Great Herobranian War

Loaetian resistance

The **Great Herobranian War** ― also known as the **Fourth Herobranian War**. the **Triple Alliance War**, the **Great Minecraftian War**, and the **Four Sided War** ― was a total war that lasted for a decade, between April 14, 2051 to June 12, 2061. The war was fought on four main sides, however, the main conflict occurred between Herobrine's forces and the triple alliance of Minecraftia, the Khanate of Watterson, and Ontario. Marxia and TOMOW were also major belligerents to a lesser extent. The war is considered to be the most defining moment in Aetherian history, with several major events occurring.

The war was triggered directly by the attempt to kill Herobrine, which led to him invading Minecraft and declaring war on the triple alliance, with Marxia involving itself a week later after spillover fighting. As the conflict progressed, Herobranian and Marxian forces slowly crept through Minecraftian and Watternese territory, committing atrocities in the process. By 2055, all of Southern and most of Central Minecraftia had been conquered by Herobrania, while the Isle of Loae was occupied by Marxia, which led to resistance from Loaetian nationalists, particularly the National Loaetian Army. The conflict reached its climax when all four sides battled directly against each other at the Battle of Villagetown, which led to a Minecraftian victory by 2058 and the death of Herobrine. Following the battle, the tide turned to the advantage of the Triple Alliance, which led to the surrender of Herobrania at the Battle of Lodz in 2059 and the end of the war two years lated with the signing of the Treaty of Uxbridge in 2061.

The war led to the ovethrowing of the government of the Triple Alliance during the 2060 Tri-Coup, as well as the rise of Runt Ironfurnace and Team Runt to prominence, seizing power. The war also had major casualties, with three government leaders (Herobrine, Ibrahim Shahub Johnson, and Harold Kroos) dying as a result of the war, while other militants (Clancy Joseph, Tyler Salih Dun, Nathaniel J. Boone, etc.) also became casualties. Non-state actors, mainly TOMOW, Banditos, the National Loaetian Army, Loae Liberation Movement, Lost Legion, and the Alanist Front of Loae, also played a major role, with militias allied to the Triple Alliance assisting in the battles for Villagetown and Ulanbataar. The aftermath of the war also led to the Marxian transition to democracy, the installation of the State of Lucaya, and the partition of former Herobranian territories.

The war would also have a catastrophic toll on the countries that it was mostly fought in (Herobrania, Watterson, Minecraftia, Marxia), with those countries having all suffered over 15 million casualties, and in total, the entire war had an estimated death toll of 120 million, out of which some 70% were civilians. The war left the regions of Trench, the Isle of Loae, and Southern Minecraftia devastated, while the upcoming VLSM Region emerged as the most developed region in Minecraftia and arguably the Aetherian continent.

## Sides

### Triple Alliance and Allies

* **Minecraftia**
	+ Team Runt
* **Khanate of Watterson**
* **Ontario**
* Artsakh
* Chile
* Peru
* Compton
* Floridian Kingdom
* the Banditos
* People of Dema
* Alliance of Lima
	+ American Popular Revolutionary Alliance
	+ Wagner Group
	+ Free Syrian Army
	+ Popular Force
	+ Likud
	+ No a Keiko
	+ Syrian Democratic Forces
	+ Floridian Nationalist Front
	+ Alanist National Front of Brazil
	+ African National Congress
	+ Academi
	+ Grey Wolves
	+ Revolutionary Commando Army
	+ Morena
* NATO
* European Union
* Lima Pact
* Namibia
* Taino Republic in exile
* Yezidia (co-belligerent, only against TOMOW and Herobrania)
* Loae Liberation Movement
* Continental Kingdom
* Lost Legion

#### Loae Independists and allies

* Loaetian royal family
* Loae Liberation Movement
* National Loaetian Army
* Loae
* Alanist Front of Loae
* Anarchy for Loae
* Movement for Loaetian Autonomy

#### Government Loyalists (after April 2060)

* Loyalists of Ibrahim Shahub Johnson
* Flutchers
* Loyalists of Harold Kroos
* Bogaloo Bois

### Herobrine and Allies

* Herobrania
* Dema
	+ The Nine Bishops
* Taino Nationalists

### Marxists and Allies

* Marxia
* Bolshevikstan
* Shining Path
* Artsakh defectors
* FARC
* Gaddafi loyalists
* Hezbollah
* Supporters of Vladimir Putin

### TOMOW and Allies

* TOMOW
* ISIL

### Erbil and Allies

* Erbil Libertation Front
* Autonomous Erbil Movement
* City of Erbil
* Autonomous Erbil Supporters
* Kurdistan

## Background

Herobrine's kingdom had been in a constant state of war with Minecraftia since 2046, due to the Herobranian Wars, and with the most severe one being the third war, as Villagetown was blazing in flames. Minecraftia, Watterson, Artsakh, Florida, and Yezidia participated against Herobrania, and Marxia and FARC were co-belligerents against Herobrine. After the war, Herobrine had lost the conquered territories of Loae and Kolfed to Minecraftia and Yezidia, which had Kolfed disputed with Herobrania for years since 2005 after a civil war in Yezidia that led a Junta taking power. However, Minecraftia, Marxia, and Herobrania all refused to reinstate the Isle of Loae, which had been annexed by Herobrania in 2037. The royal family then allied with Minecraftia, in fear of being murdered by Herobrine. Many Loaetians then sought asylum in Minecraftia, Watterson, and Yezidia after Herobrine made an attempted genocide against them was made by Herobrania. After that, Marxia tried to tried to take over Loae, and as a result, Chile, Peru, Florida, Minecraftia, Yezidia, Denmark, Ontario, Compton, and Armenia either severed ties or withdrew recognition of Marxia. King Runehammer II, ceremonial head of the Minecraftian Continent, kicked out Marxia, Herobrania, and the Bolshevik Colony in Minecraftia out of his ceremonial rule, creating the Continental Kingdom. After that, Runt Ironfurnace and Team Runt met up with Herobrine on April 12, 2051, and did a rap battle. Ironfurnace rapped the song *Rap God*, and after he finished it, he shot Herobrine 16 times, which led to Herobrine losing 3/4 of his powers. After this, Herobrine declared war on Minecraftia, Watterson, and Ontario on April 13.

