Drachenflussian Civil War (1464-1466)

## Drachenflussian Civil War

The Glass Palace, symbol of the third monarchy's opulence

The Drachenflussan Civil War (25th Teplo 1464 – 20th Keime 1466) was a conflict within the Kingdom of Drachenfluss between the Monarchist Government and the Anti-Monarchist League, comprising various political groups that rebelled following the massacre at Henrich II Square. The war stemmed from public discontent with the authoritarian regime, mismanagement of an ongoing famine, and a widespread desire for democracy. The victory of the Anti-Monarchist League marked the end of the Kingdom of Drachenfluss and the establishment of its first democracy. However, this conclusion also ushered in an era of instability and violence across the newly formed nation.

## **History of the conflict**

### **Causes and Background of the Civil War:**

#### **The Kingdom of Drachenfluss under the Third Monarchy**

From 869 to 1466, the Kingdom of Drachenfluss experienced the "Third Monarchy" period, characterized by absolute royal authority. The royal council, though existing, held minimal influence beyond advisory roles. Over time, successive kings fostered a culture of extravagance and leisure in the Glass Palace, neglecting governance. This neglect led to an era of instability, tension, famine, and distress for the populace. By the 1450s, Drachenfluss lagged significantly behind in technology, military strength, and political development. The Kingdom and its Royal Army adhered to an outdated feudal structure, causing logistical issues. Moreover, technological advancements were lacking; the absence of innovations such as the printing press, mechanical clocks, cannons, or firearms aggravated the population.

#### **Rise of revolutionary ideals**

For all these reasons, the Kingdom experienced a decline in birth rates, an increase in the prevalence of diseases (such as Toltectolian pestis), and a reduction in production. This led to a wave of revolutionary and democratic ideals pioneered by Claude Frossard, a prominent activist for peasants' rights. In 1457, Frossard published the *Manifesto for Peasants' Rule*. This extensive and intricate work aimed to persuade common people to rise up against the oppressive aristocracy. Inspired by the democratic ideals of the Agrippan Republic, Frossard sought to establish a more egalitarian system where everyone could participate in governing the nation. This book was widely considered as the flame that started the movements of contestation in Drachenfluss. Because of its nature, the book was promptly banned and outlawed. Furthermore, due to his efforts to spread these ideas, Frossard was quickly arrested and sentenced to execution for high treason. However, fearing public unrest if Frossard was to be hanged as planned, Karl-Johan Ottonian Prinz von Genosse, the King's brother and right-hand man, changed his sentence to life imprisonment

In 1461, Welborne Pot, the son of Baron Gustav Rudolf Pot of Feld, stumbled upon Frossard's manifesto while studying Mathematics and Geometry at the College of Higher Education of Bucht. Pot resonated deeply with Frossard's theories, prompting him to clandestinely abandon his studies and delve into politics. In the same year, Pot confided his political ideas to his colleague and friend Reidrout Scheflo, who, at the time, held the position of team leader in the notorious Vor gold mines. Scheflo was covertly organizing a syndicate for his fellow dwarven colleagues. Pot and Scheflo swiftly joined forces, establishing the Red Guards party. Together, they advocated for equality and the overthrow of the monarchist government. Their movement garnered rapid support from the miners and farmers in the region, forming the foundation of their cause.

Simultaneously, factionalism emerged within the Royal Army. The composition of the Royal Army caused great disparities between its higher ranking members (the knights) and its lower ranking members (the footman's). These differences were even more accentuated by the classes difference between the groups. Knights were often young nobles or aristocrats whom bought their positions. On rare occasions, Knights were peasants who climbed the ranks. The footman on their side were almost exclusively paesants who seeked social gain in joining the army, often to their own death. During the 1450, Figures like Ludwig Kobyla Zukovich, knight-commander of the 20th Royal Hussards, and Ernst Frank Araguevk, a knight from the 3rd Footman Guards, started plotting against the monarchist government. In the utmost secrecy, they formed the "Armies Revolutionary Front." Their aim was to recruit soldiers with peasant backgrounds and advance revolutionary ideals within the military. Although they ammased considerable support amongst the lower stratas of the army, the group never took any drastic actions. However, they plotted several plans to overthrow the goverment.

I"In 1462, the 20th Royal Hussards were redeployed to the Drachenfluss-Lian frontier during a period of tension between the two nations. While moving to the region, the unit lodged at the Giborgham prison for a night. This stay left a lasting impression on Zukovich, who recorded in his personal journal: ''*Amidst a vast open pit mine, lay a cluster of wooden shacks veiled in snow and stone dust. Enclosed by towering fences resembling a zoo enclosure, two immense gates opened to tunnels delving deep into the mountains. It was there that I witnessed them — a group of pallid, emaciated figures garbed in bright orange uniforms: the convicts''.* While at Giborgham, Zukovich had a brief encounter with Frossard, during which he shared half of his rations with him. The two engaged in discussions about politics. This experience deeply convinced Zukovich to persist in his fight for the revolution, ultimately leading him to align his forces with the Red Guards in early 1463.