The Severance War

Overview

The Severance War was a five-year civil war in early 3rd century AC during Marcus Sune’s reign as Basileus. It pitted the Governors of Asgartha’s Provinces against the central authority of Arkaster, and was secretly fueled by The Isfet, a chaos sect seeking to destabilize Asgarthan society.

Background: Rise of the Governors

Growing Power

The beginning of the third century was marked by the gradual rise of the Governors, who were tasked with developing Asgartha’s Provinces. They were granted near full regional powers, which allowed them to amass wealth and influence to the point where they eventually challenged the authority of the Basileus.

Economic Development

As infrastructures and cities developed and regional economies grew, so did the Governors’ personal ambitions.

Outbreak of War

Marcus Sune’s Reforms

When Marcus Sune, Asgartha’s Basileus, sought to reform the government towards a more democratic model, the Governors, feeling threatened, rebelled against the central authority.

The Governors’ Claim

They claimed that Sune’s objective was to strip the regional powers of their autonomy and restore Arkaster as the sole seat of power. This led to a civil war that lasted five years, culminating in the Governors’ armies marching on the capital.

Wanjiru’s Investigation

Initial Position

At the time, when conscription began, Wanjiru was a young Horomancer stationed in the province of Caer Arcolano. Although the Yzmir declared their neutrality in the conflict, Wanjiru pledged allegiance to Telmo, the Governor of Caer Arcolano, whom he knew was driven by noble intentions.

Suspicions

However, as the situation worsened, Wanjiru realized that something was amiss, as if someone or something was pulling the strings from behind the scenes. He secretly began investigating, patiently listening, watching for signs, and spying when necessary.

Discovery

As he probed further and further, he uncovered a terrible conspiracy deeply rooted in the political spheres of both the loyalists and the insurgents. A previously unknown faction sought to destabilize Asgarthan society to its core. Wherever possible, its infiltrated agents stoked the flames of discord and violence, worsening the war.

The Yzmir Intervention

Alert

Despite his status as an apostate, Wanjiru managed to alert the Yzmir Magisters, who took the threat more than seriously.

Halting the Battle

Just as the armies were about to clash on the battlefield, the Yzmir intervened, showcasing their supremacy by halting the advancing troops.

Strike Teams

Simultaneously, Wanjiru and small strike teams targeted individuals identified as agitators—high-ranking officials within both the loyalist administration and the rebel coalition.

The Isfet Conspiracy

Interrogation

After being interrogated in secret by the Ordis, the conspirators revealed they belonged to The Isfet, a sect devoted to chaos.

Goals

Their ultimate goal was to let The Tumult triumph, by fostering disorganization within Asgartha by any means necessary.

Resolution

Peace was eventually restored, and the traitors were publicly tried and imprisoned, though not all the details of their actions were fully revealed.

Aftermath

Wanjiru’s Concerns

Celebrated as a hero and a key figure in the reconciliation, Wanjiru, however, remained uneasy. He came to believe that The Isfet had been backed by outside forces.

Foundation of the Qorgan

The Horomancer decided to dedicate his life to uncovering the true masterminds behind the conflict. To protect Asgartha, he founded The Qorgan, an Yzmir cell specialized in tracking and eliminating the nation’s enemies.