Hallow War

> "When the masters fight, the slaves suffer."
>
>

 - Old Cestian saying

The Zoscian-Cestian Hallow War or better known as just the Hallow War was a conflict between the Kingdom of Zoscia and the Cestian Empire over dominance in the north-western Reach. Started by the abduction of Countess Derakryss by Zoscian forces, the political crisis rapidly escalated once the Cestian Emperor refused a traditional meeting with King Ko'ak and instead met virtually; the culture shock between both nations being amplified by their previous interactions. Proceeding to shore up defenses on each others borders, all out war broke out in late 28 NAC when Cestian scouts were intercepted by Zoscian patrol ships and started the first battle of the Hallow War.

Committing their nations and armed forces to achieve nothing short of victory, brinkmanship fueled the ancient Empire while an ideological fervor drove Zoscia forward to finally put the Imperial relic to rest. Ending in 31 NAC after a decisive victory over Cestia, the scars left by the war certainly echoed for generations afterwards, the old order having finally fallen to a new rising star.

## Iverda Front (28 - 29 NAC)

War is declared on both sides of the Iverdan border, the first battle ending in a Pyrrhic victory for Zoscia who drove the Cestian scouts off while sustaining heavy damage to their own vessels. Forming a war council to coordinate his efforts, King Ko'ak just like in the Succession War once more took up the reigns to help coordinate his nations invasion of an enemy force. Sitting upon his council as an honorary role would also be his wife Queen Quila who ensured herself a position in hopes of limiting bloodshed wrought by the conflict. High Priest Torbal, Premier Asel and Admiral Jafa joined them alongside Hanzin monarch Hanzma and his two generals. Staffed and ready to mobilize across the border, King Ko'ak offered the Uzika and Rylins a chance to join them in the conflict, both respectfully refusing. After assembling their assets and allies for the war, Zoscia made plans for a swift invasion of Iverda that involved overwhelming their entrenched positions.

Emperor Tyvius III found his nation lacking in its ample supplies and cohesion regarding the war, wanting unify and revitalize the nation through conflict once more, his people gave a mixed reaction to the ordeal and some subjects even outright criticized him for allowing such a war to occur. Fauntel sat chiefly among his critics and begrudgingly committed its forces to the conflict. Staffing his war cabinet with his most famed Admiral, strategically sound Saints and fellow God-Monarchs, he planned to turtle for the majority of the war so as to allow Zoscian exhaustion to set in. Not planning to conquer any lands on the account that he couldn't afford the instability it brought, he instead decided to utilize the war as a means to exert emergency authority over his nation and resolve issues he normally couldn't intervene in. Shoring up defenses on the Iverdan border, he awaited his foes arrival.

### Cestian Border Collapse (28 NAC)

Drawing forth invasion plans after countless nights of hard work with his peers, Admiral Jafa came with his comrades to the military council for King Ko'aks approval. Laying down the plans for him and his select councilors to see, it was the first of its kind as Zosica had never engaged in open spacial warfare to such an extent as this. Utilizing their vessels speed and ranged weaponry, it was a two part plan that saw light vessels puncturing through key points in the Cestian frontline at the Sunia system by the use of hit and run tactics. This safe approach was chosen to test the range of Cestian weaponry and their doctrine of war, Jafa hoping Zosica had superior range to force Imperial fleets out of entrenchment. The second stage unlike the first was heavily dependent on Cestian firing range, the plan being to draw Imperial ships into heavy Zosican fleets for a swift destruction if they had range, or in the other case, Heavy fleets would assist pressuring the system. Taking guidance from countless naval officials, Jafas plan was approved by Ko'ak and given his blessing. Two days later, Zoscia began executing Operation Crimson Karad.

Presented with a war doctrine from both the Imperial Levment and Legion, Emperor Tyvius III and his council was faced with deciding upon one not long after the official declaration of war was announced. Favoritism had long ran in the Empires military history in favor of the elite legions, however such things came at the consequence of a weary Levment that found itself increasingly isolated by Imperial authority. An equal in its own right to the legion, both deserved respect and Tyvius III planned to consider each ones proposal with objectivity unlike his predecessors.

* Cestian Troops suffer x2 casualties.
* Imperial Cohesion decreases by 10%.
* Levment loyalty decreases by one level.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

* Imperial Morale lasts longer during conflicts.
* Legionnaire loyalty decreases by one level.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

 **CHARACTER SUPPORTERS** Admiral Nistra
 Magistrate Doukali
 Eynal Fauntel
 Saint Dashey
 Saint Archimedes
 Magistrate Erneli
 Duchess Aminnya

Nearly having a cabinet split on the issue, Tyvius III's endorsement of the Levment plan was met with surprise by nearly everyone present at the meeting and saw a small victory for the Levment forces in Imperial politics. Decreeing Enzodas plan of total defense and bleeding the enemy of its manpower, Tyvius III gained praise from newfound allies within the Levment and grim gazes from his Legionnaires.

Having his war doctrine settled for the time being, Tyvius III's attention was brought back to the Sunia frontline as Zoscian forces began harassing his fleets stationed there. Nearly identical in their ranged capabilities against one another, the Imperial fleets didn't feel compelled for the most part to draw themselves out and engage the fickle fighters and ships that harassed them; instead they held their ground and became increasingly bombarded with heavier fire. Heavy Zoscian fleets joined the fray not long after and began to aggressively attempt breaking Cestian formations and coordination by targeting key vessels with their long ranged battleships. Under normal circumstances, this move would've been seen as reckless by the Coronans had it not reaped the benefits it began sowing. By targeting heavy Cestian vessels and allowing the lighter vessels and fighters to take majority of the heat from Cestian forces, Jafa put his fighters at risk and mimicked skirmisher tactics normally used by ground infantry. Unlike on the surface however, his vessels could dodge incoming fire and did so while weaving themselves back to the main heavy armadas which rained fire down upon the defenders without much retaliation.

Admiral Nistra of the Empire noticed this state affairs not long into the battle, him being hard pressed to force the fighters back to their mother fleets or risk being swarmed. Unleashing his own fighters upon the battlefield, Zoscia began to rack up casualties whilst its armadas hammered away at the main vessels. Cruisers began to be diverted to assist the fighters, the battle for space superiority becoming equal once more between the opposing fighters; that is until the Olymias reactor was hit by Zoscian fire and burst into flames, a Cestian carrier-class exploding and hitting nearby vessels with its debris. Having to engage invasive maneuvers to avoid the debris, several more light and heavy vessels suffered damage from the Olymias remains as several of the defensive fleets found themselves rapidly on the move and their formations dissolving. Working to reestablish formations within the scattered fleets, Nistra was able to save several major vessels from destruction as he helped guide them towards retreating the field or linking up with another fleet. Zoscia began to capture and destroy countless vessels throughout this ordeal, the tide of war changing significantly in their favor as they split the Cestian navy into two fronts.

Seeing the situation and wanting to save as many Cestian vessels as possible, Nistra ordered an organized retreat from the Sunia system and for all neighboring fleets to hold their ground from Zoscian offensives. While not hardpressed like in Sunia, skirmishes and conflicts began cropping up within the nearby systems, Zoscia committing its fleets fully to the offensive after seeing their success in Sunia. Pursuing the fleeing armadas to the nearby systems, the Cestian front line collapsed in a matter of weeks as the Black wave overtook its borders and began pushing inward towards Iverda. Nistra prepared a counter offensive not long after his defeat, him planning to push Zoscia back at Cecin and Iverda with his recovered forces.

Securing countless prisoners and Cestian vessels throughout the border skirmishes and battles, King Ko'aks war council found itself faced with its first major wartime decision regarding the colored prisoners of war. While their resources were confiscated and their vessels taken for reverse engineering, the surviving crewmen couldn't be as easily dealt with like their machinery. A resource in their own right, Cestian prisoners posed a potential threat if they rebelled in large numbers later on into the war, but also a major boon considering their lives could be used to save Coronans or their hands used to build materials. High Priest Torbal and several Hanzin officials proposed the usage of prisoner levies for front line usage, them being used as meat shields to save Coronan lives and perhaps even lessen the number of rebel Cestians post-war. Queen Quila meanwhile offered a counter proposal which involved using Cestian prisoners as temporary labor for the state, them being concentrated in heavily guarded work camps where they'd work for the remainder of the conflict on creating resources for the war effort.

* Reduces damage to Coronan war support by 30% permanently.
* Increases the risk of a prisoner revolt.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

* Reduces the risk of a prisoner revolt.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

 **CHARACTER SUPPORTERS** High Priest Torbal
File:Hanzin Imperial Protectorate.png Lord Suji Matko
File:Hanzin Imperial Protectorate.png Lord Takishma Yol

 King Ko'ak
 Admiral Jafa
 Premier Asel
File:Hanzin Imperial Protectorate.png Great Shojin Hanzma

After careful consideration, the Council decided upon Quilas proposal, it being seen as more viable for the long term and morally less grey compared to Torbals offer. Signing into law the Foreign Prisoner Act of 28 NAC, King Ko'ak established a baseline approach to alien prisoners and how the state could utilize them during their sentence. With a monumental law out of the way, Zosicas council turned its attention towards the wars first milestone; Cecin.

### Siege of Cecin (28 - 29 NAC)

Advancing upon one of Iverda's only fortress worlds, Cecin stood as an ample training ground for modern Zoscian land warfare. Pushing Nistras forces out of the border region and into Iverda proper, a short lived battle above Cecin took place between reorganized Cestian fleets and one of Zoscias main invasion forces. Still shaken from their earlier defeat, the Cestians held on valiantly and worked alongside the Cecin local government to coordinate anti-spacial strikes on the Zoscians. While effective, the Empire lacked the numbers to force their foes back to the border region, them eventually having to retreat and abandon the planet to its fate.

