General History of Laurasia, 1042-1113

This is '''Part IV of the General History of Laurasia, spanning from the 1040s to the first decades of the twelfth century.

=History of Laurasia, Part IV=

Dasian Yoke cont. (840-1080)
====The Independence of the Crimeanian Khanate; The Amelianian Hordes and their Penetrations into the Galactic Borderlands; The Overthrow of the Torfian Kingdom and Establishment of Hengist; The Eclipse of the Timurid Empire by the Neo-Carolyne or "Huntite" Khanate; The Division of the Neo-Carolyne Dominions into the Huntite and Homidinian Khanates; The Intrusion and Settlement of the Devianiani and Alexandrians; The Great Barbarian Conspiracy; The End of the Northern Khanate; The Brestord Advance in the Void; The Intrusion of the Ashgoths; The Battle of Adrian; The Creation of the Venasian Khanate; The Reign of the Last Khan of the "Golden" Horde; The Independence of Laurasia and other Core Worlds (1042-1080)==== Kuchuk Mohammad was alarmed by the establishment of the Crimeanian Khanate. Although he was unable to reassert the dominion of the Golden Horde over the Kazanian Khanate or the Nogai Horde, he was determined to retain control of Galicia and Polonia, two important provinces which contributed a vast share to the Khan's treasury. The Khan mustered his forces at Murphy, Horacia, and Zutagia, advancing against Haci Giray in January 1042. The Battles of Septi (19 January 1042) and Raclund (9 February 1042), were won by the Khan of the Golden Horde, but Haci Giray merely reorganized his forces and engaged in guerrilla tactics. Over the next two years, a bitter struggle emerged, as Kuchuk Mohammad, while managing to seize Polonia, Kaida, and Wronzaz, failed to capture Haci Giray and was unable to subdue his rival. Haci Giray, in particular, won fame throughout the Caladarian Galaxy for his exploits against the Khan. Finally, in February 1044, he secured an alliance with the Donguarian Emperor, Wladyslaw III (r. 1039-47). With the assistance of the Donguarian Emperor, he then achieved a major victory in the Battle of Legnica (9 March 1044). Kuchuk Mohammad lost the majority of his starfighter squadrons, and was forced to submit to a truce. Finally, by the Treaty of Cretta (19 November 1044), the Golden Horde acknowledged the independence of the Crimeanian Khanate and agreed to refrain from any further raiding expeditions against the Donguarians. Kuchuk Mohammad also paid a ransom to Haci Giray for the release of captives held by the Crimeanian Khan. After this, Kuchuk Mohammad returned to Saray, and spent the next seven years recovering from the struggle with Haci Giray. He restored the autonomy of the Decapolians (1047), signed a commerce treaty with Kebek of the Nogai Horde (1048), and suppressed uprisings on Clancia, Teth, Goldaria, and Marshia (1049-51). Also, Olugh Mohammad died (9 January 1046) and was succeeded to the throne of the Kazanian Khanate by Maxmud, who consolidated his father's dominions.

In the Timurid Empire, the 1040s was marked by a period of further civil disunion and disruption. Tensions simmered against the Khan Shahrukh, who had lost most of his father's conquests, being mostly despised by his subjects. For years, many Timurid noblemen and military commanders had engaged in intrigues and plots against the Khan, who had survived five assassination attempts in 1031, 1035, 1036, 1038, and 1041. Finally, however, resistance to the Khan consolidated around the person of Esen Buqa, who claimed to be a descendant of Qazaghan, although in reality he was of humble origins. Esen Buqa, was however, a talented and skilled military commander, being determined to reestablish the Carylone Khanate and weaken Shahrukh. Receiving aid from the Kimanian Shoguns and other formerly subject peoples throughout the Outer Borderlands, Esen Buqa arose in revolt against Shahrukh in December 1042, mustering his standard at Hunt Minor, Lorna, and Sheldonia. The rebel poised a major threat to the Timurid Khan, as he scattered the Khan's battlefleet in the Battle of the OsonBoka Nebula (19 February 1043) and destroyed the Timurid shipyards of Leah (29 February 1043). Esen Buqa then stormed Gedrosia Max (25 April 1043), capturing most of the Timurid warships there. In February 1044, the rebel fleet raided Samarkand itself, and by January 1045, Esen Buqa had established himself on Hunt Major. On 9 February 1045, he proclaimed the restoration of the Carylone Khanate, and soon consolidated control over most of the Huntite regions with the exception of Samarkand. In April 1045, Shahrukh was forced to acknowledge the new situation, and he was now reduced to rule of the Timurid capital world and a few other outposts in the Huntite, Gedrosian, and Mauryan regions. Shahrukh staggered on for another two years, before he was finally assassinated by one of his personal servants (12 March 1047). Shahrukh was succeeded by his son Ulugh Beg, who had been one of his father's naval commanders. Ulugh Beg however, was soon challenged by Mizrah, who had been the Khan's personal Steward. Mizrah managed to retain his position for almost two years, causing immense devastation to Samarkand. Mizrah was soon joined in his rebellion his brother Abul-Qasim, who caused much trouble for the Khan. Eventually, Ulugh Beg was assassinated by his own son, the governor of Timur' Star, Abd'al Latif (27 October 1049). Abd'al Latif then proclaimed himself Khan, but reigned for less then a year until he in turn was assassinated by his brother Abdullah (7 January 1050). Abdullah himself ruled for just over a year, being deposed and executed by Abu Sai'd Mizra, one of his generals (7 June 1051).

In the Northern Horde, Khan Adai had allied himself with Arghtuai, who nevertheless retained his independence as a separate Khan. Adai and Arghtuai subdued the Oirats (1027-29), briefly imposing their authority over the entirety of the Northern Khanate, but soon faced severe troubles with each other. Renewed confrontations at Karakorum, Sernapasia, Houston, Tyson, and the Corporate Trade Corridor (1030-32), which weakened their respective strengths. In 1033, Tayisung Khan, a ambitious Dasian governor, proclaimed himself Khan, opposing both Adai and Arghtuai. Tayisung managed to capture Sernapasia (19 June 1034), destroyed Adai's stronghold at Perlium (25 June 1034), and crushed a fleet dispatched at Arghtuai at the Battle of Leina (9 January 1035). Arghtuai and Adai briefly terminated their struggle in order to unite against a common enemy, but their efforts were for nought, as the Oirats revolted and regained independence (12 January 1035), consolidating control over Houston, Tyson, and the Oirat Complex. The following year, the Oirats allied themselves with Tayisung and crushed Adai, Arghtuai, and their forces in the Battle of the Simplses (19 February 1036). Arghtuai himself was captured and then executed by the command of the enemy commanders. Adai managed to survive for another two years, but was finally overwhelmed and defeated at Tsoss Station (19 May 1038). Tayisung thereafter occupied Karakorum and was acknowledged by the Oirats as their overlord, but held no effectual authority over them. He continued his rule for the next fifteen years, promoting a period of economic prosperity and strength, on a scale unseen for nearly a century. Tayisung however, contended with conspiracies in the army and with the devastating Colones' Plague (1046-51), which exterminated nearly half of the Dasian populations of Karakorum and Sernapasia. Tayisung was eventually assassinated by Abarjin (9 July 1053), who then usurped the throne of the Northern Khanate. Abarjin ruled for only a year, before being deposed and killed by Tayisung's younger brother Esen (4 March 1054).

Also at this time, the Barbarian Invasions into the Caladarian Galaxy commenced, which was to lead to the Galactic Dark Ages of the eleventh to the thirteenth centuries. After the Timurid withdrawal from the Galactic Borderlands, anarchy reigned in those regions, as the reestablished Kalbachan and Rasdallan states competed with each other for power. The Tashians, Rhedites, and Hypasians also attempted to reassert themselves. These conditions were to prove ripe for the Amelianians and Melanites, two extragalactic species who were to be merely the latest of a long line of invaders who had penetrated and settled in the Caladarian Galaxy. These had included the Arachosians, the Torfians, the Tofs, and the Dasians themselves. The Amelianians and Melanites originated from the Andromeda Galaxy, some seven million light-years from the Caladarian Galaxy. These two species had evolved c. 40,000 BH, obtaining a Space Age by about 1000 BH. For the next five centuries, the two species (unified under the aegis of a confederate alliance) competed with each other and with other powers in the Andromeda Galaxy, including the Keldanian Empire, for power. A terrible event occurred however c. 450 BH, when a fleet of robotic marauders, known as the Herxi, arrived in the Andromeda Galaxy. The Herxi were utterly ruthless towards their enemies, destroying entire star systems and killing billions of sapient beings. They quickly exerted dominion over the majority of the Andromeda Galaxy. A Amelianian-Melanite armada managed to flee their grip however and escaped the Andromeda Galaxy, heading into the deep depths of space. Like the Arachosians or earlier times, they spent several centuries in the Galactic Void, multiplying in multitude and eventually splintering into competing hordes or war-bands, each with its war leader and council of elders. The hordes too, traveled briefly to various other galaxies, including the Felix Galaxy and even the Teggedon Spiral, avoiding contact with Xaronese probots by just a few light years. Finally, after a very long and tiring journey, the hordes arrived at the Galactic Barrier in 1046, and immediately began launching plundering operations into the Galactic Borderlands. The Lavellan pardur of Outpost 433, Bardius, sent a appeal to the Lavellan King, Aenius (19 September 1046), begging for "my lord's most wonderful aid against enemies who threaten us from the great void". Aenius dispatched a few battleship units to aid Bardius, but these were not sufficient, and in January 1047, the Amelianians and Melanites breached the Galactic Barrier. They destroyed many Lavellan colonies and soon established themselves along the Galactic Barrier.

Two years later, two brothers, Hengist and Horta, commanders of Amelianian war-bands, arrived in the Muggal Cluster, and were received by King Kim-jong-un (r. 1040-55). The brothers told the King of their plight and offered him their services as mercenaries. Kim-jong-un accepted their offer, but would later have cause to regret this decision. Hengist and Horta took command of the Torfian army and engaged in campaigns against the Cosite Imperium, which had conquered the Iffians and Satians, posing a major threat to Torfian interests. They won a major victory in the Battle of Ingist (9 January 1050) and then destroyed a Cosite battlefleet at Pandur (29 February 1050). Over the next two years, the two brothers won fame for themselves as they also penetrated to Illumis, Latrice, Donna, and Norah. Finally, by the Treaty of Cando (7 April 1052), the Cosite Imperium seceded its territories along the Galactic Frontier Route to the Torfian Kingdom. Kim-jong-un was soon faced with a uprising by his general Canno Park (1052-53), who briefly captured Imegina in December 1052. This uprising was, however, crushed with the assistance of Hengist and Horta, who however, now demanded that the territories won from the Cosites be given to them as their personal dominions. Kim-jong-un had no choice but to agree. Hengist and Horta were now greedy for more power however, and as more and more Amelianians and Melanites pushed through the Galactic Barrier into the Galactic Borderlands, the two brothers witnessed a chance to carve an empire for themselves. They openly revolted against Kim-jong-un in February 1054, quickly hurling their forces into the Muggal Cluster. The brothers won the Battle of Kumong (25 March 1054) and destroyed the Torfian shipyards of Karlong (29 April 1054). They harried many Torfian star systems, captured millions of prisoners, and posed a great irritation to the Torfian King. Kim-jong-un then gathered together his forces and prepared for a final confrontation with the extra-galactic invaders. The Battle of Ayensdord (6 January 1055), proved a decisive victory for Hengist and Horta, who decisively destroyed the battlefleet of the Torfian King using their powerful superdreadnoughts and worldship arks. Kim-jong-un himself died in the battle. Horta, however, was mortally wounded by a starfighter, and died at the end of the battle. Hengist, with the assistance of his son Eric, thereafter captured Imegina (8 January 1055) and proclaimed the establishment of the Kingdom of Hengira. Over time, the Torfians would be subsumed by the Amelianians and Melanites, and would disappear as an independent species by the end of the thirteenth century. Imegina was renamed Verdorium by the invaders, who launched a massive Amelizanization of the Muggal Cluster. Hengist, now secure in his position, continued his campaigns, defeating the Tofs in the Battle of Kolombina (9 February 1057) and annexing the worlds of Illumis, Chardis, and Borcania. He then turned his attention farther west, penetrating into the Lavellan dominions and forcing tribute (1058-59), before eventually conquering the Amelianian hordes there (1061) and extending his state to the Galactic Barrier.

