The Betrayal of Sosha

Written by UmbralGoat

The Betrayal of Sosha is one of the most recent acts of rebellion in the Western Lands, and ironically, one of the most expected. In less than a week, the rule of the country shifted to the widely feared High General of the country, who singlehandedly began the coup.

The motivation for the overthrow are still unknown even to the Soshan citizens, but news of the death of their Duchess, Melia Vasselieu II, has caused great panic. It's caused even greater widespread confusion to ripple beyond the country's borders, as the news of this coup comes just weeks after the mysterious death of a Kovuran Loþra, or guardian dragon, near the Soshan border.

Background

The country's government had been in turmoil for over three years since the most recent High General, Hesþilis Kedarr was bestowed the position. It was a decision met with great backlash from the Generals now under Kedarr's control, as the Soulless soldier is notorious for his cruel and unnecessary tactics. He has even been mocked for cold, strange behavior as a result of his condition.

The Duchess dismissed all criticism and reassured her Generals that despite his quirks, she believes that he is more than deserving of the position, and that his lack of inhibition will do well in dire times.

The next three years isolated Sosha in all but trade of technologies, as Hesþilis' ruthless command of his Generals made the country not only hated, but feared. The army would forcefully occupy trade outposts, threaten merchant ships, and cut off any travel coming to the capital city of Hatelum.

Generals picked up that Hesþilis had been lying to the Duchess, feeding her misinformation of trades and occupied lands, and attempting to explain away any contradicting information by bending the truth. They threatened to have him executed for such a mockery of their ruler and manipulation of his position's trust. Hesþilis claimed he was not afraid of assassination attempts, but was frustrated, as this meant his plan would need to be carried out much quicker than initially thought.

A Path Under the Nightsun

In the days leading up to the coup, the Duchess had become ill. With it being the onset of Invern, this was not too much of a concern. However, Hesþilis insisted on being the one to care for her, an act of uncharacteristic kindness, though one she found to be endearing proof of a warmth within him. Unfortunately, it was anything but, as it was the food he brought her that was keeping her with cold-like symptoms.

As the Nightsun began its fall to the horizon, the Duchess' dinner was brought to her chambers. He sorted her room quietly while she ate. When she was nearly finished, she asked what was on his mind that was keeping him.

Hesþilis calmly explained that he had poisoned her food, and that within the next ten minutes, she would fall peacefully into eternal slumber. She would feel no pain. The Duchess was shocked into silence, to which Hesþilis turned to face her. Before she could question him, he explained that he was set on a path for vengeance long before she took a chance on his servitude as a young boy, long before he was born, even. It opened a path for him that the voice of his vengeance promised was the right one. To gain power and take control. The fear he instills in the many Generals would trickle to the commonfolk, and their Souls would be aroused with such immense emotion that they could easily be manipulated under his rule.

There was a long silence between them before the Duchess spoke. She called him mad, and she said that he truly was a monster, as they say. It pained her to say this, and she paused again before laughing through her tears. She said maybe letting her die a painless death was the kindest thing he'd ever done for another person. Hesþilis agreed, and encouraged her to finish her meal.

Hesþilis the Evangelist

Hesþilis' most trusted Generals informed the others that the Duchess was dead and that Hesþilis was taking her position as ruler. As Second Night began, bells tolled to get the attention of all in her palace. Hesþilis explained that the Duchess was truly dead, and that he will be her successor.

There was an immediate uproar of anger and grief; shock and despair led to shouting and yelling in the great hall. Some of the Generals turned on the High General, spouting of treason, insurrection and murder.

Hesþilis explained that a period of grieving would be necessary for all, but encouraged everyone not to lose hope and to keep composure. He claimed that any rash decisions made by the Generals threatening his new position and reformation of government would be considered a threat to the stability of the country itself, and would be punishable by death.

XXXI

Date
Vinvur, 1883 TC
Type
Coup
Rebellion

Belligerents

Hesþilis' Entrusted

The Soshan Army

Strength

The Soulless super-soldier is driven by the voice of an old deity in his mind with masterful skill over Soulless Magic. On his side are a few of the Soshan Army's typical Generals, who likely follow him out of fear.

Several well-trained Generals and their inferiors that swore loyalty and lifetime servitude to the Duchess and their country.

Casualties

Objectives

To gain absolute control of Sosha in order to rouse further support for his goal to bring about the return of Ouranos and ascend to godhood; to destroy the Celestial Pantheon.

To preserve the integrity of the country and oppose the insurrection of Hesþilis.