The Great World War

Here's a detailed breakdown of the key events that led to the conflict:

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1. The Fragmentation of Power in Hera (1850s–1870s)

• Hera’s National Rivalries:
  • Hera was a continent divided into multiple fiercely independent nations, each vying for dominance. The rise of industrialization created economic competition, with powers like Cananadia, Philoteyn, and Sumech leading the charge.
  • Smaller nations like Pode and Chutsi relied heavily on alliances to maintain sovereignty, further complicating the political landscape.
• Technological Arms Race:
  • Nations in Hera began leveraging early hemomantic experimentation from Lumea Sangelui as well as mechanized weaponry from Hashikonai and U.S.K.. This fueled an arms race, making warfare both inevitable and catastrophic.
  • The Eisinian Federation, spanning parts of Ebuceci, Klamith, and Numea, played a dual role as a trade broker and instigator, selling weapons and fostering mistrust among neighbors.

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2. The Rise of the Caidanadian Concentration (1874–1892)

• The Concord Proposal (1874):
  • In response to growing tensions, Cananadia proposed the Unified Sovereignty Concord, seeking to unify Hera under a single governance system to prevent war. While this was framed as a peace initiative, many nations viewed it as an imperialist move to solidify Cananadia’s dominance.
• Opposition and Acceptance:
  • Major nations like Philoteyn and Zantera joined reluctantly, fearing isolation or economic disadvantage if they stayed out. However, nationalist movements within Taiile and Tulheyo viewed the Concord as a betrayal of sovereignty.
  • By 1892, the Caidanadian Concentration was established, but resentment simmered in regions like Noratali, where the pact was seen as forced subjugation.
• Impact on Lumea Sangelui:
  • The construction of the Walled Dominion further strained relations with provinces like Pode and Chutsi, whose populations felt alienated and controlled by distant rulers in Cananadia.

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3. The Decline of the Eisinian Federation (1880s–1905)

• Economic Collapse:
  • Once a trade powerhouse, the Eisinian Federation suffered a series of economic crises due to overreliance on exports and internal corruption. Its collapse destabilized the entire continent, leaving smaller nations without key trade partners.
• Ethnic and Ideological Conflicts:
  • The federation’s dissolution sparked a wave of separatist movements in Klamith and Numea, as well as border conflicts with Ebuceci. This created a power vacuum that drew in larger nations like the Caidanadian Concentration and U.S.K..
• Militarization of Borders:
  • As disputes over territory and trade routes intensified, nations began deploying troops to contested areas, turning once peaceful zones into flashpoints for conflict.

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4. Global Tensions and Alliances (1890s–1910s)

• The Ascendancy of the U.S.K.:
  • In West Jorba, the U.S.K. emerged as a unified powerhouse following its own unification war in 1753. By the late 19th century, it was a dominant economic and military force, rivaling the Concentration.
  • The U.S.K.’s expansion into Tamita and other nearby regions created tensions with Hera, particularly as it began exerting influence over Ebuceci and Klamith.
• Hashikonai’s Rise in Numea:
  • The industrial and technological advancements of Hashikonai made it a key player in global trade, but its aggressive policies in neighboring Chealar and Sinze caused unease among its allies in the Concentration.
  • Hashikonai’s secret experiments with hemomantic weaponry, using knowledge stolen from Lumea Sangelui, further destabilized relations.
• Formation of Alliances:
  • Two major alliances began to take shape:
    1. The Concord Alliance: Centered on the Caidanadian Concentration and supported by Philoteyn, Zantera, and Sumech.
    2. The Axis of Sovereigns: An opposing bloc formed by the U.S.K., Tamita, and Hashikonai, seeking to counteract the Concord’s growing influence.

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5. The Catalyst: Assassination of Prince Reginald (1912)

• The Spark of War:
  • Prince Reginald of Philoteyn, a prominent figure in the Concord Alliance, was assassinated during a diplomatic visit to Ebuceci. The assassin, believed to be a Hashikonai sympathizer, ignited outrage across Hera.
  • Although Hashikonai denied involvement, evidence surfaced that the assassin had ties to Tamitan cartels, who were rumored to be secretly funded by the U.S.K.
• Ultimatums and Mobilization:
  • The Caidanadian Concentration demanded reparations and extradition of those involved. When Hashikonai refused, the Concentration began mobilizing troops along its borders.
  • Simultaneously, the U.S.K. declared its support for Hashikonai, citing evidence of Concentration meddling in Numean affairs.

