military might. The skies filled with graphite-fueled airships, engaging in fierce dogfights and raining down stenciled devastation upon the Barbarians' strongholds, which were spontaneously sprouting throughout Staedtler. On the ground, the pounding march of titanium-reinforced tanks reverberated, while the crackling sound of long-range artillery heralded the advance of Graphitan infantry. Notably, the Epic Stencil War saw the emergence of ingenious strategy and weaponry. The Graphitans pioneered the use of precision-guided strikes, devastating barbarian outposts with unprecedented accuracy.

What began as a localized conflict soon engulfed the entirety of Graphitus. The war saw a harmonious collaboration among Graphitan nations, setting aside their differences in pursuit of a common goal. For instance, in 1924, Etb Bnuhnuz, advisor of the emperor of the Basalta Triangle, deployed over 200 search parties to find and arrest barbarian fugitives who had escaped from prison. In the face of this overwhelming opposition, the Barbarians fought with desperate ferocity, utilizing guerrilla tactics and engaging in hit-and-run skirmishes to undermine the Graphitan forces.

### Stencil Disaster

On January 3, 1925, 15 Stencil skyscrapers spontaneously and inexplicably collapsed, killing everyone within them. The incident, known as the Stencil Disaster, sent shockwaves throughout the nation. Though likely not caused by the barbarians in any way, it intensified the resolve of Graphitus to bring an end to their reign of terror.

### De-escalation

By 1930, all barbarians had seemingly been eliminated. Graphitus celebrated what appeared to be a victory, but the war had taken a toll on the nation. The loss of lives, the destruction of cities, and the lingering scars of the conflict weighed heavily on the hearts of the pencils.

However, just when it seemed that peace might prevail, a fleet of barbarian ships were spotted 5 miles off the coast of Featherfly Island. This resurgence ushered in a new phase of the war—a guerrilla campaign marked by unpredictability and a constant sense of unease. The Graphitan forces found themselves engaged in a relentless struggle to hunt down these elusive adversaries. The war dragged on for six more years, as Graphitus battled against the shadows of an enemy that seemed to appear and vanish at will, their teal-painted boats blending into the clear waters.

### Battle of Ebon Peak

Finally, in 1936, a decisive confrontation took place deep within the heart of the Basalta Triangle. Graphitan aerial surveillance had uncovered the location of the Barbarian's central command, nestled in a remote mountain fortress atop Ebon Peak. The assault on the stronghold was swift and relentless, with Graphitan troops unleashing their pent-up fury upon their elusive adversaries. The battle raged for days, each side refusing to yield. The fortress became a symbol of defiance to authority. Yet, ultimately, the superior resources and strategic prowess of Graphitus prevailed. The last remnants of the Barbarians were seemingly defeated, their stronghold reduced to rubble.

The only remaining barbarians were sailing through the Draconian Sea. But before Graphitus could unleash their mighty navy, the Dracosaur, which had been their symbol of resilience, took care of business. According to a sailor at Featherfly Lighthouse, the only witness, the Dracosaur latched onto a barbarian ship and dragged it to the seabed. He did this for each vessel, and just like that, the Graphitans had won.

### Conclusion

With the fall of the Barbarians' central command and their boats, the Epic Stencil War came to a close. Graphitus had won, but the cost had been high. The war had reshaped the nation, leaving scars that would take generations to heal. It is a cautionary tale, a testament to the devastating consequences of ideological clashes and the power struggles that arise from the desire for absolute freedom.

The Epic Stencil War remains etched in the annals of Graphitan history as a testament to the resilience and determination of a nation. It serves as a reminder of the fragile balance between freedom and chaos, and the profound impact that even a small group of individuals can have on the course of history. The scars of the war serve as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made and the lessons learned, ensuring that the memory of the Epic Stencil War will never fade from the collective consciousness of Graphitus.

### Belligerents

* Stencil
* Ticonderogan Empire
* No. 2 Republic
* Staedtler Empire
* Basalta Triangle
* The Barbarians
	+ Peteians: The largest Barbarian faction by far, led by drug lord Peteus T.S.D and his wealthy friends.
	+ Koshimirs: The Barbarians responsible for the GNN Bombings.
	+ Lumoisë: A faction that infiltrated Lumograph from 1912 to their arrest in 1924.
	+ Nitri-Mechs: "Anti-Mechanicals"; Opposers of the Mechanical government.
	+ Bart Hageirs: "New Haggars"; Descendants of the Haggars.
	+ Orallikx: A local group of Orally barbarians.

### Statistics

An estimated 32,500 perished due to the war, including those lost to the unrelated Stencil Disaster. The disaster also caused several billion Poks in damage.