The Torment

Overview

The Torment was a dark period in Asgartha’s history spanning from 70-86 AC, when the nation faced tyrannical rule under Ayxas. The period is particularly marked by twelve years of autocratic dictatorship (74-86 AC).

Background (42-70 AC)

Cwaith’s Reign

In 42 AC, Cwaith succeeded Rune. Under the Kuningatar, living conditions for Asgarthans greatly improved. Instead of pursuing expansion, she focused on strengthening the existing colony. Her reign lasted nearly twenty-eight years.

Ayxas as Protégé

Ayxas was Cwaith’s protégé, destined to take over her mantle. Together, they developed their strategy: she prepared society and the population, while he was tasked with further expanding the nation’s sphere of influence.

Ayxas’s Early Reign (70-74 AC)

Popular Support

Ayxas was beloved by the people. Handsome and charismatic, he consistently showed compassion and kindness, earning him the reputation as Asgartha’s favorite son. When Cwaith relinquished her crown, the elections were a formality, and Ayxas ascended to Kuningas without competition.

Initial Accomplishments

His reign began under favorable circumstances:

• Funded research of Jian Lam, a physicist studying Aerolith properties
• Began planning strategy to populate the Anthea peninsula, exchanging information with Lyra caravans
• Helped the Yzmir, Bravos, and Ordis organize themselves with logistical and material support

The Descent into Tyranny (74 AC)

The Turning Point

No one truly knows how the Torment began. In 74 AC, Ayxas secluded himself for several months in his Elysian quarters, receiving numerous dignitaries, advisors, and analysts. Hidden away in his palace, he devised a plan.

Creation of New Institutions

He founded The Castigar, an Alteration Faction affiliated with political power and loyal only to him. He also created The Magan, a military academy dedicated to the arts of war. Gradually, he reclaimed social, military, and economic functions from the Factions and reassigned them to offices he had personally established.

Suppression of Warrior Brotherhoods

In 74 AC, Ayxas issued decrees outlawing independent warrior brotherhoods. The Magan enforced these decrees violently. Ugetsu-Fenshen monastery was attacked after Walela, the Grandmaster, refused the decree. Suddran, Nadra, and many others were killed. Gericht vaan-Bracht survived and later joined the rebellion.

Gradual Transformation (74-79 AC)

For five years, Ayxas passed laws and decrees, restructuring the state apparatus. He built a circle of loyalists by promoting certain individuals to key positions and winning over others with words, attention, or substantial gifts.

The Autocratic Regime (79-86 AC)

Declaration of Dictatorship (79 AC)

In 79 AC, Ayxas presented a motion of no confidence against the Factions to the Privy Council:

• Bravos and Ordis declared illegal and ordered to dissolve
• Yzmir instructed to submit to The Castigar and hand over esoteric research
• All independent military groups required to disarm and submit to The Magan

Reign of Terror

In the years that followed, the despot became obsessed with suppressing all dissent. One by one, militant orders were dissolved, often violently. Alterers who refused to join The Castigar were hunted, imprisoned, or eliminated.

The Resistance

An underground resistance network formed to end the climate of terror. This opposition worked to protect dissidents, smuggle them to Lyra caravans on the Anthea peninsula, and form counter power. Leaflets circulated condemning the Kuningas’s abuses.

The Uprising (86 AC)

Storming the Elysium

In 86 AC, insurgents stormed the Elysium with help from certain royal guards. The Magan and The Castigar forces were eventually overthrown by the coalition of rebel forces.

Confrontation

Gericht vaan-Bracht fought at the vanguard and attempted to save Eskheret ruun-Kurush after she breached fortress gates. She succumbed to her wounds. Gericht stormed the throne room, halting slaughter upon reaching Ayxas slumped at foot of the dais.

Ayxas harshly rebuked them, arguing their rebellion would spell humanity’s doom. He claimed to know the dangers lurking beyond, the horrors lying at the edge of reason. He tried to convince them that everything he had done was necessary for humanity’s survival.

Gericht vaan-Bracht laid down weapons, withdrew to a quiet corner exhausted but at peace. He died from wounds sustained during the assault.

Aftermath

Dismantling of Institutions

The Castigar and The Magan were dismantled.

Ayxas’s Fate

Ayxas was judged by a people’s court and sentenced to exile, the harshest punishment in Asgarthan law. Witnesses saw his frail figure fade into the distance, a man devoured by madness, whom The Tumult would claim.

Restoration

After order was restored, new elections were held. Akash was crowned Kuningas of Asgartha, unaware that the line of High Kings would soon come to an end.