Vix Tiramora/5th Lord Vixir Daedalus Dogsbody (Ghrest) 6th January 1017
Betrayal of Caligus
Attempts were made to restore relations with King Rebec of Caligus. But scout reports and intensive interrogation techniques reveal that King Rebec has surrendered Caligan sovereignty to Xerarch Selenia and now serves as a Viceroy for Former Caligan Dominion of Eastern Xavax. Caligus' betrayal of Vix is thrice-fold:
i. When the Vix province of Leibo rise up in revolt and declare for Caligus, rather than restoring the region to Vix, Caligus hands the region to Xavax.
ii. Viceroy Rebec is spotted riding for Xavax City and intercepted letters reveal he is bringing significant gold reserves as a tribute to his new Overlord.
iii. Viceroy Rebec attempts to blackmail Daedalus that unless Vix makes Peace with GX, Caligus will attack them. Caligus forces move into the South to enforce this threat.
Vix responds by turning the tables on Eastern Xavax and breaking off their Alliance. They further reduce relations to Neutral, which enables the Abadan Militia to attack Eastern Xavax as they return to refit. Vix then declares War on Eastern Xavax and begin the liberation of the Mines of Isadril, which is successful. Vix follow up by taking Leibo, which has defected again to Eastern Xavax from GX.
Daedalus, still also Prime Knight at that time, suggests King Kellan lead the Southern Alliance as Supreme Allied Commander. King Kellan accepts this responsibility and serves formidably in this role from February through April, when the new Prime Knight Joran takes back control.
Meanwhile, Eponllyn have also submitted to Xevax hegemony and Viceroy Kira sets up the Former Eppy Dominion of Northern Xavax. Nivemus, having initially Allied with Vix and lowered relations with Caligus, ultimately decide to support the new Northern Xavaxan campaign against Perdan and joins the Xavax camp.
The Obsidian Islands, after years of silence upon their volcanic rock, declare for the Southern Alliance and help Perdan defend the Bescanon-Troyes line against Northern Xavax-Nivemus incursions. OI intrigue also causes trouble for Eastern Xavax when they are able to convince the people of Fontan to rise up against their Xavaxan oppressors.
Vix continue to push Eastern Xavax back and take Winkamus before besieging their Capital, Domus. This drives Xavaxan Allies the Republic of Sirion and Kingdon of Shadowdale to send forces South to break the siege, culminating in the Battle to Free Domus. The entire continent has now declared either for the Xavax Empire or the Southern Alliance. The GX Army, only a few day's march from Domus, selfishly and cravenly refuse their Vassals pleas for succour and stay in the South. Vix are accordingly able to liberate Domus and Northern Xavax makes the surprise and possible foolish decision to rebase their Capital at the frontier Temple of Akesh rather than the safer choice of Fontan City.
For Viceroy Rebec, losing the ancient Caligan Capital of Domus is the final straw for his people. Sensing bloody revolution, he flees his throne in the dead of night, never to be seen again. He is succeeded by another creature of the Xerarch, Viceroy Rowan. Daedalus, compassion in his heart and with a philanthropic desire to avoid any further bloodshed, reaches out to Viceroy Rowan to seek Peace. Rowan will not, however, accept any of his Vassal Nation's crimes and talks break down. Meanwhile, the Vix Citizenry vote against Peace with Eastern Xavax on Status Quo terms. Eastern Xavax now violently assault the peasantry of Nascot and Vix, foxy foxes as ever, sniff out an opportunity. They force march their troops and lay siege to the lightly-defended Temple of Akesh. They fend off successive rescue efforts by Sirion, Shadowdale and Northern Xavax and finally take the City. Eastern Xavax are now without a Capital for the second time and are forced to rebase in their last bastion, Fontan City.
Defeat of Greater Xavax
Meanwhile in the South, the Greater Xavaxan Empire continues their War with Alara and Minas Nova. In-between efforts against Eastern Xavax, Vix are able to march South and lay siege to Isadril, despite strong protests from King Kellan of Perdan. Vix are successful in taking the City, but the people are too in awe of their Margrave, Iuz Vidar Crownguard. Margrave Crownguard and Daedalus now begin a clandestine correspondence concerning the fate of Isadril, for the Margrave's primary concern is to spare the lives of his people and to save damage to his beloved City, in which his family has invested much. Upon receiving approval from the Vix Citizenry, Daedalus permits Margrave Crownguard to defect to Vix and thus trade his Margravedom in for a Governorship. Deprived of their main gold supply, Daedalus now considers GX neutered and offer the Vix Citizenry a Status Quo Peace with GX. The Citizens however reject Peace, some demanding that the Lich Queen step down as a condition, others wishing to liberate more oppressed regions. Thus a state of War persists.
With the Xavaxan Empire's threat fading and their Vassal Eastern Xavax in a state if disarray, Vix now cross the Akesh-Evora river and enter the North for the first time, a symbolic moment highlighting just how far Vix has come as a power. Indeed, Vix is now the richest Nation on the continent, supplanting even the mighty Republic of Sirion.
Secession of Highmarch
On the 15th October 1017, the Democratic State of Highmarch secedes from Vix after a Nationwide debate and successful Binding Referendum. Prior Referendums also elect Governor Ricard as the inaugral Vox (Leader), Rep Chester as Knight Commander (General), Governor Jarin as Quaestor (Judge) and Prime Knight Alfhelm as Chief of Commerce (Banker). The two Nations also agree upon an Alliance Treaty:
"The Grand Democratic Alliance
In celebration of the birth of a new Democracy on the East Island, the realm of Highmarch and its mother nation, Vix Tiramora, do hereby agree together on these terms to usher in a new age of prosperity, democratic freedoms and continued support in the wars against tyrants and oppressors alike across the continent:
The realm of Highmarch shall be declared a Democratic realm, following the values and freedoms of Vix Tiramora as of this day, and will abide by all referendums that passed for at least one month after formation of the realm. At that point citizens of Highmarch may request referendums to change aspects voted upon except for the following terms: The realm of Highmarch and Vix Tiramora shall join in an alliance together and pledge military and political support against the foreign aggressors who are listed(for the most recent date of revision): Greater Xavax, Nivemus, Caligus, Sirion, Shadowdale, Eponllyn. The realm of Highmarch shall seek out alliances with fellow members of the Southern Alliance coalition. Highmarch shall continue to remain at war with the northern realms(and not seek out personal ceasefires) until terms are settled by Vix Tiramora and the Vix-Highmarch alliance shall continue to persist even after the conclusion of the current war "