During the 1050s, as the Amelianians and Melanites were consolidating themselves in the northern Galactic Borderlands, major events took place amongst the Dasian khanates. Kuchuk Mohammad of the Golden Horde experienced considerable troubles with Maxmud of the Kazanian Khanate, who wished to extend his power into the Core Worlds and to add Laurasia Prime, Briannia, Rebecca, and Elizabeth to his dominions. After several years of military buildup and diplomatic tensions, the Kazanian Khanate declared war against the Golden Horde (7 September 1052) and launched a swift invasion. Maxmud himself commanded the invasion forces, gaining a major victory in the Battle of Durglais (19 October 1052). He thereafter destroyed the Horde's shipyards at Katherine (26 October 1052) and sacked the military garrison of Parmidas (1 November 1052). Kuchuk Mohammad mustered units from Saray, Laurasia Prime, Gordasis, and Hammenor, advancing against his rival in December 1052. He managed to prevent Maxmud from seizing Briannia (9 January 1053) and ended the Kazanian Khanate's raids into the Central Core. Maxmud however, breached the defenses of the Andrianian Cluster, and swept forth, raiding Laurasia Prime (2 February 1053), making off with 50 million Laurasian slaves. Kuchuk Mohammad however, managed to gain a victory in the Battle of Courdina V (19 February 1053) and then attacked Maxmud's stronghold of Big Twinny (9-18 March 1053), inflicting severe losses on his rival. Maxmud was forced to submit to terms, and the Treaty of Arias was signed (27 May 1053). By the terms of this treaty, the Qalianian Khanate was created as a buffer-state between the Golden Horde and the Kazanian Khanate, encompassing Leopoldia, Big Twinny, Slisburg, and Briannia, among other systems along the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route. Both Maxmud and Kuchuk Mohammad promised to recognize the independence of the Qalianian Khanate from outside interference. With peace restored, Kuchuk Mohammad returned to his dominions. In January 1055, the death of Kebek in the Nogai Horde gave him the opportunity to intervene and annex the breakaway khanate, reasserting the Golden Horde's rule in the western Central Core. From 1056-58, he also launched renewed raiding offensives against Kelvania and Angelica, taking advantage of the civil turmoil in those states to exact a large amount of tribute. In March 1059, however, the Khan fell severely ill, and he died in the Golden Palace of Saray (17 April 1059). He was succeeded to the throne of the Golden Horde by his son Mahmud Kuchuk.

In the meantime, under Esen Buqa, the restored Carylone Khanate enjoyed the final period of expansion and prosperity in its history; indeed, the military campaigns and measures of Esen Buqa would have been considered among the last successful campaigns or reconquests by any Dasian khanate. Determined to preserve and maintain the power of the Dasians, and to imitate Timur, Esen Buqa vastly expanded his military and launched vigorous military campaigns. In his wars with the Kimanians (1054-56), the Khan gained major victories, crushing a battlefleet of the Kimanian Shogun at the Battle of Newman Victoria (19 February 1054); storming Filorean (27 February 1054); sacking Kimanis Mooria (19 April 1054); and eventually, besieging and capturing Kimania (1 January 1055). By February 1056, the whole of the eastern Barsar Regions, as far as Beverly Hereidu, again acknowledged Dasian authority (although this would be for the last time). Esen Buqa then turned his attention to the north, crushing a coalition of the Medorian khaclines in the Battle of Eliajhana (19 June 1056) and capturing Homidinia (27 September 1056). He then reconquered the Lacian Cluster (1057-58) and devastated Mackenzia Major (9-17 February 1058). Esen Buqa was praised by his subjects for his successful reconquests. Soon, he had another, even greater opportunity: in the Golden Horde.

Mahmud Kuchuk, after he had ascended to the throne of the Golden Horde, immediately faced troubles, for economic issues had intensified for the Dasian government. The number of ethnic Dasians in the Golden Horde had declined drastically in the years since Timur's dislocating campaigns, draining manpower from the military forces. All Khans from Edigu and Temur Qutlugh onwards had been obliged to conscript larger numbers of subjugated populations into their forces. Many worlds also, had not yet fully recovered from Tokhtamysh's suppressions or from Timur's campaigns, draining potential taxation revenue for the Dasian coffers. Dissent festered in the Golden Horde's remaining dominions, and soon, Mahmud Kuchuk's younger brother, Ahmed, sought to take advantage of the situation. Ahmed rose in revolt against his brother (9 December 1059), and from his bases on Horacia, Zutagia, Brenni, and Decapolia Major, quickly posed a major threat. For the rest of Mahmud Kuchuk's reign, the Golden Horde was engrossed in a intensive civil war, which gave the advantage to some of its enemies. Haci Giray, who had spent the past decade cementing positive relations with the Donguarians and building up a powerful military machine, drove into the Central Core, sacking Marshia, Goldaria, and Constancia (January-March 1060), while Maxmud of the Kazanian Khanate violated the terms of the Treaty of Arias, annexing the Qalianian Khanate. Esen Buqa of the Carylone Khanate witnessed his opportunity as well, declaring war against the Golden Horde on 27 February 1060. Shendonana, Majoria Schall, Zellwegger, and Vickis were conquered by the Carylone Khan (1060-61), who then gained a major victory in the Battle of Wronzaz (10 January 1061). Esen Buqa then forced the signing of the Treaty of Alienore (6 February 1061), by which his gains in the Middle Territories were recognized. Thereafter, Ahmad defeated his brother in the Battle of Senna Major (4 March 1061), but was unable to take Saray. He instead launched raids at Chancia, Clancia, Teth, Billrasi, Ecreutus, and other worlds in the northern Central Core (1061-63), evading retribution from his brother time and time again. Finally, Mahmud Kuchuk died (9 January 1065), and Ahmad finally became Khan of the Golden Horde.

Esen Buqa spent the last year of his reign destroying the Timurid remnants. Abu Sai'd Mizra, who had ruled since 1051, had been an ineffective ruler for the majority of his reign, as he held little more than Samarkand and was now at the mercy of the Carylone Khanate. In fact, he had been forced to pay tribute to Esen Buqa twice: in 1053 and in 1057. Now that Esen Buqa had completed his campaigns and was returning from his successful victories against the collapsing Golden Horde, he could now turn his attention to Huntite Space. In November 1061, the Khan seized the remaining Timurid garrisons in the Skatha Cluster and instigated a major siege of Samarkand. Abu Sai'd Mizra was helpless to stop this, and eventually, Samarkand fell to the Carylone forces (7 January 1062). Abu Sai'd Mizra attempted to flee in his personal starfighter, but was apprehended by the Khan's forces and was executed two days later. Thus the Timurid Empire fell, fifty-seven years after the death of her founder, Timur the Great. Shortly after, the Khan died (9 February 1062) and was succeeded to the throne of the Carylone Khanate by his son Yunus. During his short two-year reign, Yunus maintained the peace in the Carylone Khanate and consolidated his father's gains, suppressing internal rebellions by the subdued Kimanians and neo-Rokai. He then died (17 February 1064), and was succeeded to the throne by his younger brother Dost. Dost believed that in order to provide for a more effectual governance of the Carylone Khanate, a second Khan would be beneficial. Dost decided to name his brother Chagatai as his co-Khan. Chagatai would rule the Homidinian territories, while Dost would govern the Huntite, Robertian, Gedrosian, and Kimanian Regions. This arrangement lasted for over a decade. Dost, as Khan of the Huntite Carylone Khanate, would prove to be among the last of the great Dasian conquerors and the last strong Dasian ruler of the Huntite regions.

By the time that Dost and Chagatai divided the Carylone Khanate amongst themselves, further barbarian hordes, enticed by the prospect of a whole new Galaxy to plunder, gradually began to migrate towards the outskirts of the Galaxy. The most significant of these barbarian peoples were to be the Devaniani (from the Angelina Spiral), the Alexandrians (from the Felix Galaxy), Halegoths (from the Calathrinan Galaxy), Ashgoths (also from the Calathrinan Galaxy), Rudorites (from the Milky Way), Melorks (from the Sombrero Galaxy), and eventually, the great Brestords (from Hoag's Object). The first of these, the Devaniani, a aggressive and hostile species, had under the direction of their warlords Vincentius and Maclorian, traveled south along the western boundaries of the Galactic Borderlands, in order to avoid contact with the migrating Amelianians, and had then turned east along the Wild Marshes. They finally penetrated into the Western Barsar Regions in January 1065, quickly occupying Abshire, Strongstine, Riley, Armenia Major, and Lesia. In February, Vincentius grievously defeated a Donguarian expeditionary force in the Battle of Pilok, penetrating as far as the Inner Territories. Dost quickly turned his attention to the new challenge, especially as Breha, Offshora, and Christopher were now threatened by the new barbarian arrivals. The Khan advanced to Kimanis Moora and dispatched two of his generals, Nabopolassar and Tukulti-Ninruta (both of whom were Arachosians), against Vincentius. The barbarian warlord decisively defeated the Daso-Arachosian generals, however, in the Battle of Bookman (19 March 1065), capturing millions of Dasian warriors. For the rest of the year, the Devaniani raged unchecked throughout the Barsar Regions, as Dost sought a general who would be able to stop the barbarians. A humiliating defeat at Millard (2 January 1066) finally convinced the Khan to act more effectively, and he dispatched an expeditionary force against the Devaniani, finally defeating them in the Battle of Nakut (27 January 1066). The Devaniani hordes were compelled to retreat across the Kimanian Run and then across the Denveranian Trunk Line. Dost thereafter annexed Abshire and Strongstine (5 February 1066), established a garrison at Leo's Redoubt, and forced the Armenians, temporarily free of the Devaniani, to sign treaty arrangements with the Carylone Khanate (17 February 1066).

In the meantime, Haci Giray of the Crimeanian Khanate died (28 February 1066) and was succeeded to the throne of Crimeania by his son Nur Devlet. Nur Devlet, had to soon face a threat to his rule from Hayder, one of his father's generals. Hayder caused havoc for the Khan until his death (7 January 1069). Also during this time, Ahmad Khan of the Golden Horde faced his own troubles. He was unable to prevent a revolt against his authority by the general Qasim Khan, who had served his brother. Qasim Khan, a ambitious and a ruthless figure, was determined to carve out yet another khanate from the deteriorating morass of the Golden Horde. Establishing himself at Venasia, he proclaimed the existence of the Venasian Khanate (7 March 1066) and denied the authority of Ahmad. Ahmad dispatched a force against the rebel, but this was scattered in the Mist of the Venasian Cluster (15 March 1066). Ahmad Khan's attention was then distracted by rebellions and uprisings on Laurasia Prime, Courdina V, Gordasis, Elizabeth, Schaueria Prime, Tyleria Perea, and Selena (March-November 1066), which allowed Qasim Khan to maintain his position and consolidate his military forces. Qasim Khan expanded to Monderon, Dorjia, and Decapolia, defeating all attempts to hold him back. His advance allowed for Ogla and Meris V to declare independence (29 April 1066), who then crushed a force sent by Ahmad in the Battle of Leia (5 May 1066). Maxmud of the Kazanian Khanate, witnessing his opportunity to extend his power, contemplated intervening, but before he could so so, fell ill and died (17 May 1066). He was succeeded to the Kazanian throne by his son Xalil, who would be destined to maintain the throne for only a year, as he faced internal threats to his position. These came from his ambitious brother Ibrahim, who seized control of Vindictoria (8 June 1066) and stormed Istantius (17 June 1066). The war continued for the rest of the year, and only with the dispersal of his forces in the Battle of Eutagia (9 November 1066), that Ahmad considered peace. The Treaty of Sanegeta (21 December 1066) recognized the existence of the Venasian Khanate. Ahmad's position had been severely weakened, and this would finally provide the opportunity to Core Worlds held in thrall to the Dasians for over two and a quarter centuries. These tensions would explode in the late 1070s.

Hengist and Eric in the Galactic Borderlands, in the meantime, continued their conquests. By 1062, the Kingdom of Hengist dominated the Galactic Borderlands north of the Kalbachan and Rasdallan territories. Determined to advance his dominion farther south into the Galactic Borderlands, Hengist launched a campaign against the Tofs (1063-65), destroying their forces in the Battle of Wippledord (9 January 1065) and capturing their fortress of Joms (27 January 1065). He thereafter annexed the remainder of the Tof dominions and resettled many of their star systems with Amelianians and Melanites. Hengist thereafter undertook campaigns against the Canites, who had in the years since the Timurid withdrawal from the Galactic Borderlands exerted their position at the expense of the Rasdallans. The Battle of Nigur (8 June 1065) and the Skirmish of Basius III (9 July 1065) resulted in major victories for Hengist and his forces. By January 1066, the Canites had been subjugated.

Dost of the Carylone Khanate, in the meantime, had instigated campaigns from the Kimanian Trade Run. After the defeat and expulsion of the Devaniani into the western Barsar Regions, Dost was determined to extend the territory of the Carylone Khanate and to consolidate his dominion in the western Middle Territories. The Larkianite Consortium, which had reestablished itself in December 1065, as a result of the weakening of the Golden Horde, became a target of the Khan in March 1066. Dost gained major victories at Thoronton (19 March 1066), Eddlemen (27 March 1066), Jercuse (4 April 1066), and Sordithia (15 April 1066). Finally, Larkin itself was captured by the forces of the Carylone Khanate (1-19 May 1066), and the Larkianite Consortium was destroyed. Dost then spent the remainder of the year consolidating his gains, reorganizing his military forces, and preparing for further campaigns against the Devaniani. His intention however, was soon to be distracted by the intrusion of yet more barbarian peoples.

