Lore & Setting > Timeline of Imperial History
Three Kingdoms Era (53-455)
0 The Awakening
The discovery of magic is felt across the Heibesu continent. Warladies and queens alike strive to expand using their newfound powers. The history of this period is not well documented but many kingdoms rose and fell.
53 Three Kingdoms Era
Three kingdoms came to control the heartlands of what would later become the Empire. They were centred around Ninomiya, Kitamoto and Heibesu. This era is marked by wars both inside and outside.
112 Sokomo Island is settled
210 The Prismatic Wizard
An early treaty on magic, this book was written and contained 950 combinations of runes, as well as a section on how to properly cast each spell. The book served as a reference guide for early wizards, but then fell into oblivion for centuries.
348 First Dwarven War
Kageshuju in Ninomiya fought against the kingdom of Ninomiya over control of the mountains. The dwarves drove the Ton'keena away, but wizards eventually came close to breaching the ancestral Dwarven fortress of Gilderheim. A ceasefire was signed : Ninomiya Mountain was now Ton'keena territory, but the Dwarves there were named as sole and eternal keepers of the mountain.
401 Establishment of the Chantry
As religion spread across the lands, the Chantry was created to control the flow of magic and to promote belief in the Reiki. Usishiwa Oriko, the first ever Great Priestess of the Void, set out on a holy mission to create an organized chapter across the lands. The Faith of the Void was born.
423 Birth of Katsu Ochiba
441 Creation of the Guild of Archivists
Led by the Soshi family and associates, the Guild would become the Empire’s official archivists and eventually achieve Noble House status.
Early Imperial Era (455 – 631)
455 Founding of the Empire
The Champion of Heibesu, Katsu Ochiba, united the Three Kingdoms against the wider Dazaifu menace. After their overwhelming victory during the First Sacking of Yoshida and the establishment of a strong military force in the West, the Kingdoms united under Ochiba’s leadership (renamed Empress Uesuko), starting the Hayashi Dynasty. The Early Imperial Era had begun.
456 Tsurumaki splits
The City of Tsurumaki splits from the Empire after its nobility opposed the union. Soon after, marauders begin to harass farmers on the borders of the Empire.
512 Empress Imeko’s reign begins
The First Empress dies of old age in her palace in Heibesu. Her daughter Imeko takes the throne.
521 War of the Rose : Siege of Heibesu
Tsurumaki troops briefly besiege Heibesu in an attempt to topple Imperial power. Troops from the hinterlands take them by surprise. The Dwarves of Ninomiya stayed neutral, but following secret arrangements, flanked Tsurumaki troops.
522 Sokomo Volcano erupts
Sokomo is briefly evacuated, but the eruption suddenly stops and the city is saved. Sokomo wizards are said to be behind this.
523 War of the Rose : Sacking of Tsukumari
Heibesu troops slowly advance into Tsukumari territory. The Yama family built a fleet which proved instrumental in destroying defences and lowering enemy morale, and Tsukumari soon surrendered, and rejoined the Empire. It cemented the union between Ton'keena and Dwarves, despite shaky common grounds. Dazaifu, a small kingdom then occupying the Eastern half of the continent, falls out with the Crown after openly supporting Tsukumari and sending relief troops.
523 Noble Houses
Partly to control powerful Imperial families, but also to facilitate stewardship over the Empire and to reward those that helped the Empire grow, the Clan system is established and six Houses are granted privileges and land.
551 War of the Thorne
Empress Imeko, guided by Ma’lena, declares a new era of expansion for the Empire. The cities of Nishino and Deidora are founded, partly to restrict sea access to the Dazaifu Kingdom that, by that time, was centred around the cities of Yoshida and Yurikawa.
598 Battle of the Four Winds
Oranda scout fleets harass sea trade from Nishino. In what was perceived to be a miracle brought about by Shigeki, the Ameiko’s out-matched Northern Fleet managed to use the wind and fog to confuse the enemy fleets and take them out. This event would mark a long history of enmity between the two powers.
621 The Academy of Arcane and Wizardry opens
Senior Chantry member Obuchi Kafu and the Sokomo Champion and wizard Sokomo Naora found the Academy to further centralize the research on magic, Chantry policy, and to promote the formation of quality mages.
Era of Discovery (631 - 768)
631 Emperor Jurobei’s reign begins
Empress Imeko dies after a very long reign but leaves no female heir behind. Her only son becomes Emperor. His first act was to revoke most laws barring men from such acts as holding too much land or public offices, and his reign would be known for fighting what he perceived as an unfair matriarchal code of laws.
648 Ameiko Expeditions
The Ameiko started expeditions and opened trade routes with foreign lands, bringing new technology and goods to the Empire. Skirmishes with neighbouring clans were quickly dealt with by the Imperial Army.
652 The Great Hurricane
An especially strong hurricane hit Heibesu City in mid 652, and completely ruined the city. It would take years for the city to be built anew, and weakened centralized Imperial power. The Hayashi clan took it upon themselves to rebuild Heibesu City as a new, model city.
654 The Sphere Act is passed
Spheres become legal entities and are determined based on profession and social standing. It mostly sets in stone an existing social arrangement.
672 First Great Tournament
A great tournament was held in Kitamoto, with each clan and some guilds sending a delegated team. There were many competitions held, such as magical duels, brawling, and the board game Weiki. The famed game between Kyu-Dan Ikina Mito and San-Dan Ameiko Raicho, ending with the lower-ranked Ameiko’s victory and which inspired Weiki theory for centuries to go, occurred as part of this tournament. The Keida won the overall ranking of the tournament, and the Tournament came to be repeated every five years.
681 Daizafu War : Battle of Nishino
The Daizafu claimed that the settlement of Nishino was illegal occupation of their territory. Following decades of disputes and border skirmishes, they launched a full-blown surprise attack against Nishino. Overwhelming numbers quickly breached into the city, and with the Northern Fleet scattered across the globe, there was no easy way to defend or rescue the city. With Nishino taken, the Empire became geographically split in two as the Dazaifu controlled the whole central part of the continent, but Imperial Morale did not drop.
681 Daizafu War : Battle of Deidora
The Daizafu launched their offensive on two fronts : the bulk of their army moved deeper, westwards into Imperial territory, but found themselves hindered by heavy resistance and a very cold winter. Part of the army pushed southwards and managed to reach the isolated city of Deidora while pushing to conquer the Shrine of Light. With food sources dwindling and the main army unable to provide relief, Deidora was forced to surrender as it could not withstand a siege.
