The Wars for the North

General

The Wars for the North were a major conflict between imperial estates of the Imperii Draconi and migrating tribes from the Upper North of Áváhé between 5638 A.I.D. and 5650 A.I.D.. The conflict ushered in the era of the late Old Empire.

History

The wars were a direct result of the Wars of Old, an internal conflict among the Old Ones. Little is known about this event, but their effects were nevertheless pronounced.

Beginning

As the repercussions of the Wars of Old became intolerable for the local tribes, a significant number decided to migrate southward en masse. Initially, many sought refuge in the Mahr or Völkladingdam, but both regions were reluctant to offer assistance to the refugees.

Eventually, a group of fugitives staged an ambush on Anslach, primarily to secure provisions. The news of the raid prompted other tribes to converge on the city, hoping to claim a share of the resources. However, the conquerors refused to share, leading to clashes in and around Anslach. An army from the Mahr and Rôhna, arriving to support Anslach, found themselves amidst this conflict, turning the battle between the tribes into a confrontation with the two northern powers.

The Raid on Anslach 5636 A.I.D. marks the beginning of the Wars for the North.

Shift of the conflict

At this time, the Old Empire had yet to become involved in the conflict. News of the Wars of Old had already reached the Mid-South, raising alarm among the local Old Ones: At their request, the Reichstag decided to investigate the situation. However, a delegation sent to the North became entangled in the fighting near Anslach and was initially unable to gather new information. Five delegates who continued further north were never seen again.

The local powers of the Upper North, led by the Mahr and Völkladingdam, now cornered the migrating peoples and forced them into the High Grasslands. Their aim was to push the threat away, as the expansive terrain offered ample opportunities for retreat.

The more aggressive tribes, eager to fight their way out, were the first to launch attacks on the east and west coasts of the Mid-North. The more peaceful tribes, still the majority at the time, soon followed. Between two and three million people traversed the grasslands during this period.

Casus Belli

When the estate of Wolfherse was attacked in 5638 A.I.D., it triggered the alliance clause, plunging the Empire into conflict with the invading hordes. Up until that point, Kaiser Tilân III. had maintained a passive stance, despite appeals for assistance from the Mahr, Völkladingdam, and other northern powers with whom the Empire had maintained association talks for years.

The Magotho, accustomed to peaceful expansion, were unprepared for a war of this magnitude, and their inaction had already sparked significant resentment. However, Tilân's subsequent decision to order the imperial army to retreat as far as the South-Fall had even more profound consequences. This strategy succeeded in holding off the hordes, who were unfamiliar with the Grasslands. Yet, it allowed the more aggressive immigrant tribes to attack the imperial estates in the region. The northern powers’ pursuit further radicalized the tribes, leading to intense resistance.

The conflict zone then split into northern as well as southern regions. In the Upper North, the Mahr became a primary target for the fighting tribes, suffering severe devastation. Meanwhile, the retreat of the Empire from the Middle and Lower North left the traditionally unstable and regionalist estates vulnerable to plunder. The Empire's perceived betrayal fueled widespread discontent.

When the Dragon Chrioseptico led the imperial army to reconquer the North within five years, the Upper North had developed a strong animosity towards the Empire. Only Dracoš remained loyal, but it soon lost its connection to the Empire.

Consequences

By 5650 A.I.D., nearly half of the Empire's territory had been lost. It was largely due to the diplomatic efforts of Nideon Thavi and Chrioseptico, along with their entourage, that the Middle and Lower North did not simply secede from the Empire and descend into chaos. The two leaders negotiated terms with the migrants and convinced the estates to remain within the Empire. Their efforts culminated in the establishment of the Dominion Status for the key regions of Herse and Brônia.

Kaiser Tilân, who was held responsible for the initial military failures, was forced to abdicate in 5648 A.I.D.

In the long term, this war also played a significant role in precipitating the Lochäa Crisis.

The settlement of modern Luyieveria by the North-Herse only became feasible following the withdrawal of the established indigenous peoples.