In January 1067, a coalition of barbarian/rebel peoples intruding from the eastern Void, including the Melorks, Amelianians, Mackenzians, and Edmundians, bypassed the OsonBoka Nebula and attacked Robert, Shephard, Beharis, Walters, and Hasselbeck. This barbarian force won a crushing victory in the Battle of Meris (29 January 1067), killing the Amir of Robert, Nur-dugul. At the same time, the Devaniani, witnessing their opportunity to strike again at the Carylone Khanate, crossed the Denveranian Trunk Line and attacked Samantha, Messalina, and Abshire. These series of barbarian offensives would come to be known as the Great Conspiracy, imperiling the existence of the Huntite Khanate. Dost moved swiftly in order to retain control of the situation. He dispatched his general Nabopolassar from Hunt Major, bidding him to attempt an investigation of the situation and if possible, to prepare the defenses of Leah, Lorna, and Prestley against attack. Nabopolassar however, was ambushed and handed a decisive defeat in the Battle of Gand (6 March 1067), proving unable to correct the situation. Dost then dispatched Altan to the Robertian Regions. Altan however, fell into dispute with his officers, and proved neglectful in his duties. Dost, growing tired of the situation, and attempting to retain control of the situation, thereafter appointed his son Haydesn as his co-Khan, a unprecedented action. In December 1067, he finally dispatched his general Mehmed to the Robertian Regions in order to assemble a force against the barbarian intruders. Mehmed quickly relieved the Melork siege of Uris (9 December 1067) and scattered a barbarian force harassing Maurya, Sheldonia, and Gabriella. In January 1068, he drove the barbarians away from Elijahana, and then relieved Shephard (6 February 1068). Mehmed then hurled to Robert, Jadire, and Abigail, reasserting control over those star systems. Mehmed then reestablished government structures and reorganized his forces for further offensives. By February 1069, order had finally been restored, and the rule of the Carylone Khanate again extended to the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Rouite.

While the Great Conspiracy was being suppressed by Mehmed, Dost had finally undertaken his planned campaigns against the Devaniani. The Devaniani offensive against the Carylone territories in the Barsar Regions was ended when the Khan managed to arrange the assassination of the Devaniani leader Vincentius (19 February 1067). The Devaniani hordes thereafter retreated to the Denveranian Trunk Line, and contented themselves with raids, espionage operations, and pirate attacks for the remainder of the year. Dost thereafter quickly assembled a force in order to punish the barbarians for their attack, comprised of Dasian, Huntite, Shendonan, Acamarian, Larkian, Kimanian, Huttile, and Gedrosian units. Finally, in March 1068, Dost, his son Haydesn, and the army crossed the Denveranian Trunk Line into the territories claimed by the Devaniani. Initially, the Dasian invasion force did not encounter resistance. They plundered dozens of colonies and destroyed any military repositories which they encountered.

Eventually however, Dost engaged the Devaniani in the Battle of Hamacaki Barka (17 June 1068). This victory was one of the costliest ever for any Dasian commander or Khan. Dost at one point despaired of victory in the battle. Eventually however, he managed to obtain a victory using his battleships, and the Devaniani hordes were scattered. Thereafter, the Khan managed to force Maclorian to agree to the temporary Truce of Nicole (5 July 1068), by which the Devaniani agreed to refrain from any further raids against the Carylone Khanate. He then retreated across the Denveranian Trunk Line back into his own dominions. For the next year and a half, a uneasy peace ensued, as Dost sought to reorganize his forces and replenish his military resources for the future war that was sure to come. In April 1069, however, the erection of a fortress at Armenia Minor, located in the Devaniani borderlands, provoked Maclorian to order for the destruction of this Dasian military position. Dost was angered at this incident, and vowed revenge. Tensions finally exploded in March 1070, as the Khan attempted to persuade the Alexandrians, another barbarian people who had occupied Skye I and Nagosh, to wage war against the Devaniani. A enraged Maclorian hurled his forces along the Denveranian Trunk Line and besieged, stormed, and devastated Beverly Hereidu (2 April 1070). Dost and Mahmud then gathered their forces and waged a fierce struggle for the next four years against Maclorian. Eventually however, a stalemate ensued, and by the Treaty of Offshora (7 May 1074), the status quo ante bellum was imposed.

Elsewhere in the Carylone Khanate, other concerns attracted the attention of Dost and his generals. On Kimania, the population simmered under the oppressions of Ogedei, the viceroy of Kimania and its shipyards who boasted descent from Genghis Khan himself, although he could not validate his claim. Ogedei operated a massive secret police state, enslaved or imprisoned thousands of his opponents, and levied crippling taxes on the population. Xioping, a Kimanian guerrilla who had resisted the Dasian occupation forces ever since Esen Buqa's reconquest of the world, organized the populace into revolt against their overlords. The Dasian garrison on Kimania was quickly expelled, while Ogedei himself was captured and executed by the rebels (10 July 1072). Dost dispatched his trustworthy general Mahmud against the rebels. Mahmud acted ruthlessly and effectively, but the suppression of this revolt took two years. While the rebellion was ongoing however, tensions broke out with the Jagerons, who had established themselves at Barab and Glagoria, in the extreme edges of the Wild Marshes. The Dasian commanders of that region had intruded upon their territories and disregarded their privileges. In January 1073, the Jageron king Kanish sent a protest to Dost, demanding that his forces stop their intrusions. Dost refused however, and ordered the construction of a new fortress at Hingura. Dosts' general of the region, Climenes-Durer (a Vickian), also captured and executed Kanish's subordinate, Quadrius. This finally roused the Jagerons to war, and in September 1073, they (with detachments sent by the Amelianians), fell upon the Dasian garrisons in Mauryan Space, devastating many settlements and colonies, although they could not breach the defenses of Sheldonia and Gabriella. Dost dispatched two armies against the Jagerons, but both were crushed and scattered in the Battle of Pinta (3 October 1073). After another year of unchallenged pillaging, rapine, and massacre, the Jagerons were finally confronted by Dost, who defeated them in the pitched Battle of Meredita (6 September 1074). Dost thereafter ravaged Barab and penetrated into the Wild Marshes, clearing out many Jageron strongholds. Before he could finally destroy the Jagerons, the Khan died (17 November 1075).

Upon the Khan's death, the military commanders decided to take matters into their own hands. Instead of acknowledging Dost's eldest son Haydesn as his successor, the military commanders acclaimed his younger brother, the four-year old Tagahay as the Khan on Robert (19 November 1075). Haydesn however, had already established his command over the military forces in the Barsar Regions, but was unable to dislodge his younger brother and the generals who supported him. He thus arranged the Partition of Nikki Lowell (2 December 1075), by which the Huntite Khanate was divided amongst the two brothers. Tagahay was to govern Huntite Space, Robert, and the regions of Maurya, Gedrosia, and the Trans-Kimanian Trade Run, while the Barsar Regions, Larkin, and Acamaria would be ruled by Haydesn. Tagahay came under the influence of their mother, Boati, who established herself as regent of Robert. Haydesn however, was acknowledged as the senior Khan of the Huntite Khanate. Thereafter, Haydesn contented himself with campaigns against the Devaniani (1076-77), with his general Galloblades achieving a major victory in the Battle of Sabrina (9 May 1077).

In the meantime, Chagatai had consolidated his positions in the Homdinian territories and launched his own military campaigns. He too, would have to face his own troubles. In December 1064, the Khan of the Homidinian Khanate had established his capital at Chalassia, a beautiful resort world in the outskirts of the Lacian Cluster. Here, the Khan began making plans for campaigns against the Northern Khanate, which had for the past decade suffered under the pressures of a multitude of usurpers, economic deterioration, and internal pressures. While he was at Kledis Var and Scanlan assembling his forces however, a general named Urvian proclaimed himself Khan at Homidinia and revoked his oath of allegiance to Chagatai (1 September 1065). Urvian however, died before he could formally organize his rebel movements, and was succeeded to his usurper position by his cousin, the vile Bleda. Bleda, who was at Ebcray at the time, quickly hurried himself to Chalassia, where he was accepted as Khan by the garrison of the capital world (28 September 1065). Bleda quickly consolidated his position by passing out bribes to the soldiers, proclaiming a suspension of all taxes, and cutting off contact from Chalassia to Chagatai, claiming that Chagatai had died and that he had appointed Bleda as his successor. Soon, Bleda was issuing his own coinage and was boasting of his supposed dissent to the Ogedeid line. Chagatai, upon receiving news of the revolt, was struck with fear, and at one point, contemplated suicide. He quickly composed himself however, and dispatched two of his regiments against Bleda, but Bleda managed to persuade them to desert their master and join him. Chagatai was now desperate, as Bleda declared him an enemy of the blood line and asserted his rule over the Lacian Cluster. By March 1066, however, Chagatai had assembled enough troops to deal with Bleda, many of whom were provided by his brother Dost. Bleda was finally defeated in the Battle of Nadoria (1 May 1066) and was executed at Theodore on 27 May.

Now that the revolt was suppressed, Chagatai resumed his plans for military campaigns against the Northern Khanate. After Esen had died in 1055, his cousin Markogis succeeded him to the throne of the Northern Khanate. Markogis however, had been unable to maintain internal stability in the Northern Khanate, as previously stated. His rule had been threatened by the Oirat leader Toghtoa and by his own wive, Basina, who desired the predominant position in the state. A intensive civil war had ensued amongst the claimants (1060-65), which severely weakened the Northern Khanate's ability to resist outside invaders. Upon Markogis' death (19 November 1065), he had been succeeded to the throne of the Northern Khanate by his son Molon. Molon however, ruled for less than a year, and was assassinated by some of his personal attendants (6 June 1066). Molon was now succeeded by the Steward Mandulun, who inherited a precarious situation. Mandulun was soon challenged by Kalakaron, who gained control of the Oirat Complex (17 June 1066) and then proclaimed himself Khan of the Oirats (5 July 1066). Sernpasia, Karakorum, Belkadia, and the worlds of the Corporate Trade Corridor were disputed between the two sides for the remainder of the year. Millions of sapient beings were killed in the struggles, while Mandulun was driven to the breaking point. By this time, Karakorum was so devastated that it was hardly worthy of the title of a capital world.

On 8 January 1067, Kalakaron sent a request for aid to Chagatai, bidding for his assistance in defeating Mandulun. Chagatai used this as his pretext to invade, and in February 1067, hurled across the Northern Trade Corridor into the Northern Khanate's dominions. He quickly gained a major victory in the Battle of Tyson (27 February 1067), destroying nearly half of Mandulun's dreadnoughts. He thereafter ravaged Vandross (2 March 1067); crushed Mandulun's bodyguard units in the Battle of Houston (16 March 1067); ravaged Fatisa (29 March 1067), and penetrated to Sernapasia (9 April 1067). Mandulun then employed guerrilla tactics against his enemies, evading further direct confrontations and launching raids across the Corporate Trade Corridor. Declaring himself satisfied, Chagatai installed Kalakaron on the throne of the Northern Khanate (17 April 1067). He thereafter forced the signing of the Treaty of Karakorum (6 May 1067), by which Kalakaron recognized Chagatai as his overlord and confirmed the concession of the Corporate Trade Corridor to the Homidinian Khanate. Chagatai thereafter returned to his own dominions. Mandulun however, continued his resistance against Kalakaron, and in May 1068, regained control of Karakorum, Sernapasia, and Tyson. This prompted Chagatai to turn his attention again to the Northern Khanate, but his naval corps were obliterated in the Stromis Supernova (29 July 1068). Chagatai was forced to retreat and spent the remainder of the year reorganizing his forces, sending finanical aid to Kalakaron, and building fortresses along the Corporate Trade Corridor. In January 1069, he finally advanced again into the Northern Khanate, and finally defeated Mandulun in the Battle of Syr-Daria (20 January 1069). Mandulun himself was captured and then executed several days later by the orders of the Khan. Then in March 1069, he turned against Kalakaron, deposing him from the throne of the Northern Khanate. The Northern Khanate was thereafter annexed into the Homidinian Khanate (24 April 1069). After ninety-nine years, the Northern Khanate had ceased to exist.

