Keplarian-Mercanti War

Keplarian Cavalry after landing in the Merchant Republic

The **Keplarian-Mercanti War** was a major war between The Merchant Republic and the Keplarian Empire. The war was caused over the *Anati Telegram*, where The Merchant Republic suggested for Anatidad to buy weapons from them. Anatidad declined the request, and the telegram was intercepted by Keplarian spies, but some evidence suggests it was intentionally put in a position to be intercepted, potentially by Anatidian signal companies with unfavorable views on The Merchant Republic.

## Names

The Keplarian-Merchanti war is also known as the Keplarian Colonial Push by Mercanti citizens, although this naming is highly debated internationally.

## Caroline Theater

The majority of naval combat during the war was in the Caroline Ocean, to the east of The Merchant Republic. Keplarian warships are estimated to have destroyed around 30% of The Merchant Republic's navy, of which were mainly the out of date ships and early designs.

### Effect on trade

The wars effect on trade was considerable. When the order was given for The Merchant Republics navy to form a perimeter around its sea borders, almost all trade was stopped as there were no escorts available; and even to the private companies that did not join the call, there was almost no one willing to sail the Caroline Ocean and face the Keplarian navy. This took a heavy toll on The Merchant Republics economy and was one of the first signs for the coming armistice.

## Estanqan Theater

The Estanqan Theater was not large, as Keplaria and The Merchant Republic do not share a land border; however there were some successful land invasions made by the Keplarian Empire, including the invasion and capture of the Mercanti town of Aresta.

### Beginning Of Land Invasions

There were several attempts at a land invasion before the capture of Aresta, the attacks were repelled with sizeable casualties on both sides. The town of Cliffside was the first town to be targeted by the landing parties, with the help of their geography and local military base Cliffside successfully warded off the invasion, the Keplarian navy would then move south, to their eventual goal of Aresta.

### Capture Of Aresta

The capture of Aresta is seen as the last true battle of the war, as the peace terms submitted by Keplaria were signed there by Visella Sunblight and the four Branch Leaders of the Mercanti armed forces. The battle began with a shore bombardment by the Keplarian navy, heavily damaging the town. After a few hours of shelling the command was made to attack the shores. Keplarian troops advanced, a large number wielding their sabers, either passed down through their family or issued to them when they joined. The attack was a success as the standing Mercanti armed forces could not arrive in time, and mercenary companies were the bulk defensive force for The Merchant Republic.

## Making Peace

When the forces at Aresta surrendered a telegram was sent to the capital city of Floodgate, this was seen as the last straw by the Senate and Prime Minister and they moved for peace talks, the four Branch Leaders of The Merchant Republic accepted and continued their march to Aresta. Viserra took a train. The Merchant Republic suggested a white peace, but this was declined by The Eternal Matriarch Ariya. The final terms that were accepted by both sides included the cessation of all arms deals involving Anatidad by The Merchant Republic and the payment of war reparations by The Merchant Republic to Keplaria totaling 200 million Mercanti dollars. The final shots of the war died down within the hour of signing, and peace was officially declared in 79AE/2010KSC.