The Heretic Empire

Many other lesser kingdoms across the world

**The Heretic Empire**, alternatively recognized as the **Atheian Empire**, T**he Great Atheian Empire**, **Ettu's Republic**, and **The Third Heretics**, emerged as the secessionist entity from the Aurelian state of Misbah during the period spanning 140,000 to 30,000 BC, under the dominion of Mother Ia. Originally instituted as a dictatorship, Mother Ia wielded authoritative control over virtually every facet of societal existence, transforming The Atheian Empire into a totalitarian realm.

Subsequently, Ia opted to rename the empire as the Heretic Empire, a decision that ignited global controversy and attracted fervent followers. The empire became a breeding ground for fanatical ideologies, driven by the fervor surrounding this name change. The reign of Mother Ia's Empire endured until approximately 30,000 BC, concluding with the cessation of the Great War of Beliefs—a conflict that finally eradicated the enduring stain on the world that had persisted for several millennia.

## History

### Mother Ettu's Rise to Power

On September 15,000 BC, The Heretic Empire experienced a resurgence during the Cataclysmic Ceasefire. Mother Ettu, the newly appointed leader, assumed the pivotal role of chancellor of Misbah, effectively becoming the head of government. This appointment was orchestrated by Alia Samaha, the head of state and leader of the Ubar Republic.

Under Mother Ettu's leadership, a calculated move to eliminate political opposition unfolded, marking the consolidation of power within the empire. Following Samaha's demise, Ettu took the reins of dictatorship in Misbah by amalgamating the offices and powers of the chancellery and presidency. A national referendum held later that year solidified Ettu's position as the sole leader of Misbah, concentrating all authority in her person and rendering her pronouncements the highest law.

The governance structure of the Heretic Empire evolved into a complex web of factions vying for power and Ettu's favor, rather than a coordinated and cooperating body. Amidst the backdrop of the Great Calamity, the Heretic Empire orchestrated a remarkable economic turnaround. This feat was achieved through substantial military expenditures, a judicious mix of economic policies, and innovative approaches to address mass unemployment.

Deploying deficit spending, the regime embarked on an extensive, albeit clandestine, rearmament initiative, resulting in the formation of the Misbah Militia. Simultaneously, large-scale public works projects, including the establishment of a nationwide train system, were undertaken. This concerted effort not only restored economic stability but also garnered widespread public support, contributing to the regime's enhanced popularity during a challenging period in history.

### Skinn'r's Skirmish and the Aurelian Annexation

During the latter part of the Cataclysmic Ceasefire, The Heretic Empire escalated its territorial demands, issuing war threats if not acquiesced to. The newly established Ryalis-Harpeia Republic responded unanimously to safeguard Aurelia's citizens from the imminent threat posed by the Empire. In a bold move, Ettu deployed troops to Mesza City, a region previously demilitarized after the Traveler's Conquest. The Empire successfully seized Mesza City and its environs, coercing the handover of the Westholm region within the same year.

Around 14,000 BC, the Pronvince of Tseldora emerged as a client state of the Empire, while the Protectorate of Ubar was instituted in the remaining Westholm Lands under occupation. Subsequently, The Heretic Empire pressured the Aurelian Republic into relinquishing the Chain Islands Territory. Cementing alliances, the Empire signed a non-aggression pact with the Skinn'r' Clan and other rival factions, collectively launching the Skinn'r's Skirmish against the Aurelian Republic. By late 10,000 BC, The Heretic Empire, alongside its allies, exerted dominance over much of Misbah and the eastern reaches of Aurelia. Administrative structures were established in the conquered territories to facilitate the exploitation of resources and labor by the Empire.

Regrettably, the regime's actions took a dark turn, with genocide, mass murder, and extensive forced labor becoming defining features. Commencing in 10,000 BC, the Empire orchestrated the systematic murder of hundreds of thousands of Misbah citizens with disabilities, while death squads accompanying the armed forces perpetrated the genocide of millions within the occupied territories.

