The Hon Unification Crisis

The conflict saw many powerful Hon Houses compete for the leadership of the clans; leading to intrigue and bloodshed among themselves.

### Location

Empire of Akino, the Hon clan heartlands.

### Result

The House of Magnhild becoming victorious, leading to the reform of the Hon clan leadership.

## Attacker(s)

### Belligerents

House of Magnhild, House of Ecla, House of Rachon, House of Rawon

## Defender(s)

### Belligerents

House of Magnhild, House of Ecla, House of Rachon, House of Rawon

*"The wolves started to turn against each other. Strife, bloodshed and envy would start to dominate their minds."*

The conflict that saw the Hon clan become one clan has various names. In some chronicles, it is mentioned as the Brother's War and in others as the Strife Among Wolves. But most popular among the Hons and outsiders is the name of Unification Crisis; seeing that the unification between the Hons was anything but pacifistic. And while the consolidation eventually led to the Hon clan becoming a significant power in the Empire, it also caused more feuds as disdain - for it temporarily weakened them enough to become subdued by the Hanamoto dynasty.

## Reasons for the conflict

One of the factors that saw the unification of the Hon jarldoms into one clan was likely the allure of power. Having fought against and alongside clans that sported more or less absolute types of government, the attraction to establish a similar ruling system started to grow.

Another factor was that it provided a perfect excuse to expand one's power and influence. Already competitive, the Hon leaders had enough reasons to pick a fight with each other. But a goal to unify the clans into one was something different; it almost seemed to grant a particular justification for one to rule the clans; if they could manage to unify them by diplomacy or force.

Various other factors also weighed in as the feuds between ruling families started to intensify, a result of the Hon's growing economy and military strength. A cold war was already brewing between the ruling families, as prestige and power could mean the survival of one's lineage. But the growth of population, wealth and military power started to make some rulers willing to risk something; to obtain more.

## The Four Factions

Four significant factions fought in the unification crisis. Though minor houses swapped and changed their allegiances, due to influence and political pressure by others, the four factions largely remained the same.

### The Shields of Ecla

One of the four factions that competed to unify the Hon clans. The ruler and leader of this faction were Arvid, of the Geir lineage. Arvid was a strict man that saw an opportunity to gather his allies and power, in a bid to make his lineage the one to unify the clans. He managed to keep being a danger for the other factions, until nearly the end; when he was defeated in the battle of Monburgh.

### The Axes of Rawon

Jarl Halle was a fierce competitor for the leadership of the clans, the House of Rawon. Halle was known for staying true to his principles, unmoving by bribery and temptations; he claimed to receive a vision from Valdar in how he could ensure the prosperity and survival of all the clans. They just needed to bend the knee to him and him alone.

### The Beasts of Rachon

Vidar of House Rachon, led his House in a bid to claim the leadership of the clans. Despite being the youngest jarl that competed for the leadership, he was a cunning and resourceful leader; willing to sacrifice to obtain victories. Some scholars wonder how likely he could have succeeded in his ambitions if it wasn't for the costly betrayal he and his House suffered at the hands of the House of Daell.

### The Wolves of Magnhild

Hisho, the Bastard, led the House of Magnhild. Hisho was one of the most unlikely leaders to step forward to join the conflict; for what is known of his origins is that he was a bastard of some Taika and lowly thegn. Having risen to lead the House of Magnhild, the ambitious Hisho would lead his forces into victories; allowing him to pursue his goals.

## Early Stage

Small skirmishes between the participating factions marked the early stage of the conflict. Together with extensive usage of diplomacy as the four Houses attempted to win allies from various directions. The Sarutobi surprisingly played only a small part in the conflict, wary of making an enemy out of whoever they couldn't support. The clans of Framí, however, played a significant role in providing an edge in wealth and military power. Slowly but surely, the competing factions started to amass their forces and readied themselves for a bloody conflict.

Interestingly enough, none of the factions seemed to make a decisive move for months. It is often argued that the mobilisation of forces cost a lot of time and effort. But there have been various accounts where the Hon jarls have managed to rally troops in a short period without much of a hassle; supporting the notion that caution ruled the early stage of the conflict.