War of Six Kings
The War of Six Kings happened with the fall of the ancient empire of Westam. The death of the old king, leaving no clear lineage, triggered feuds across the region over territory, power, and wealth. Prominent figures rallied all those loyal to them in hopes of establishing themselves as rulers of the empire. Years of bloody conflict and desolation resulted in the fracture of Westam into six new states governed by those left standing. Some alliances formed in the aftermath, while some tensions never fully faded. The remaining regents of these new lands established themselves as royal blood lines and have rebuilt their nations into what they are today.
The Conflict
Prelude
In the years before the king of Westam died, military generals, politicians, and wealthy merchants had already begun to gather supporters and position within the country. The king had no heir nor clear lineage of succession in place. Rumors were whispered in taverns and dark corners of royal courts of who would take the place on the throne after his passing. On the day of his death, unfounded claims for the throne followed by rampant political assassinations spread throughout the nation. Generals mobilized legions of troops loyal to them to bolster their claim of rule. Members of the court sent for aid outside of Westam, enlisting foreign armies to come to their side. Even some wealthy merchant guilds had already supplanted mercenary groups to fight for power in the upcoming turmoil.
Battlefield
The war stretched from the Spine of Westam, mountains in the south, to the snow-swept plains in the north. Major conflicts raged along the Waters of Misory, creating multiple chokepoints along the battlelines. Western battles proved to be onslaughts that lasted for days upon the barren plains, with the losing army normally being run down to nothing with no where to retreat and hide.
The Engagement
As factions continued to pull support and gather their forces, tensions rose and battlelines were drawn. Initially, all out bloodshed ensued from every side. Smaller forces and their respective leaders were quickly crushed and as the conflict continued, forces combined creating larger mobilizations that evolved from simple countryside skirmishes into full blown battles of immense proportions that spanned miles of the region. Alliances formed and concessions were made to preserve what would be left after the war. Two brothers in the north turned on each other and finally split down the middle in what was part of the bloodiest years seen during the fighting.
Outcome
When the war finally settled, six new nations stood left amongst the battlefields. Cafril, Ironil, Northern Dakland, Southern Dakland, Corland, and Wyoden. A treaty, The Golden Rod, was signed establishing borders and a new found peace. The population had been diminished greatly and some settlements were completely wiped from the landscape. Entire bloodlines were broken and lost to time, seeped into the ground on countless battlefields.
Aftermath
Conflicts continue to arise between the six nations over border disputes and resources. Some people still believe in a unified Westam while others, with a newfound nationalism, wish for the expansion of their home and conquer of the other "fraudulent" nations. Small skirmishes still break out from time to time, further pushing the possibility of another war closer to reality.
Historical Significance
Technological Advancement
One of the most impressive innovations formed from the war, was the Air Cav of Wyoden.
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