Following this victory, Chagatai ventured to campaign further west, endeavoring to bring the Xilanian territories back under Dasian dominion. Assembling his forces at Greyson, Lacia, and Kledis Var, the Khan declared war against the Neo-Xilanian Emperor, Vagranus (5 January 1070). He quickly gained a major victory in the Battle of Kemp (17 January 1070) and thereafter halted the Xilanian assault on Markis Prime, Englestrom, and other worlds of the Kledis Var and Lacian regions. Chagatai then crushed a uprising on Greyson (February 1070) and then laid waste to Al Durah, Perkump, and Fox. Vagranus then attempted to halt a further advance by the Dasians in the Battle of Boniface (8 April 1070), being handed a decisive defeat. Over the rest of the year, Chagatai subdued further systems along the Northern Way and penetrated as far as Norah, briefly exchanging clashes with Cosite and frontier Amelianian forces. In January 1071, Vagranus was forced to conclude a temporary peace with the Khan, signing the Armistice of Terestes. Chagatai thereafter consolidated his conquests and sought to maintain peace in the Markian and Lacian Clusters. A rebellion against his authority soon broke out, in January 1073, after two years of stability, when the Greysonian rebel Faris attempted to reestablish the independence of the northern Outer Borderlands. Faris and her forces penetrated as far as Edmundia and George's Star, causing much havoc for the Homidinian Khanate. She was eventually cornered and defeated in the Battle of Palymra (29 April 1073), and was captured, tortured, and then executed on the Khan's orders.

Chagatai then planned for campaigns against the Kazanian Khanate, still under the rule of Ibrahim, who employed a oppressive police regime in order to crush all opposition against his rule. He would not be able to instigate this campaigns however, for a new and grievous threat now confronted the Khan. The movement of barbarian peoples towards the Caladarian Galaxy continued, which would eventually topple the majority of the Dasian khanates. The most fearsome of these barbarian peoples was the Brestords. A gigantic species, renowned for their great physical strength and dexterity, they hailed from Hoag's Object, located almost ten million light-years away from the Caladarian Galaxy. A series of calamities in their Galaxy had prompted to migrate c. 800 BH, and it took them many centuries to travel across the Extra-Galactic Void. They finally arrived in the Void directly to the north of the Caladarian Galaxy in 1070. Dasian probots sent back information about their movements to Chagatai, but he, being distracted by his campaigns against the Northern Khanate, did not take action on them. The Brestords, under the rule of their barbarian chieftain Balamber, subjugated the Sarans, another barbarian people who descended from the Sombrero Galaxy. They thereafter applied great pressure on the Halegoths (1072-74), who were now settled at Munist and the northern reaches of the Outer Borderlands. Many of the Halegoth warbands were forced into the Galactic Void, and conquered by the Brestords.

In August 1076, the Ashgoths, who were migrating towards the Galactic Vector, found themselves assaulted by the Brestords. Nearly fifteen billion Ashgoths, forced to flee for their lives, came to Sernapasia and begged for admittance into the dominions of the Homidinian Khanate. Chagatai, who was in the Lacian Cluster at the time, ordered his officials to resettle the refugees. These officials, however, attempted to exploit the newcomers, withholding equipment and supplies to them. The Ashgoths, under the leadership of their war kings Fritgern and Ariethus, prepared to avenge this insult against this persons. The Ashgoths soon received reinforcements from the Brestords themselves, who were eager to weaken the Dasians. Finally, in December 1077, the Ashgoths instigated a attack against the Homidinian Khanate. They quickly conquered Buranti (19 December 1077) and sacked Edmundia (8 January 1078). The Theodoran and Mackenzian systems were throughly plundered by the Ashgoths, who butchered or enslaved millions of sapient beings. It soon degenerated into a stalemate however, as the barbarians were unable to advance to the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route. Chagatai was now turning his attention to deal with the barbarian hordes, and requested assistance from Haydesn and Tagahay. Both Khans sent him reinforcements. Chagatai also received units from Ibrahim, who worried that the barbarian hordes would sweep into his khanate next. On 30 May 1078, the Khan began his journey to the north, bypassing Kledis Var and traveling to Greyson, Bettita, and Gibbs. The Khan sent his general Sabines against the barbarians. Sabines managed to harry Ashgoth units and gather reconnaissance information. On 6 August, the scouts reported that the Ashgoths were advancing on Adrian, a world on the southern end of the Corporate Trade Corridor. Chagatai immediately moved his forces to the world, and prepared defenses.

Fritgern, aware of the movements of the Dasian army, dispatched an emissary to the Dasian command on 7 August, asking for a truce and promising to terminate hostilities in exchange for the right to settle Sernapasia, Houston, Karakorum, and Vandross. Chagatai also received a suggestion from Haydesn that he wait for further reinforcements to arrive from Tagahay. The Khan's own military officers repeated this suggestion. Chagatai however, ignored their advice, which was to have deadly consequences. Engrossed in the belief of his own superiority, and convinced that the barbarians could be dealt with easily, the Khan rejected Fritgern's peace proposals on 8 August. The following day, the Dasian military forces advanced against the barbarian hordes. Fritgern employed a trap however, luring the Khan and his units into the Adrian system's outskirts. Chagatai, believing that he had the advantage, ordered for a rash offensive against the barbarian hordes, which was driven back with crippling losses. The Alien Destroyers of the Ashgoths, nearly one hundred times larger than any starship in the service of the Dasians, and with a thousand times as much firepower, then attacked from the flank, quickly destroying most of the Dasian naval fleet. The Dasian army was repulsed, and soon, the Khan himself was abandoned by his bodyguard units. Chagatai was overtaken by the Alien Destroyers, and his flagship was destroyed with one shot, incinerating him. The remainder of the Dasian forces fled in disarray, while the Ashgoths took millions of Dasian warriors as prisoners. Fritgern had them hanged on ship frames and hurled into Andriana, the sun of the Adrian star system. After this smashing victory, a devastating defeat for the Dasians, the Ashgoths raged unchecked throughout the northeastern Outer Borderlands, plundering many star systems and engaging in massacre, devastation, rapine, and plunder.

As this calamity befell the Homidinian Khanate, we must now note the events in the Core Regions, for the 1070s and 1080s would see the liberation of many of the major worlds of the Central Core, Core Worlds, and Outer Core from the Dasian Yoke. Ahmad, whose position was now extremely weak after the successful revolt of the Venasian Khanate, was forced to contend with further economic decline and the significant drop in the ethnic Dasian population. Rebellions on Schaueria Prime, Hammenor, Compost, Murphy, Arias, Gordasis, Courdina V, Williams, Goldaria, Constancia, and Zutagia (1070-72), tied up the Khan's military resources, straining his army to the breaking point. Although Ahmad faced internal resistance to his rule, he nevertheless believed that he was strong enough to engage in military expeditions in the western Core, the last launched by a Khan of the Golden Horde. In 1070-71, his forces attacked Morgania, Kelvania, and Angelica, which themselves were declining in power and prestige. His forces managed to gain a victory in the Battle of Rajuptana (7 November 1070) and sacked the major Morganian stronghold of Isrinus (9 December 1070). These exploits, however, were overshadowed by the devastating defeat at Garnish (1 February 1071), in which the King of Malaria (a newly rising state), Stefan, scattered the Dasian forces. Stefan then launched his own attacks, plundering Neustroni (19 February 1071) and penetrating to Teth (March-April 1071). He then retreated, and by the Treaty of Lipnic (19 May 1071), compelled Ahmad to promise to refrain from launching further raids outside of the Golden Horde's dominions. Ahmad then spent the next three years attempting to recover his resources from the humiliating defeats, establishing outposts at Williams, Kaning, and Elainsborough. Raids and skirmishes with Ibrahim of the Kazanian Khanate (1073-74), however, led to the devastation of the borderland regions.

Ahmad Khan then attempted a radical solution, aiming to preserve loyalty to the Golden Horde: by the decrees of 19 February and 17 March 1075, he granted "vassal state" status to Marshia, Carina, Seejay Prime, Teth, Clancia, Laurasia Prime, Elizabeth, Durglais, and Arias. Each of these worlds were allowed to have their own local grand princes, who would be nominated by the local populations and confirmed in office by the Khan. Each world could maintain its own defense fleet, mints its own currency, and pass its own laws, but had to pay tribute to the Khan, acknowledge him as their overlord, and allow him to collect taxes from their population. They also had to provide a annual quota of slaves to the Khan, and could be raided at any time. Although this autonomy was intended to help maintain Dasian control and suzerainty, it backfired greatly on the Khan. The Grand Prince of Laurasia, Honorius (who assumed office on 29 November 1075), was a wealthy Laurasian nobleman and a patriot. Honest, energetic, ambitious, intelligent, and determined, Honorius wished to accomplish what the nobleman Arasces had failed to do nearly a century before and reestablish the independence of Laurasia Prime from Dasian rule. By this point, the Laurasians had been in thrall to the Dasians for 235 years, and were by now desperate for independence. The Khan also encountered similar nationalist tendencies from the Grand Princess of Elizabeth, Alexandia, the Grand Prince of Clancia, Pyotr, and from the Grand Prince of Teth, Frederickus. Attempting to forestall any rebellion, the Khan agreed to a alliance with Ibrahim's successor, Ilham (29 September 1078). Honorius, however, formed a alliance with the Khan of the Crimeanian Khanate, Menli I Giray (r. 1069-1115). He also signed agreements with Alexandia, Pyotr, and Frederickus. Finally, in January 1079, Honorius and the other Grand Princes refused to pay further tribute to the Dasian court of Saray. They gathered their forces and prepared the military defenses of their respective worlds. Soon, other guerrilla bands arose across the Golden Horde's dominions, including on Way'tosk, Temperance, Par'say, Bar'say, Marshia, and Seejay Prime. Ahmed advanced from Saray and soon joined up with Illham, assembling a massive horde. Over the next year and a half, he attempted to subdue the rebellion, while sending constant messages to the various Grand Princes, urging them to terminate their "disloyalty" against their master. Honorius, however, tore up his demands, and had his emissaries executed. Finally, the rebel coalition clashed with the Dasian forces at Ugra, five light-years east of Laurasia Prime (8 October 1080). The result was a decisive rebel victory, as Ahmed and Illham were routed. After this victory, Honorius and his fellow Grand Princes formally proclaimed themselves independent of the Golden Horde, and each assumed a royal title. Honorius proclaimed the reestablishment of the Stellar Kingdom of Laurasia (12 October 1080). He returned to Laurasia Prime, to jubilant celebrations. The population was wild, and statutes of the Khans were immediately torn down, while the King himself had the Orda of the Dasian Bey demolished. With this, the Dasian yoke had finally ended after two and a half centuries. However, it had left a lasting impact on Laurasia, which will be discussed in the following section.

The Effect of the Dasian Yoke on Laurasia Prime
The Dasian Yoke had innumerable effects on Laurasia, both positive and negative. On the negative side, the Dasians had been extremely destructive, for they had slaughtered, deported, or enslaved a significant portion of the population. Tokhtamysh's suppressions, as well as the confrontations amongst the various factions of the Golden Horde, in particular harmed Laurasia's cities. Many ancient palaces, structures, and landmarks (including the First Station of Callista and the Byrnes Palace, dating from the Arachosian and First Laurasian Periods, respectively) were destroyed during the Yoke, depriving Laurasia of much of its earlier cultural heritage. Various cities or settlements dating back centuries were depleted. In 1080, when Laurasia finally regained independence from the Golden Horde, the population of the world was just over seventy billion. The Royal Archives of Laurasia had also saw its contents scattered throughout much of the Galaxy, and it was not until the fourteenth century and later that these records would be recovered. The population density of Laurasia remained at a low average of about five persons per square mile for many decades after the end of the Dasian Yoke. The population remained stagnant during the first six decades of the twelfth century, and then, as a result of Honorius the Terrible's domestic oppressions and the sack of Laurasia Prime by Alp Arslan in 1171, it declined to a mere fifty billion. It was not until the mid-thirteenth century that the population recovered to its 1080 levels. Even after the foundation of the Laurasian Empire, the population of Laurasia Prime did not reach one trillion again until the late seventeenth century. Although Laurasia Prime's overall population declined, the proportion of aliens within that population increased. By the end of the Dasian Yoke, 15 billion persons were non-Laurasians, compared to the figure of just four billion when the Yoke had commenced. Dasians, Arachosians, Torfians, Morganians, Kelvanians, Angelicans, and other such aliens became more prominent on Laurasia Prime. This was the beginning of Laurasia Prime's career as a melting-pot of peoples and as the "hub of cultures" in the Caladarian galaxy. Alongside this, many Laurasian nobles adopted the practices of their conquerors, thus ingraining Dasian social mores in Laurasian society. Also, Dasian tribute and taxes forced sectors of the Laurasian economy to have an increased dependence on products and goods from other worlds, thus widening trade ties.

