The Wars of Ascension

A series of internal conflicts driven by noble rivalries, succession crises, and religious schisms. The wars began when Emperor Lysander II died without an heir, leading to a civil war between competing Elector Houses. The Church intervened, using the conflict to expand its influence over imperial politics.

Key Events:

• The Battle of the Twin Suns: Fought between the forces of House Solthar and House Valenhurst. The Church’s intervention turned the tide, installing a theocracy-backed Emperor.
• The Edict of Radiant Unity: Issued by the High Cleric, declaring that only those blessed by the Church could rule, effectively making the Imperial Throne a vassal of the Church of the Radiant Flame.
• The Purge of the Iron Marches: Entire noble families were executed on suspicion of heresy, with their lands and wealth seized to fund the Church’s growing power.

These wars cemented the Inquisition's authority and made the Church the true power behind the throne, its word law across the Empire.