Victorious and now able to effectively combat the Cecin spacial strikes, Zoscia began planning its invasion of the fortress world and the occupation policy that would follow in suit. Contacting the local government and demanding its surrender, the Fortress world stood defiant and loyal to their God-Emperor; them refusing any and all negotiations. In response, bombardments were done upon the world and Coronan soldiers were rapidly deployed across the planets surface. Wanting to play his invasion safely, Premier Asel ordered his men to use firearms for most incursions, melee being more commonplace within the inner cities as the invasion came to a close. Noting the Cestian usage of melee, Asel relayed this honorable characteristic to King Ko'ak, him being impressed by the Cestian garrisons conduct of war.

Lasting ten days, the overwhelming number of Coronans proved too much for Cecins small garrison to handle. Contacting the Zoscian war council about terms of surrender, Cecin submitted to Zoscian occupation and the weary garrison awaited its fate. Once again faced with a dilemma, the war council whittled its options down to the three most popular proposals. Seeing the honorable means in which the Cecins fought, Premier Asel has proposed a Hands Off approach to the occupation of Cecin where the natives mill about their own affairs and pay taxation to the Kingdom. In opposition is Shojin Hanzma who believes directly controlling the world will allow for a better understanding of their enemies; Admiral Jafa taking the benefits of both and proposing a Collaborationist government which operates the occupied world for them.

* Can be implemented later on as the standard occupation policy.
* Establishes Zoscia as a safehaven for Cestian opponents.
* Allows an indirect study of Cestian society and policies.
* Risk of Cestian Rebellion.
* Imperial subjects less likely to defect.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

* Can be implemented later on as the standard occupation policy.
* Allows a direct study of Cestian society and policies.
* Makes future worlds less likely to surrender.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

* Frees up Zoscian troops from occupying Cecin.
* Can be implemented later on as the standard occupation policy.
* Makes future worlds more likely to surrender.
* Unable to study Cestian society on Cecin.
* Risk of Cestian Rebellion.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

 **CHARACTER SUPPORTERS**  Admiral Jafa
 Queen Quila
File:Hanzin Imperial Protectorate.png Lord Suji Matko
 High Priest Torbal
File:Hanzin Imperial Protectorate.png Lord Takishma Yol
 King Ko'ak

After heavy debate and multiple shifts in support, Jafas Collaborationist proposal came out on top as the most popular choice. Divided heavily between the options, Jafa operated as a middle ground from which both fringes gained some satisfaction from the result. In a surprise twist of his usual more Coronan oriented demeanor, High Priest Torbal proved to be the deciding factor and aligned himself with Jafa to everyone's surprise. Pardoning the garrison and disarming the planet, King Ko'ak chose a Cestian scholar named Saldonis to be the head of his newly established Collaborationist State; him being the most realistic pick considering he lived on the planet and held liberal views considered heretical by the Empire. Raising him up alongside his supporters to the head positions of government, Saldonis gratefully accepted the position and kept elements from the loyalist government present to help him effectively run the planet. Forming an army of Cestian democrats, he vowed to restore the old democratic values of their bygone ancestors and follow his new suzerain with unwavering loyalty.

The reception to such an atrocity to their values was overall negative, the Cestians further becoming incensed by the Coronans tampering with the status quo and usurping the God-Emperors divine right to rule. Imperial propaganda soon after began to circulate, declaring Saldonis a traitor to his Gods and his democratic ambitions to be delusional in face of the God-Emperors rule. With his nation unified in face to such an insidious act, Tyvius III found himself in the position to potentially pass several more national reforms without overwhelming resistance.

### Fall of Iverda (29 NAC)

Securing Cecin helped pave the way for a Zoscian Invasion of Iverda, the regional capital and a strategic foothold they needed to invade the Empires interior. Planning on the replication of their success at Cecin, forward scouts dashed these hopes not long into the Councils planning phase, a large contingent of fortifications and Cestian fleets being present in Iverdas star system. Having to adapt to their newfound intel, the Council was back at the drawing board while recuperating their losses.

Coordinating with Magistrate Erneli in regards to Iverdas defense, Admiral Nistra prepared to hold off the advancing Zoscians at Iverda and gathered the majority of his fleets for this valiant last stand in the southern reaches. Setting up makeshift defenses and anti-spacial weaponry, he planned to weave the Zoscian fleet through the system and pick away at it with a mix of hit and run tactics alongside carefully placed traps they'd undoubtedly trigger. Requesting the mass production of naval vessels to help bolster his ranks, Tyvius III granted Nistra an Imperial decree which allowed him the dictate the production of nearby worlds and major industrial hubs to help flush the navy with fresh bodies. Major contingents of Levment and Legionnaire forces encamped themselves upon the surface of Iverda, them digging trenches and preparing for an invasion; bombardment defense systems began being implemented as well to help soften the damage from spacial barrages.

Wishing to catch the enemy off guard before it entrenched itself in Iverda, King Ko'ak decided upon an aggressive battle plan to defeat the Cestian armada. Admiral Jafa split his fleets into three major groups which would strike from the west, south and northern portions of the system; the goal being to force back or even encircle portions of the Cestian navy for a decisive victory. Launching the strike in the second month of 29 NAC, all fleets arrived without being intercepted or immediately under fire, the Cestians beginning to draw them into their snare. Under the careful instruction of Admiral Nistra, light Cestian squadrons were dispatched to skirmish and lead the Zoscian fleets onward into Iverdas Asteroid belt and countless traps established prior to the battle; fighters and other lights vessels could be dashed against the rocks and firepower in the belts while the Heavy fleets suffered the full brunt of spacial mines.

Engaging the Cestians and inflicting moderate losses, the southern Zoscian Fleet fared the best against these tactics because of its distance from any worlds in the system or the central Asteroid belt. Able to detect the spacial minds early on into its journey, warnings were soon issued to the other engaging fleets, in the wests case it being somewhat too late. Considered the primary direction by Nistra for a potential invasion, the majority of his traps and ships focused their attention on the west which fought for every casualty it attained. Sightings to the north made him dispatch vessels to harass that region, it did little to stop their momentum though as the west soaked up the majority of Iveradas firepower. Devastated and led into multiple traps before realizing the situation, the western fleet sputtered to the half way point before a retreat was ordered to preserve its integrity. Turning tail, Cestian attention was drawn to the north and south afterwards which had arrive to the main defenders armada and hammered it from both directions.

Nistra had split the invasion force and with acceptable casualties, him relaying his success so far to Tyvius III who continued toiling away at his statesmanship. Realizing the dire situation his fleets found themselves in, Admiral Jafa contacted the retreating western forces and attempted to sway them back into action against their enemies; it proving a difficult task considering the damage they sustained, but a historic occasion which may have won the battle for Zoscia. Raising the spirits of his men and the ultimate goal of their campaign, he encouraged them back forth into the fires of battle to catch the Cestians off guard and flank their forces. Encouraged, the western fleet turned itself around and avoided the remaining mines leading a trail back to its destination. Arriving to support their brothers in arms, Nistra began to focus fire back on the western fleet and break its resolve once more, the Cestians attempting to hold back the convergence of Zoscias fleet. Lasting several days of spacial warfare, the battle over Iverada was decided once the Iverdan Battlestation erupted into flames and became inoperable. Having escaped the Zoscian encirclement, Nistras armada suffered heavy losses throughout the countless days of conflict and routed to Central Cestia for repairs. Despite seeing their foe flee, Zoscia itself could only call the victory Pyrrhic at best, the western fleet having all but been destroyed with the remainder committing to rescue missions and field repairs. Assisting their efforts, the northern and southern fleets merged once more into a single invasion force after securing the western survivors and seeing to their safe passage from the system.

Because of their bravery and service to the Kingdom, King Ko'ak gave the western survivors leave in face of their already outnumbered odds in space. While disapproving his action, Admiral Jafa understood the reasoning behind his monarchs decision.

Bombarding the surface for days on end, Zoscia focused primarily on military targets for the Iverdan Campaign and only targeted civilian centers when a military structure was spotted within its confines. Softened by the indiscriminate bombardments done against his world, Magistrate Erneli instituted world-wide conscription to bolster his forces and prepared for the inevitable invasion that was to come; every man would take up arms before seeing the country capital fall into Xeno hands. Shoring up defenses and kill zones for the invading forces, Erneli prepared to cause the greatest amount of death he possibly could before he was relieved by Cestian forces or killed. Premier Asel in contrast planned to mimic the invasion of Cecin and fight honorably against a foe he had come to appreciate in the heat of battle; this disposition proved fatal for his men who were given no quarter or the chance to fight honorably, ranged warfare dominating the battered landscape of Iverda.

Faced with a prolonged conflict compared to the short lived Cecin invasion, Asel began to take inspiration from the Zoscian Succession War and utilized creatives means of defeating his enemies such as disguising his forces to have larger numbers than were actually present. The support for Saldinas' Regime also allowed for moles to form within Iverads ranks and relay information on Ernelis' movements across the planet. Bombarding these enemy forces directly and utilizing his forces to encircle countless armies, Asel saw the tide of battle return in his favor. Breaching Iveradas palace nearly a month into the invasion, Erneli made a final stand before committing suicide to avoid capture by Coronan forces, his reinforcements never arriving to save him.

Disgusted by the war practices of Iverda and its late Magistrate, the Zoscian war council was faced with deciding the fate of Iverda and the county as a whole it had come to conquer. Saddened and enraged by the loss of Coronan lives, the council found itself feeling less merciful compared to its treatment of Cecin.