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6. Supernatural Undercurrents

• Báuturíí and Máncátír Involvement:
  • Rogue Báuturíí factions within Lumea Sangelui exploited the rising tensions, smuggling hemomantic artifacts to both sides in exchange for sanctuary.
  • Máncátír warriors, some seeking vengeance for ancestral grievances, joined mercenary groups, further escalating violence along the borders.
• The Shadow Conspiracy:
  • Whispers of a hidden entity, possibly tied to the Theósastrikíseikónas, emerged during this time. Certain sorcerer factions believed the rising conflict was being orchestrated to awaken dormant Threads and restore magic to the world.

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7. Outbreak of War (1914)

• The assassination of Prince Reginald, combined with rising nationalism, economic rivalries, and decades of unresolved tensions, culminated in the outbreak of World War I in 1914.
• The conflict quickly expanded beyond Hera as the U.S.K. and Tamita brought in allies from West Jorba, while the Concentration leveraged its colonies in Griogubul and Numea for resources and manpower.

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The Great War (1913-1918)

Causes of The Great War

The Great War was fueled by long-standing political tensions, economic rivalries, and the desire to control both traditional and hemomantic resources. The collapse of balance between the Concord Alliance and the Axis of Sovereigns became inevitable as secret military build-ups and alliances destabilized global peace.

• Rising Nationalism:
  • The Concord emphasized centralized governance, promoting the unity of their member states under a single system. This clashed with the sovereignty movements in the Axis nations, particularly the U.S.K. and Hashikonai.
  • In Tamita and Eisina, nationalist uprisings were exploited by both alliances, becoming flashpoints for conflict.
• Colonial Conflicts:
  • Competition for territories in Numea and Griogubul intensified, as both regions housed critical resources. Hemomantic minerals, unique to certain provinces, became a symbol of power.
• Arms Race:
  • Innovations in both traditional and hemomantic technology led to an arms race. The U.S.K. and Hashikonai advanced weaponry derived from Báuturíí blood, while the Concord fielded Máncátír shock troops and bio-mechanical war machines.
• Assassination of Zantherian Archduke:
  • In 1912, the assassination of Archduke Hannel Vyresta of Zantera by a radical U.S.K.-backed group in Ebuceci became the immediate catalyst for the war. The Concord saw it as an attack on their unity, demanding reparations and military sanctions against the Axis.

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Key Events of The Great War

1. 1913 - Outbreak of War:
   • Concord forces invade border regions of Klamith and Ebuceci, seeking to isolate Axis influence in the area.
   • The U.S.K. retaliates by launching its naval fleet into the Haran Straits, disrupting Concord supply lines.
2. 1914 - The Hemomantic Offensive:
   • Lumea Sangelui deploys Báuturíí-enhanced operatives for the first time in Klamith, leading to devastating results. This marks the first large-scale use of hemomantic warfare.
3. 1915 - Stalemate in the Trenches:
   • The introduction of Máncátír troops in Ebuceci leads to brutal trench warfare. Their ferocity in battle earns them the moniker "The Red Howlers", but their unpredictable transformations hinder long-term deployment.
4. 1916 - Hashikonai’s Experimental Front:
   • Hashikonai unveils hemomantic artillery capable of manipulating gravity and blood flow, devastating Concord troops in Numea. This act results in severe global condemnation but demonstrates the terrifying potential of hemomantic weapons.
5. 1917 - The Silent Year:
   • Both alliances suffer immense casualties, leading to internal unrest. In Tamita, the cartel families rise, exploiting the chaos to seize control of key supply chains.
6. 1918 - The Fall of Philoteyn:
   • Axis forces overrun Philoteyn, marking the collapse of Concord unity. The war ends in an uneasy armistice, leaving millions dead and entire regions in ruin.