## 2051:The beginning and involvement of Marxia

*Main article: Timeline of the Great Herobranian War (2051)*
Herobrine almost immediately launched an invasion of Minecraftia, codenamed Operation Lime. The Fall of Danzig into Herobranian hands on April 16 marks the first major battle, as Herobrine had sent over 7 million soldiers to the front. Near the Marxia-Minecraftia-Herobrania tri-point border, Herobrania launched the Booneville offensive, but after Herobranian troops accidentally entered Marxian soil on April 24, Marxia launched a surprise invasion of the Triple Alliance and Herobrania, sending over 6 million troops to the front. Herobrine's forces took Booneville after a lengthy battle, which ended on May 2. Herobrania used Blitzkrieg, the same tactic Hitler had used back in 1945, to conquer Booneville. Marxia was also involved in the battle. On May 3, the Floridian Kingdom declared war on Herobrania, Marxia, and Bolshevikstan, the latter of which supported Marxia. Florida announced that it was going to send 600,000 troops to Minecraftia and Watterson during the declaration of war. Herobrine maintained steady advances in Minecraftia, and landed in Watterson on May 6. Minecraftian President Ibrahim Shahub Johnson declared a state of Emergency after Herobrania had conquered Burnaby on May 10, and as did Khan Miggy I of Watterson. Ontario supplied the allies with 4 million troops in each Minecraftia and Artsakh, respectively. Artsakh attacked Marxia without any formal declaration on Marxia. In response, Marxia launched an extensive invasion of Artsakh and Ontario. Herobrania made steady but unstable gains, as Minecraftia had regained Burnaby briefly for a week from May 12 to May 19, before Herobrania reconquered it and kept it until 2058.

The Erbil Conflict in Watterson had lasted for a long time already and Erbil sought a chance to conquer its claims during the Third Herobranian War, but went unsuccessful after Minecraftia and Peru sent troops to fight the Erbilists. Erbil claimed to be an autnomous region within Waterson, but Donbass claimed it as their territory, and the federal government helped Donbass, so Erbil only controlled Erbil City, and due to a border dispute between Tegel and Donbass, Tegel had tried to secretly support Erbil in protest, but during the Third Herobranian War, sent its National Guard to fight against Erbil. Now, Erbil sought another chance to control its claims, and Watterson advised if any state or autonomous area that if they try to support Erbil, they would be kicked out the federation and be invaded. Erbil, with the help of Kurdistan, took over around a quarter of its claims, and by May 20, had expanded so much that Peru, Minecraftia, and Florida sent troops to try to contain Erbil's expansion.

Another belligerent arose: The Loaetians, of which many wanted restored independence. So, the Loae Liberation Movement and the National Loaetian Army conquered a few territories of Marxian Loae, capturing Icerahn and Loae. Marxia then proceeded to besiege Loae, but was broken by Minecraftian troops, only to be expelled by the Loaetians. In retaliation, Minecraftia and Watterson bombed Icerahn, Loae, and Loaetian strongholds. As violence escalated, the Alanist Front of Loae also formed, attacking Marxian positions and carrying out shootings in the Pombo Barracks at Pombo.

Herobrania kept blitzing throughout Minecraftian and Watternese territory throughout 2051, conquering the cities of Churchill, Assleton, and the highly strategic base of Apsulimaq.

## 2052:Marxian advances and Herobranian stall

*Main article: Timeline of the Great Herobranian War (2052)*

Following into the new year, Marxian forces began to pick up the pace, capturing several towns and villages throughout both Minecraftia and Watterson. Marxia had also attempted an invasion into Ontario, following their failed first attempt, which stalled. Herobranian advances, meanwhile, were beginning to stall and later almost halted. Trench warfare became a daily, as many Herobranian offensive were repelled or had to stop with supply shortages, and morale on all three sides plummeted. Internal rebels allied with Herobrine managed to stage unrest throughout the south of Minecraftia, which caused troops to be redeployed from the frontlines to cities in order to contain the unrest. This came as an attempt to break the stalemate, and it partially worked. However, the advances were only gradual, and were extremely slow.

The Marxians however, under their pretext of their dispute of Loae, launched a secret coup carried out by agents and remaining loyalists within Loae. This gave them full control of Loae, and managed to gain land in offensives from it. The Loaetians soon began a campaign to retake their land, with protests being violently suppressed by Marxian troops.

The Loaetians also incited attacks within Marxia and Minecraftia in order to slow Marxian advances. This caused the banning of the NLA temporarily in Minecraftia due to their apparent "terrorist tactics", referring to the 2052 Icerahn attacks, where 4,098 died within a two day span due to NLA and other Loaetian Nationalist attacks.

Herobranian forces reached the gates of Middlesex, however, further advances were sabotaged by Watternese forces. Herobranian forces also failed to reach the Donbass Expressway in Watterson, and Herobranian-backed rebels also led a pogrom in Erbil following bombing of the city by Marxians.

## 2053:Herobranian capture of Middlesex and Marxian advances in Watterson

*Main article: Timeline of the Great Herobranian War (2053)*

Throughout early January, Herobranian forces shelled civilians in Middlesex while attempting to besiege the city. As a result, the Minecraftian army evacuated the whole city to Villagetown while only the army, medics, and volunteers remained. The battle for the city was a fierce one, with many casualties on both sides. The Battle also paved the way for the rise of the Terrorist Organization against Minecraftia, Ontario, and Watterson, or TOMOW. TOMOW used pseudo-jihadist tactics in Middlesex, which included suicide bombings, widespread massacres against civilians, and the heavy interpretation of ideology with religion and war. Middlesex was surrounded by late February, and the city fell by March, which led to the largest surrender in history *then*.