* Zoscia can proceed immediately into its next campaign.
* Cestian culture can be indirectly studied.
* Coronan War support increases by 10%.
* Zoscian forces must remain to keep order.
* Iverda County falls into lawlessness.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

* Cestian culture can be directly studied.
* Frees up Zoscian troops from occupying Iverda.
* Will be seen favorably by the Empire.
* Iverda County is stabilized and vassalized.
* Zoscia loses 10% War support.
* Risk of Cestian Rebellion.
* Imperial subjects less likely to defect.
* Can't immediately proceed to the next campaign.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

* Coronan War support increases by 20%.
* Cestian Cohesion decreases by 20%.
* Iverdans Pacified.
* Unable to study Cestian culture.
* Iverda falls into anarchy.
* No permanent supply hub on the front line.
* Imperial subjects less likely to defect.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

 **CHARACTER SUPPORTERS**  High Priest Torbal
 King Ko'ak
File:Hanzin Imperial Protectorate.png Lord Takishma Yol

 Admiral Jafa
File:Hanzin Imperial Protectorate.png Great Shojin Hanzma
File:Hanzin Imperial Protectorate.png Lord Suji Matko

Maimed by the battle of Iverda, the council became split between the extortionist and collaborationist camps on the account that both offered great boons for the armed forces recovery. Wishing to swiftly end the war and yet preserve as many Coronan lives as possible, the Collaborationists inevitably came out on top after a second set of votes was cast. Allowing Nistra to escape with the remainder of the Imperial fleet, the Coronans began entrenching themselves in Iverda and the surrounding areas while repairs were conducted. Tasking Queen Quila with establishing the Protectorate of Iverda, the war council focused its attention back to the war while she pondered her choices. Saldonis had proven himself to be a capable ally, but his zealotry in her eyes could only lead to unnecessary bloodshed; no, a more familiar figure had to be reinstated despite her inherent hesitation to do so.

Placing God-Countess Derakryss under Royal custody, Queen Quila heralded the return of Iverdas reviled yet rightful ruler. Returning her to Iverdas royal palace with a full composition of Zoscian honorguards to observe her hourly, the county wore the masquerade of independence while Zoscian politicians dictated the nations policies behind the scene. Heartened by the sparing of Iverda, Tyvius III's vassals felt differently upon the matter, them further entrenching their loyalties and ensuring a similar regime could never arise within their own lands. Calls for more strict information bans and the oppression of Imperial malcontents began to seep into the war cabinet, Tyvius III pondering on addressing the issue directly.

## Invasion of Central Cestia (29 - 30 NAC)

Following the opening years of war, the conflict found itself entering the Central Cestian region of the Empire as the heartland itself was now in jeopardy of a Zoscian invasion. Able to recover from the devastating defeat at Iverda, Admiral Nistra relied upon the heavily fortified worlds of the heartland primarily to bleed the invaders as he made preparations to intercept smaller Coronan fleets where ever he could find them. While the Cestian navy wasn't out of the war, it certainly had lost a good number of experienced crewmen and vessels; Nistra opting for a less indirect approach to preserve the remainder of the navy from destruction. Planning on the usage of rubber banding the frontlines and leading Zoscian fleets into traps, a war of attrition in accordance to the Levment war doctrine became the norm.

In face of the Empires defeat in the Iverda County, news of Zoscias success began circulating throughout both nations which helped raise the morale of the homeland Coronans while planting seeds of doubt in Cestian cohesion. Believing the time to soon be arriving for their freedom, slaves and other minority groups throughout the Empire started protesting and in some cases, committing to riots which were promptly silenced by Levment forces. The nation held firm, but its disloyal elements had begun to reveal themselves, Tyvius III recognizing the importance of his decision making in such a tremulous time; the fate of the entire nation rested upon his words which would either condemn or save the nation from itself.

Losing their advantage and having to commit resources to Iverdas new regime, the war council began to regret its choice as the invasion of Central Cestia proved much slower and more prolonged compared to their rapid invasion of Iverda. While the rural and underdeveloped worlds of the county had surrendered primarily without issue, every world in Central Cestia had a dedicated garrison and one which fought for every inch of territory without any recourse on the Coronan side. On top of their difficult campaigning, rumors of Saldonis' abuse of power were beginning to surface along with evidence of democratic forces looting their own people. Small scale rebellions and resistance to Coronan rule was beginning to arise as well in both the occupied territories and the prisons back home where Cestian prisoners toil away for a foreign power. Reconvening once more, the war council prepared to execute its decision on the Cestian issue.

### Saldonis Question (29 NAC)

Faced with evidence of Saldonis abusing his power and purging political opponents with unethical means, the war council had to take a stance on its Collaborationist Policy going forward. Democratic troops had been caught burning entire villages down for refusing to pay taxes and tales of rape alongside other war crimes had also surfaced not long after Saldonis' rise to power. Taking the mantle on the issue at hand, King Ko'ak while unable to propose a policy, he swayed the council with his authority and words to purge the corrupt administration and any henceforth which dare commit to such dishonor. High Priest Torbal proposed Ko'aks purge policy whereas Hanzma suggested turning a blind eye to focus on the front lines and end the war quickly.

* War crimes are prevented through careful observation of Regimes.
* Iverda annexes Cecin.
* Saldonis and his Democratic Coalition are imprisoned and tried for their crimes.
* Zoscian War Support increases by 10%.
* Coronan Soldiers are required to monitor Collaborationists.
* Reduces pressure on the Cestian Border.
* Zoscia handles Cestian Resistance directly.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

* Cestian Cohesion decreases by 20%.
* Saldonis remains loyal to the nation.
* Delegates Cestian Resistance to Collaborationists.
* War Crimes are committed uninterrupted.

 **CHARACTER SUPPORTERS** High Priest Torbal (Technical Proposer)
 King Ko'ak (Actual Proposer)
File:Hanzin Imperial Protectorate.png Lord Suji Matko
 Queen Quila
 Admiral Jafa
 Premier Asel

File:Hanzin Imperial Protectorate.png Lord Takishma Yol

After overwhelming support, the anti-corruption policy was passed by the War Council and put into effect immediately. Sending Sajenki agents to Cecin, Saldonis was quickly apprehended along with the majority of his administration without prior warning or time to react. Imprisoning them and granting control of Cecin back to Iverda, the short lived Saldonis Regime became a memory held favorably by only its remaining soldiers who refused to surrender and began pillaging occupied worlds. Sending Coronan and freshly trained Iverdan troops to stamp out the issue, the frontlines came to a halt with no counter offensives by Cestian forces. Tried only two weeks after their imprisonment, the majority of Saldonis' administration were executed by firing squad for conspiring in these pillages across Iverda and tolerance for the crimes committed by their troops. The remainder, Sadlonis numbering among them were found innocent and interned at a Cestian prison camp under heavy surveillance for the remainder of the war; a meeting being scheduled in the future for handling his conviction following the war.

### Tyvius III's Dilemma (29 NAC)

Suffering from building unrest within his subject states and core territories, Tyvius III began evaluating his approaches to the issue at hand. Wanting to keep the nation steady, the lack of pressure on his frontlines assisted his efforts of maintaining order as his war cabinet found itself in a short respite from conflict. Able to focus his full attention on the nation once more, Tyvius III picked up from where he last left his reforms; the usage of slaves and the treatment of political dissidents.

Barring his war cabinet from assisting his efforts, Tyvius III retreated to the council of his Saints which diligently assisted his efforts to steer the nation. Offering unbiased analyses of the situation at hand, Cestia stood at the cusp of reforming its slave system into a more affectionate and efficient system or enforcing the traditions of old as its forefathers had done before. Currently having a high risk of rebellion, the Workers of the Flame would stand as the centerpiece of this discourse alongside its coalition of smaller slave movements scattered about the Empire; the ultimate goal being independence from their oppressors. Pressed by the war, the stakes never stood higher for Tyvius to make the right decision.

* Costs a hefty sum of the Imperial Treasury.
* Increases Cohesion by 10%.
* Zoscian efforts to align the W.O.F is halved.
* Incites tension with Subject States.
* Chance of the Reforms failing.
* Forces Tyvius to split his focus on the war and stately matters.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

* Delegates slave suppression to the subject states.
* The Empire prepares for war with the slaves instead of spending time on reforming.
* Large risk of a Slave Uprising.
* Zoscia can utilize Slaves to disrupt the Empire.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

 **CHARACTER SUPPORTERS** Emperor Tyvius III

Deciding upon reformation and taking a proactive role in reshaping the Empire, Tyvius III passed the Imperial Servitude Act of 30 NAC which saw an increase of Slave benefits and a portion of the Imperial treasury set aside to improve their living conditions. In his limited time with static front lines, Tyvius sent reservist forces and workers all across the Empire to begin enforcing his new policy and constructing new amenities and housing units for the Empires slaves. Establishing a small yet well funded education system for slaves to learn life skills once taught only by word of mouth, Tyvius III toiled away at increasing relations with numerous slave rights groups and calming tensions. His reforms proved well received by the majority of the slave populace, it helping to prevent future radicalization which had grown unchecked for decades.

In face of his efforts, the sizable minority which remained unwavering rose up in response to his attempts at pacifying them. Tyvius had failed at preventing the uprising, however he had significantly weakened their hold over the slave populace; some slave groups even fighting on behalf of the Empire to attain equal status within society. While not the best case scenario, the Empire wouldn't buckle from such a sour event.

One last policy remained for Tyvius III to settle before he focused on the slave uprising and his own subjects loyalties. Dissenters had always been a consistent problem within the nation, the war only amplifying this issue and calling into question as to how exactly the nation should handle them. Zoscia already drew many disgruntled democrats and traitors to its side, but that didn't mean everyone was on board with foreigners usurping the Divine Throne; many in fact stayed loyal and hoped that it could give them a chance at being heard and their ideas taken into account. Of those which remained loyal, many partook in secret societies and cliques to be among like minded individuals, some also held nefarious intentions towards the Empire and may already have been collaborating with Zoscia.