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Aftermath of The Great War

Political Consequences

• The Treaty of Zantera (1919):
  • Imposed heavy reparations on the Axis, particularly the U.S.K. and Hashikonai.
  • The Concord retained control of key regions in Ebuceci and Klamith but at a massive cost, leading to economic collapse in several provinces.
  • Hemomantic research was heavily restricted worldwide, though many nations pursued it in secret.
• Rise of Extremism:
  • The U.S.K. faced severe economic depression, fostering resentment against the Concord. This set the stage for the rise of nationalist ideologies in the 1930s.
  • Hashikonai’s government became increasingly militaristic, viewing the Concord as an existential threat.

Social and Cultural Shifts

• Distrust of Hemomancy:
  • The horrors of hemomantic warfare led to widespread bans on its practice in non-Concord nations.
  • Lumea Sangelui became more isolated, blamed for the proliferation of hemomantic technology.
• Migration and Refugees:
  • Millions fled the devastated regions of Ebuceci, Tamita, and Numea, leading to massive demographic shifts and tensions in neighboring areas.

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The World War (1938-1947)

Causes of The World War

The World War arose from unresolved tensions of the Great War, combined with the resurgence of militarism, nationalism, and advancements in forbidden technologies.

• The Rise of the Vanguard:
  • In the U.S.K., the nationalist Vanguard Movement gained power under General Victor Kilbane, promoting the idea of global dominance through technological and hemomantic superiority.
• Hashikonai’s Expansion:
  • Hashikonai sought to dominate Numea, reclaiming territories lost during the Great War. Their hemomantic experiments grew increasingly unethical, creating weapons capable of annihilating entire cities.
• The Eisina Coup:
  • In 1936, the Eisinian Federation fractured, with Concord-backed forces clashing against Axis-aligned insurgents. This region became the first battleground of the World War.

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Key Events of The World War

1. 1938 - The Invasion of Eisina:
   • U.S.K. forces invade Eisina, claiming to restore order but effectively sparking a global conflict.
2. 1940 - The Tamita Uprising:
   • The Tamitan Cartel declares independence from the Axis, leveraging its control of resources to create a third faction in the war.
3. 1942 - Operation Bloodstorm:
   • Lumea Sangelui deploys its elite Báuturíí operatives against Axis forces in Numea, turning the tide in favor of the Concord.
4. 1944 - The Fall of Tinhaza:
   • Hashikonai’s capital is destroyed in a catastrophic hemomantic experiment gone wrong, forcing their surrender.
5. 1945 - The Red Reckoning:
   • Concord forces, led by Máncátír warriors, conduct a brutal campaign to reclaim Ebuceci, resulting in the near-total destruction of its infrastructure.
6. 1947 - The Atomic Divide:
   • The World War ends with the deployment of hemomantic-enhanced atomic weapons by the U.S.K., devastating Klamith and forcing Concord capitulation.

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Aftermath of The World War

• Geopolitical Restructuring:
  • The Concord fractured, with many provinces declaring independence.
  • The U.S.K. emerged as a dominant global power but faced immediate backlash for its use of atomic and hemomantic weapons.
• Global Ban on Hemomancy:
  • Hemomancy was outlawed worldwide, though black-market research continued in Lumea Sangelui and Hashikonai.
• Foundations of the Cold War:
  • Tensions between the U.S.K. and Concord remnants gave rise to a new global struggle for dominance, leading to the development of advanced technologies and secretive magic research.

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1. The Concord Alliance (Caidanadian Concentration and Allies)

Core Members:

• Caidanadian Concentration:
  • Role: The leader of the alliance and the largest power in Hera.
  • Motivation: To maintain its dominance in Hera and prevent rivals like the U.S.K. from expanding their influence.
  • Strengths: A centralized government, vast industrial capacity, and control over the Walled Dominion of Lumea Sangelui, granting access to hemomantic resources.
• Philoteyn:
  • Role: The political and cultural heart of the Concentration.
  • Motivation: Strongly tied to the Concord due to its dependency on Caidanadian infrastructure and protection.
  • Strengths: Highly educated elite, diplomatic clout.
• Zantera:
  • Role: Military powerhouse of the Concord Alliance.
  • Motivation: To secure its borders against Hashikonai and prevent encroachment by the U.S.K.
  • Strengths: Strong, disciplined army; advanced cavalry and early mechanized units.
• Sumech:
  • Role: Resource supplier and naval ally.
  • Motivation: To ensure its survival through its alliance with the Concentration, particularly against Numean aggression.
  • Strengths: Large reserves of coal and iron, a burgeoning navy.