Also in March, Herobranian forces managed to blitz through frontlines as they advanced through much of the south-central portion of Minecraftia. Their advances were halted by partisans in Winchester, which held off until the following year. The Herobranian also managed to advance through Watterson, with cities like Tegel, Cypress, and Bourbon coming to the frontlines.

The Marxian advance in Minecraftia stalled due to Herobranian victories and their focus on battling Herobrania. However, they managed to score victories in Watterson, including in Biloxi, Columbine, and Velkut, as well as to besieging Cypress. However, most of these cities were held on short term, as Watternese forces managed to contests control. These battles would last for years.

TOMOW pockets throughout the Allies began to appear, as well as terror clandestine cells affiliated with TOMOW. TOMOW led an offensive on the Minecraftian city of Rinconada in late October, located in the center of the country, however, was repelled by allied forces in November following the death of a battlefield commander.

## 2054:Herobranian advances throughout central Minecraftia and rise of TOMOW

*Main article: Timeline of the Great Herobranian War (2054)*

As Herobrine advanced, Minecraftia began to prepare for the ultimate defense of 3 major cities on approach from Herobrine:Essex, Aetheria City, and Redpool. Herobrine's forces still captured territory, and commenced battles in Watterson, including the Battle of Ulanbataar, the largest battle of the war in terms of battlefield size.

Herobranian forces began their attempt and seizing Essex in late February, which led to the Battle of Essex. Herobranian forces also captured Rinconada in April and Redpool in July, which led to the total destruction of the 5th Army corps, the most elite force in the Minecraftian army. Aetheria City later fell to fighting by August, and as pressure was put on the fighting, Marxia and TOMOW took the opportunity and began campaigns to take territory. TOMOW in particular began seizing territory in Marxia as well, and held a pocket that held about 5 million people and spanned Marxia and Minecraftia.

Probably the biggest development in the year was the Rise of the Bishops in Dema and throughout Trench in Central Western Minecraftia in late August. The nine bishops were all part of a council that was loyal to Herobrine and participated in a local totalitarian regime. This led to the rise of the Banditos, a rebel pro-Ironfurnist group led by Clancy Joseph. After Herobrania took the surrounding areas nearby by December, Joseph began a guerilla campaign against Dema and Herobrine. This also led to the taking of Trench City in the vicinity.

Angered by defeats, Runt Ironfurnace led an undercover operation in November to spy and potentially assassinate Herobrine, however, fellow Team Runt member Stump Goldenfeather and Ophelia Copperbone, his girlfriend, were captured, were tried and sentenced to death. Even after negotiations, Herobrine showed no empathy and mercy, and both later escaped with underground help from Team Runt. Both made it back safe to Villagetown, however, Herobrine vowed revenge. Herobrania also took Winchester during the operation, symbolizing it as a consequence after the undercover spy mission.

Marxian forces began to struggle as well launched the Battle of Shadowbrook in late December. Heavy fighting ensued within days, and thousands died.

## 2055:Herobranian breakout victories and Villagetown in danger

*Main article: Timeline of the Great Herobranian War (2055)*

By early January 2055, Herobrania controlled most of Essex and Aetheria City. Minecraftia managed to push back Herobrine's forces out of Aetheria City by February, but Essex fell by March. The Battle of Aetheria City continued taking a heavy toll. However, it was surrounded. Herobranian advanced towards Kipling and Tarmac, two cities each close to Villagetown. Heavy fighting ensued, however, stalled.

TOMOW began to decline slightly, but remained powerful enough to launch rockets deep into enemy territory. TOMOW had lost territory in Marxia to the Banditos, who were fighting them due to their belief that TOMOW responded directly to Herobrine's orders, even though TOMOW had engaged Herobrania in war since 2053.

Marxia continued with their push towards Villagetown, and captured Shadowbrook by late July. Ironfurnace and his army pushed back and fighting continued, as the city became contested. The fighting never stopped on its outskirts.

Meanwhile, Ulanbataar had also been severely affected by siege warfare, having been surrounded on 3 sides. TOMOW later took on the siege, and fully encircled the city. However, the Watternese forces didn't budge. They remained within the city and is metro area. The only place that fell to Herobrine had been Rehjal, a surbub. Fighting remained a daily, and many died.

By this point the Herobranians began their push towards the Villagetown Metropolitan Area, it wasn't official though. Villagetown entered under full direct control of the military, as well as the rest of Minecraftia. Aetheria City was in ruins by July. The city was uninhabited aside from troops and medics, and almost all structures there were obliterated. Aetheria City was still under heavy fire, especially the former palace of the King. The former jewel, now in ruins, also saw TOMOW forces stationed in the east.

Shadowbrook again experienced a shake in November when the National Loaetian Army massacred local Minecraftian and Taino civilians, killing about 3,000 of them. This caused them to be condemned worldwide, and for the NLA to lose support. However, it also caused Herobranian morale to plummet due to their response to the massacre. The massacre, known as the Homelands massacre, also resulted in a brief battle between the Minecraftian government and the NLA.

## 2056:Stall, trench warfare, and uprisings

*Main article: Timeline of the Great Herobranian War (2056)*

Following the Homelands Massacre, all advances began to stall. Trenches were dug, and eventually the war turned to a stalemate. The NLA and TOMOW still attacked civilians and carried out attacks, however, both either had little to no territory. Meanwhile, Herobrania began a new strategy to carry out state terrorism, and began an effective genocide of perceived opponents of the state. Many were killed, including an estimated 7 million civilians in Marxia, Herobrania, Minecraftia, Yezidia, Ontario, Watterson, and Artsakh.