682 Daizafu War : Battle of Ninomiya
The main Daizafu army reached Ninomiya in the late winter and proceeded to besiege the town. However, in a brilliant move, most of the Imperial Army bypassed Ninomiya and instead landed at Yoshida, taking the Dazaifu capital. The Dazaifu also had to face heavy casualties at Ninomiya, from which they could not recover. They eventually were pushed out of Ninomiya, and staged a retreat to Nishino.
682 Daizafu War : The Deidora Gambit
After Yurikawa fell, General Nogi Yukinaga fortified the former Dazaifu capital. Small groups of the enemy army tried to retake the city, but were obliterated. Meanwhile, the Southern Fleet was bombing cities on the south coast, including Deidora. Yukinaga initially wanted to pursue the Daizafu to Nishino, but naval support convinced him to race across the Dazaifu heartlands to retake Deidora. The city fell in a matter of hours and the defenders all summarily executed.
683 Daizafu War : Second Battle of Nishino
As the Imperial Army was hopping from Dazaifu City to the next in its race to retake Deidora and meet with the Navy, the Dazaifu fortified Nishino. Morale had fallen as they realised their tactical mistake in leaving their whole territory undefended without being able to take Ninomiya or at least to block the Imperial Army there, but they refused to surrender despite having lost all of their initial territory. Only once the Imperial Army was approaching Nishino did they offer a cease-fire, which Emperor Jurobei accepted, having gained what he wanted : Dazaifu was no longer a relevant military power.
687 Empress Sakura’s reign begins
Emperor Jurobei dies of a sudden illness. His daughter Sakura soon takes the throne and declares a period of mourning. This year’s Tournament is cancelled. Sakura also established the tradition of the Winter Court.
697 The Elemental Terrors appear
Creatures like Oni appear in far higher numbers and that winter, it did not snow at all, not even in the northernmost parts of the Empire. Monsters then known as the Elemental Terrors appeared, only to be subdued by valiant warriors and bounty hunters. First signs of corruption on the Kitsune mainland of Ragonda.
710 Creation of the Jagged Blade
Rogue Bushi Sen Kinuyo created the Jagged Blade, a siblinghood of fallen casteless Bushi that hired themselves out as mercenaries. They came to be seen as trusted after they attacked several pirate bases, but remained, perhaps by choice, casteless.
732 Introduction of the Three Metals currency system
The Kobon, Bon and Obon system of bronze, silver and gold coins was promoted by the Ameiko and Rugashi clans to centralize the economy and replace the system of commodity money and local currencies that prevailed at the time. It also permitted to raise immense amounts of taxes.
735 The reign of Empress Kaiya begins
The new Empress immediately began to focus on economic reforms and boosting the military.
745 Invention of the Crossbow
Crossbows were invented by Rugashi tinkerers. Fast and light, they soon came to become standard equipment for the Bushi.
756 The Retaliation War
Resentment against Daizafu culminated in a final war against the Kingdom. The to-be Toturi Clan committed many Bushi to the war. The goal was to regain Nishino and its surroundings. While the Imperial Army had developed and grown, the besieged Dazaifu, cut off from their ancestral homeland and dealing with a ever hostile populace, soon crumbled under the might of the Army. Dazaifu was finally put to rest.
Mid-Imperial Era (768 - 1053)
768 Discovery of the Dark Lands Beyond
Sokomo mages and Ameiko explorers discovered an island where all nature seemed perverted and demons roamed free. They dubbed this land the Dark Lands Beyond and attempted a land expedition, but all who stepped on the cursed mainland ended up insane and had to be left behind as the remainder of the fleet sailed back to safer waters. The Dark Lands Beyond used to refer to a small landmass far to the east; since then, they now also encompass the Kitsune mainland. This event, and the Unseelie Unrest the following year, signalled the beginning of the Mid-Imperial Era, one of slight economic depression but also renewed contact with the rest of the known world.
769 Unseelie Unrest
Discovery of a long-lost fortress near Heibesu City set the inhabitants in a state of unrest. In Fall, a group of adventurers attempted to enter the Fortress; they all came out insane or even undead, and had to be killed off as they ran on a massacre in the city. The ruins have since been overgrown and declared off-limits, and slowly faded from public memory again. First record of the Enforcers, a group of wizards said to meddle in politics and declared Enemies of the State.
771 Runestone Wars
Sokomo mages made breakthrough discoveries in understanding the nature of arcane, and became able to re-shape the runestone system entirely. Sokomo and Yama mages clashed over Sokomo improvements to the runestone system, including the introduction of minor runes and the re-drawing of runes considered sacred. The Yama (and to a lesser extent the Totori) viewed such changes as heresy and the two clans clashed, especially during the Battle of Ice and Fire, which saw Sokomo and their Totori allies become the dominant power in the Chantry and Arcane research as a whole.
788 Foundation of Ameiko Plantation
The House Ameiko has been seeking to expand their trade network abroad, but this is the first full-fledged colony in the Wild Mainland that succeeds. Clashes with nearby Ton'keena nations and tribes continue for several years, but the Plantation endures.
791 Kitsune Residence Act
While Kitsune were known before, never were they so numerous as waves of them fled their homeland as it sunk into the sea, swallowed by the corruption of the Dark Lands Beyond. The Earthward Tribes asked for permission to settle in the Empire, and soon enough integrated to some point in Heibesu society. Many went on to become great sorcerers in Sokomo.
799 The Yamada Incident
The Yamada were a family serving under House Ameiko, and who organized many expeditions to lands unknown. However, the Yamada slowly became tainted, especially after visits to the Dark Lands Beyond. One particularly affected member, Yamada Kinuko, proclaimed herself Queen of the Dark Lands and attempted to kill officials during winter court held in her city of Yurikawa, and killed herself in distress and despair. After this, several Yamada stepped forward voluntarily to be put away and were confined in Imperial Jails. Some Yamada resisted and entrenched themselves in their family Ryuken, and developed intense magical powers. Sokomo mages eventually were summoned and destroyed the whole estate with fire magic.
802 The reign of Empress Kaneko begins
Months into her reign, the Yama and Ameiko clans clashed for control of a string of mithril mines under Ameiko control, but contested by the Yama. Kaneko's Imperial Army had become too small; she had to wait for the Yama clan to claim victory, leading the Ameiko to distance themselves from the Empire.
825 Ninomiya Dwarven Unrest
Unrest in the Dwarven Fortress of Ninomiya Mountain causes concern to local populations as a lake of lava appears around the Fortress. The lava magically dissipates a few months later with Dwarves denying any sort of unrest.
853 War of the Lion
Poor harvests and a decrease in trade trigger an economic downturn that especially hits Oranda and Ameiko ventures. The War of the Lion begins with the Rubashi Clan pushing north against the Yama Clan to claim the famed city of Gotoji, producer of emeralds.