He could ban and suppress these groups to ensure national security, driving more into the Coronans arms and also preventing potential uprisings in the future or there existed an alternative. In face of the war and its tribulations, Tyvius III could make concessions to these groups to placate them and ensure loyalty; however the Empire would be warped to some degree to the whims of these factions. While certainly not as straightforward as the slave issue, Tyvius III nonetheless had to decide on the fate of those wishing for an alternative approach to the nations policies.

* Prevents non-slave revolts.
* Paramilitary radicals fight for the Empire.
* Zoscia can be infiltrated by radical agents.
* The Empire will pay dearly.
* Radical policies will be enacted.
* Tyvius III's authority is no longer absolute.
* Decreases Cestian Cohesion by 30%.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

* Solidifies Traditionalist Control.
* Opposition is purged.
* Increases Cestian Cohesion by 10%.
* Drives moderate opponents to Zoscia.
* Radicals take up arms and plot against Tyvius III.
* Increases the chance of Cestian revolts.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

 **CHARACTER SUPPORTERS** | **CHARACTER SUPPORTERS** Emperor Tyvius III

Difficult and yet the most reasonable in Tyvius III's eyes, the purging of political opposition and radicals was the policy that won out in the end. Not wanting to risk the stability of the nation on a minority which already held little power as was, Tyvius III green lite the usage of Cestian levies to place countless political opponents under arrest and imprison any detractors from the status quo. When faced with the offer of utilizing book burnings and scrubbing such dissent from the annuals of history, Tyvius refused and preserved the works of all opposing ideologies on account of them being historical Cestian works. Wishing to prevent as much bloodshed as possible, his lighter approach drove less moderates to Zoscias courts and fueled radical groups to act before their end was upon them; a fate that was coming sooner than they had expected.

Not long into the purge, Tyvius order the striking of several known radical strongholds with special forces to apprehend radical leaders and bring their followers to heel.

 The Unified Cestian Liberation Front was primarily hit for its adoption of Saldonis-like policies and suffered the heaviest casualties. Wishing to crush the democratic spirit and the Empires greatest threat to stability, the U.C.L.F strongholds were thoroughly swept and swarmed by Elite Legionnaires who captured multiple leader figures and confiscated most of the factions supplied with minimal losses. Following this devastating defeat, the remaining members began a guerilla campaign against the Empire and cooperated with the W.O.F uprising.

 With no bases of operation to speak of, the Magenta Society remained relatively unaffected by this aggressive policy and continued to co-exist within the Seltan courts unopposed by Imperial forces. God-Duchess Aminnya supported Tyvius III's policy however and began training moles to root out and apprehend any discovered Magenta practitioners.

 Arrested and forced to abdicate their claims, the Princely Council was unable to mount an effective defense against Cestian agents and was swiftly overtaken by intrigue and espionage. Once advocating for a decentralized Empire where the Alcade governed their own lands without much taxation, the rebellious nobles once more were brought to kneel before their God-Emperor as powerless servants of his will. Of the few which survived being discovered, the remaining nobles went into hiding to ride the storm; the Princely Council in all accounts being defunct for the time being.

 While heretical in nature, the Ceynth were spared from the purge considering they are primarily based in the Fauntel Associated Worlds and its relative peaceful approach to the dominant Celestial Church. Wishing to keep the F.A.W loyal, Tyvius III exempt them from the policy.

Following his successful purge, Tyvius III turned his attention back to the slave uprising at hand and the status of his subject states. The Empire in its tribulation had come out on top in the war of ideology, the spirit of dissent being laid to rest.

### Cestian Slave Uprising (29-30 NAC)

> "Brothers, our time has come to rise up and bring ruin to our decadent masters; the flame will guide our path so that both Xeno and Cestian meet the sword forged by our ancestors."
>
>

 - Ahjek, Commissar of the Flame

Originally a multiworld spanning organization within Fauntel slave society, the Workers of the Flame rapidly rose from a glorified gang into the figurehead of the entire free slave movement. While other groups did exist, none were as successful or as well supplied compared to the WOF and so they took the reigns to liberate their people from greater Cestia. Stockpiling weapons and conscripting unwilling slaves into their ranks, the war opened up new opportunities to leak resources from the war factories into their own arsenal; the goal being to amass enough weapons to form an armed uprising across the nation. Situated primarily in the Fauntel Associated Worlds, pockets of resistance scattered throughout the Empire were planned to spread the Imperial troops thin and give the bulk force a chance at success.

This opportunity came with Tyvius III's reformation of slavery, the WOF utilizing it as propaganda and a casus belli to rise up before the Empire further tightened the noose around their necks. Already having convinced a decent portion of the populace that loyalty proved more beneficial compared to revolution, the slaves had a difficult start to their uprising as infighting ensued within their own settlements between pro-Imperial factions and WOF aligned levies. Forming the Free Peoples Council, the WOFs Commissar Ahjek began meeting alongside fellow resistance leaders to plan their strategies out. While the main force struggle to take control of their own settlements, the pocket resistance fighters found considerably more success and began invading neighboring worlds to link up with their brethren. Ahjek soon joined his comrades after a bloody yet ultimately victorious campaign against his own people, the Fauntel slaves finally being pacified under his rule.

Giving the ruling administration of Fauntel a chance at securing its capital and multiple worlds, the Imperial slaves were awarded a divine blessing from Tyvius III postmortem to honor their sacrifice for the Empire. Levment forces in response to this commotion were mobilized to reinforce Fauntels capital of Olipa, several Cestian divisions and fleets being pulled from the Zoscian front line to attempt a quick counteroffensive on Ahjeks growing army. Preparing a defensive stand on Olipa, the Empire made plans for a decisive victory that could display their power. If they were able to hold off and ultimately crush the Olipan invasion force, it may give Tyvius III the advantage he needed to force the various slave factions to the diplomatic table. This goal was cut short however with the Massacre of Jaeli that saw the majority of the capital worlds standing garrison slaughtered in a massive slave revolt that quickly spread to the surrounding cities and ultimately Fauntelia city itself.

Losing control of his capital, Eynal Fauntel and his remaining worlds fell under Imperial administration for the remainder of the war, him now being powerless without his divine authority or resources in face of the God-Emperor. Through this tragedy, Tyvius III had eliminated a long standing threat to his reign and finally extinguished the Corporatist ideology at its roots on Olipa. Launching a counteroffensive soon after, the Levment forces and fleets dispatched to the world were met with heavy casualties before ultimately regaining control of the planet. Martial law soon after was established and Eynal barred from any true political power upon his now subservient throne.

Seeing their success on Olipa, the slave uprising was further invigorated to continue their quest for liberation as they attempted to connect the various pockets of resistance carved out so far. Succeeding through the usage of guerilla warfare and spreading Imperial forces thin, a once small uprising rapidly escalated with the realization of liberation being close at hand. Forcing his hand in a more drastic manner, Tyvius III launched an invasion of Fauntel to captured Ahjek and break the movements main supporter. Splitting his front line between Zoscia and the uprising, it proved to be a risky move that saw the Coronans gaining ground they once struggled to obtain. Slave worlds were regained, however the losses outweighed the gains which ultimately concluded with the containment of the WOF uprising to Fauntel.

Undersupplied and outmatched, the WOF couldn't account for such a drastic measure being taken by the God-Emperor; their small navy being obliterated and only a small pocket of resistance persisting throughout the war. While Tyvius III technically did defeat the uprising and resolve the issue of slave loyalties, the losses militarily and the active small scale campaigns against WOF rebels was seen by many as a defeat for the Empire. One of the only benefits from the uprising was the increase in slave loyalty and Tyvius III's treatment only furthered this newfound patriotism which saw many wishing to join the Levment as volunteer armies. Seeing the benefits that fighting for the Empire brought, a new pool of manpower opened up for the God-Emperor which he willingly accepted.

### Cestian Resistance (30 NAC)

Advancing into Central Cestia with less resistance than previously experienced, the Zoscian War Council remained in the dark about the inner turmoil ravaging the Empire. Their focus lied primarily with the war since after several setbacks, they finally were gaining ground rapidly on an ever crumbling foe. Strained and undermanned, the Cestian front line was unable to hold back the tide that continually pushed it back; that was until Zoscia began overextending itself. On the brink of the uprisings defeat, the war council ordered a retreat several systems back to rally and consolidate its worn forces for a second offensive wave. Chipped away at by Cestian forces and an assortment of rebel groups which had begun cropping up on newly conquered worlds, the armed forces found itself facing conflict on both sides of the border. While Iverda churned along at maintaining order, it alone wasn't enough to keep the peace nor the occupation administration Zoscia established in Central Cestia. The people despised them and saw their invasion as a war of the spirit alongside political; change was in order to save the war effort.

Once more filing through countless options and policies, the war council came to the conclusion that some form of aid was necessary to placate the masses. Premier Asel offered that the occupied worlds needed primarily governmental funding to re-establish order and that through a well supplied administration on each world, the more expensive economic funding could be secondary and save Zoscia ample coin that would be more useful on the front lines. Queen Quila in response promoted the economic package that would see the Coronans flush the occupied worlds with subsidies and funding for the economic and governmental needs of each planet; Zoscia in turn taking the burden upon itself to raise up these once devastated worlds.

* Risk of Cestian Rebellion decreases.
* Remaining funds are diverted to the war effort, increasing support by 10%.
* Cestian culture can be indirectly studied.
* Occupied worlds remain economically weak.
* Cestian Corruption may increase.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

* Risk of Cestian Rebellion significantly decreases.
* Occupied worlds begin recovering economically.
* Imperial subjects more likely to defect.
* Cestian culture can be directly studied.
* Zoscian war support decreases by 20%.
* Significant coin is diverted from the war effort.