Herobrine began an intense firebombing campaign of Villagetown and Mahomes, which was allegedly to precede a supposed offensive which never took place. The campaign killed thousands throughout the Villagetown Area, as well as in Mahomes and Loae. In April, it was also noted that an uprising was violently quelled by authorities and troops in Essex, with 5,084 people dying. There were also reports of violent unrest and attempted armed insurrections throughout occupied Minecraftia and Watterson, with almost all of them being suppressed violently under Herobrine's direct orders. This caused mayhem throughout the occupied regions, with Dema seeing the most violence. The Banditos incited attacks from clandestine cells and groups loosely affiliated with them, and continued to wage war against the bishops. Clancy Joseph was briefly captured during an illegal undercover sting operation in a Bandito camp within Marxian occupied territory in July, where the group waged insurgency. He escaped and condemned both Herobrania and Marxia, calling them the 'axis of death'.

The Banditos also began to participate in combat outside of Trench, participating in underground partisan resistance in Essex, Churchill, and Booneville, as well as in the defense of Villagetown, Shadowbrooke, and Mahomes. They provided lethal and essential aid in the defense of the cities, providing troops, arms, and other stuff.

As for Villagetown, the arming of the city began. Anti-Aircraft weaponry, as well as intercontinental missiles, nuclear and thermonuclear weaponry, anti-tank weapons, and other high-range and high-achieving weaponry were scrambled into the area, as well as the arming of citizens, digging trenches, and building a massive wall. The city was put on the highest alert possible. The city prepared for a full fledged battle within the area.

Meanwhile, in Watterson, Ulanbaatar's defense began to collapse, as the nearby cities of Hangef, Dasnog, Tampico, Joinville, and Guiko fell to Herobrania, the city found itself surrounded, as Opadton, the seat of the Khan, was evacuated, as the Khan was evacuated into Lancaster in Ontario for security and military reasons. Many people died, as the battle was almost mirrored and compared to the Battle of Stalingrad.

Ontario had remained unfazed mostly by the war, with the south and west experiencing insurgency from TOMOW, as well as as low-intensity conflict waged by Marxia, and terrorist and criminal attacks were waged nationwide as part of a Herobranian campaign to deter their involvement.

Artsakh had also seen fighting deep into its territory, with the war mainly being fought via communist insurgency, border clashes, and terrorism. However, Marxia launched a massive invasion in Artsakh to capture its capital Mirak in September. The capital also began to arm itself in a similar manner to Villagetown, and by November, a battle for the city began.

## 2057:Offensive on Villagetown, siege warfare, and climax

*Main article: Timeline of the Great Herobranian War (2057)*

Beginning 2057, Herobrine had made steady gains, as did Marxia. Marxia had launched a full fledged invasion of Artsakh, while also expediting and ramping up their campaign towards Villagetown and toughening their crackdown on Loaetian Nationalist groups and of TOMOW.

Marxia attempted to capture the remaining Minecraftian and Loaetian held areas of Shadowbrooke, however, they failed on three separate tries. Herobrania managed to break through the lines, though. They began to make rapid and strong gains, and headed the Villagetown-Mahomes Offensive, the largest and deadliest offensive of the war. By April, the eastern flank of the Villagetown Metropolitan Area saw heavy fighting, as well as its southern flank. The Marxians had already reached the gates of the city in March, however, held off any other offensives in order to commit to attrition warfare. By May, the Ravensong Forest, south of Baymax, began to see heavy fighting, as did Ontario City in July. The Minecraftians called in the last remaining members of the Banditos and the Lost Legion into the city, as Herobrine's forces closed in. By August, the whole city began to experience large-scale bombings, as well as clashes, unrest, terrorist attacks, and crime. As the Marxians sealed off the north, on August 12, the Marxians reached Pasadena, as the last road between Villagetown and the remainder of the government-held area was severed, beginning the grueling Battle of Villagetown. Villagetown began to see regular missile attacks, as well as aerial bombardments and spy missions. When the siege began, almost 13 million civilians, as well as 14 million troops, were sealed off and confined. This would be defining numbers.

During the offensive, Herobrine commenced the Battle of Mahomes, over control for Mahomes. The city was surrounded by October, however, just like in Villagetown and Shadowbrooke, allied troops held off enemy forces.

The Marxians attempted a push into Aliyev Rayon in order to creep down the streets and into the central part of the city. The Herobranians also attempted to advance from the south, however, only resulted in the start of Battle of Pombo (now Victory City), and with the holding off in Baymax. The Ravensong forest was almost destroyed in the fighting, as within the urban areas, tanks were seen, as well as a number of Herobranian troops. Troops from all three sides subsequently engaged in harsh fighting with thousands dying. The Banditos suffered heavy casualties in Pombo and Aliyev, while the Lost Legion suffered worse in Carolina and Ontario City. The controversial use of terror was seen in Fujimroi City and Amazon City as Bandito forces used white phosphorus and mustard gas, 2 weapons considered to be illegal due to its highly deadly nature. Marxian forces responded by committing war crimes, including the usage of drone strikes on civillians, the forceful entry into houses, and the killing of POWs.

The Loaetians, seeing what was happening, signed a truce with Minecraftia, Watterson, and Ontario. The NLA and LLM began to focus terrorist attacks more on Marxian targets instead of Minecraftian, and the NLA fought side by side with the army in the defense of Villagetown. By November, the Banditos, the NLA, and the Lost Legion began the large scale sabotage and partisan resistance against Herobrine. Herobrine, wanting to boost his image further, began to fight even fiercer. As usual as he was in the frontlines fighting, he led a more offensive position, equivalent to that of a general. Team Runt also began to fight in the frontlines.

