Maxwell Cave

Maxwell Cave is among the most legendary figures in 20th Century Essotori, and Selaria. Originally, he served in the Second Ascended Army, part of the spearhead in Operation Sunstreak in the Lorraine War. He demonstrated extreme courage and competence in the field, even after the failure of Sunstreak to secure it's gains. Cave, unlike Wilfred Somnor, his commander, refused to surrender, and instead launched a gurrilla campaign against the Corusconian garrison. Originally, Cave had intended to become a diplomat and historian, allowing him to grasp the Kemetian language, building sympathy for the great struggle with the native populations, most of whom were unaware of why they were even fighting. Eventually, when Allied forces achieved victory in Kemet, he was redeployed to the "East Selaria Theatre", that sought to remove the Corusconian forces from Northern Selaria. Cave swiftly asserted control of the organisation, and made links with local nomadic tribesmen, learning their language and traditions. At the end of the war, Essotori's wargoals were not achieved. This enraged Cave, as it did a huge number of Essotori. While most blamed the 'Entarian Powers' of Treka and Entaria, Cave convinced a small number of soldiers to commit themselves to the total destruction of the Corusconian Empire, joining with local rebel groups in what is now Zion, continuing the fight. This caused significant political disruption, and anger towards Essotori from Corusconia. To avoid international scrutiny, Essotori disavowed Cave, though continued to fund him on a smaller capacity. Within Essotori, Cave was regarded as a hero and saint by populists. He documented almost every battle, skirmish, and his experiences with the local tribesmen, their traditions, culture, writing glowing reports of each tribe, and advocating a second war against Corusconia officially. He primarily worked with Suldouin Abdullah Bin Rashid throughout the early period, though took an impartial role in inter tribal disputes, promoting a policy of "National Liberation, then National Justice". Rashid was originally skeptical of Maxwell and his motives, believing him to be another potential imperialist, though Maxwell earned his trust through zealotry, competence and commitment. Cave refused to return to Essotori until Selaria was free. He returned to Essotori formally in 1991, to mass crowds, despite his old age, he maintained a strong poetic wit. He came to be known as many titles, including malik altahrir al'ajnabii (Foreign King of Liberation), Cave of Selaria and many more.

While in the company of the tribes, he rose to a legendary figure, commanding armies of gurrillas, and nomads. Many in Essotori, and some among the tribes, wished for Cave to become King of a new state, overcoming all religious, social and political and divisions, under a new unifier. This would, in effect, have allowed the construction of a 'Second Suntterland'. This was to be known as "Caveland", with Cave styled as "King Maxwell I of the Tribes and the People of Caveland", however, while he flirted with the idea on several occasions, he ultimately decided against it, to the chagrin of some in the Essotori government. Instead, he adopted the honourific title "People's King of the Tribes", which conveyed no political authority in itself, and was considered a temporary title, allowing for coordination of tribal forces. He stated at the time "Some have begged him to take his place among the elites, sit upon a throne of silver and gold. While this would be grand, it is above him, he is not worthy of the honour. He shall serve the people of these lands, and the Ascended One."

"The red hot sand dunes, concealing the black gold of the mechanised century, lie in wait, for their rightful masters to seize them. Every effort must be expended, political, social and military, to make this destiny a reality. Every humiliating defeat, every failed reprisal, every failed quarentine, is a victory for the Ascendancy. Oh, how this Lowly Crownslave mourns, for his pitiful endeavours are no Faelin, no treason, no! They are in humble pennance for the failures of Sunstreak, of Entropy, indignity, and a proper continuation of the heroic struggle against the perfidious Empire. He shall not leave these sands, to return to civilisation, until all peoples of this nation are free from Imperial stagnation."

The 'Public Apology' Letter (1961), Cave was encouraged to write by the Essotori government, to repent for his actions. Many scholars outside of Essotori believe this 'public apology' was planned with Cave in advance, to drum up sympathy for his cause in Essotori. It also convinced many of his doubters among the Tribesmen, allowing him greater control.