Imperial Cleavage Wars

General

The Imperial Cleavage Wars (also known as the Wars of Division or the Schism Wars) were a series of civil conflicts primarily within Aerznia that led to the collapse of the Imperii Draconi.

The exact dating of the wars is challenging due to a lack of organized historiography during the time; however, they likely began around the year 5904 A.I.D.

Process

Following the Scarlet Night, the Imperii Draconi was left without leadership and thusly paralyzed. In the subsequent years, several cities declared themselves as the new capital, including Quanar, Ádron, Áterôn, and Thôsco. The initial shock from the Scarlet Night prevented an immediate succession war. The only known surviving Magotho, Emrag and Jumai, appeared in Quanar in 5903 A.I.D., three years after the destruction of Dracominor. They established Quanar as the new capital and convened a Reichstag.

Despite this, significant distrust towards the dynasty emerged. Communities and cities began to revolt, and the two Magotho, in their insecurity, initiated a brief imperialist phase that ultimately led to the Empire's downfall. Their harsh policies, characterized by imperial executions, further alienated both supporters and opponents, plunging the Empire into chaos and secessionist battles.

Although the Magotho managed to reconquer parts of the Empire on several occasions, the Imperii Draconi effectively dissolved. The imperialist policies also led to the loss of the Empire's Old Ones population, who vanished into obscurity.

As conflicts intensified, Dragons began to turn against each other or were hunted by Humans. The majority of Dragons, often passively, supported the Magotho, highlighting the increasing division among the species within the Empire.

Consequences

After the fall of the Empire, Aerznia remained a conflict-ridden region for decades, with a persistent state of war. Consequently, little of the Old Empire's legacy was preserved in the area.

Eventually, around 6540 A.I.D., Ádron emerged as the most powerful city in the region.