In December, the battles for Amazon City, Fujimori City, and Ontario City were almost lost due to Herobranian upswing. On top of that, Fujimori City began to be the epicenter to the Marxian war crimes committed during the Battle of Villagetown. The Marxians attempted an offensive south to surround the city all to themselves, which led to a stronger counteroffensive by Herobrine. TOMOW also began to see large scale involvement in the battle, taking over parts of southern and eastern Villagetown, and fighting Herobranian forces in the south in order to prevent their full capture of Baymax. TOMOW eventually began to also use war crimes in order to prevent Baymax from falling, and also began to kill civillians. In response, Minecraftia launched a campaign against TOMOW that result in them losing land near the Ravensong.

## 2058:Turning Point, Death of Herobrine, and allied blitz

*Main article: Timeline of the Great Herobranian War (2058)*

Entering into 2058, Villagetown seemed very vulnerable to capitulation from either Marxia or Herobrania. Herobrine himself had launched an offensive in mid-January in order to sideline the Marxians. It had partially prevailed, however, began to be repelled by the Marixans, who themselves reached their peak. Herobrine began to amass forces to the East, in the area between Pombo and Amazon. These forces, combined from almost every corner of his rule, began Operation Takeover, in order to hit the final blow to Villagetown. TOMOW also eventually became a co-belligerent in the operation, even though they were technically still at war with Herobrania.

Herobrine's offensive led to the heaviest fighting in the war, with Breeze Nightcrest being wounded in the fighting. Alongside Villagetown, Ulanbataar also saw some of the heaviest fighting in the war, with the harsh conditions killings hundreds of thousands daily. Herobrine's and Marxia's forces managed to make it to Downtown Villagetown, where they were less than a mile away from the Presidential Palace. Reluctant to leave, Ibrahim Shahub Johnson ordered the harsh defense of the palace, which led to hundreds of casualties. Johnson was later criticized for using troops as his human shields. Marxian saboteurs managed to find their way into the presidential palace, were a gunfight later ensued that killed all 14 of them alongside 78 troops and 2 bystanders.

Throughout the offensives in March and April, the Herobranians began a push from the south, through Baymax, which led to the most decisive battle of the war. Throughout both in Baymax and directly to the south in the Ravensong, fighting was harsh, but the allies fought to the death. In just one month, 1 million people died defending the city. Baymax was largely annihilated by Herobrine's forces due to fighting and war crimes. TOMOW also fought in the battle for Baymax, where they suffered tons of fatalities and were pushed west by Watternese forces.

The Minecraftians, with the Lost Legion, the Banditos, and NLA, fought harshly to defend the cities from Herobranian occupation. Amazon City and Pombo were described as uninhabitable by late April, and Villagetown's occupied and contested area were mostly razed and burned in a scorched earth tactic, aside from the firebombing and arson attacks. TOMOW began to indiscriminately kill civilians, no matter what. Meanwhile, the Marxians began a push to the south, attempting to reach Baymax, but failed after the NLA and LLM encircled their positions.

By late April, the tide began to turn. As the Minecraftians began to repel Herobrine's northern offensives in Villagetown and Mahomes, as well as TOMOW plots in Erdogan and Marxian attacks, Herobrine attempted a last ditch offensive on April 23. The offensive was repelled, as Herobrine suffered heavy casualties and TOMOW's force was largely destoryed and taken prisoner by Minecraftian troops. On April 27 alone, about 1 million people died within just the Villagetown area, thee deadliest day of the war. The next 3 days weren't much better with all sides suffering endless casualties as a result of harsh fighting. By April 30, Herobrine knew what was happening. His army was failing to take Baymax, as the combined forces of the regular Minecraftian army, as well as the Banditos, the Lost Legion, the NLA, the LLM, and other partisans and allied forces, fought harder and harsher with their life to protect Baymax. Early on May 1st, he led an all-out assault. The assualt was deadly, but the result was the final blow for Herobrine. At 6AM local time, Herobrine was killed in combat by Breeze Nightcrest in the Ravensong forest during the assault. The assault was aborted a few hour later after troops realized that he had died.
After killing Herobrine, Allied morale was boosted and they began a counteroffensive. They pushed out the Herobranians out of Mahomes first, then the Northern area of Villagetown, and then the southern areas. They repelled major offensives on Loae and Shadowbrook, as Marxian morale began to plummet. In all fronts, the Triple Alliance advanced rapidly to the retreating Herobranians and the weakened Marxians, as TOMOW began to abandon their cause. The Khanate of Watterson also pushed the Herobranians fully out of the Ulanbataar metro area, as well as the Marxians in other areas, including Biloxi.

By August, the battle for Villagetown had ended. The Minecraftians pushed, as they retook major cities without much casualties, including Aetheria City, Tarmac, Redpool, Essex, and Trench City. The people of Dema, sponsored directly by Minecraftia, the Banditos, and the NLA, staged a revolution against the nine bishops in September, which were overthrown from power following the Minecraftian entrance to the city. The Banditos were greeted as heroes, while their cause was met with support.

From Trench to Villagetown, the people began celebrating the war. The war was ending. For them, Herobrine was dead. The Herobranians still suffered. They were inflicted defeat after defeat, and many surrendered. They suffered irreversible damage to both their strength and morale, and they were weaker than ever.

The first major fighting of the liberation campaign occurred in the Second Battle of Middlesex in November, which was brief but deadly battle. The Triple Alliance kept on fighting, with the Yezidians and Herobranians clashing in Kolfed. The Yezidians also began to send highly lethal weapons to the Triple Alliance, while Artsakh pushed the Marxians out of Mirak by late December. By the year's end, damage done to Herobrania and Marxia were irreversible.