858 The reign of Empress Chiyo begins
As the economy recovers, Empress Chiyo swears to restore prosperity to Heibesu. Most of her policies will aim at restoring trade links with ports and emancipation of guilds, and reforming the Imperial Army to put down any in-fighting between Clans.
914 Incident on the High Seas
Pirates ambush the Royal Treasury Fleet and plunder taxes from Oranda. From then on, taxes would solely be collected by a whole legion of Samurai escorting the collects on roads, often using fake caravans to minimize chances further.
921 The reign of Empress Hideko begins
938 The War of the Great Hammer begins
Dwarves on the Wild Mainland clash with a coalition of Drow cities on the Dwarven Jade Empire's southern borders. The beginning of the war bring massive influx of Shuju races and Ton'keena refugees to Heibesu. Drow, a race poorly known by Ton'keena of the time, quickly become one of the most feared people in Heibesu.
942 The Everglades Massacre
In the height of the Great Hammer War, Drow citizens that sought refuge in Heibesu City were slaughtered on the demand of the Dwarven Jade Council. More than five hundred Drow perished, along with Ton'keena conspirators convicted of planning a coup against the Empress.
945 Tengu Settlement Act
Tengu are allowed in cities, leading to a mass exodus of Tengu from the villages throughout Heibesu into the major cities, especially slums.
947 Miracle of the Fox
Groups of Kitsune exiles on the Wild Mainland and special Kitsune Yamabushi troops led by Torii Sayo help the Dwarves in taking Drow cities. The war is no longer timelocked; in a matter of months the southern Drow coalition is utterly annihilated. In Heibesu, news of Kitsune victory help them integrate faster than ever into mainstream Heibesu society.
984 The reign of Empress Saito begins
998 Rise of the Buccaneer
In a time of ever increasing naval trade, pirates became powerful and well-armed. The Army of Red Beard John, in particular, sunk more than forty ships on his own. Buccaneers begin to make a fortune and the Age of Piracy begins. In addition, they are recruited as irregulars by all major armies, and plunder Wild Mainland nations, as well as enemy Ton'keena fleets. Heibesu and its great navies emerge as the major world power during this time.
1011 Daarian Thousand Paths declared heresy
The Daarian based religion had been making incursions in Heibesu territory, and was outlawed, leading to diplomatic protests between the two nations.
1014 Necromancy declared illegal
Following disturbing reports from the eastern parts of the Empire, Necromancy and any practice on cadavers is declared illegal, immoral and punishable by death.
1021 Assassination attempt on Empress Saito
As Empress Saito was sitting in Court in Heibesu City, assassins broke into the Imperial Palace. Many members of court were killed, but the Empress fled with her closest aides. It was later revealed the attempt was a coup by an isolated, separatist guild; however, public opinion believed Orandans were behind the staged coup. At least two massacres were recorded in trading towns in the Oranda nation.
1043 The reign of Empress Yuko begins
Empress Saito dies of old age, and her daughter swears to assist House Ameiko in establishing a trade network between the major Ton'keena nations.
Era of Strife (1053 - 1138)
1053 War of the Monkey
Oranda and Heibesu fight for control over Monkey Island, a far-away trading post and key location in Ameiko trade routes. Faris the Brave, a notorious pirate known for her honourable deeds and hatred of Daarian people (presumably after they killed her wife and husband in an earlier skirmish), led her fleet against the Oranda fleet, disrupting their lines. In exchange for her help, the Ameiko recruit her as a regular. The Monkey Festival is held in Nishino every year in her honour. The War of the Monkey is one of four to occur on the Heibesian mainland or within the Empire's borders within a century.
1095 Unrest in Oranda
After a Tengu assassination attempt on the Orandan king following decades of tyranny, the Oranda army strikes back and burns many Tengu villages, forcing many beyond the border into Heibesu. The king tightens his security and the first “secret police”, the Eye of Oranda, is formed, under cover of legitimacy through the Orandan religious elite. Mass unrest ensues amongst the populace.
1119 War of the Ruby Island
A loosely federated group of pirates plunder the island city of Wakoshi and occupy it for a few months. The Imperial Fleet eventually retakes it by force and executes all surviving pirates.
1130 War of the Red Ring : Succession Crisis
The Queen of Hosohara dies, pushing her kingdom into civil war. Her two daughters Sui and Ruri summon local armies and eventually split their realm in two.
1133 The Guild Accession Act is passed
As more families petition for Clan status, an act is passed that formalizes guilds based on occupation. Guild organizations become more powerful and gain extra rights as a result, but require a certain upkeep and taxes to be paid to the Imperial Throne. The effect is that many wealthier families, those that vouched for Clan status, group into Guilds instead. Despite not holding land beyond their estates and the heavy taxes, many of these Guilds become important to commercial, political or social aspects of the Empire. Already established Guilds enjoy sudden extra rights that were previously granted at the Empress’ whim, and flourish as a result.
1134 War of the Broken Lilies : Disaster at Yahagi
Oranda and the Empire never were on good terms, but diplomatic relations were cut when a group of Oranda warriors infiltrated the Winter Court in Yahagi and successfully killed the Empress and most of the Court. An immediate war was called and all of the army and navy were mobilized. In the absence of a clear heir, regent Rugashi Shioko was called to the post of War Empress while a Council deliberated on a new heir. The War of the Broken Lilies had begun and would mark the beginning of the fragmentation of the Empire.
1134 War of the Broken Lilies : Oranda victories
While the bulk of the Army was massed on the western shores of the Crimson Lake, Oranda launched a sudden attack across the hills and took Yahagi without any difficulties. At the same time, the Army was being held off by powerful wizards.
1134 Nightshade Incident
A strange ship was sighted at several harbours across the world, and by the end of the year moored by Heibesu Harbour. The boat itself seemed abandoned and unseaworthy, as if it had been pulled out of the sea depths. A boarding party was assembled and tried to make contact with the ship, but they only found reanimated, undead bodies and a wailing Nightshade. The ship sailed away when the Navy gave pursuit, and was never sighted again.
1135 War of the Broken Lilies : Battle of Kokujo
The Kaeda Clan’s cavalry broke off from the main army and rushed to meet the Oranda advance. In the middle of summer, the Oranda were besieging Kokujo. The Kaeda disrupted the enemy’s supply lines and quickly surrounded the Oranda, and heroically defeated their main forces. Remaining Oranda forces quickly diverted to reinforce the western side of the Lake, where most of the army was massed.