However, the Dasian Yoke did have some benefits for the Laurasians. The Dasians had used a highly organized, effective, and productive system of taxation and tribute, which was based upon census tabulation of taxes and the organization of revenues by selected and highly professional officials. This system included various types of taxes that the Dasians levied upon the Laurasian population and on local officials subordinated to the Bey, not only in the form of money but also in the form of goods and produce. The primary tax under the Dasians was the tsarist vy'hod (khan tax), paid at first to the Great Khan of the Dasian Empire, and after the death of Kublai in 894, to the Khan of the Golden Horde. The total amount of this tax had been determined by the bey and then entrusted for collection to the local officials, or Nawabs, Laurasian and Dasian members of the civil service subordinated to the Schzulk (the Bey's Court) and the Dasian government. Then there had been the princely ty'naa (planetary tax), which had been paid to the Bey himself and used for the upkeep of the Bey's household and his personal servants. There was the commercial levies (the ta'lmak and the tamka, basically taxes from trade and merchant activity), the obligatory provision of starships, military weaponry, and equipment for use by the Dasian occupation forces (the military proviso), the civil d'ylak (used for the payment and maintenance of the Bey's officials), and various dorms (taxes and gifts paid by the Laurasians as presents and tribute to the Dasian soldiers and their families directly, as also to the members of the Bey's family). Finally there was the fo'dot, the food and sanitary supplies provided to the Bey's household for their leisure. The Dasians had conducted their censuses in order to count the population and distribute the taxes in proportion to population density: after 880, a census had been conducted once every ten years. The censuses were also used to determine military conscription, deportations, legislative rates, and other subjects. From the censuses, the Bey had levied the highest tax rates on Laurasian noblemen, businessmen, and merchants, while the poorer classes and the servants were to provide labor-in-kind to their Dasian masters. As has been seen, this taxation system had been unpopular with the Laurasians, but after Laurasia was liberated from the Dasian Yoke, Honorius I adopted the new taxation system, although in modified form. The Dasian taxation and census systems survived until the reforms of Seleucus I the Victor in the late thirteenth century.

The Laurasians also adopted the Dasian communication, social nobility, civil service exams, transportation, military discipline, and welfare management systems. The Dasian customs and regulations governing interactions amongst couples and the subordinate place of women and children in family matters would be codified in a Family Code (Genus Codicis), implemented by Honorius I in 1083, which remained in effect until the late thirteenth century. The Dasian practice of obedience (that is banging one's head into the ground in order to show respect for a superior), would also survive until the reign of Seleucus the Victor. It is notable to note that one Laurasian institution prospered and grew more powerful a result of the Dasian Yoke. the Royal Almitian Church experienced a great revival, as the Laurasian population turned to the Church for a spiritual haven in a time of terror and suffering. When the Dasians had first invaded, many religious monasteries and churches had been plundered, while hundreds of thousands of clergymen were enslaved and deported. Eventually however, as the Golden Horde had established itself, the Khans extended religious protection and privileges to the diverse sects or religions under their rule. As early as 857, the Almitian Church had obtained a privileges charter from the Khan's court. By 867, the Church had been exempted from exactions and raids at the hand of Dasian officials, and in 887, the Khan Kalanbuga granted the clergy the untrammeled right to minister and preach throughout his dominions and at his court. In the late 890s, the Great Khan Temur decreed various measures for the protection of religious freedom, and by 902, the clergy had been exempted from conscription, taxation, and enumeration. In 919, Khan Uzbeg confirmed the position of the Almitian Pope. The Church also began to accumulate extensive estates, and by the end of the tenth century, had been granted the right to operate Laurasian courts deciding on divorce, heresy, sexual deviancy, and "crimes against Almitis". The Church Chancellory also gained the right to provide petitions and politicial advice to the Bey about government affairs, a privilege which would carry over into the Third Laurasian Period (although this privilege was suspended for much of the twelfth century). The Church obtained levels of power during the Yoke that it had not enjoyed since the 2nd millennium BH. It was to retain considerable authority and exercise much influence on Laurasian society until the reforms of Seleucus the Victor at the end of the thirteenth century.

The most significant legacy that the Dasians left to the Laurasians, however, was the concept of "absolute despotism": a highly organized and bureaucratic system of government subordinated to a sovereign who wielded absolute authority, had no limitation on his (and eventually her) powers, and was recognized by his subjects being raised to the throne by Almitis and the forces of the Universe. This was in contrast to the views that prevailed during the earlier Laurasian Periods and the Lacian Overlordship, in which the King was merely "the servant of the State" and was not recognized as divine by his subjects. The King's authority had also been limited or counterbalanced by various organizations, including the Royal Administrative Parliament and Council of Elders during the First Laurasian Period and the Lacian Overlordship, as well as the Royal Senate and Assemblies of the People of the Second Laurasian Period. These bodies advised the monarch on legislative matters, interpreted and executed the laws of the kingdom, and could levy taxes. The King was not allowed to repeal any law which he had passed except with the approval of the respective organizations and majority vote as expressed in a referendum, which survived from the First Laurasian Space Age. He could not levy new taxes or excises without first consulting the Parliament or the Senate, and his civil service regulations were subject to organizational oversight. Several other democratic measures from the First Laurasian Space Age, including referendums, recalls of minor officials, and public polls, had survived the Arachosian Period, and persisted during the Laurasian-Lacian Periods. Under the Dasians, all of these were firmly and completely suppressed, and a model of governance by extreme authoritarian rule combined with control through terror and oppression was used instead. This was only to be countered by submission, duplicity, or the willingness to betray one another before betraying one's-self. The Dasians firmly believed that every subject, from greatest noblemen or government chancellor to the lowliest servant, was subjugated to a sovereign raised by the Gods, and they impressed this belief on the Laurasians. Anybody who resisted the sovereign deserved no mercy and was to be utterly destroyed or punished severely. Thus the foundations for Laurasian absolutism were laid: Honorius I, indeed, when reestablishing Laurasia's independence as a kingdom, took the title "King and Autocrat of All the Laurasians" instead of the traditional "King of All the Laurasians". In 1089, he would proclaim himself "the servant of Almitis" and two years later, would proclaim himself inviolable. Laurasian absolutism has survived to the present time.

The Barbarian Invasions and Collapse of the Dasian Khanates (1080-1253)
====The Reign of Tokugaistus the Great; The Decline of the Great Horde and the Reign of Shaikh-Ali; The Reign of Honorius the Liberator; Laurasian War with Western Worlds; Laurasian Wars in the Kazanian Khanate; The Advance of Cordania (1080-95/96/97)==== Although Laurasia and several other prominent Core Worlds were now liberated from the Dasian Yoke, it is necessary to continue chronicling the history of the Caladarian Galaxy, for major events occurred that would shape the Galaxy for centuries to come. Over the next two centuries, the Galactic Dark Ages descended upon the Galaxy, as various barbarian hordes or peoples invaded and displaced many of the earlier civilizations. A path of devastation, constant wars, ethnic migrations or deportations, and disease would mark this troubled and turbulent time. In the Core Regions, after the victory of the rebel coalition at Ugra, the Khan was forced to retreat to the east. He soon quarreled with Illham, believing that the Kazanian Khan was engaged in conspiracies against his person. This fear proved wrong, as Illham had until now been determined to assist his fellow Khan in containing the rebel uprisings. He now found himself insulted by his ally, and angered with Ahmad, refused to help him any further. The Kazanian Khan retreated back across the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route with his forces, returning to his own dominions. Ahmad, without this assistance, was forced to continue his retreat to Saray, being harried by rebel raiding parties along the way. He finally arrived at Saray (1 January 1081), but found his position insecure. A rebel nobleman named Ibak had established a powerful base on the capital world of the Golden Horde. Ibak was now determined to install himself on the throne of the Horde, and with this in mind, he bribed the Imperial Guards to his side. In the quarters of the half-devastated Golden Palace of Saray, still not fully recovered from Timur's campaigns over eighty years before, the Khan was cornered and assassinated (6 January 1081). Ibak thereafter, with the support of household officials and the Guards, proclaimed himself Khan of the Golden Horde. He managed to hold power for some months, but eventually, Shaikh-Ali, gaining control of the stronghold on Senna Major, managed to defeat and execute the usurper (17 November 1081). Shaikh-Ali arrived on Saray and proclaimed himself Khan. He was to be the last ruler of what was now called the Great Horde, now restricted to rule of territories including Senna, Murphy, Saray, Schaueria Prime, Hammenor, Marshia, and parts of the Goldarian territory. Shaikh-Ali knew he would not be able to reassert the Horde's dominion, and by the Treaty of Meaganian with Honorius and the other monarchs (5 January 1082), acknowledged the independence of Laurasia, Horacia, Arias, Clancia, Elizabeth, and other rebel worlds.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the Galaxy, further events were occurring. After the disastrous Battle of Adrian, the Ashgoths had of course embarked on a campaign of plunder, rapine, and massacre throughout the territories of the Homidinian Khanate. Haydesn now received a petition from the nobles of the Homidinian Khanate, who requested that he select a candidate to sit on the throne of Chagatai, who had no children. Haydesn accepted this petition and in December 1078, convened the last Great Council in the history of the Dasian khanates. The Council had been largely defunct as an effective institution for over a century, having last been summoned in 970, upon the death of Toghun Temur, last Great Khan of the Dasian Empire. The Council selected the experienced general Tokugaistus as the next Khan of the Homidinian Khanate (19 January 1079). Tokugaistus, destined to be the last truly powerful Dasian ruler in the Outer Borderlands, immediately took possession of the Homidinian territories and turned his attention to the Ashgoth threat. The Battle of Adrian had decimated much of the Homidinian Dasian military, and the Khan now found himself obliged to recruit a new army. Because there was now a much lower number of Dasians, and many other native peoples of the Outer Borderlands had hardly recovered from Timur's campaigns, over seventy-four years earlier, Tokugaistus was forced to recruit Halegoths, Brestords, and other barbarians into his forces. With his forces prepared, and receiving support units from Haydesn, the Khan was finally ready. During 1079, he repulsed Ashgoth raids on Homidinia, cleared the Lacian Cluster of the barbarian hordes, and restored many colonies, systems, and outposts which had been sacked by the invaders. Fritgern, attempting to recover his earlier initiative, launched his forces against those of the Khan, but Tokugaistus easily repulsed them. A final confrontation between the two leaders then took place at Galen (17 February 1080). The result was a victory for the Dasians, as Fritgern himself was killed in the heat of the battle. Over the next two years, Tokugaistus restored control in the Mackenzian, Edmundian, Buranti, and Theodoran territories. Finally, he was able to force the Ashgoths to the peace table, and by the Treaty of Vivilco (3 October 1082), the Ashgoths were permitted to settle in the northern extremities of the Outer Borderlands. They agreed to recognize the Khan as their suzerain and pay tribute to his court on Chalassia. Tokugaistus gained prestige for himself and was hailed by the Dasians as their savior.

Troubles however, were taking place in the Huntite Khanate. Haydesn had gained undying unpopularity in his dominion, as he had slid into indolence and had neglected his state duties. The army simmered under the extortions conducted by his officials, while the Priests of the Khan's Cult despised his perscuetions of their religious practices. Haydesn now faced a threat from his general Martaxerxes (a Arachosian), who proclaimed himself Khan of Kimania at Redding (29 December 1082). In January 1083, Martaxerxes advanced to the north with his forces, and stronghold after stronghold fell to him. Kimania itself was besieged and captured (15 February 1083), a major blow to Haydesn. Martaxerxes then scored a major victory in the Battle of Breha (29 February 1083) and then conquered Christopher (6 March 1083). He then conquered the worlds of the Kimanian Trade Run, taking Filorean, Nanking, Bookman, Millard, and Constipex after long sieges (March-July 1083). Finally, Martaxerxes scattered Haydesn's main fleet in the Battle of Offshora (1 August 1083). Haydesn was forced to flee for his life, and eventually was killed by Martaxerxes' scouts at Lionist (25 August 1083). Martaxerxes consolidated his position and thereafter crossed the Kimanian Trade Run in February 1084, attempting to subdue Tagahay. Tagahay, however, had recently signed a alliance with Tokugaistus, who demanded that Martaxerxes retreat. Martaxerxes refused, and at Berry (7 March 1084), inflicted a crushing defeat on Tagahay's forces. Tokugaistus however, soon moved south, and he halted the advance of the usurper at Negro (27 March 1084). After a few more skirmishes and even raids at Kimania Mooria, Martaxerxes agreed to the Treaty of Ravenna (19 May 1084), by which he recognized Tagahay's control of Hunt in exchange for Tokugaistus confirming him as Khan of Kimania. For the next three years, a peace managed to ensue. Tokugaistus, knowing that a further conflict would come, built up his military resources, increased his resources, and provided financial aid to Tagahay and his advisers. Martaxerxes also readied his military forces, determined to gain control of all the territories to Robert and the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route. Finally, the peace was broken when in March 1087, Martaxerxes crossed the Kimanian Trade Run, with his forces falling on Hunt Minor, Shendonana, Majoria Schall, Melanie Major, Zellwegger, Acamaria, Gabriella, and Sheldonia. The forces of Tagahay were crushed in the Battle of the Gross Spaceport (11 April 1087) and was forced to retreat. Tagahay and his advisers soon fled to Chalassia, seeking help from Tokugaistus. A victorious Martaxerxes occupied Hunt Major (25 May 1087) and proclaimed himself Khan of the whole Huntite Khanate. Thereafter he attempted to negotiate with Tokugaistus for recognition of his control over the Huntite Khanate. Tokugaistus refused to receive his envoys however, and in January 1088, launched his own invasion. Robert, Elijahana, Meris, Jambore, Shephard, and Beharis quickly fell to his forces, while Samarkand was besieged. Martaxerxes roused himself from Hunt Major, and soon the two forces clashed in the Battle of Questionnaire (29 May 1088), which resulted in a decisive victory for Tokugaistus.