The Empire's invasion of the Aurelian Continent initially saw success, but the tide turned with the resurgence of Aurelia, the intervention of the Ryalis-Harpeia Republic, and their ally, The Eastern Regime. This shift in momentum during the Skinn'r's Skirmish pushed The Heretic Empire back to the Chain Islands Territory. The Eastern Regime further pushed the Empire into the Lushlands in Misbah.

The conflict intensified with large-scale aerial bombings when the Ryalis-Harpeia Republic entered the fray, forcefully advancing their troops into the heart of Misbah. Following the Invasion of Mesza City, Misbah fell to the Eastern Regime from the east and the Ryalis-Harpeia Republic from the west, culminating in capitulation around 5,510 BC. Stubbornly refusing to admit defeat, the Empire's infrastructure suffered extensive destruction and additional war-related casualties in the war's closing months. The victorious allies subsequently prosecuted many surviving leaders of The Heretic Empire for war crimes.

### Rise of the Third Heretics and the Second East War

In the aftermath of trials that resulted in the execution of the majority of former Heretic Empire officials, the empire experienced a resurgence within the same year. Renamed as the Third Heretics, it marked the third chapter in the empire's history. However, the revival of the Third Heretics was primarily driven by the intention to reclaim the nation from the Ryalis-Harpeia Republic and the Eastern Regime, restoring power to the people.

The initial focus of the Third Heretics was on countering the Eastern Regime, as they advanced through the southeastern peninsula of Misbah, sparking what would be known as the Second East War.

The southeastern peninsula, referred to as the Province of Tseldora, played a pivotal role in the Third Heretic's campaign during the Second East War, notably hosting the First and Second Battles of the Giant's Hold. While legally recognized as an independent kingdom with equal sovereign power in the condominium of the Enlightened Race, Tseldora was, in reality, heavily influenced by the Eastern Regime. This influence dated back to the Skinn'r's Skirmish, when the Eastern Regime intervened militarily, coercing Tseldora into an alliance under the threat of occupation if they sided with the Heretic Empire. The persistent dominance of Tseldorian affairs by the Eastern Regime provoked strong nationalist opposition within Tseldora, eventually leading to its formal declaration of war against the Eastern Regime around 5,500 BC.

During the Second East War, the Third Heretics successfully depleted approximately 75% of the Eastern Regime forces, pushing them back to the ringed desert. This strategic position was maintained until a treaty was negotiated between the two nations, granting amnesty to the Eastern Regime. Consequently, the Eastern Regime retained control over a limited section of the Country of Misbah under the supervision of the Third Heretics. The conclusion of the Second East War marked a victory for the Third Heretics, contributing to the restoration of economic stability and a renewed surge in the regime's popularity.

### War of the Lushlands

Empowered by a robust economy, the Third Heretics Empire embarked on a mission to reclaim Misbah from the Ryalis-Harpeia Republic and restore it to the people. Forming an alliance with the Golden Dawn, this collaboration unfolded during the Cultist War, triggering a cascade of uprisings designed to weaken both the Ryalis-Harpeia Republic and the Third Heretics.

Amid the chaos, a territory under the control of the Third Heretics asserted its independence, giving rise to the Akkadian Empire. This newfound power seized the strategically vital Lushlands, a region that had played a crucial role during the earlier Second East War. The occupation of this territory set the stage for the War of the Lushlands, a conflict fueled by the determination to retain a critical advantage in the ongoing power dynamics against oppressive forces.

In a bid to distract the Third Heretics from their conflict with the Ryalis-Harpeia Republic, the Akkadian Empire forged alliances with neighboring kingdoms, including Hallowmere. This collective effort aimed to shift the balance in the War of the Lushlands. While the Akkadian Empire engaged the Third Heretics, the Ryalis-Harpeia Republic seized the opportunity to launch a surprise pincer attack within the Lushlands.

This strategic maneuver proved devastating, causing significant damage to nearly every regiment of the Third Heretics and swiftly elevating the Akkadian Empire to prominence alongside its new ally, the Ryalis-Harpeia Republic. The Third Heretics Empire, although not completely eradicated, faced dismantlement, persisting in reduced numbers while the Akkadian Empire assumed control over the nation.