1135 War of the Broken Lilies : Siege of Kakeya
Unable to advance towards Narugami because of a magical shield protecting the city, the main army advanced, facing many battle-hardened troops and wizards, but eventually managed to surround and besiege the city of Kakeya, which was crucial as it controlled all of the Crimson Lake. Kakeya fell in the winter and Oranda troops from Kokujo regrouped in Takeshi to plan a defence plan.
1135 Empress Kimeko’s reign begins
Kimeko took the lead in the 875-876 Winter Court, symbolically one year into the war. She had been considered the daughter of an illegitimate relationship and therefore excluded from the line of succession, but in the events of the War was eventually named Empress. Kimeko was herself a shrewd warrior and had fought in the Battle of Kokujo, and took to arms herself. In the middle of the war, Kimeko decided to declare the Thousand Steps no longer heretic in hope to attract Daarian capital and mercenaries to fight for the Empire.
1136 War of the Broken Lilies : The Prismatic Wizard
The Soshi Guild of Archivists sought to find ancient texts to defeat the shield around Narugami. The city itself was not to be ignored as most iron and other crucial supplies to the Oranda army originated from the town. Eventually, an old text named the Prismatic Wizard was rediscovered, along with a long combination of runes which spell would dispel the shield. The spell itself was primitive, the runes had been re-drawn and much of the old rune system had been forgotten, but was translated and converted into modern magics.
1136 War of the Broken Lilies : Oranda Alliance
Severely short on manpower, Oranda sought to create a distraction by allying with the kingdoms of Ido and Hosohara. They would however not involve themselves in the actual fighting for a few months.
1136 War of the Broken Lilies : Siege of Narugami
The Imperial Army massed itself against the Narugami shield, and Sokomo wizards dispelled it while the Navy sailed into the harbour. Narugami was otherwise unprepared, and taken in a matter of days. Supplies to Oranda became scarce and the Army settled there for the winter, though Empress Kimeko stated one should not linger on too much lest the Oranda army could rebuild.
1137 War of the Broken Lilies : Siege of Nishino
At the end of Winter, a force from Ido and Hosohara besieged Nishino, but never could breach into its walls. The Army split in two : the main force would walk onto Oranda, while about 20% walked towards the weaker kingdoms to the East.
1137 Battle of Arduko
A small task force of unknown origin, rumoured to be a mixture of Imperial Guards and of elusive Enforcers, retakes the village of Arduko far from the fronts from undead forces.
1137 War of the Broken Lilies : Siege of Takeshi and Oranda defeat
The main forces of the Army besieged Takeshi. Empress Kimeko was somewhat right in her predictions - the Oranda army was fierce and charged fearlessly with its superior wizards, but the cavalry trapped the Oranda path of retreat and supply lines while hidden troops pinched the enemy army and slaughtered it. With most of the Orandan forces in shambles, the capital was wide open and logically fell.
1137 War of the Broken Lilies : Battle of Samukawa
The rest of the army marched to Samukawa, where they attempted to take the Hosohara forces out. It was a success, and they besieged Ido, while the fleets and victorious army marched on to take Hosohara. For the first time, the Empire spanned the entirety of the Heibesian mainland, heralding the Modern Era.
Modern Era (1138 - )
1138 Oni resurgence
Bad spirits and other mythical creatures become far more common slights around the turn of Spring, possibly caused by the immense loss of life in the Empire.
1138 Return to Peace (Peace in the North)
The War was the bloodiest war in Imperial history and marked a series of precedents. Never before had the clans been so united in fighting a common enemy; it also meant that for the first time ever, the whole continent was under Imperial leadership. Societal reforms were quickly engaged, and the provinces were redrawn. However, this unity was short-lived as clans bickered over the legitimacy of the Heir and provincial holdings.
1141 Rise of the Kaeda led Oranda Shogunate
Kaeda courtiers tried to get the whole of Oranda, but never managed to expand their area of influence. Worse even, during three particularly harsh winters the Empire diverted food shipments to the Totori Highlands, leaving to mass starvation in the former kingdom of Oranda. Eventually the Kaeda decided to formally break ties with the Court. Oranda became de-facto sovereign again, though as a Shogunate, culturally dominated by the rebel Kaeda clan. This leads, however, to the restoration of some of the old institutions of Oranda - and of some of its leaders.
1142 Rise of the Dragons
Mythical beasts appeared near Ninomiya, including dragons and other legendary creatures from the Shriek. At first they just appeared in the vicinity of the town, but they swiftly proceeded to attack the city. They seemed to were led by a powerful but rogue Sorcerer, Kawamata Minami, in a botched attempt to find and destroy the famed Phylactery of the Yama clan. Ninomiya did not entirely fall, as a group of unnamed wizards fought and eventually dispelled the summoning spell holding the beasts. Minami supposedly took her own life when asked to surrender. The Kaeda are not believed to be responsible for the disaster - most of the Oranda mages were killed during the War of the Broken Lilies and the Clan itself was known to be distrusting of mages.
1143 Kaeda-Yama War
Following the dragon attack on Ninomiya, the shoguns of the rebel Oranda Shogunate decided to attack Yama territory. They managed to strike deep into the Imperial Heartlands, taking the towns of Horigushi and Kokujo in just eight days. Indeed the War of the Broken Lilies left most Clans unwilling to go back to war, and fewer reserve troops to take foot warriors from. However, 12 miles from Ninomiya, the Yama Clan Samurai aided by the Dwarves of Gildenheim banded together to contain the Kaeda advance. The Yama petitioned other clans for help. Following an emergency levy by the Empress, Totori Bushi, including the Yamabushi, and the Empress' own Samurai Order moved in to relieve the falling Yama Clan. The Kaeda are eventually moved back, though Kokujo is burnt down by the retreating armies. After seven months, a ceasefire was declared, and is still holding today. It is known as the Non Aggression Act 1142.
1143 The Kokora are moved to Hosohara
The Kokora Clan had been historically close to Heibesu and the Court. However, a Totori investigation revealed possible ties between the Clan Champion and the Kawanata family, whose leader caused the near destruction of Ninomiya. To push them away from the Court, they were given the province of Hosohara and kicked out of their former holdings. Part of the Clan split from the Empire and established the Kokura Shogunate as a result, though others in the Clan decided to remain loyal to the Empress. The Shogunate began attacking the Totori in skirmishes over their border.
1145 Drow plot to take Ameiko lands over
A group of Drow try to steal an Unseelie relic from the High Mistress of the Ameiko Caravan Company, who illegally controlled undead to drive away competition, in order to create a giant undead army to take over land in the Empire. Their leader was put down a few days later, leading to a massive investigation that unveiled the conspiracy.