 **CHARACTER SUPPORTERS** Premier Asel
 High Priest Torbal
File:Hanzin Imperial Protectorate.png Lord Suji Matko
File:Hanzin Imperial Protectorate.png Great Shojin Hanzma
 King Ko'ak

 Admiral Jafa
File:Hanzin Imperial Protectorate.png Lord Takishma Yol

The benefits of a full economic package enticed many, however it ultimately failed considering the budget it required and the time required to enact such a policy. Opting instead for Premier Asels smaller recovery plan, the emphasis on governmental aid was certainly a divergence from the usual Coronan mindset which saw the government as a more decentralized institution; the Cestians however did not share this sentiment and so required an abnormal solution than what was normally offered by the Kingdom. Beginning to cooperate alongside the conquered authorities and build up their reign once more, corruption remained nominal throughout the ordeal as funding went to the sources that required it most. Bonding between the two nations ensued, a short lived yet humbling occasion that saw a new level of understanding between the differing peoples.

While recovery began amongst these worlds, so did civil unrest birth a new with protests, riots and terrorist attacks that ravaged these worn administrations in a bid to topple them. Forcing the war councils hand, a policy was required for these rebellious elements of society and swiftly.
Taking the stage once more, Shojin Hanzma proposed that a firm hand was required to quell the rebels and wavering only gave them an incentive to act upon their rage. Admiral Jafa meanwhile offered that the local administrations should be allowed to call upon Zoscia as needed and decide the level of emergency they were faced with; this saving troops for only the more extreme circumstances and lowering tensions with the occupied populace.

* Increases Zoscian war support by 10%.
* Increases tensions with Cestians.
* Chance of a Massacre occurring.
* Imperial subjects less likely to defect.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

* Decrease tensions with Cestians.
* Risk of a Cestian Rebellion Increases.
* Cestian Corruption may increase.

 **CHARACTER SUPPORTERS**File:Hanzin Imperial Protectorate.png Great Shojin Hanzma
 High Priest Torbal
 King Ko'ak
File:Hanzin Imperial Protectorate.png Lord Suji Matko
 Premier Asel

 Queen Quila
File:Hanzin Imperial Protectorate.png Lord Takishma Yol

Responding with force, Zoscian forces from the front lines were diverted to countless Cestian worlds where they began assisting the local administrations with the non-lethal quelling of riots. Suppressing rioters and allowing only peaceful protests and demonstrations to occur, the near revolutionary fervor of the populace dropped to a quiet whisper as was proven in Kafel Square which is considered the most tense confrontation between Zoscian authorities and Cestian rioters. Having rampaged throughout multiple city blocks, the rioters planned to burn the courthouse in Kafel Square to the ground, an event that was never realized after being faced by a wall of Black and White officers. Marching onward and throwing debris at the officers, the Zoscians held their resolve in spite of the situation and restrained themselves from discharging their firearms. Watching the rioters for hours on end in the Kafel stand off, the lack of reaction from the officers saw the majority of rioters disperse after failing to force their way to the courthouse. While countless confrontations occurred throughout the unrest, Kafels is primarily considered the deciding factor in the direction occupied Cestia could've gone had a massacre taken place.

Peace returned to the occupied worlds soon after the Kafel Square standoff, Hanzmas plan had paid off and rightfully so. Unaware to both the war council and local administrations at the time, a full fledged uprising was in the works by multiple rebel groups which needed a massacre or other major event to push the populace over the edge. While tensions certainly did rise with the suppression of rioters, the swift action of the Zoscians saw the economic devastation minimized and the rule of law maintained throughout the entire region. Suffering no pressure from the quiet front lines, a full military operation was capable of being funded to maintain order and eliminate any chance of an uprising.

Having several months of uninterrupted replenishment and repairs for the armed forces, the failed uprising allowed Zoscia to plan its next offensive without issue. Stability had been attained in the occupied worlds and one final issue hung in front of the war councils vision before it could continue the war. Refugees of both circumstantial and political situations requested access into the occupied territories in a bid to escape their oppression or the slave uprising. Slipping into the borders, countless had been caught and some even stirred tension with their tales of misfortune and support for rebel groups that wished to free themselves from occupation. Wishing to resolve the refugee issue without much military intervention, High Priest Torbal proposed designating sparsely populated worlds for housing the refugee fleets as it could boost their economies and resolve the problem without much issue. Premier Asel in contrast believed the Council should take it a step further by offering benefits to those that volunteered to serve in the local governments, the refugees being utilized to the benefit of the occupied governments and instilling loyalty through incentives.

* Decreases tensions with Cestians.
* Risk of a Cestian Rebellion decreases.
* Rural worlds benefit from the population surplus.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

* Risk of a Cestian Rebellion decreases.
* Rural worlds benefit from the population surplus.
* Creates Zoscian loyalists.
* Requires moderate supervision.
* Increases tensions with Cestians.

 **CHARACTER SUPPORTERS** High Priest Torbal
 Queen Quila
 Admiral Jafa
 King Ko'ak
File:Hanzin Imperial Protectorate.png Lord Takishma Yol

File:Hanzin Imperial Protectorate.png Great Shojin Hanzma
File:Hanzin Imperial Protectorate.png Lord Suji Matko

Not wanting to handle the inter politics of the occupied territories as of yet, Premier Asels plan would be preserved by King Ko'ak as a potential future policy for the region. Wishing to refocus their attention on the war at hand, the council began its second offensive into Central Cestia in hopes of landing a major victory against the Empire. Preventing a rebellion which could've spelled doom for the Zoscian efforts to redeem the Cestian people, a glorious victory was in demand to keep the national support of the war from falling.

### Imperial Reforms (30 NAC)

Pressured politically and strategically by his nation, Tyvius III had successful eliminated obvious internal threats to his regime; however now he had to grapple with the subtle opponents that feigned loyalty. Wishing to root out traitors among his cabinet and military, Tyvius III began conducting espionage campaigns and reforms of both civilian and military society. Uncontested in his authority, the God-Emperor made use of his short respite from the front lines which he delegated to the war cabinet.

Wanting to address the issue of slave soldiers and study the dispositions of his cabinet members, Tyvius III confided in several close associates to each member and utilized his divine authority to keep them aligned to his goals. Wanting to learn any buried secrets or intentions, this policy extended to the upper administrations of the Empire and its subjects to uncover any plots against his rule. Allowing his Saints full reign to scrub his administration for any false loyalists, Tyvius' surveillance was conducted discreetly and without any information leaks on account of divine punishment. Proposing his first of many reforms, the freedom for slaves was a controversial yet necessary policy to preserve the nation and resupply its draining military. Hearing out his Saints for the two forms of Ascension he could conduct while still remaining in the divine right, Dashey offered utilizing them in the heat of battle while Archimedes offered a more indirect form of support to prevent desertion. Both had their benefits, however there also lied flaws hidden beneath the surface, Levment or Legionnaire loyalty was going to take a hit either which way. By increasing Levment influence with a fresh fighting force or once more delegating its manpower to a support role, military politics played into the decision making whether Tyvius liked it or not.

* Restores the forces sent to handle the uprising.
* Increases Empire casualties.
* Legionnaire loyalty decreases by one level.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

* Decreases Empire casualties.
* Decreases the amount of troops replenished from the uprising.
* Levment loyalty decreases by one level.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

 **CHARACTER SUPPORTERS** Saint Archimedes
 Emperor Tyvius III
 Duchess Aminnya
 Admiral Nistra
 Magistrate Erneli
 Magistrate Doukali
 Eynal Fauntel

Taken well by the war cabinet, Tyvius' first reform following the revolt was seen predominantly as a continuation of reducing tensions and providing more support for the war effort. Basing their votes around army loyalties and appeasement to the God-Emperor, the first round of intrigue proved dreadfully dull if somewhat heartening as no ulterior motives were discovered in the cabinets decision making. Writing the policy into law, the Levment began recruiting countless slaves wishing to fight for their freedom; the losses from the uprising being replenished with eager warriors willing to defend their homeland. Given minimum training and placed alongside Cestian forces to prevent defection, the new slave soldiers proved to be an ample boon to the Empire and one bountiful in replacements.

Truly wishing to test his cabinets loyalty and maximize the funds available to the front lines, Tyvius' second proposal centered around cutting unnecessary governmental positions and simplifying the taxation system to allow for less loopholes and greater income. While beneficial for the state and the military, it would certainly prove unfavorable among the ruling class Alcade who had benefited from centuries of tax evasion and schemes. While primarily regressive in nature, Tyvius' tax reform saw both the upper and lower class paying a greater sum into what he labeled as a war tax; a temporary increase he planned to do away with following the war. Presenting his plan to the war cabinet, he portrayed it as a necessity for the ensuing conflict and permitted for it to be voted upon by his subordinates.

* Increases Imperial troop quality.
* Allows greater control over subject nations.
* Angers the Alcade Class.
* Decreases Cestian Cohesion by 10%.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

* Increases Cestian Cohesion by 10%.
* Keeps the Corrupt Ancie System

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

 **CHARACTER SUPPORTERS** Emperor Tyvius III
 Saint Dashey
 Saint Archimedes
 Admiral Nistra
 Duchess Aminnya

 Magistrate Doukali
 Magistrate Erneli

Comparatively more promising compared to his last proposal, heated debate and backroom dealings between the members allow Tyvius III to learn the dispositions of his various subjects; all them proving to be zealously loyal if a bit selfish in their interests. This proved to be a satisfactory discovery for the God-Emperor, his confidence in the nations unity improving as Guerepots passing only emboldened him further. No longer living in the shadow his fathers successes and failures, one final proposal was left to solidify his regime from the ones prior. Having remained steadfast in his support for the hierarchy for his entire life, Tyvius III felt one addition was necessary to the ancient system to truly cement its legitimacy and efficiency.