## 2059:Liberation and Surrender of Herobrania, Yezidian Involvement, and growing tension between Ironfurnace and Johnson

*Main article: Timeline of the Great Herobranian War (2059)*

On January 3, 2059, Yezidia invaded Herobrania, officially involving themselves in the war. Artsakh also repelled all Marxian forces out of the country, and Compton began ramping up its troops.

Territory in Watterson and Minecraftia were liberated rapidly. In Minecraftia, Assleton, Churchill, Booneville, and Burnaby were liberated by February, and Danzig by the 1st of March, which completed the Minecraftian liberation phase. That same day, over 8 million troops from six countries crossed the border in Herobrania. Within months, by May, the Battle of Tyne began. Tyne upon Castle and Tyne upon River both fell to harsh fighting, as many fled the city. Loyalists of Herobrine fled to Lodz in the south while others fled north across the border into Minecraftia. Tyne fell on May 27, but the Herobranian government fled to Lodz, escaping captivity. Following a blitzkrieg offensive and a massive firebombing campaign carried out by the Watternese, Lodz was reached. The battle itself hindered Minecraftian forces. However, after a month, and following a brief stall, the Herobranian last stand failed, and Lodz fell after surrendering on June 30, which ended the Herobranian rule.

Celebrations were called throughout the triple alliance countries and Marxia, celebrating the final demise of Herobrine's loyalists. In Minecraftia, both June 30 and May 1 were declared national holidays, while August 12 was called a *public holiday* but not quite a national one.

The Marxians were eager the take the rump remains of the Herobranian state, and led a nonviolent campaign and took it, which caused Minecraftia to wage heavy war with Marxia. As a result of this, President Ibrahim Shahub Johnson distanced himself from Ironfurnace, which led to a power struggle between the two. Johnson attempted to hold peaceful views and attempted to persuade Ironfurnace to sue for dialogue, which Ironfurnace declined. Ironfurnace instead vowed to destroy the Marxian state. Johnson later condemned Marxia for its war crimes and invasion, but later stated that 'peace was an option' and that a deal could be negotiated. Ironfurnace continued to lead the triple alliance into Southern Herobrania against Marxia. Many leaders in the alliance also condemned Ironfurnace, however, assembled a group of generals, military officers, and political leaders and began to plan a government takeover. The other leaders followed in secret; they all pledged to support one another. During the southern campaign, Marxian officers plotted to assassinate Johnson, which failed after Ironfurnace foiled the plot, revealing that both still had somewhat of an alliance.

After more Minecraftian victories in the south, Johnson proposed major economic reforms that would shift Minecraftia's economy from a diversified one to one led heavily by investments and banking; Ironfurnace and his close associates vehemently opposed it, calling it 'dangerous and harmful' to the well being of Minecraftia's citizens and elite alike. Approaching December, clashes began to occur between Johnson's loyal army and that of Ironfurnace. Both armies were simultaneously entering Marxian territory and penetrating further into Marxia, blitzing through its industrial south/

## 2060:Coup, all out civil war, and Marxian stalemate

*Main article: Timeline of the Great Herobranian War (2060)*

Entering into January 2060, the feud between Johnson and Ironfurnace deeply escalated with clashes and unrest. Many militias in Loae, Trench, and Herobrania supported Ironfurnace instead of Johnson due to Johnson's stance on dialogue, as well as the economic reforms, which were seen directed at the population of Trench and Loae. Within Watterson, the military also became dissatisfied with the government due to its stance on Johnson. However, fighting was minimal and was mostly verbal. In February, the Banditos launched a mutiny against Johnson. Johnson quelled it with harsh force, while Ironfurnace stayed neutral and promoted peace between him and Johnson. Negotiations were held but quickly fell apart after Johnson demanded a withdrawal from Marxian territory.

The frontline in Marxia had come to a stall due to infighting within the allies. Marxia attempted to launched an offensive from the west into Loae again, but was repelled by the NLA and Johnson's forces stationed in Loae and Shadowbrook.

Throughout March, Ironfurnace mobilized thousands of former Herobranian troops as well as POWs and forced them into his army, and promised them citizenship and monetary compensation in exchange. Many of them eventually joined voluntarily. Ironfurnace also mobilized within Minecraftia, and alleged that Johnson wanted an alliance with Marxia, and called him a traitor. During the mobilization, an insurrection occurred on March 14, which led to over 5000 deaths and renewed support for Ironfurnace.

On the night of April 7, Ironfurnace's army attacked Erdogan and the Erdogan Trail, killing over 2000 and closing off the section of the trail located between Shadowbrook and Villagetown. The next day, Ironfurnace's forces officially mutinied, and began to takeover major cities, including Essex and Loae. Trenchian and Loaetian areas fell first, which put Johnson and his government at risk. In Watterson and Ontario, Ironfurnace's loyal generals launched coups and instigated unrest throughout. Khan Miggy I declared that the current government was 'one of coup plotters and dictators', and dismissed the government of Gage Flutch, as generals Joaquin R. Pereyra, Greg Heffley, and Nico Gannon entered Ulanbataar and Opadton and took over the government. Western Minecraftia was overran swiftly by Ironfurnace while a massive convoy from Aetheria City towards Villagetown began, with Kipling and Baymax suffering some setbacks from reconstruction. Johnson ordered that his loyal army defend Villagetown and Mahomes, while Ironfurnace's convoy continued barreling north.