1145 Mysterious sightings over Crimson Lake – Present Day
0 The Awakening
The discovery of magic is felt across the Heibesu continent. Warladies and queens alike strive to expand using their newfound powers. The history of this period is not well documented but many kingdoms rose and fell.
53 Three Kingdoms Era
Three kingdoms came to control the heartlands of what would later become the Empire. They were centred around Ninomiya, Kitamoto and Heibesu. This era is marked by wars both inside and outside.
112 Sokomo Island is settled
210 The Prismatic Wizard
An early treaty on magic, this book was written and contained 950 combinations of runes, as well as a section on how to properly cast each spell. The book served as a reference guide for early wizards, but then fell into oblivion for centuries.
348 First Dwarven War
Kageshuju in Ninomiya fought against the kingdom of Ninomiya over control of the mountains. The dwarves drove the Ton'keena away, but wizards eventually came close to breaching the ancestral Dwarven fortress of Gilderheim. A ceasefire was signed : Ninomiya Mountain was now Ton'keena territory, but the Dwarves there were named as sole and eternal keepers of the mountain.
401 Establishment of the Chantry
As religion spread across the lands, the Chantry was created to control the flow of magic and to promote belief in the Reiki. Usishiwa Oriko, the first ever Great Priestess of the Void, set out on a holy mission to create an organized chapter across the lands. The Faith of the Void was born.
423 Birth of Katsu Ochiba
441 Creation of the Guild of Archivists
Led by the Soshi family and associates, the Guild would become the Empire’s official archivists and eventually achieve Noble House status.
Early Imperial Era (455 – 631)
455 Founding of the Empire
The Champion of Heibesu, Katsu Ochiba, united the Three Kingdoms against the wider Dazaifu menace. After their overwhelming victory during the First Sacking of Yoshida and the establishment of a strong military force in the West, the Kingdoms united under Ochiba’s leadership (renamed Empress Uesuko), starting the Hayashi Dynasty. The Early Imperial Era had begun.
456 Tsurumaki splits
The City of Tsurumaki splits from the Empire after its nobility opposed the union. Soon after, marauders begin to harass farmers on the borders of the Empire.
512 Empress Imeko’s reign begins
The First Empress dies of old age in her palace in Heibesu. Her daughter Imeko takes the throne.
521 War of the Rose : Siege of Heibesu
Tsurumaki troops briefly besiege Heibesu in an attempt to topple Imperial power. Troops from the hinterlands take them by surprise. The Dwarves of Ninomiya stayed neutral, but following secret arrangements, flanked Tsurumaki troops.
522 Sokomo Volcano erupts
Sokomo is briefly evacuated, but the eruption suddenly stops and the city is saved. Sokomo wizards are said to be behind this.
523 War of the Rose : Sacking of Tsukumari
Heibesu troops slowly advance into Tsukumari territory. The Yama family built a fleet which proved instrumental in destroying defences and lowering enemy morale, and Tsukumari soon surrendered, and rejoined the Empire. It cemented the union between Ton'keena and Dwarves, despite shaky common grounds. Dazaifu, a small kingdom then occupying the Eastern half of the continent, falls out with the Crown after openly supporting Tsukumari and sending relief troops.
523 Noble Houses
Partly to control powerful Imperial families, but also to facilitate stewardship over the Empire and to reward those that helped the Empire grow, the Clan system is established and six Houses are granted privileges and land.
551 War of the Thorne
Empress Imeko, guided by Ma’lena, declares a new era of expansion for the Empire. The cities of Nishino and Deidora are founded, partly to restrict sea access to the Dazaifu Kingdom that, by that time, was centred around the cities of Yoshida and Yurikawa.
598 Battle of the Four Winds
Oranda scout fleets harass sea trade from Nishino. In what was perceived to be a miracle brought about by Shigeki, the Ameiko’s out-matched Northern Fleet managed to use the wind and fog to confuse the enemy fleets and take them out. This event would mark a long history of enmity between the two powers.
621 The Academy of Arcane and Wizardry opens
Senior Chantry member Obuchi Kafu and the Sokomo Champion and wizard Sokomo Naora found the Academy to further centralize the research on magic, Chantry policy, and to promote the formation of quality mages.
Era of Discovery (631 - 768)
631 Emperor Jurobei’s reign begins
Empress Imeko dies after a very long reign but leaves no female heir behind. Her only son becomes Emperor. His first act was to revoke most laws barring men from such acts as holding too much land or public offices, and his reign would be known for fighting what he perceived as an unfair matriarchal code of laws.
648 Ameiko Expeditions
The Ameiko started expeditions and opened trade routes with foreign lands, bringing new technology and goods to the Empire. Skirmishes with neighbouring clans were quickly dealt with by the Imperial Army.
652 The Great Hurricane
An especially strong hurricane hit Heibesu City in mid 652, and completely ruined the city. It would take years for the city to be built anew, and weakened centralized Imperial power. The Hayashi clan took it upon themselves to rebuild Heibesu City as a new, model city.
654 The Sphere Act is passed
Spheres become legal entities and are determined based on profession and social standing. It mostly sets in stone an existing social arrangement.
672 First Great Tournament
A great tournament was held in Kitamoto, with each clan and some guilds sending a delegated team. There were many competitions held, such as magical duels, brawling, and the board game Weiki. The famed game between Kyu-Dan Ikina Mito and San-Dan Ameiko Raicho, ending with the lower-ranked Ameiko’s victory and which inspired Weiki theory for centuries to go, occurred as part of this tournament. The Keida won the overall ranking of the tournament, and the Tournament came to be repeated every five years.
681 Daizafu War : Battle of Nishino
The Daizafu claimed that the settlement of Nishino was illegal occupation of their territory. Following decades of disputes and border skirmishes, they launched a full-blown surprise attack against Nishino. Overwhelming numbers quickly breached into the city, and with the Northern Fleet scattered across the globe, there was no easy way to defend or rescue the city. With Nishino taken, the Empire became geographically split in two as the Dazaifu controlled the whole central part of the continent, but Imperial Morale did not drop.
681 Daizafu War : Battle of Deidora
The Daizafu launched their offensive on two fronts : the bulk of their army moved deeper, westwards into Imperial territory, but found themselves hindered by heavy resistance and a very cold winter. Part of the army pushed southwards and managed to reach the isolated city of Deidora while pushing to conquer the Shrine of Light. With food sources dwindling and the main army unable to provide relief, Deidora was forced to surrender as it could not withstand a siege.