While a persons value would always be dependent upon the rank they have achieved within the system, that didn't mean the serfs and slaves deserved to be damned to squalor for eternity or subject to the untouchable will of their masters. As the God-Emperor, he reigned supreme and so no man under his domain was untouchable, which is why a right to Ascension was in order. Granting Celestial given rights to all participants in the Cestian hierarchy, his decree would see the end of unfettered exploitation of the lower ranks and a more equal yet still stratified society. Unveiling his magnum opus to the war cabinet, Tyvius III found himself met with unconvinced gazes and rejection by even some of his own Saints that felt such radical change was damning to their cause. Unanimously denied his chance at true reformation, the God-Emperors legacy was rejected before it could even be engraved.

Brooding within his study and alone to ponder his thoughts, Tyvius III looked over his proposal one last time to see where the war cabinet had seen flaws in his work. Considering his ability to announce an Imperial decree and reject the cabinets decision, the young God-Emperor took up his quill and began flowing ink upon canvas.

* Decreases national tension.
* Cestian forces will only break under extreme circumstances.
* Increase Cestian Cohesion by 20%.
* No longer Eternal.
* Rebellion from all disloyal elements.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

* The hierarchy remains unchanged.
* Tension and rebellion remains unphased.
* Tyvius III embraces the shadow.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

 **CHARACTER SUPPORTERS** Emperor Tyvius III

Signing his legacy into law, Tyvius III announced his Imperial Decree the next morning as all of the Empire held its breath over his famous words. The Right to Ascension has been achieved, the Eternal Empire had changed and Tyvius III's address was met by great criticism and praise all the same. Invigorating the populace, countless Cestians of even the gentry class volunteered for service in the nations conflict; the spirit of victory was contagious and the opposition given to the Zoscian advance allowed for multiple battles to be won across Central Cestia. In spite of his disrespect and rejection of their advice, the war cabinet congratulated his decision and remain unified under the Imperial banner. Only one group took his decision to heart and acted upon it, the Cestian Legion which had been shot down at every opportunity and denied the respect it had once sired from the previous Emperors. Traditionalist and made up of the nations elite soldiers, Tyvius III's policies had stood in opposition to everything the Legion upheld and protected; it cost him their loyalty and now a revolution was in order.

The slaves may have disrupted the nations war effort, but the Legion certainly planned to do more than just that. They prepared to kill a God and with him the Eternal bloodline that guided the nation; Eternal no longer, Cestia would never be the same.

### Conquest of Bali (30 NAC)

Wanting to strike a decisive blow against the Cestians and significantly raise the Kingdoms war support, the Zoscian war council drew plans for an invasion of Bali; a Cestian fortress world that had garnered a reputation for its near impenetrable defenses. Conquering the planet certainly held its benefits in hampering Cestian morale, however the main reasoning behind its interest to the council was its direct access to the Grand Duchy of Selta which would in turn give them an opening to the Imperial capital. It was the swiftest route Zoscia had for ending the war and it was also the most dangerous considering the loss of life that was predicted. Punching through the heavily defended fortress worlds was no easy task and required meticulous planning to minimize casualties; which is why King Ko'ak decided upon using Cestian agents to sabotage the defenders position prior to the invasion.

While small in number, Zoscia had certainly gathered a following of loyal agents working for them behind enemy lines. Emboldened by Tyvius III's purges and suppression of all opposition, the God-Emperor inadvertently drove moderates and radicals alike into the arms of the Coronans. Experienced in their own right, these select few proved invaluable to the invasion of Bali, it being the first Sajenki operation entirely conducted by foreign agents. With the usage of bribes and a particular agents engineering ability, the day of Zoscias invasion was met with little resistance by anti-air weaponry after a virus was released in the targeting system and made them inoperable. Admiral Nistra was amazed by this careless move on the Zoscian navy's part, his awe turning into horror after hearing of the sabotage that had been ongoing within Balis defenses.

Rushing to the aid of the planets defenders, Nistra sent the Capital Fleet alongside two vanguard fleets to prevent a ground invasion before the defenses were up and running again. Launching several elite ground forces onto the planets surface, Ko'ak took charge of land battle while Jafa kept a watchful eye out for the Cestian navy. Higher ranking Cestian agents on the ground began capturing local Bali leaders and seizing power to allow Zoscian forces through without issue, entire regions falling under their domain while the remaining loyalists holdouts stayed defiant to Ko'aks call for surrender. Loyalist officers in the occupied territories began revolting with their stationed garrisons, more Zoscian forces being dispatched to the planets surface to maintain order before its inevitable push. Nistra arrived just as news of a failed coup in Balis capital reached his airwaves, him seeing an unhindered Zoscian armada flushing the world with supplies and troops for the invasion.

Engaging the enemy forces, Jafa quickly shut down resupply operations aside for a small fleet he delegated to keep the ground forces sustained. Interlocking with Nistras elites, Zosica found itself on the losing end of the engagement as Jafa bought time for the Bali forces. While he would most certainly be forced to retreat, securing Bali placed the Cestians in a worse position strategically. Obligated to secure a major strategic asset, the Cestians would have to relocate forces to Bali and in turn lighten the front line or risk supply shortages. Proactively deciding the invasion from orbit within the resupply fleet, Ko'ak led his forces to victory with several back and forth engagements ending in the defeat of Balis main defending army and the capitals capture by Cestian agents. Forced to capture the remaining cities that remained valiantly loyal to the God-Emperor, Ko'ak announced victory and sent the supply fleet to assist Jafas crumbling forces. Having suffered from poor decision making by ship captains and unfortunate circumstances, the Zoscian fleet nearly routed before Nistra was ordered by Tyvius III to retreat to Selta. Initially resisting his God-Emperor twice on account of his close approaching victory, the Admiral inflicted more losses before finally caving to his rulers demands upon a third confrontation; the Cestian fleet and the front lines pulling back to Selta, Karn and the eastern heartlands.

Ragged and worn by his engagement with Nistra, Jafa immediately sent his forces to Bali and nearby systems for repairs while the war council met once more to decide on their official conquest policy for Cestia. Having occupied countless worlds, races and peoples without much certainty in regards to their future, an announcement of Zoscias intentions for the Empire was in order for the sake of stability. Establishing Zoscian protectorates was the main topic of contention for most council members, the amount of native oversight being another concern of which several proposals spawned from.

* Allows direct influence over colored subjects.
* Delegates occupation to the Z.O.Z administration.
* Increases Zoscian war support by 20%.
* Will lead to future unrest.
* The Celestial Cult goes underground.
* Destroys the eternal Empire.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

* Allows indirect influence over Cestian subjects.
* Increases Zoscian war support by 10%.
* Allows Zoscia to uncover and preserve Cestian history immediately.
* Will lead to future unrest.
* The Celestial Cult persists.
* Risk of future independence war.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

* Receive a hefty tribute from the Empire.
* Decreases Zoscian war support by 10%.
* The Empire remains untamed.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

 **CHARACTER SUPPORTERS**  High Priest Torbal
 King Ko'ak
File:Hanzin Imperial Protectorate.png Lord Takishma Yol
File:Hanzin Imperial Protectorate.png Lord Suji Matko

 Admiral Jafa

 Premier Asel

After evaluating their options, the Coronan-centric plan of Z.O.Z came out on top as the decided upon policy towards the Cestians. Met with resistance by the general occupied populace, fears began to arise as to what this new administration could entail. While the remainder of the war continued, Quila and Ko'ak began pooling together candidates and resources for their future occupation zone; the two working out the fine details of this revolutionary decision and what repercussions could come as a result. In response to this announcement, Tyvius III dug his troops in at Selta and prepared for a final defense against the Zoscian hordes. Unified and cleansed of opposition, the Cestian Empire planned to decide its survival in the same lands where it was born; not one Seltan wouldn't bemoan the destruction that was swiftly approaching their fair land. Giants among their homes, God-Duchess Aminnya knew she had to act before all was lost once more.

## Royal Ball of 30 NAC

With everything falling into place and Zoscias war support saved from buckling inward, King Ko'ak was mere days away before hearing about a major Cestian revolt which had arisen in the occupied heartland. Unfettering in their devotion to the God-Emperor, the Cestians refused to submit after hearing Zoscias occupation plans and worked to push the alien menace out. Once more having to deploy Coronan soldiers across the heartland, his invasion came to halt as maintaining order took precedent over invading Selta. Underequipped and mostly isolated upon various worlds, the Cestian uprising only added further bloodshed to the war; Queen Quila attempting to limit the carnage through peaceful negotiations and disarming rebels. While some rebels were successful in obtaining a small standing fleet, most failed and were eager to negotiate after a show of force and overwhelming odds. Failing to coordinate their combined forces, the rebels were put down without much loss of life or infrastructure, however it certainly delayed Ko'aks efforts to finish the war.

Conscripting gentry and awaiting Zoscias arrival, the hesitation given by their enemies allowed the Empire to recover from its loss at Bali and thoroughly entrench itself upon the border worlds. Holding its breath in wait, God-Duchess Aminnya broke the tension with the announcement of a royal ball of which all cabinet members and officials could attend. Personally inviting the God-Emperor as well, she'd be surprised after Tyvius III's quick acceptance and soon after began preparations for the coming event. Wishing to keep the realm united and make fresh contacts, the ball had a political undertone which permeated throughout all royal occasions and was commonly employed by the God-Duchess to increase her prestige.