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Supporting Members:

• Pode, Udl, Chutsi, Noratali (The Walled Dominion):
  • Role: Conscripted provinces under the Concord.
  • Motivation: Forced into the alliance, these provinces acted as buffers and provided conscripts for the Concentration.
  • Strengths: Home to the Báuturíí and Máncátír, whose abilities were weaponized by the Concentration.
• Copnhada:
  • Role: Strategic northern ally.
  • Motivation: To gain protection from rising threats in Numea and Ebuceci.
  • Strengths: Strong naval presence; key trade routes.

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2. The Axis of Sovereigns (U.S.K., Hashikonai, and Allies)

Core Members:

• United States of Kilba (U.S.K.):
  • Role: The dominant power in West Jorba and leader of the Axis.
  • Motivation: To counter the growing influence of the Concord and secure global trade routes.
  • Strengths: Advanced industrial capacity, strong naval presence, and a cohesive military due to its unification in 1753.
• Hashikonai:
  • Role: The technological innovator of the Axis.
  • Motivation: To expand its influence over Numea and resist the Concentration’s growing control in the region.
  • Strengths: Cutting-edge technology, including early experimental weapons powered by hemomancy.
• Tamita:
  • Role: Key economic and logistical supporter.
  • Motivation: To secure its borders and maintain trade with the U.S.K.
  • Strengths: Resource-rich territories and strategic control of key ports.

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Supporting Members:

• Tilaba:
  • Role: Southern ally providing manpower and agricultural support.
  • Motivation: Fear of being overrun by the Concord Alliance.
  • Strengths: Large population for conscription, fertile lands.
• Klamith States:
  • Role: Border regions between Ebuceci and the Concord.
  • Motivation: To reclaim territories lost to the Concentration and assert independence.
  • Strengths: Fierce, guerrilla-trained fighters and access to mountain passes.

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3. Independent or Neutral Powers

Eisinian Federation (Ebuceci/Klamith/Numea):

• Status: Neutral but unstable.
• Motivation: Focused on internal struggles following its economic collapse. Many of its former territories were drawn into the conflict by neighboring powers.
• Role: Served as a battleground for many skirmishes between the Concord and the Axis.

Lumea Sangelui (The Walled Dominion):

• Status: Reluctant member of the Concord.
• Motivation: Bound by its treaty with the Concentration but wary of being exploited.
• Role: Provided hemomantic resources and Báuturíí/Máncátír shock troops but resisted deeper involvement.

Shimafuki:

• Status: Neutral but leaning toward the Axis.
• Motivation: Maintained trade with both sides but was wary of Hashikonai’s ambitions in Numea.
• Role: Acted as a supplier of advanced transport technologies and intelligence.

Chealar and Numea States:

• Status: Fragmented.
• Motivation: Internal strife made them targets of both alliances. Hashikonai sought to dominate the region, while the Concord attempted to stabilize it.
• Role: Chealar provided labor forces for Hashikonai, while Numea’s resources were fought over by both sides.

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4. Underlying Motivations and Tensions

Economic Rivalries:

• The Concentration sought to dominate global trade routes, particularly in Griogubul and Numea, where hemomantic resources were abundant.
• The U.S.K. and Hashikonai feared losing access to these critical markets and aimed to establish control through alliances.

Ideological Differences:

• The Concord emphasized centralized governance and collective security, which was seen as imperialist by its rivals.
• The Axis promoted sovereignty and independence, claiming to resist the Concentration’s overreach.

Supernatural Undercurrents:

• Both alliances sought to harness the remnants of magic and hemomantic knowledge. The U.S.K. and Hashikonai developed experimental weapons, while the Concentration weaponized Báuturíí and Máncátír forces.

Colonial Influence:

• Griogubul and Numea became theaters of proxy wars, as both alliances vied for control over their resources and territories.