682 Daizafu War : Battle of Ninomiya
The main Daizafu army reached Ninomiya in the late winter and proceeded to besiege the town. However, in a brilliant move, most of the Imperial Army bypassed Ninomiya and instead landed at Yoshida, taking the Dazaifu capital. The Dazaifu also had to face heavy casualties at Ninomiya, from which they could not recover. They eventually were pushed out of Ninomiya, and staged a retreat to Nishino.
682 Daizafu War : The Deidora Gambit
After Yurikawa fell, General Nogi Yukinaga fortified the former Dazaifu capital. Small groups of the enemy army tried to retake the city, but were obliterated. Meanwhile, the Southern Fleet was bombing cities on the south coast, including Deidora. Yukinaga initially wanted to pursue the Daizafu to Nishino, but naval support convinced him to race across the Dazaifu heartlands to retake Deidora. The city fell in a matter of hours and the defenders all summarily executed.
683 Daizafu War : Second Battle of Nishino
As the Imperial Army was hopping from Dazaifu City to the next in its race to retake Deidora and meet with the Navy, the Dazaifu fortified Nishino. Morale had fallen as they realised their tactical mistake in leaving their whole territory undefended without being able to take Ninomiya or at least to block the Imperial Army there, but they refused to surrender despite having lost all of their initial territory. Only once the Imperial Army was approaching Nishino did they offer a cease-fire, which Emperor Jurobei accepted, having gained what he wanted : Dazaifu was no longer a relevant military power.
687 Empress Sakura’s reign begins
Emperor Jurobei dies of a sudden illness. His daughter Sakura soon takes the throne and declares a period of mourning. This year’s Tournament is cancelled. Sakura also established the tradition of the Winter Court.
697 The Elemental Terrors appear
Creatures like Oni appear in far higher numbers and that winter, it did not snow at all, not even in the northernmost parts of the Empire. Monsters then known as the Elemental Terrors appeared, only to be subdued by valiant warriors and bounty hunters. First signs of corruption on the Kitsune mainland of Ragonda.
710 Creation of the Jagged Blade
Rogue Bushi Sen Kinuyo created the Jagged Blade, a siblinghood of fallen casteless Bushi that hired themselves out as mercenaries. They came to be seen as trusted after they attacked several pirate bases, but remained, perhaps by choice, casteless.
732 Introduction of the Three Metals currency system
The Kobon, Bon and Obon system of bronze, silver and gold coins was promoted by the Ameiko and Rugashi clans to centralize the economy and replace the system of commodity money and local currencies that prevailed at the time. It also permitted to raise immense amounts of taxes.
735 The reign of Empress Kaiya begins
The new Empress immediately began to focus on economic reforms and boosting the military.
745 Invention of the Crossbow
Crossbows were invented by Rugashi tinkerers. Fast and light, they soon came to become standard equipment for the Bushi.
756 The Retaliation War
Resentment against Daizafu culminated in a final war against the Kingdom. The to-be Toturi Clan committed many Bushi to the war. The goal was to regain Nishino and its surroundings. While the Imperial Army had developed and grown, the besieged Dazaifu, cut off from their ancestral homeland and dealing with a ever hostile populace, soon crumbled under the might of the Army. Dazaifu was finally put to rest.
Mid-Imperial Era (768 - 1053)
768 Discovery of the Dark Lands Beyond
Sokomo mages and Ameiko explorers discovered an island where all nature seemed perverted and demons roamed free. They dubbed this land the Dark Lands Beyond and attempted a land expedition, but all who stepped on the cursed mainland ended up insane and had to be left behind as the remainder of the fleet sailed back to safer waters. The Dark Lands Beyond used to refer to a small landmass far to the east; since then, they now also encompass the Kitsune mainland. This event, and the Unseelie Unrest the following year, signalled the beginning of the Mid-Imperial Era, one of slight economic depression but also renewed contact with the rest of the known world.
769 Unseelie Unrest
Discovery of a long-lost fortress near Heibesu City set the inhabitants in a state of unrest. In Fall, a group of adventurers attempted to enter the Fortress; they all came out insane or even undead, and had to be killed off as they ran on a massacre in the city. The ruins have since been overgrown and declared off-limits, and slowly faded from public memory again. First record of the Enforcers, a group of wizards said to meddle in politics and declared Enemies of the State.
771 Runestone Wars
Sokomo mages made breakthrough discoveries in understanding the nature of arcane, and became able to re-shape the runestone system entirely. Sokomo and Yama mages clashed over Sokomo improvements to the runestone system, including the introduction of minor runes and the re-drawing of runes considered sacred. The Yama (and to a lesser extent the Totori) viewed such changes as heresy and the two clans clashed, especially during the Battle of Ice and Fire, which saw Sokomo and their Totori allies become the dominant power in the Chantry and Arcane research as a whole.
788 Foundation of Ameiko Plantation
The House Ameiko has been seeking to expand their trade network abroad, but this is the first full-fledged colony in the Wild Mainland that succeeds. Clashes with nearby Ton'keena nations and tribes continue for several years, but the Plantation endures.
791 Kitsune Residence Act
While Kitsune were known before, never were they so numerous as waves of them fled their homeland as it sunk into the sea, swallowed by the corruption of the Dark Lands Beyond. The Earthward Tribes asked for permission to settle in the Empire, and soon enough integrated to some point in Heibesu society. Many went on to become great sorcerers in Sokomo.
799 The Yamada Incident
The Yamada were a family serving under House Ameiko, and who organized many expeditions to lands unknown. However, the Yamada slowly became tainted, especially after visits to the Dark Lands Beyond. One particularly affected member, Yamada Kinuko, proclaimed herself Queen of the Dark Lands and attempted to kill officials during winter court held in her city of Yurikawa, and killed herself in distress and despair. After this, several Yamada stepped forward voluntarily to be put away and were confined in Imperial Jails. Some Yamada resisted and entrenched themselves in their family Ryuken, and developed intense magical powers. Sokomo mages eventually were summoned and destroyed the whole estate with fire magic.
802 The reign of Empress Kaneko begins
Months into her reign, the Yama and Ameiko clans clashed for control of a string of mithril mines under Ameiko control, but contested by the Yama. Kaneko's Imperial Army had become too small; she had to wait for the Yama clan to claim victory, leading the Ameiko to distance themselves from the Empire.
825 Ninomiya Dwarven Unrest
Unrest in the Dwarven Fortress of Ninomiya Mountain causes concern to local populations as a lake of lava appears around the Fortress. The lava magically dissipates a few months later with Dwarves denying any sort of unrest.
853 War of the Lion
Poor harvests and a decrease in trade trigger an economic downturn that especially hits Oranda and Ameiko ventures. The War of the Lion begins with the Rubashi Clan pushing north against the Yama Clan to claim the famed city of Gotoji, producer of emeralds.