Ending in a bloody massacre and the God-Emperors hospitalization, the Royal Ball marked an end of cohesive Cestian resistance with the Imperial Legion revolting after failing to assassinate Tyvius III. Selta and the remainder of the Empire fell into open conflict between the two Imperial forces, the war cabinet being led by the remaining members which weren't dead or hospitalized by the events. God-Duchess Aminnyas body was never found following the ordeal, Magistrate Colwe being elected to the position of temporary ruler in Selta and head of the Levment forces in the Duchy.

## Seltan Offensive (30-31 NAC)

The effects of the Royal Ball were most drastically felt in the Duchy which saw itself transform overnight into a battleground between the two Imperial forces. Holding on by a thread to their control over the region, Levment forces under the command of Magistrate Colwe took to the offensive and worked alongside loyalist naval fleets to reassert control over Legion claimed worlds. Civilian elements played a role in assisting both sides and attempting to hold back Zoscian forces with home brewed paramilitary forces. God-Emperor Tyvius III and his whereabouts were unknown to the general public, him being hospitalized for his wounds and the damage caused to his body by the acidic poison he had digested. Watching the collapse of their front line and the outbreak of violence all across Imperial worlds, the war cabinet declared a state of emergency across the Empire and began the mass conscription of any and all citizens for the defense of Cestias remaining worlds. Employing simple AIs to control suicide ships and sometimes even living personnel if necessary, the Empire wasn't going to go quietly and put its entire populace on the line for victory.

Receiving reports from scouts over the collapse of Cestias front line, King Ko'ak gave the order to invade Selta and secure the Empires capital once and for all. With few agents within the Seltan region to grant the Coronans foresight on the brutal conflict ensuing between Levment and Legion forces, they had little information on what exactly had occurred except for scattered reports and the aftermath which they stumbled upon. Imperial forces no matter their creed defended against Zoscian troops and an uptick in desperate measures was noted with several suicide attacks costing the lives of many Coronans both in orbit and upon the ground. Indiscriminate in their treatment of enemy soldiers, an effort was made nonetheless to disarm and make demoralized troops surrender peacefully so as to prevent unnecessary bloodshed. In their coming victory came a great dread over the aftermath of such devastation, the war council brooding on its slow trudge to the Celestial Throne.

### Imperial Crisis (30-31 NAC)

> "The God-Emperor has failed us and the divine light fades upon our fair Empire, may the gods have mercy upon our twisted souls for the Coronans certainly won't."
>
>

 - Magistrate Colwe

Wrack by internal and external conflict, the Empire and more specifically the Levment forces found themselves at the breaking point both strategically and mentally. Focusing their efforts primarily on the rebellious Legionnaires, they were able to quash the majority of holdouts within central and western Cestia without heavy losses; political assassinations and bombings being the only gift left behind by the Legion occupiers, it further adding to Seltas instability. Throughout this chaos, Doukali remained loyal to the Empire despite his Legion background and prevented a western uprising from crippling the nation. Forced into the eastern territories, the Legion within three weeks was contained and its rival prepared to invade with the assistance of Legion Adelvi forces. Wishing to quickly break the rebel spirit and induct the remnants back into the fold for a final defense against Zoscia, time was of the essence and little remained before the supply hub of Selta would eventually be besieged.

Battered yet not beaten, the Imperial Magistrate Council remained optimistic about its odds against the Levment invasion. Consolidated and utilizing mass conscription to fill their depopulated ranks, the Legion was more than capable of a competent defense and relied upon the advanced defenses of their occupied worlds to help in repelling the Empires lackeys. Internally there was a lack of this same confidence, the Legion was no longer favored by the Imperial citizenry and their assassination attempt against the God-Emperor caught the ire of the Celestial church which refused to endorse their cause. Taking this as an act of aggression, Legionnaires began sacking places of worship and imprisoning priests for speaking out against the new regime, a divide further growing between the increasingly conscripted populace and the elites that reigned over them. Relying upon a turtle strategy and hit and run tactics to wear the Levment down, the I.M.C prepared for guerilla warfare and prolonged conflict with both Imperial and xeno forces alike. Hopes of saving the Empire were null and void, all the Legion could do is save itself now.

Commencing the invasion in early 31 NAC, the Imperial loyalists relied on their Adelvi allies to help infiltrate the Legions forces and sabotage defenses prior to the bulk invasions arrival. Results were mixed with some worlds becoming woefully unprepared for an attack while others were only meagerly affected by sabotage, the true success was in discovering the unrest which ravaged the Legion worlds. The planets which saw their defenses go entirely offline were immediately hit with uprisings once the news leaked down to the conscripts and general populace and in some cases it resulted in the local garrison being overthrown. Those worlds which succeeded were happy to hail their Levment liberators while the unlucky ones that failed saw harsh crackdowns on the populace and further looting. Once the actual invasion began, it started off heavily in the Legions favor which mowed through the green recruits and masses sent their way, attrition inevitably leading to their collapse alongside internal conflict with the local civilian administrations. In a matter of days, the border worlds fell and the Imperial Magistrate Council found their confidence quickly evaporate after hearing of the Levments approach.

Willing to fight to their last breath, the Legions fervor was only tempered by the Magistrate Councils evaluation of their failed coup and predicament. Discussing potential surrender to the loyalist forces, hardliner Legion Magistrates ultimately came out on top during the debates and committed themselves to repelling the invasion. Breaking planet fall on the Legions remaining worlds, the Levment were met with heavy resistance and a more radical populace which wouldn't help sweep away their occupiers. Fighting through the streets and indiscriminately bombarding the resisting planets into submission, Magistrate Colwe led the final offensive against the legion stronghold on Jacel with Adelvi troops in an attempt to capture the fleeing Magistrates. His efforts were not in vain, Jacels remaining defenders were scattered and the majority of rebel Magistrates found themselves leaving in a coffin or restraints. The remaining legion forces either surrendered or devolved into bandit groups sacking frontier worlds, the crisis coming to an end with the war cabinets decision in regards to the rebel leaders.

* Doukali gains considerable influence militarily.
* Reduces the chance of future Legion conflict.
* Reduces cohesion by 10%.
* Leaves the Magistrates untried until the wars conclusion.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

* Increases cohesion by 20%.
* Disloyal Legionnaires will immediately rebel!
* Increases the chance of future Legion conflict.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

 **CHARACTER SUPPORTERS** Magistrate Colwe
 Admiral Nistra
 Magistrate Doukali
 Saint Dashey

After careful consideration, the war cabinet decided to postpone the rebel Magistrates trials and instead placed them under the supervision of Doukali. Segregating them from the loyalist Legionnaires, they were swiftly sent to the front lines to assist in repelling the Zoscian invasion of Selta as the first line of defense; a fate many of the rebel legionaries attempted to avoid by courting Coronan forces. Very few found success in their attempts to betray their kin or desert, Doukali and the remaining Adelvi executing any and all dissenters that were discovered. Loyalist officers found themselves placed in groups accompanying discontent forces so as to instill fear and nip any thoughts of betrayal from their minds; their pistols being a good show of discipline if any still tried. Once the pride of the Empire, two thirds of Legion forces now found themselves fighting in worse conditions compared to their Levment counterparts.

### Seltas Demise

Punching through the Duchies meager fleets and into the heartland proper, the Zoscian war council was finding itself increasingly alarmed by the desperate tactics employed by their enemies. Suicide ships became a standard addition to Cestian fleets and child soldiers were pitted against Coronan warriors more frequently as time went on. This exposure to Cestias new tactics originally came in a more tame fashion thanks to King Ko'aks inadvertently wise decision to consolidate his wedge in the front line, him ordering the occupation of Seltas outer worlds and fighting smaller forces in doing so. Having to reevaluate their approach to Cestian combatants, the war council made preparations for its invasion of the Duchies capital while mulling over the possibility of granting special rights to unfit foes.

* Unfit combatants will be treated like any other soldier.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

* Coronan casualties will increase.

**CURRENT SUPPORT**

 **CHARACTER SUPPORTERS** High Priest Torbal
File:Hanzin Imperial Protectorate.png Great Shojin Hanzma
File:Hanzin Imperial Protectorate.png Lord Suji Matko
 King Ko'ak
 Premier Asel

File:Hanzin Imperial Protectorate.png Lord Takishma Yol
 Admiral Jafa

Unwilling to alter their policy for unfit combatants, the council voted against Queen Quilas plan and instead opted for the creation of detention centers for child soldiers and elderly that are captured on the battlefield. Employing them with a safe form of labor and additional focus on their needs, it was a decent addition which the Queen appreciated dearly. Sending her most trusted advisors to oversee the construction and installment of the center, Quila pooled together some of her own funds to supply the facility with toys and other recreational activities that its inhabitants could partake in. Drawing themselves back to the coming siege at hand, Admiral Jafa set the groundwork by overwhelming the planets outer defenses and forcing its fleets into turtle formations.

Proving to be one of the most difficult battles fought yet, Jafa was unable to declare victory nor defeat as further reinforcements continued to pool in from the surrounding systems for both sides. Suicide ships proved to be a dreadfully effective addition to the Cestian arsenal and saw to the slow deaths of many large and expensive vessels. To turn the tide, Admiral Zacev diverted his reinforcements to the surrounding systems and created multiple battles that clogged Seltas ability to be reinforced. Grueling in its length, the battle over Selta lasted for nearly a week and saw to the complete destruction of the Duchies personnel ships and historic orbital defenses.