Following this victory, the Khan restored Tagahay as Khan of Hunt and gave him control of the entire Neo-Carylone Khanate, including the territories in the Barsar Regions. Because Tagahay was still young however, and since his mother had died in December 1087, Tokugaistus appointed his general and military subordinate, the Brestord general Arbogast, as the chief minister and military commander of Tagahay's government. He also installed a garrison at Robert and maintained representatives on Hunt Major. Although Arbogast was officially subordinate to Tagahay, in reality he answered to Tokugaistus, who remained at Samarkand for the next two years. Arbogast quickly established his power throughout the Neo-Carylone Khanate, operating a efficient police state, accumulating a large amount of wealth for himself, and dominating Tagahay. Arbogast campaigned against the Devaniani, winning a major victory at Lesia Minor (1 January 1090) and exacting an immense tribute from the peoples west of the Denveranian Trunk Line. Tagahay's position steadily weakened, and by the beginning of 1091, he was living as little more than a private citizen. Eventually, Tagahay attempted to assert his position, and in April 1091, dismissed Arbogast from his position. Arbogast however, tore up the dismissal orders, stating that the Khan had never appointed him in the first place and that he was subject only to Tokugaistus. For the next year, a turbulent situation existed, as Arbogast now denied the authority of Tagahay, while Tagahay still claimed control of Hunt Major. Eventually (15 May 1092), the Khan, aged only 21, was found hanging in his personal bedchambers. Although Arbogast denied responsibility for the Khan's death in public, in private he had arranged for his assassination. Thereafter, he installed the scholar Eugenes on the throne of the Neo-Carylone Khanate (22 August 1092).

Eugenes thereafter sought recognition of his claim to the Khanship from Tokugaistus. He sent repeated holographic messages to the Khan of Homidinia, entreating him to recognize his claims, and in October 1092, dispatched emissaries to the court of Tokugaistus. Tokugaistus responded to the messages and received the emissaries. For the time being, he decided to recognize Eugenes' claim to control of the Neo-Carylone Khanate. This claim was recognized in the Treaty of Valens (29 October 1092). For nearly another year, a turbulent peace existed, as Tokugaistus bided time in order to assemble his military forces and muster his resources. Arbogast and Eugenes also began organizing their forces. In January 1093, Tokugaistus announced his plans to divide his dominions amongst his sons Mandukhai and Jasagtu. This partition could only be effectively accomplished, however, if the entire Dasian Khanate of the Outer Borderlands was under his control. The following month, Eugenes assumed the title "Khan of the Dasian Outer Borderlands", claiming rule over all the Dasian territories in that region. Tokugaistus protested, but was ignored. Throughout the spring and summer of 1093, he supported conspiracies against Arbogast, being determined to weaken his adversary. The Khan also began making plans for a military invasion.

Finally, the precarious peace broke down in September 1093 as Tokugaistus divided his forces into two segments and launched a massive invasion of the Huntite Khanate. The first force fell on Melanie, Shenandoah, Hoohshikk, Vickis, Uris, Roastafaria, Choir, Acamaria, Emily Deuistania, Larkin, and Greg. The second force, under the command of the Khan itself, attacked Robert, Meris, Elijahana, Shephard, Beharis, Walters, Hasselbeck, and other worlds of the Robertian Regions. Tokugaistus advanced swiftly. Elijahana was besieged and captured (17 September 1093); a fleet dispatched by Eugenes was crushed in the Battle of Picard (25 September 1093); and the defenses of Uris were breached (1 October 1093). Melanie, Zellwegger, Shendonana, Hoohshikk, and Roastafaria fell to the invasion forces during October and November 1093, which then destroyed the Huntite Khanate's major base of Tilandia (1 December 1093). On 15 December 1093, Beharis was finally captured by the invaders, while Walters was cut off from outside support. It eventually fell on 5 January 1094. By the end of January 1094, Hasselbeck, Shephard, and Leah had also fallen to the invaders. On 2 February 1094, Larkin was captured and devastated, while Tokugaistus dispatched expeditions into the Barsar Regions. After overrunning Nanking and Bookman (2-19 February 1094), the invaders then besieged and captured Breha (26 February 1094), followed by the devastation of Kimania Mooria (1 March 1094). Leo's Redoubt was sacked (5 March 1094), followed in succession by Filorean, Millard, Constipex, Samanatha, Messalina, and Offshora. Beverly Hereidu and Armenia Major were sacked by April 1094, while Riley and Abshire were cut off. In June 1094, Sheldonia and Gabriella were captured, while Choir was finally breached and seized. In July 1094, Samarkand and the Sk'latha Cluster fell, while the base of Strongstine was destroyed. By August 1094, Hunt Minor had also been captured. Eugenes and Arbogast then readied their forces for a final stand against the invaders. Tokugaistus then clashed with the two Huntite rulers at Friteria, a desolate world in the Wild Marshes, once home to the Order of the Secrets (6 September 1094). The result was a decisive victory for the Khan, who destroyed the forward units of his enemies. Arbogast committed suicide on his flagship before he could be captured. Eugenes attempted to flee in a unmarked transport, but was intercepted and captured by Dasian starfighters. The Huntite Khan begged Tokugaistus for his life, but the Homidinian Khan refused to listen, and by his orders, Eugenes was executed (8 September 1094). His body was mounted on a modified transport and hurled into Friteria's sole moon, Chados. Thereafter, Tokugaistus occupied Hunt Major (10 September 1094) and proclaimed himself Khan of all Dasian territories in the Outer Borderlands and Middle Territories. He was to be the last person able to unify varying Dasian khanates.

Tokugaistus then fell ill with a mysterious malady in November 1094, and after having spent some months on Hunt Major, consolidating his position and clearing out the final remaining Huntite enclaves, the Khan then proceeded in slow stages back to Chalassia. He was soon diagnosed with the rare Angrime maladyu, a devastating disease which baffled all phyisicians of the time period. The Khan's doctors despaired of him, and as his medical condition grew worse, he had his final will and testament drafted (19 December 1094). In this, he assigned to his elder son Mandukhai the territories of Sernapasia, Karakorum, Greyson, Lacia, Edmundia, Mackenzia, Coronadia, Chalassia, and Homidinia. The younger, Jasagtu, was to receive Robert, Hunt, Maurya, Gedrosia, Shendonana, Roastafaria, Larkin, Kimania, and the other worlds of the Barsar Regions. The Millian General Stilcho, one of the Khan's leading commanders, was to become guardian for Jasagtu, while Ruflius (a Brestord in Dasian service), became guardian of Mandukhai. Shortly after making this testament, the Khan fell into "eternal sleep" on 1 January 1095. On 15 January, his life support was cut off, and on 17 January 1095, in the Khan's Palace of Chalassia, the last great Dasian ruler in history died. Upon his death, his dominions were divided once again into the Homidinian and Huntite Khanates, and the Dasian territories of the Outer Borderlands would never again be reunified.

It is now necessary to turn to events in the Core Regions and to what happened to the Amelianians, as those regions have been neglected for some time. First, we shall consider the turmoil impacting the Great Horde. Shaikh-Ali's prestige and position on Saray was severely weakened with the nobility and government officials, as the Khan admitted his inability to deal with the secession of the worlds which had rebelled against the Great Horde. As the Great Horde entered the last two decades of its existence, it was to be racked by a further wave of civil conflicts throughout the remainder of the 1080s. Shaikh-Ali's younger brother, the fearsome and cruel Dingi, decided to take advantage of his brother's weakness. Dingi, who believed that he would be a more capable ruler for the Great Horde, began spreading rumors amongst the Khan's household, the nobles, and military commanders. He claimed that his father had intended for him to ascend to the throne and that his military experience rendered him the only one capable of arresting the Great Horde's decline. Dingi, from his stronghold at Schaueria Prime, assembled a private army and a powerful fleet of dreadnoughts, corvettes, destroyers, cruisers, carriers, and starfighters. Finally feeling himself strong enough to oppose his brother, Dingi erupted in rebellion (17 February 1083). He proclaimed himself Khan and denied his brother's authority. Shaikh-Ali now attempted to rally his forces, mustering units at Saray, Horacia, and Sumanri. In March 1083, he advanced against Lydia, Dorothy, and Hordania, strongholds of his brother. Shaikh-Ali soon found, however, that Dingi's supporters had infiltrated the ranks of his own forces, and he was betrayed at Compost V (3 April 1083). Shaikh-Ali's own warships turned on their master's flagship, and the Khan was forced to eject in a escape pod. Dingi thereafter advanced further, captured Hammenor without resistance (7 April 1083), and then occupied Murphy (15 April 1083).

Shaikh-Ali fled back to Saray, but was denied admittance to his own capital world, his household and civil service officials having gone over to Dingi. He then fled along the Kimanian Run and then crossed the Great Horde's boundary with the Crimeanian Khanate, seeking refugee with Mengli-Giray. Mengli-Giray received the exile Khan at his court on Crimeania, providing him with all the worldly luxuries of a visiting ruler. In the meantime, Dingi arrived victoriously on Saray (29 April 1083), assuming control of the imperial treasury. Dingi however, soon found his own position insecure, as Honorius I of Laurasia and Mengli-Giray of Crimeania, both determined to keep the Great Horde off balance while expanding their influence, combined their intelligence agencies together in a effort to incite rebellions against Dingi. Violent uprisings on Murphy, Duros, and Kulikovo (May-July 1083), distracted Dingi's attention, allowing for the exiled Shaikh-Ali to rebuild his forces. By August 1083, Dingi was weak, and Shaikh-Ali launched a major invasion in a attempt to regain his throne. He gained a victory in the Battle of Zutagia (2 September 1083) and recovered Horacia (19 September 1083). Dingi however, concentrated his forces at Saray, Hammenor, Marshia, Bainsborough, Capital, and Meaganian, denying his rival the opportunity to advance north. By November 1083, a stalemate had developed, which ensued for the next three years. Massive raids and confrontations took place between the two opposing brothers, draining the strength of the Great Horde. Many colonies and star systems were laid waste, driving down potential revenues for the government of Saray. Schaueria Prime took advantage of this to revolt under the leadership of Janius Dondonna (16 January 1085), gaining her independence and quickly securing control over Tyleria Perea, Jessica Perea, Selena, Hordania, and Greenia. By the end of 1085, the Great Horde had also lost control over the enclaves of Yularen and Daala, seized by the now-independent Goldaria. Then in January 1086, a devastating plague, known as the Candorian fever, was unleashed by Dingi, who sought to weaken his enemy and gain the advantage by terrifying worlds who were against him. This plague quickly spread to Hammenor, Murphy, Saray, Duros, and other worlds of the region, killing nearly 100 million sentients in just two months. Shaikh-Ali took action to relieve the fever by declaring quarantines and ordering efforts into the development of a vaccine, increasing his popularity and weakening Dingi's. By June 1086, he had secured his control of Saray and advanced to Marshia, Zutagia, and Nosauria. Finally, in the decisive Battle of Skyderia (29 November 1086), Dingi was finally defeated and captured. By the orders of his brother, he was then executed (2 January 1087).

Shaikh-Ali had thus again established his dominion over the Great Horde, but had lost much of his military strength and was weaker then ever before. No sooner had he defeated his brother than trouble broke out on Saray. The Khan's own wife and consort, Shagna, believed that she could rid herself of her husband and usurp the throne for herself. Conspiring with Arcimedes, a Laurasian mercenary in the service of the Khan, she seized control of government resources on Saray (16 February 1087) and drove her husband off the capital world, declaring herself Amiress of the Great Horde. Shaikh-Ali now went to Mengli-Giray, requesting his assistance against his traitorous wife. Assistance was granted in the Treaty of Solo (15 March 1087), with Shaikh-Ali now being obliged to recognize Mengli-Giray as his overlord. He was to despise this condition and later to revolt against it. In the meantime however, gathering units provided by his new master, Shaikh-Ali gained a major victory in the Battle of Dygrust (19 April 1087). However, he was not able to return to Saray again until September 1087. On 19 September, the Khan had his traitorous wife and her lover seized, tortured, and publicly beheaded. For the next three years, a turbulent peace then ensued, as Shaikh-Ali sought to root out any further potential traitors among the ranks of his government and also attempted to increase his military resources. He soon found, however, that being vassal to another Khan imposed upon him certain obligations. As early as December 1087, Mengli-Giray had dispatched his representatives to Saray, who installed themselves in the Palace of Khans and began giving orders to the Khan's personal officials. In March 1088, Shaikh-Ali was forced by the representatives to submit to Mengli-Giray a complete survey of all his revenues and resources. In June of that year, he was compelled to repeal regulations considered detrimental to the interests of his suzerain, and in December, was commanded by Mengli-Giray to demolish garrisons at Duros, Horacia, Momma, and Donald. In March 1089, when the Khan attempted to negotiate a formal peace treaty with Dondonna of Schaueria Prime, he found himself obliged to ask Mengli-Giray for permission in order to formally establish negotiations. As a result, the Treaty of Hugalania was not signed until 19 August 1089. This treaty acknowledged Schaueria Prime's independence and its seizure of the territories mentioned above. In November 1089, Shaikh-Ali was unable to open discussions with Honorius of Laurasia on the matter of Laurasian mercenaries, since he was forbidden to do so by Mengli-Giray (who still maintained extremely positive relations with Honorius, a personal friend and ally of his).