858 The reign of Empress Chiyo begins
As the economy recovers, Empress Chiyo swears to restore prosperity to Heibesu. Most of her policies will aim at restoring trade links with ports and emancipation of guilds, and reforming the Imperial Army to put down any in-fighting between Clans.
914 Incident on the High Seas
Pirates ambush the Royal Treasury Fleet and plunder taxes from Oranda. From then on, taxes would solely be collected by a whole legion of Samurai escorting the collects on roads, often using fake caravans to minimize chances further.
921 The reign of Empress Hideko begins
938 The War of the Great Hammer begins
Dwarves on the Wild Mainland clash with a coalition of Drow cities on the Dwarven Jade Empire's southern borders. The beginning of the war bring massive influx of Shuju races and Ton'keena refugees to Heibesu. Drow, a race poorly known by Ton'keena of the time, quickly become one of the most feared people in Heibesu.
942 The Everglades Massacre
In the height of the Great Hammer War, Drow citizens that sought refuge in Heibesu City were slaughtered on the demand of the Dwarven Jade Council. More than five hundred Drow perished, along with Ton'keena conspirators convicted of planning a coup against the Empress.
945 Tengu Settlement Act
Tengu are allowed in cities, leading to a mass exodus of Tengu from the villages throughout Heibesu into the major cities, especially slums.
947 Miracle of the Fox
Groups of Kitsune exiles on the Wild Mainland and special Kitsune Yamabushi troops led by Torii Sayo help the Dwarves in taking Drow cities. The war is no longer timelocked; in a matter of months the southern Drow coalition is utterly annihilated. In Heibesu, news of Kitsune victory help them integrate faster than ever into mainstream Heibesu society.
984 The reign of Empress Saito begins
998 Rise of the Buccaneer
In a time of ever increasing naval trade, pirates became powerful and well-armed. The Army of Red Beard John, in particular, sunk more than forty ships on his own. Buccaneers begin to make a fortune and the Age of Piracy begins. In addition, they are recruited as irregulars by all major armies, and plunder Wild Mainland nations, as well as enemy Ton'keena fleets. Heibesu and its great navies emerge as the major world power during this time.
1011 Daarian Thousand Paths declared heresy
The Daarian based religion had been making incursions in Heibesu territory, and was outlawed, leading to diplomatic protests between the two nations.
1014 Necromancy declared illegal
Following disturbing reports from the eastern parts of the Empire, Necromancy and any practice on cadavers is declared illegal, immoral and punishable by death.
1021 Assassination attempt on Empress Saito
As Empress Saito was sitting in Court in Heibesu City, assassins broke into the Imperial Palace. Many members of court were killed, but the Empress fled with her closest aides. It was later revealed the attempt was a coup by an isolated, separatist guild; however, public opinion believed Orandans were behind the staged coup. At least two massacres were recorded in trading towns in the Oranda nation.
1043 The reign of Empress Yuko begins
Empress Saito dies of old age, and her daughter swears to assist House Ameiko in establishing a trade network between the major Ton'keena nations.
Era of Strife (1053 - 1138)
1053 War of the Monkey
Oranda and Heibesu fight for control over Monkey Island, a far-away trading post and key location in Ameiko trade routes. Faris the Brave, a notorious pirate known for her honourable deeds and hatred of Daarian people (presumably after they killed her wife and husband in an earlier skirmish), led her fleet against the Oranda fleet, disrupting their lines. In exchange for her help, the Ameiko recruit her as a regular. The Monkey Festival is held in Nishino every year in her honour. The War of the Monkey is one of four to occur on the Heibesian mainland or within the Empire's borders within a century.
1095 Unrest in Oranda
After a Tengu assassination attempt on the Orandan king following decades of tyranny, the Oranda army strikes back and burns many Tengu villages, forcing many beyond the border into Heibesu. The king tightens his security and the first “secret police”, the Eye of Oranda, is formed, under cover of legitimacy through the Orandan religious elite. Mass unrest ensues amongst the populace.
1119 War of the Ruby Island
A loosely federated group of pirates plunder the island city of Wakoshi and occupy it for a few months. The Imperial Fleet eventually retakes it by force and executes all surviving pirates.
1130 War of the Red Ring : Succession Crisis
The Queen of Hosohara dies, pushing her kingdom into civil war. Her two daughters Sui and Ruri summon local armies and eventually split their realm in two.
1133 The Guild Accession Act is passed
As more families petition for Clan status, an act is passed that formalizes guilds based on occupation. Guild organizations become more powerful and gain extra rights as a result, but require a certain upkeep and taxes to be paid to the Imperial Throne. The effect is that many wealthier families, those that vouched for Clan status, group into Guilds instead. Despite not holding land beyond their estates and the heavy taxes, many of these Guilds become important to commercial, political or social aspects of the Empire. Already established Guilds enjoy sudden extra rights that were previously granted at the Empress’ whim, and flourish as a result.
1134 War of the Broken Lilies : Disaster at Yahagi
Oranda and the Empire never were on good terms, but diplomatic relations were cut when a group of Oranda warriors infiltrated the Winter Court in Yahagi and successfully killed the Empress and most of the Court. An immediate war was called and all of the army and navy were mobilized. In the absence of a clear heir, regent Rugashi Shioko was called to the post of War Empress while a Council deliberated on a new heir. The War of the Broken Lilies had begun and would mark the beginning of the fragmentation of the Empire.
1134 War of the Broken Lilies : Oranda victories
While the bulk of the Army was massed on the western shores of the Crimson Lake, Oranda launched a sudden attack across the hills and took Yahagi without any difficulties. At the same time, the Army was being held off by powerful wizards.
1134 Nightshade Incident
A strange ship was sighted at several harbours across the world, and by the end of the year moored by Heibesu Harbour. The boat itself seemed abandoned and unseaworthy, as if it had been pulled out of the sea depths. A boarding party was assembled and tried to make contact with the ship, but they only found reanimated, undead bodies and a wailing Nightshade. The ship sailed away when the Navy gave pursuit, and was never sighted again.
1135 War of the Broken Lilies : Battle of Kokujo
The Kaeda Clan’s cavalry broke off from the main army and rushed to meet the Oranda advance. In the middle of summer, the Oranda were besieging Kokujo. The Kaeda disrupted the enemy’s supply lines and quickly surrounded the Oranda, and heroically defeated their main forces. Remaining Oranda forces quickly diverted to reinforce the western side of the Lake, where most of the army was massed.
