Hex Wars
The Hex Wars, spanning from Year 167 to 489, marked a defining chapter in Aesor's history as the first mortal conflict on Kalzamaath’s world. This war not only reshaped the course of history but also forced the early mortals—Ephyrans and Arkey—to entirely reimagine the application of Marcry, particularly in the realm of destruction, or otherwise known as the Ancestry of Destruction: Noxery.
Twenty-two years following the birth of the Ephyran race, Aesor was plunged into turmoil. This war was not born of territorial disputes but rather a profound sense of distrust.
The Magistrate of Aztheon and the Ephyrans (before they became the Council of Silephnia), both still fragmented in terms of national infrastructure but outwardly united, were both profoundly enticed by the allure of Marcry's power and the Shattered Light above them. Their initial interactions were cordial, yet as they delved deeper into one another's intentions and capabilities, their striking similarities quickly gave way to animosity. Both sides, consumed by their fascination with Marcry wonders, grew increasingly self-interested, mistrustful, and power-hungry.
A decade after the Ephyrans' emergence, a frenzied race in Marcry invention and armament ensued between these two factions. During this period, citizens from both sides regularly visited the other's territories, ostensibly in friendly exchange. However, these visits were more a display of newly acquired or invented Marcry knowledge, spells, and innovations, often fueling mutual envy and rivalry. Deliberate espionage became routine, with both sides sending spies to pilfer technology, blueprints, spells, and books from one another. Accusations of theft flew, with the Magistrate blaming the Ephyrans for idea theft and vice versa.
This escalating tension ultimately ignited the Hex Wars, a savage and relentless Marcry conflict, also known as the War of the Ancestors. Coastal cities, villages, and settlements on both sides fell to ruin, consumed by Marcry flames and marcritic explosions that wiped entire communities and armies from existence. The Hex Wars were characterized by their brutality and unexpected ferocity.
While historians argue that the Struggle for the Sea remains the bloodiest war in Aesor's history, the Hex Wars are widely regarded as the most perilous and merciless. During this conflict, both factions experimented with new weaponry and destructive spells, often discarding moral considerations. This resulted in catastrophic devastation, leading both sides to recognize the urgent need to avoid such brutal outcomes in future conflicts.
For the average soldier, the Hex Wars were a waking nightmare. Unlike the Struggle for the Sea, where safety could often be found behind fortifications, the Hex Wars offered no sanctuary. Every day brought new experiments in weaponry and spells, with neither side distinguishing between right and wrong in the name of war. The soldiers and ancestors who served on the frontlines of the Hex Wars endured the most profound psychological torment, often rendering them incapable of leading normal lives after their military service. The pervasive feeling of distrust and uncertainty, even among allies, haunted these soldiers. Each day, both factions introduced fresh innovations into their arsenals, creating an atmosphere of constant trepidation. There were no certainties, no trust in the reliability of technology, spells, or weapons from either side—only the ever-present terror of what could go disastrously wrong. This overwhelming dread characterizes the Hex Wars and the enduring horrors they inflicted on those who bore witness and fought within them.
The Hex Wars officially reached its conclusion through the Ioniesh Pact. This peace treaty not only marked the end of the Hex Wars but also played a crucial role in bringing peace to Aesor. Prior to this pact, the Hex Wars had effectively evolved and merged into the larger conflict known as the Struggle for the Sea. Formal peace or ceasefires were not established until the Ioniesh Pact was enacted.
In the year 203, as the Struggle for the Sea erupted, both the Council of Ephyr and the Magistrate of Aztheon began to reflect on the extensive destruction and suffering caused by their earlier arms race and experimental Marcry technology during the Hex Wars. This period of introspection prompted a reevaluation of their approach to the Struggle for the Sea. Recognizing the dire consequences of untested Marcry on their people, they adopted a more cautious stance regarding the deployment of new Marcry innovations on the battlefield.
During the Struggle for the Sea, the Council of Ephyr and the Magistrate exercised greater restraint and imposed strict regulations concerning the use of unproven Marcry technologies. While occasional Marcry-related mishaps and blunders still occurred, the commitment to minimizing risks and safeguarding their forces remained steadfast.
One notable incident during this time was the catastrophic fate of Lesieth, a Marcry-related event that underscored the importance of adherence to safety protocols and rigorous testing procedures. This commitment to responsibility in Marcry usage contributed to a reduction in collateral damage and casualties as the Struggle for the Sea continued.
The Ioniesh Pact, signed later in the course of the Struggle for the Sea in the Year 489, officially marked the conclusion of both the Hex Wars and the larger conflict. It solidified a commitment to peace and cooperation, bringing an end to the destructive rivalry that had characterized the earlier centuries of Aesor.
General Information
Date - Year 167 – 489 of the First Age A.A.
Cause - General mistrust and growing Marcry economy
Outcome - Signing the Ioniesh Pact
Comments