From Dema, Trench City, Loae, Icerahn, and Shadowbrook, the National Loaetian Army launched attacks against Johnson's army, while the Lost Legion launched attacks from Erdogan and Idris on the border. Throughout the night, fighting became deadly in Villagetown and Mosul, where Johnson's forces crossed the Loae Lagoon and attempted a D-Day style attack on the resort town, which failed miserably enough that Johnson's forces began to defect. The convoy reached Villagetown at 5:30 A.M local time, whereas Johnson fled northeast to Mahomes. By the morning, his forces where pushed back out of Villagetown as they went into hiding. Johnson himself went with his army and secretly hid in Marxia, avoiding detection with the Marxian government, where he faced sanctions. His army still fought in other cities, taking over Kipling and Tarmac briefly while taking members of the Banditos and Ironfurnace's army hostage. The crisis was quickly diffused violently when troops fired upon hostage takers. The troops also mistakenly shot civilians and hostages as well, killing 367 people, among them, 20 hostages and 72 civilians. Tyler Salih Dun was also killed in a friendly fire incident with NLA troops, while Banditos leader Clancy Joseph was killed in Tarmac during the incident.

Following the coup, Team Runt seized control of the whole country, with Ironfurnace assuming the presidency. Ironfurnace declared Johnson's martial law null and repealed the proposed economic reforms, as well as ending negotiations with Marxia, and redirecting money from government officials' salaries and luxuries into the military, as well as incorporating the NLA, Lost Legion, and Banditos into a joint force. Emerald Shadowground advocated for the purge of pro-Johnson elements in the army, something of which Ironfurnace turned down. Johnson's elements still fought throughout the south, which was his stronghold. Eventually, Churchill, Essex, Middlesex, Booneville, and Winchester all fell to riots and infighting between rival elements of the army. Mostly, the fighting ceased after weeks. Johnson, who was hiding among the Marxian highlands, near the Trenchian border, launched an armed rebellion, leading a moderately sized convoy towards Dema, which was repelled, which forced his forces into insurgency. Marxia, which condemned the coup, eventually expelled Johnson's militia, and cut affiliation and negotiation with Johnson following the shootdown of a plane by Marxian forces that contained one of Johnson's close confidants.

Following the insurgency, Johnson was found by Ironfurnace's intelligence sources to be hiding within plain sight in Dema at first, before he relocated to Mahomes. On June 28, Johnson's secret compound was raided, killing Johnson and 10 others. Ironfurnace officially announced his death 6 hours later, announcing that he "was a hero that saw himself become the villain" and ordered a week of mourning as well as a state funeral for him. Marxia condemned the killing while also praising Johnson's death as a "salvation for the world".

Following the end of the Johnson–Ironfurnace feud, the war in Marxia became deadly, with thousands dying daily in the frontlines as Allied forces began an offensive deep into Marxian territory. At this point, the state of war and high alert had mainly ended in Minecraftian territory; the NLA and LLM had officially dissolved and many of its former factions and members joined the Banditos instead, the rebuilding process accelerated, and no casualties or attacks had been reported in Minecraftian from a foreign group since February. Ironfurnace's main goals also began shifting away from the war and more into his consolidation of power and coup proofing. By this point, many of Marxia's major cities faced harsh fighting, including Citrusville and Guevarra. The capital Castroville began to experience some civil unrest but the government managed to maintain it, as pro-democracy groups began advocating for the change of name from Marxia to Igoria, its previous name.

By November, negotiations were held between Ironfurnace and Marxian President Karl Schund, who was actively seeking peace. Negotiations continued even with raging conflict approaching Castroville, in which Ironfurnace attempted to get a massive prisoner swap and concession of territories in the eastern border areas in exchange for diplomatic relations and removal of sanctions, which Schund denied unless paid steep war reparations, of which Ironfurnace was only willing to pay a tenth of. Negotiations then collapsed completely following a bombing in Winchester that killed over 100 militants from the NLA and the Lost Legion. The bombing, which was perpetrated by a Marxian clandestine cell nearby, also caused for the NLA to directly invade into Eatsern Marxia.

Following years of stalemate, Watternese forces took over the city of Erbil following years of fighting with separatists. The battle killed over 1,000 by mid December. By late December, the war had ended everywhere except for Marxia, who still suffered from the offensive.

## 2061:End and reconstruction

*Main article: Timeline of the Great Herobranian War (2061)*

By 2061, Castroville was on approach by Ironfurance's forces as most of the country was destroyed by war. From the north, Artsakhi forces had been on the offensive, joining forces with Ontarian and Floridian forces. Meanwhile, the south contained Minecraftian and Watternese forces. The NLA and Banditos also approached from the east.

## Peace deal

*Main articles: Treaty of Uxbridge and 2061 Marxian ceasefire*

The peace treaty was officially ratified on 12 December 2061, six months after all fighting was ceased. Representatives from the nations of Minecraftia, Watterson, Marxia, Artsakh, Ontario, Compton, Yezidia, and the defunct Herobrania attended, as well as non-state representatives from the Banditos, Johnson loyalists, National Loaetian Army, Lost Legion, Loaetian Liberation Movement and Alanist Front of Loae. These representatives signed the finalized version, officially ending the state of war between all nations.

The treaty was signed in Uxbridge, a large city in the Herobranian occupied territories. Uxbridge was chosen by Runt Ironfurnace and Karl Schund in order to carry out negotiations. Negotiations began in April, which resulted in a ceasefire in June.