1135 War of the Broken Lilies : Siege of Kakeya
Unable to advance towards Narugami because of a magical shield protecting the city, the main army advanced, facing many battle-hardened troops and wizards, but eventually managed to surround and besiege the city of Kakeya, which was crucial as it controlled all of the Crimson Lake. Kakeya fell in the winter and Oranda troops from Kokujo regrouped in Takeshi to plan a defence plan.
1135 Empress Kimeko’s reign begins
Kimeko took the lead in the 875-876 Winter Court, symbolically one year into the war. She had been considered the daughter of an illegitimate relationship and therefore excluded from the line of succession, but in the events of the War was eventually named Empress. Kimeko was herself a shrewd warrior and had fought in the Battle of Kokujo, and took to arms herself. In the middle of the war, Kimeko decided to declare the Thousand Steps no longer heretic in hope to attract Daarian capital and mercenaries to fight for the Empire.
1136 War of the Broken Lilies : The Prismatic Wizard
The Soshi Guild of Archivists sought to find ancient texts to defeat the shield around Narugami. The city itself was not to be ignored as most iron and other crucial supplies to the Oranda army originated from the town. Eventually, an old text named the Prismatic Wizard was rediscovered, along with a long combination of runes which spell would dispel the shield. The spell itself was primitive, the runes had been re-drawn and much of the old rune system had been forgotten, but was translated and converted into modern magics.
1136 War of the Broken Lilies : Oranda Alliance
Severely short on manpower, Oranda sought to create a distraction by allying with the kingdoms of Ido and Hosohara. They would however not involve themselves in the actual fighting for a few months.
1136 War of the Broken Lilies : Siege of Narugami
The Imperial Army massed itself against the Narugami shield, and Sokomo wizards dispelled it while the Navy sailed into the harbour. Narugami was otherwise unprepared, and taken in a matter of days. Supplies to Oranda became scarce and the Army settled there for the winter, though Empress Kimeko stated one should not linger on too much lest the Oranda army could rebuild.
1137 War of the Broken Lilies : Siege of Nishino
At the end of Winter, a force from Ido and Hosohara besieged Nishino, but never could breach into its walls. The Army split in two : the main force would walk onto Oranda, while about 20% walked towards the weaker kingdoms to the East.
1137 Battle of Arduko
A small task force of unknown origin, rumoured to be a mixture of Imperial Guards and of elusive Enforcers, retakes the village of Arduko far from the fronts from undead forces.
1137 War of the Broken Lilies : Siege of Takeshi and Oranda defeat
The main forces of the Army besieged Takeshi. Empress Kimeko was somewhat right in her predictions - the Oranda army was fierce and charged fearlessly with its superior wizards, but the cavalry trapped the Oranda path of retreat and supply lines while hidden troops pinched the enemy army and slaughtered it. With most of the Orandan forces in shambles, the capital was wide open and logically fell.
1137 War of the Broken Lilies : Battle of Samukawa
The rest of the army marched to Samukawa, where they attempted to take the Hosohara forces out. It was a success, and they besieged Ido, while the fleets and victorious army marched on to take Hosohara. For the first time, the Empire spanned the entirety of the Heibesian mainland, heralding the Modern Era.
Modern Era (1138 - )
1138 Oni resurgence
Bad spirits and other mythical creatures become far more common slights around the turn of Spring, possibly caused by the immense loss of life in the Empire.
1138 Return to Peace (Peace in the North)
The War was the bloodiest war in Imperial history and marked a series of precedents. Never before had the clans been so united in fighting a common enemy; it also meant that for the first time ever, the whole continent was under Imperial leadership. Societal reforms were quickly engaged, and the provinces were redrawn. However, this unity was short-lived as clans bickered over the legitimacy of the Heir and provincial holdings.
1141 Rise of the Kaeda led Oranda Shogunate
Kaeda courtiers tried to get the whole of Oranda, but never managed to expand their area of influence. Worse even, during three particularly harsh winters the Empire diverted food shipments to the Totori Highlands, leaving to mass starvation in the former kingdom of Oranda. Eventually the Kaeda decided to formally break ties with the Court. Oranda became de-facto sovereign again, though as a Shogunate, culturally dominated by the rebel Kaeda clan. This leads, however, to the restoration of some of the old institutions of Oranda - and of some of its leaders.
1142 Rise of the Dragons
Mythical beasts appeared near Ninomiya, including dragons and other legendary creatures from the Shriek. At first they just appeared in the vicinity of the town, but they swiftly proceeded to attack the city. They seemed to were led by a powerful but rogue Sorcerer, Kawamata Minami, in a botched attempt to find and destroy the famed Phylactery of the Yama clan. Ninomiya did not entirely fall, as a group of unnamed wizards fought and eventually dispelled the summoning spell holding the beasts. Minami supposedly took her own life when asked to surrender. The Kaeda are not believed to be responsible for the disaster - most of the Oranda mages were killed during the War of the Broken Lilies and the Clan itself was known to be distrusting of mages.
1143 Kaeda-Yama War
Following the dragon attack on Ninomiya, the shoguns of the rebel Oranda Shogunate decided to attack Yama territory. They managed to strike deep into the Imperial Heartlands, taking the towns of Horigushi and Kokujo in just eight days. Indeed the War of the Broken Lilies left most Clans unwilling to go back to war, and fewer reserve troops to take foot warriors from. However, 12 miles from Ninomiya, the Yama Clan Samurai aided by the Dwarves of Gildenheim banded together to contain the Kaeda advance. The Yama petitioned other clans for help. Following an emergency levy by the Empress, Totori Bushi, including the Yamabushi, and the Empress' own Samurai Order moved in to relieve the falling Yama Clan. The Kaeda are eventually moved back, though Kokujo is burnt down by the retreating armies. After seven months, a ceasefire was declared, and is still holding today. It is known as the Non Aggression Act 1142.
1143 The Kokora are moved to Hosohara
The Kokora Clan had been historically close to Heibesu and the Court. However, a Totori investigation revealed possible ties between the Clan Champion and the Kawanata family, whose leader caused the near destruction of Ninomiya. To push them away from the Court, they were given the province of Hosohara and kicked out of their former holdings. Part of the Clan split from the Empire and established the Kokura Shogunate as a result, though others in the Clan decided to remain loyal to the Empress. The Shogunate began attacking the Totori in skirmishes over their border.
1145 Drow plot to take Ameiko lands over
A group of Drow try to steal an Unseelie relic from the High Mistress of the Ameiko Caravan Company, who illegally controlled undead to drive away competition, in order to create a giant undead army to take over land in the Empire. Their leader was put down a few days later, leading to a massive investigation that unveiled the conspiracy.
1145 Mysterious sightings over Crimson Lake – Present Day