By January 1090, Shaikh-Ali was growing tired of the restrictions, and constantly expressed to his advisers his wish to terminate the terms of the overlordship. These opinions were expressed in "secret" sessions, as in public, the Khan continued to proclaim his loyalty to Mengli-Giray and to cordial relations with his overlord. In February 1090, he even made arrangements for the betrothal of his daughter, Sajia, with Mengli-Giray's eldest son Tordi. In reality, he was now drafting plans to restore his complete independence by military force, and on 2 March 1090, commanded the Chamberlain of his court to begin monitoring Mengli-Giray's representatives. The Chamberlain himself, however, was a spy in the pay of the Crimeanian Khan, and he quickly reported to his master the intentions of the Khan of Saray. Mengli-Giray began amassing his forces at Nathaniel, Norckia, and Cathay, determined to forestall rebellion by his vassal. He then sent ambassadors to Honorius, in order to negotiate new military arrangements with the Laurasian King, who had spent the past decade consolidating Laurasia's position and recovering her territories in the western Core (to be described below). The Treaty of Willa Catherina (25 May 1090), obliged both monarchs to cooperate in all military campaigns launched against the "pretended khan of the Great Horde". After this, a massive buildup of military forces took place, while Shaikh-Ali signed a treaty with Abdal-Karim of the Venasian Khanate, who had just ascended to the throne of that khanate, succeeding his father Qasim (9 June 1090). Finally, war broke out when in September 1090, Mengli-Giray, with the assistance of Laurasian detachments, crossed the boundary and assaulted Brenni, Zutagia, Zennethia, Horacia, Momma, Donald, and Theresa. He won a major victory in the Battle of Charos (18 September 1090) and destroyed the shipyards of Donald (29 September 1090). Shaikh-Ali roused himself from Saray and attempted a counterstrike at Duros, but was defeated (3 October 1090). On 6 October, the Crimeanian Khan commenced a siege of Horacia, a major stronghold of the Great Horde. The siege dragged on for over two months, during which time Abdal-Karim finally fulfilled his obligations and declared war (1 November 1090). His forces attacked Ogla, Meris V, Nathaniel, and Podrac, each under the control of the Crimeanian Khanate. He managed to storm Ogla but was driven off at Meris V (6 November 1090). On 10 November, the Khan dispatched two battleship squadrons to Shaikh-Ali at Horacia, who then managed to briefly drive Mengli-Giray to the outskirts of the system. On 17 November, Mengli-Giray recovered his composure however, and then crushed the Venasian reinforcements in the Battle of Takurios (20 November 1090). On 3 December, he cut off any further support to the defenders of Horacia, and on 9 December, the world finally fell to the Crimeanian fleet. Millions of Dasian and Horacian warriors were captured, whom Mengli-Giray had deported to his own dominions. With Horacia in his possession, the Khan now seized Momma (12 December 1090) and ravaged Duros (15 December 1090).

By the beginning of January 1091, Jackort and Zennethia had also fallen to the invaders, while Shaikh-Ali was driven to the breaking point. Mengli-Giray however, now turned his attention towards Abdal-Karim, intent on punishing the Venasian Khan for his support of the Great Horde. He repulsed the Venasian siege of Podrac (6 January 1091) and decimated a fleet of Dasian clawcraft, Battle Dragons, and Escorial carriers in the Battle of Brittany (17 January 1091). The Khan thereafter instigated his own offensives, storming Intenon (25 January 1091) and penetrating to Selena (2 February 1091). On 6 February 1091, Decapolia Major was captured by the Crimeanians, handing a severe blow to the Crimeanian Khanate. Athenis and Bolgrahay were then stormed (9-17 February 1091), decimating many of the Venasian starfighter units. When Bar'say was plundered and Cyrilla sacked (March-April 1091), Abdal-Karim was forced to sue for peace. The Treaty of Tauthia I (6 May 1091), resulted in Abdal-Karim seceding Podrac and northern Eutagia to the Crimeanian Khanate, while agreeing to limit the size of his military forces, end his alliance with Shaikh-Ali, and send the Khan of Crimeania a considerable tribute. With the Venasian Khanate out of the war, Mengli-Giray could now turn all of his attention to the Great Horde. He sacked Kuklikovo (12 May 1091) and destroyed the defenses of Hammenor (19-27 May 1091). On 3 June, Murphy was besieged by the invaders, falling a month later. With the fall of Murphy, Shaikh-Ali was now at the lowest point in his fortunes, retaining only Senna Major, Meaganian, and Saray itself, alongside some scattered enclaves. He sued for peace in July 1091, and negotiations commenced. They dragged out over many months however, as Mengli-Giray demanded for extensive territorial concessions. Finally, however, the Treaty of Abjia was agreed to (5 October 1091), by which the Khan of the Great Horde seceded all of the Crimeanian gains except Murphy and Hammenor to Mengli-Giray. Shaikh-Ali was compelled to dismantle his forces, pay further tribute to the Crimeanian Khan, and promise not to engage in any diplomatic negotiations or other actions without his overlord's consent. He retained only Murphy, Hammenor, Senna Major, Meaganian, and the Saray systems, which vastly reduced his power. After the war was over, Mengli-Giray returned to Crimeania, and was received with acclaim by his joyous subjects.

It is now important to turn to the actions and measures of Honorius I at Laurasia after he restored that world's independence from the Dasian Yoke. As mentioned above, Honorius was determined to resurrect Laurasia's fortunes in the Core Worlds, consolidate administrative and financial structures, and rebuild Laurasia's military forces. At the time of his proclamation as King, Laurasian authority extended only over Laurasia Prime and a handful of systems such as Ux-ney and Charasia. Honorius was determined to restore Laurasia's traditional home regions and to defend her against the Kazanian Khanate, pirates from the Wild Marshes, and other such threats. As such, he instigated a extensive re-militarization. By the Treaty of Janet (27 February 1082), with the Crimeanian Khanate, the King secured an exchange of military technology and financial subsidies for a period of ten years. Thereafter, he strengthened the shipyards of Charasia and began diverting vast sums towards the development of weapons, starfighters, and warships. In December 1082, by the Treaty of Toth with the Kazanian Khanate, Laurasia gained control of the major shipyard world of Katherine, which had once been a chief military base and naval headquarters for the Golden Horde. Honorius immediately established new operations there and ordered for the construction of 100 Vladur-class cruisers over the next two years. He also assembled a team to collect Dasian taxation regulations and modify them into form appropriate for the Laurasian government and people. The Levies Code of 1083 and the General Taxation Compilation of 1085 were the ultimate result of these efforts. Tax revenues, using the effective Dasian models, tripled between 1083 and 1089, providing a considerable quantity of money for Honorius to use in spending. Honorius also instigated measures for the recovery of Laurasia Prime itself, ordering the construction of new space satellites (1084-86) and resettling parts of the Laurasian countryside with immigrants and refugees. At the site of the Dasian Orda, the King laid out plans for the construction of the Celestial Palace in 1083. Work began in 1085, and the Palace would eventually be completed in 1096. It was to be the core of the later Quencilvanian Imperial Palace, residence of the Laurasian Emperors and Empresses.

With financial revenues insured and with the military being revived, Honorius now felt confident enough in order to instigate campaigns to bring the old Laurasian "purse worlds" back under the control of the Kingdom. Through a series of military campaigns, diplomatic confiscations, and economic blockades, he reacquired Caladaria (1083), Darcia (1085), Kalaria (1086), Ralina Vixius (1087), Augis V (1089), Combina I (1089), the Constantine Cluster (1091), Americania-in-Space (1092), and Clackimaris (1093). By the war of 1093-96 with Courdina V, Gordasis, and Metallasia, he secured Laurasian domination of the Scoutian regions, the Andrianian Cluster, and the Katherine Trunk Line, reestablishing Laurasia's preeminence in the western Core Worlds. Honorius I also provided units to Mengli-Giray in his struggle with the Great Horde, hoping to distract Shaikh-Ali from entertaining any ideas of campaigning in the northern Core Worlds. He soon found, however, that an opportunity presented itself to him: in the Kazanian Khanate. Illham, who had ruled since 1079, had saw his position continually weakening, as he was unable to suppress conspiracies against his rule and was viewed as weak, lazy, and ineffectual. This gave the opportunity to the supporters of Moxammadamin, Illham's younger half-brother. In January 1093, Moxammadamin and his supporters erupted in rebellion against Illham, quickly gaining control of Massanay, Siboruney, Michael, Deanna, and other worlds in the Kazanian Industrialized Borderlands. Illham roused from his throne world of Kazan and swiftly moved west with his fleet in order to subdue the rebellion. In the Battle of the Western Redoubt (7 February 1093), he achieved a victory over the rebel forces of his brother, who were ill-suited in engaging a regular military force in direct confrontation. Moxammadamin himself barely evaded capture, and, fleeing with his personal squadron to the south, crossed the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route into the Laurasian territories. He was received with splendor and honor by King Honorius at Katherine, who then gave him a personal naval escort and conducted him to Laurasia Prime. Moxammadamin was granted quarters in the Royal Palace, and was treated as a state guest. Illham soon learned on how his brother had fled to the Laurasian King, and he dispatched an emissary to Honorius, then at his resort on Caladaria. The emissary, who came before Honorius on 1 March 1093, demanded in the name of his master that Honorius surrender Moxammadamin into Kazanian custody. Honorius listened to his demands and then gave a firm refusal, citing the laws of diplomatic procedure and stating that Moxammadamin was under his protection.

The emissary reported this back to Illham, who was enraged when he learned of the Laurasian King's rejection of his "requests". He thereafter declared to his court that Honorius was doing a foolish thing. At Briannia, which was still under the control of the Kazanian Khanate, the Khan assembled a massive naval expeditionary force during March 1093, comprised of 300 cruisers, 2,000 destroyers, and 1,000 dreadnoughts. He sent repeated demands to Honorius that his brother be handed over. Honorius bided his time, having just entered into war with the western worlds mentioned above. He continued to point to the laws of diplomatic procedure and suggested that a conference should negotiate a compromise. By July 1093, Illham had prepared his forces, however, and he was no longer willing to send requests to the court of Laurasia Prime. On 17 July, he issued a final ultimatum for the return of his brother to "his justice", and backed this up by gathering a massive army at the assembly base of Levinston. Honorius evaded his demands and also made his own preparations for war. Finally, on 25 July 1093, the Kazanian Khanate declared war against the Laurasian Kingdom and launched its forces along the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route. Durglais, which had been seized by Honorius in December 1089, quickly fell to the invaders (27 July 1093), followed by Charasia (3 August 1093). Kazanian hordes plundered many of Laurasia's eastern territories. Honorius managed to pull units from fighting the Gourdinians, as also detachments of the Laurasia Prime Defense Force, and he cut Illham off at Kendra-Cora (7 August 1093). A vigorous battle then ensued, as the Khan attempted to break through. His attempts however, were stopped by Honorius, and he finally surrendered on 16 September 1093. Made a prisoner of the Laurasian King, the Khan was brought to the prison-fortress of the Cron Drift, where he was forced to sign the Treaty of Neil (6 October 1093). By the terms of this treaty, Illham acknowledged Moxammadamin as his successor, agreed to the concession of Briannia to Laurasia, and paid Honorius a subsidy. He also provided a military fleet for the King's use, who immediately directed it at the Gourdinians, who were threatening the Constantine Cluster. Illham was then set free and returned to his own dominions. For the next two and a half years, a turbulent peace ensued, as Honorius focused all his attentions on the conflict in the west. Illham in the meantime, also restored his strength and made plans to overthrow the terms of the Treaty of Neil.

