Shounin Dwarven Civil War phase 1

The Ascos Expansion is halted as the Xia dwarves in the Eastern portion of the Fukuyama Meikai resist efforts to be forcibly incorporated into the confederation.

As the Ascos drove further east reclaiming ancient tunnels from Ayakashi and several races of Yokai expansion slowed as they neared the furthest east of the Fukuyama Meikai as newly rediscovered holds frequently were reluctant to give any of their independence. This became a significant issue as the Ascos encountered the Xia Shounin, a loose alliance which had also begun to reclaim the tunnels, and who were fiercely independent. The Ascos initially attempted diplomacy and offers of trade, but when they discovered the Xia were already trading with humans to their south, the Ascos decided forcing their hand was the only option. According to the Ascos, unification could not be stopped.

While the Ascos had superior numbers and technology of bronze, this was negated by the distance they had to travel, and soon the Xia learned bronze from the humans. The result was a stalemate, where neither side could gain an edge, each attempting to gain control over the tunnels, in the process fighting dwarf and Ayakashi frequently, usually ending in both sides losing ground. Eventually a ceasefire agreement was agreed upon, where the Xia would offer tribute to the Ascos, although this was a fragile peace from the start.