Grounded upon Selta, Magistrate Colwe found himself trapped and welcomed the challenge to defend his homeworld. Being in charge alongside several other Magistrates, Colwe helped plan the capitals entrenchment and the delegation of its forces. Fighting alongside his men and giving a speech to rouse their spirits, an air of dread lingered amongst the defenders as the Coronans landed and turned the majestic world into ruins once more. Orbital bombardments were conducted by Zoscian forces with a focus on military facilities primarily and a degree of precaution was taken towards bombarding cities considering the significance Selta had to Cestian history. The ground forces on both sides did not hold this same level of consideration, Coronan and Cestian forces alike turning the cities into blazing infernos in their fight for survival. Admiral Zacev held off further reinforcements for the defenders and after several weeks of hard fought warfare, the majority of the world had been occupied with only pockets of resistance remaining.

Colwe continued to fight until his capture, the Zoscians declaring a pyrrhic victory after the remaining Magistrates surrendered or died fighting. While both sides left Selta bloodied, the Cestian spirit flickered as the Celestial Throne finally came into view for the invaders. The west and eastern territories continued to hold, however both sides knew that the battle over Cestia was going to be the last stand the Empire could make; one it wasn't going to make easy for the Zoscians.

### Operation Dark Moon

Created centuries ago, the Celestial Throne sits at the epicenter of the Empires greatest fortifications and orbits the holy world of Cestia. Garrisoned with the Empires most devoted handpicked servants, espionage was off the table and King Ko'ak found himself relying upon scouts and limited knowledge to gauge his enemies capital. Few Cestians ever graced the Emperors seat of power let alone the system itself, most administrating having been done on the defacto civilian capital of Esseur; a world which had yet to be invaded. From what he knew though, the Empires final stand was being made in the system and everything was going to be thrown against them if they attempted a strike on the station.

Protected by an array of smaller stations and patrol fleets, the throne is a bastion of safety fueled by centuries of successful conquests and tribute paid by Imperial vassals. It is a testament to Cestian dominance and mastery over alien and kin alike, yet in recent centuries it has fallen into neglect in some aspects such as refurbishing its weapon systems and power supply. Efforts had been made during the war and the main station was certainly brought back up to its full strength, however the same couldn't be said for the outlier stations who still used antiquated weaponry. Leaving his bed in a weakened state, Tyvius III returned to a disastrous campaign which had been decided in his absence. Concealed from the news, the God-Emperor been kept in the dark and nursed back to health by his devoted saints without issue, but now all he desired was to return to his bed or better yet a snug noose to end the war quickly. Rejoining his cabinet, Tyvius returned to his solemn duties and made preparations for his homes defense.

Coordinating the strike with his admirals and generals, King Ko'ak and his council burned through several plans before deciding upon the aggressive Operation Dark Moon. Named after a Coronan folktale, the Dark Moon is the personification of encroaching death in the story and was quite fitting for the situation. Utilizing what knowledge they had gathered on the enemies positions and patrols, the plan was to strike at the Cestians during their heaviest patrol time in an attempt to dispatch a decent portion of the defenders. Forcing the remainder to route, Zoscia was planning to push their advantage afterwards and swarm the battle stations before making their way to Cestia Station and seizing it. Ultimately their goal was to take the heart of the Empire and its God-Emperor who would undoubtedly defend his throne if he had any sense of honor. Giving the green light, Coronan forces soon after prepared to converge upon Cestias capital while their king steeled himself for combat against the God-Emperor.

## Fall of Cestia (31 NAC)

Taking place over around a month of thoroughly sweeping through the solar system, the Fall of Cestia was a slow and methodical process which saw countless Cestians and Coronans alike meeting their end in a last ditch battle for the God-Emperor. Utilizing kamikaze pilots and self destruction protocols to inflict heavy casualties, the Cestian defenders committed everything they had to protecting their divine leader. Staffed by only the most devoted and loyal, the stations dotted about the Celestial Throne worked as the first and last line of defense against incoming invaders. Marginal success was gained on the western front against Zoscian forces, however the east spearheaded by Admiral Jafa and host to the monarchs forces were unfettered by defenders attempts to impede their progress. Forced into a supportive role after initial defeats, the western fleet led by Admiral Zacev assisted in the southern push that saw Cestian forces adopting elastic defensive strategies to slow down their advance.

Admiral Nistra and God-Emperor Tyvius III coordinated the defense of the throne and seemed adverse to the use of sacrificial tactics to defeat their foes. Instead opting for a more cautious approach to defending their home system, the lack of ships inevitably saw them pushed back to the main station where a battle ensued and saw the invaders overwhelm the depleted defenders. Immediately sending in drop pods and King Ko'ak himself to oversee the assault, the thrones dire situation helped further along the breakage of Cestian morale and news of its rapidly deteriorating situation to Coronan invaders saw many fleets abandoning Nistras orders and routing to Karn. During the battle, several downed Cestian and Coronan vessels made impact with the station and caused considerable damage that forced the God-Emperor to flee and seek safety upon Cestia.

Trailing the God-Emperor after a short duel, King Ko'ak helped down Tyvius' vessel and engaged him in single combat once more upon the frozen world. Fighting became desperate on both sides and after prolonged exposure to the elements, Tyvius collapsed and was spared by Ko'ak after careful consideration. Awaiting extraction in a snowstorm, the weary King thought over the war and surprised rescue teams by the consideration he gave to his rivals health before his own. Exhausted and extremely cold, neither combatant suffered from frostbite and were safely extracted to receive emergency care. Upon hearing of his God-Emperors defeat, Admiral Nistra ordered the remaining defenders to stand down and surrendered the Celestial Throne.

## Aftermath

Shortly following the Imperial defeat at Cestia Station, the unoccupied Karn Union and eastern worlds surrendered on the condition that they could retain substantial autonomy following the war. This demand was well received by the weary Coronan forces who agreed and immediately began preparations for peace talks. Setting up the meeting above the planet Atilik, Coronan officials announced the abandoned mining world as the new capital of their occupation administration known as ZOZ; the world being chosen for its central location in Cestian territory and its rich resources. Nursing Emperor Tyvius back to health, the Cestian monarch remained in Zoscian captivity until the day of the diplomatic meeting which he was allowed to attend. Flanked by his remaining subordinate rulers and his devoted saints, diplomatic dealings lasted for four days to work out the post-war political landscape and the fate of Tyvius himself.

Brooding over his actions, King Ko'ak ensured the Emperors survival and continued relevancy in Cestian society on account of him being a mere figurehead for his people. In doing this, he also preserved the Empire from being annexed by the ZOZ administration which was repurposed to act as an overarching federation instead of a unitary government. Placing military officials in charge of ZOZ, the Cestian Empire suffered from severe unrest shortly following its defeat and had a sizable portion of the Zoscian military still present to keep the peace. Delegating autonomy to the various states within ZOZ, the Karn Union and the newly formed WOF state received the highest level of autonomy; the latter joining to retain its independence from ambitious Cestian rulers. Subsequently after the Royal ball of 30 NAC, the Fauntel Associated Worlds ruler was mortally mounded during the attempted coup and his territories taken by the God-Emperor for the remainder of the war. Following his recovery and willingness to collaborate with ZOZ, he was reinstated as the ruler of Fauntel alone, the remainder of his territory having been given to Iverda, ZOZ and the Empire.

Devastated by the war, Selta was once more knocked into destitution and had a regency installed to pick a successor for the vacant throne. The Duchesses whereabouts following the Royal ball still remained a mystery and she was declared dead despite a lack of evidence, the duchy entering a succession crisis not long after. Iverda County unlike its kin benefited from the war, the other Cestian states becoming more reliant upon its produce and Coronan war subsidies allowing for an increase in development and swift repairs to its damaged cities. Placing Derakryss back upon the throne as a figurehead, Iveradas government was reformed to have a Zoscian cabinet underneath the monarch as its true ruling body. The Iverdan Saints were allowed to retain their positions, however the authority they possessed over governmental affairs was crippled similar to the main Empire.

Overshadowing its offspring, the Cestian Empire received the most attention from Coronan officials and was radically reformed to appease the Cestian rebels that fought alongside Zoscia. Keeping the Emperor as a figurehead, his power was given to the Alcade Assembly which was a newly formed democratic process made up the Empires direct vassals. Giving power to newly appointed sympathizers, it became a reformist dominated system with the old guard retaining a nominal voting block. While still Feudal and followers the Celestial Cult, the Empire was firmly under King Ko'aks control with a flurry of Cestian officials wishing to prove their value to the new order.

Ruling with a Coronan only administration, ZOZ oversaw the reconstruction and revival of the Cestian states with considerable oversight from Light Councilors and the Monarchs themselves. Ruling with an unwavering yet gentle hand, the Occupation Zone allowed a more decentralized approach to governing the Cestians and instead opted for a gradual increase of control over the states in due time. Made up of the council of 12, ZOZ elected to have the best minds of Zoscia to help oversee its reconstruction efforts with military and scientific minds alike numbering among the Councillors. Establishing a standing defense force and disallowing Coronans to immigrate enmass to newly terraformed worlds, it became a reconstruction administration primarily with hesitation towards allowing rapid colonization. Only a select number of colonists became able to settle in ZOZ yearly, Cestian concerns over Coronan encroachment being eased by this move and several other policies protecting their rights. While far from popular, ZOZ's affinity for the natives helped it survive the intial months after its conception and prevented Cestia from descending into chaos or putting Coronan lives at risk.

Lauded by his people for defeating the crumbling Empire, King Ko'ak successful propelled his Kingdoms prosperity and authority in the Reach through the usage of war. His people thrived and yet he felt melancholy about the whole affair, perhaps his similarities to Queen Yirin ran deeper than he thought or perhaps this was just the way things were. A universe of Red and White.

## Trivia

Knight Alien had no idea a Hallowed War Book Series existed which involved a Celestial Church like the Cestian Empire has, it being a funny coincidence.

Wartime decisions were primarily decided by a mixture of dice rolls and character personalities.