The treaty did, among other stuff:

* Partitioned Herobrania among Minecraftia, Yezidia, Marxia, and an independent Taino state. However, the Marxian and Minecraftian portions were to be formed as autonomous entities, which was completed within two years by Marxia, while Minecraftia made it a protectorate, officially incorporating it into the sovereign country while not fully.
* Scheduled free elections in Marxia by 2062, which resulted in the end of the 70-year rule of the Marxist Party and the arrest and trial of Karl Schund after a referendum was held by the new President Yevgeny Freemont.
* Established an occupation forced for two years in Marxia to lead reconstruction, led by Yezidia and Ontario
* Established the Autonomous Region of Loae in the Isle of Loae, as well as the Autonomous Region of Trench in Trench
* Incorporated the Banditos into the National Guard of Trench
* Incorporated and morphed the Loaetian Liberation Movement and the National Loaetian Army into the Loaetian National Guard, while the Alanist Front of Loae was dissolved
* Incorporated the Lost Legion in the Minecraftian army, with the new legion retaining the original name and leader (Kolbert Frazier)
* Scheduled elections in Minecraftia (also voted on by the Taino Protectorate) for 2061, in which Runt Ironfurnace beat Aslat Griffin in a landslide, with Ironfurnace gaining over 78% of votes with almost 100% turnout, which further consolidated his power and his reputation as a popular leader
* Banned TOMOW in all signatory countries
* Prohibited further investigations by Ironfurnace in Johnson and his allies and loyalists, in exchange for the cessation of resistance by said loyalists.
* Established a peacekeeping force across the Herobranian occupied territories to ensure safety and peace.
* The cession of historical Artsakhi territories back to Artsakh by Marxia
* Established a free-trade agreement between all victors, as well as the new Taino state (State of Lucaya)
* Dissolved the Continental Kingdom, which had already been stripped of all power and ceremonial roles since the Second Herobranian War. The latest, Kind Runehammer II, had passed away in June 2060, leaving the Kingdom *de facto* dissolved. All servants and workers of the king were given jobs to serve Runt Ironfurnace and other high-profile figures instead as compensation

The signing of the peace deal was celebrated across the signatory nations, with celebrations erupting in Villagetown, Tyne, Ulanbataar, Lancaster, Mirak, Castroville, and Loae. In Villagetown, the Nicomedes Axis was draped in the flags of the signatories. Following the ceremony, there was a march, dubbed the *Great March for Aetherian Peace* in Uxbridge. In the march, speeches were given by Ironfurnace, Schund, Khan Miggy I, and Roland Jefferson, while celebrations were compared to those following the Battle of Lodz.

## Effects

### Societal

With a large loss of life, a massive baby boom and a surge in immigration and fertility rates caused a massive population growth within Minecraftia proper, with Villagetown and Loae seeing a surge in population. Meanwhile, urban decay occurred in other cities such as Tyne and Aetheria City, where emigration rates were high.

Following the periods of turmoil, Minecraftia and the other victors entered an era of massive growth, known as the Golden Sixties, with the era seeing the Minecraftian economy become the backbone of the Aetherian economy.

Since the end of martial law, noticiable cultural changes occurred, most reflected the role of the military and Ironfurnace in the victory. Numerous memorials were built honoring the armies of Minecraftia and Watterson, with some including heroes like Johnson, Ironfurnace, Goldenfeather, Joseph, Nightcrest, and Salih Dun. It became common to honor the military, often giving thanks to them for defeating oppression.

The conservative south, which held resentment against Herobrine, led a campaign were posters of Herobrine and his inferiors were bought, often to be burned or spat on. Meanwhile, many of the formerly subjects of Herobrine in the occupied territories emigrated en masse to Minecraftia proper for better opportunities, taking advantage of the population boom.

### Economic

Economic losses during the war were astronomically high to an unprecedented level, with the Herobranian economy being decimated to zero and forced into default within the first three years of the war, while the occupational forces in the aftermath also barely recovering. As of 2065, full reconstruction of the territories are still underway as the economy is only at 23% at that of before the war.

Although not affected as much during the war, economic losses caused a large recession in Ontario due to overspending and economic mismanagement, with President Harold Kroos being blamed for the recession. Economic losses totaled at about 30% that of the prewar economy, however, Ontario recovered rather quickly, with the economy being back at prewar level by 2063. However, the GDP per capita, Human Development Index, and poverty levels have bot fully recovered. Over 46% percent of the population lives under poverty, with poverty being more widespread outside of Lancaster.

Both Watterson and Minecraftia recovered while still at war, with their respective economies being at 40% and 67% above prewar levels by 2061. Both suffered minor losses during the 2060 Tri-Coup, however, recovered swiftly. Reconstruction policies under Ironfurnace have led to newfound prosperity and stability as he consolidated power. As of 2065, the Minecraftian economy has grown 11-fold while the Watternese has grown 6-fold since the end of the war, and the massive economic growth caused a surge in GDP per capita and Human Development. However, the distribution of the growth was disproportionately spread, with Southern Minecraftia still being at a lower income level as a result.

Southern Minecraftia and Trench were both left decimated following the war after years under brutal Herobranian occupation, and as a result, was slower in recovery.

The Marxian territories and Artsakhi economies have recovered normally, with trends showing slower growth than Minecraftia but still being at normal pace.

### Demographic

With the end of the war, large demographic shifts occurred, including immigration and the largest baby boom ever recorded. With large economic growth in Watterson and Minecraftia, the fertility and immigration rates soared by almost 400%. The VLSM Region consolidated itself as the most developed area in Minecraftia, with economic growth centered around there. As a result, many Taino and Marxian refugees, as well as Ontarian economic refugees, fled to Minecraftia and took advantage of such growth. Villagetown's population, which had been lowered from a high of 10 million to 6 million, recovered completely within two years, with growth continuing until Villagetown's urban area reached a population of 17 million before slightly declining. In the Isle of Loae and Mahomes, growth was also recorded with the emergence of Mosul as a resort town on the Loae Lagoon, as well as with high immigration rates. Over 3 million Taino moved to areas around Loae, Icerahn, and Shadowbrook, as the Taino became an ethnic majority in Icerahn, surpassing either Loaetians and Trenchians which had previously dominated for the past 4 decades.

Opposite to growth, areas all around Marxia and Herobranian occupied territories saw significant decline in population for several years before baby booms occurred which resulted in a gain in population. In Tyne and Lodz, many people fled to Minecraftia for better economic opportunities. Tyne's population receded from a high of 13 million during the war before slumping to 9 million before recovering. After being officially annexed by Minecraftia, Tyne's population recovered to a high of 14 million.