By January 1096, Honorius had finally secured his gains against Courdina V and Gordasis, and negotiations were soon embarked upon with those two states, as well as with Metallasia. By the Treaty of Dionne (27 January 1096), Laurasia secured control of Scoutria, Andriana, and the worlds of the eastern Metallasian Trade Corridor. With this treaty concluded, he could now continue his interventions into the affairs of the Kazanian Khanate. In February 1096, Honorius demanded that Illham allow for Moxammadamin to return to Kazan with a force of his own, and that the Khan give Moxammadamin a seat on his council of bazars, which acted as the leading executive body of the Kazanian Khanate. The King claimed that this was in compliance with the terms of the Treaty of Neil. Illham however, refused his demands, and at a assembly of his council on 7 February 1096, declared that the terms of the Treaty of Neil had been exacted under duress, against his will. On 10 February, he terminated the payment of financial subsidies to the Laurasian King, and three days later, ordered Honorius's ambassador, Sir Heredotus Dilaguis, to leave his court. Honorius responded by ordering Illham's ambassador, Jenghiz, to leave the Diplomatic Palace of Laurasia Prime. By the end of February, both sides were assembling a fleet at their respective boundaries, and on 8 March, Illham broke the terms of the Treaty of Neil, tearing up his version of the document and hurling his forces at Clackimaris, Briannia, Katherine, and Darcia. He managed to recapture Briannia (13 March 1096), but then suffered a humiliating defeat in the Ambush of Jaina (20 March 1096), in which Honorius made off with 200 Kazanian moleships. Honorius thereafter harried Illham's forces, employing classic ambush tactics, similar to those he had employed against Ahmad, sixteen years earlier. He recaptured Briannia (7 April 1096) and then destroyed the Kazanian siege fleet at Clackimaris (11 April 1096). On 18 April, Illham was forced to retreat from Laurasian territories, and soon found himself pursued to Keldoria and Lythe. Honorius then raided Kazan itself (23 April 1096), breaching the world's defenses and devastating the world's famed cities with specialized "pressure bombs" before retreating. Illham was then surrounded and captured at Cibourney (4 May 1096). There, the King forced him to sign the humiliating Treaty of Dieppe (9 May 1096). By the terms of this treaty, Illham abdicated and surrendered his throne to Moxammadamin, who now became his successor. Illham himself was to come into Laurasian custody and would be confined in the Cron Prisons.

For another year, Moxammadamin ruled over the Kazanian Khanate as a vassal of the Laurasian King. He quickly gained unpopularity with the nobility and the government of Kazan, however, as they despised his deference towards Honorius, loathed his glutton habits, and believed him to be a traitor to the Dasian state. Tensions began to simmer throughout the Kazanian dominions, and the uprising of the Kazanian General Chandrulai from November 1096 to February 1097 symbolized resistance against the rule of Moxammadamin. Eventually, Illham managed to flee the Cron Prison (2 March 1097), and with the assistance of rebel contacts at Elizabeth and Katherine, managed to flee the Laurasian territories back into the Kazanian Khanate. He declared war against Moxammadamin, determined to regain his throne. The Battle of Ikit (10 March 1097) and the Confrontation of Taglai (25 March 1097), resulted in major victories for Illham. By April 1097, Illham had gained control of Cibourney and Massanay, and on 3 May, compelled Moxammdamin to take flight. Moxammadmin again fled to Honorius, who granted him sanctuary status and made preparations to reassert his dominance over the Kazanian Khanate. Declaring war against Illam (29 May 1097), the King hurled his forces up the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route and into Kazanian dominions, with Big Twinny, Leopolodia, and Redoria becoming targets of his vegenance. Illham advanced south with a expeditionary force, and clashed with the Laurasian King in the Battle of Navill (15 July 1097), which resulted in a major victory for the Laurasian King. Illham himself was captured, arrested, and exiled to Darcia, where he died in September 1097. After this, Honorius restored Moxammdamin to the throne of the Kazanian Khanate and then returned to Laurasia Prime.

It is now within our power to turn to the events in the Galactic Borderlands. By the late 1060s, hordes of Amelianians and Melanites continued to cross the Galactic Barrier and settle in the northern regions of the Galactic Borderlands, taking possession of the worlds of Illumis, Chardis, Billy, Morris, and Nikur (now renamed Amelia). Hengist continued to remain the most powerful ruler of the Amelianian hordes, and in the final years of his reign, embarked on the first stages of the eventual Amelianian conquest and subjugation of the Kalbachan Great Kingdom. He achieved a major victory in the Battle of Corthia (19 January 1070), where he is reported to have taken 500 Kalbachan battleships. This victory was followed by the seizure of the Rogerian Cluster (February-March 1070), the devastation of Sherry (2-19 April 1070), and the capture of Hypasis Major (3 May 1070). Over the next two years, Hengist consolidated his conquests and exacted a vast tribute from those territories. Eventually, by the Treaty of Alidore (19 June 1072), the Kalbachans were forced to acknowledge the revision of the territorial boundaries, surrendering the Rogerian Cluster and the western Hypasian systems to the authority of the King of Hengest. The following year, Hengist crushed a coalition of pirates in the Battle of Tellford, consolidating his dominion over the outposts of the eastern Galactic Barrier. On 17 January 1074, he died, and was succeeded as King of Hengist by his son Oisc (1074-1112). Oisc would be a generally peaceful ruler, spending the majority of his reign consolidating the conquests of his father, organizing his military forces, and launching raiding expeditions into the western Core Worlds, exchanging clashes with the collapsing Great Horde and with the Kazanian Khanate. In the meantime, however, a adventurer was carving out another kingdom for himself in the southern end of the Galactic Borderlands.

That adventurer was Aelle, a Amelianian general and chieftain who was to be hailed by later Amelianian monarchs, including Offa of Marcia, as their common ancestor in the "ways of war". Aelle was originally a minor officer within the Ktheorks, a warband of the Amelianians that progressed more slowly then the other armadas. This was because of the cruelty and oppressiveness of the warband's leader, Aethlered, a cruel and emotionless figure who was determined to maintain his position. Aelle however, impressed the Chieftain by his abilities, in particular his energy, ruthlessness, initiative, and tact. Gradually, Aelle rose in the favor of his master, until by 1079, he had become Captain of Aethlered's personal flagship, the Engoric, being interested with the welfare of the Chieftain and his personal staff. Aelle decided to take advantage of the situation, having built up a power base within the warband. He gathered his units together and assassinated the Chieftain (17 January 1080), proclaiming himself ruler of the Ktheorks. Aelle then decided that his band would carve a place for themselves within the Caladarian Galaxy, instead of continuing to linger in the Galactic Void.

Over the next two years, the warband finally progressed towards the Galactic Vector, being sighted at Lwheek, Cording, and Tatathay. Those worlds, once the home region of the Sassi-Ruuk Imperium, were now ruled by the Alexandrian king of Ivanna, Jadik. Jadik's position, however, was weak, and Aelle decided to take advantage of this situation. He made his presence firmly known by assaulting the outpost of Deswanna (7 February 1082), devastating the world and carrying off millions of prisoners. Then, with the assistance of his sons Cymen, Cissa, and Wheming, he bore himself down onto I-Loris, Zongia, and Taghon (February-March 1082), obtaining major victories and destroying a Alexandrian armada. Jadik then determined to lead his forces against the invader, and clashed with him in the Battle of Curdill (8 April 1082), which resulted in a decisive victory for Aelle. Aelle then captured Lwheek (12 April 1082) and then destroyed the Alexandrian base of Burgundia (29 April 1082). Jadik, who was now desperate, began conducting ambush tactics against Aelle, who responded in a utterly ruthless fashion. The Amelianian forces now destroyed dozens of outposts, slaughtered millions of Sassi-Ruuk and Alexandrians, and ruthlessly drove all enemies before their path. After several months of plunder, massacre, and rapine, Aelle finally surrounded and defeated Jadik in the Battle of Habbukk (2 October 1082), capturing the Alexandrian king and taking possession of his vessels. Jadik was tortured and then hanged on a transport frame, and by the orders of Aelle, hurled into the Galactic Barrier without shipboard protection. The transport was incinerated and Jadik was cooked alive. Aelle then took possession of Ivanna (9 October 1082) and established the Kingdom of Kthexox, proclaiming himself "King of the Amelianians in the Sassi-Ruuk and Alexandrian regions".

After the defeat and occupation of the Alexandrian Kingdom of Ivanna, Aelle then spent the next two years consolidating his gains. He reorganized his forces into squadrons of ceorls (Amelianian soldiers), curls (Alexandrian and Sassi-Ruuk impressed or conscripted troops), and brthols (King's honor guards). Aelle made vigorous efforts to settle the barbarian gangs of his warband, with such worlds as Mercia, Anglia, Gwnetth, and Camerania now becoming home to colonies of Amelianians. He also established outposts along the Galactic Barrier, built a series of complex defenses to bar Alexandrian and Devianiani intrusions from Nicole and Redia, and began preparations for the compilation of the first Amelianian legal code in the Caladarian Galaxy. Eventually however, he determined to expel the Alexandrians from Nagosh, Dolmes, and Francia. Acting along this objective, he declared war against the Alexandrian king of the Nagai, Rushli, in February 1085, and launched a swift invasion. The Battle of Clathmore (27 February 1085) and the devastation of Inteni (5 March 1085), resulted in major victories for the King of the Ktheori, as Rushli's battleship squadrons were devastated. Rushli, now using a trick ploy, attempted to ambush the Amelianian forces at Velaquez (16-21 March 1085). At one point, it seemed that Aelle would be defeated. The Amelianian King however, employed a ingenious ruse against his enemy, and using his station units, managed to break free. Rushli was crushed and forced to flee.

In April 1085, the major Nagai world of So'thirta was seized and devastated, with Aelle carrying off 200 million men, women, and children as slaves. On 2 May, a siege of Skyriver, a major shipyard for the Alexandrian of the Nagai, was commenced. Rushli dispatched repeated reinforcements and attempted to hold his stronghold, but to no avail. Skyriver was finally captured on 1 June and was sacked, with half of its population being enslaved or deported. Aelle then drove the Alexandrian fleet into retreat at Dettum (3 June 1085) and launched a major raiding operation against Nicole, making off with 200 battleships (15 June 1085). During July and August 1085, the King chashed Alexandrian fleets from their strongholds and launched numerous operations against Dolmes. Dolmes then fell (7 September 1085), followed thereafter by the fortress of Wesia, leading the way to Francia (11 September 1085). Francia was then besieged on 22 September, but managed to resist for the remainder of the year. After a long and bloody siege, Aelle finally managed to break the world's shields (31December 1085) and captured it the following day. After deporting many of Francia's inhabitants and rehabilitating the cities with Amelianian, Melanite, and Sassi-ruuk colonists, Aelle finally commenced a siege of Nagosh (2 January 1086). Rushli himself resisted intensively, but was outflanked. Nagosh then fell (12 January 1086) and was sacked, being left a wasteland. Rushli managed to flee before the world fell, but was eventually captured at Inkerton (21 January 1086). By the orders of Aelle, he was tortured and then executed by solar incineration (28 January 1086). With the detruction of the Alexandrian-Nagai Kingdom, Aelle had cemented his prestige.

Aelle then suppressed uprisings by the Sassi-ruuk, Girshites, and Akinos (1086-87), deporting millions to the desolate worlds of the inner Galactic Barrier and resettling the afflicted systems with Amelianians, Melanites, Alexandrians, and Nagai. He signed a military alliance and economic arrangements with Oisc of Hengist (6 February 1087). For the remainder of the decade, the dominions of Kthexox were secure, with Aelle becoming renowned as a honorable and relatively just ruler. His treasured law code was finally implemented in 1088-89, and has served as a valuable source for later historians in tracking the legal development of the Amelianian-Melanite kingdoms. In February 1089, he proclaimed his son Cissa, one of his leading military commanders, his official heir to the throne. This action helped to provide a further firm foundation for the government of the kingdom. In March 1089, Aelle established a embassy at the court of the Donguarian Emperor Matthias Corvinus (1058-90). This was followed by the establishment of a embassy at the court of Mengli-Giray (April 1089), and at Venasia (August 1089), Kazan (September 1089), Saray (November 1089), Hunt (December 1089), and Laurasia (January 1090). Then he signed the Treaty of Archleuta with the Devianiani confederacy (14 January 1090), which outlawed raids by either side against each other and provided for economic arrangements. It seemed that everything for Aelle was safe.

Soon however, the Khan encountered resistance from the Hospallian warlord, Tobines, who had seized control of Rhedita and had established a heavily organized and militarized kingdom. Tobines launched repeated raids against Amelianian military positions, and in particular his sack of Tabithia (2 August 1090), embrassed the King of Kthexox. By October 1090, Hospallian raids had intensified so much that Aelle decided to go to war. He destroyed the stronghold of Livonia (19 October 1090) and defeated Tobines' admiral, Heinrich, in the Battle of Rylumer (1 November 1090). The worlds of Dinst, Himmler, and North-kay I became the next targets of the Amelianians, being besieged and taken in November 1090. On 3 December 1090, Aelle defeated and repulsed Tobines in the Battle of Marger, capturing nearly half of the Hospallian and Rhedite trooper corps. He then ravaged unchecked throughout the Hospallian dominions, sacking Pbrinam (7 December 1090) and harassing Runetysia (15-19 December 1090). By January 1091, Tobines and his forces were falling back, and eventually the sack of Rhedita (2 February 1091), forced the Hospallian ruler to come to terms. By the Treaty of Walfinghia (28 February 1091), Tobines acknowledged Aelle as his overlord and seceeded Livonia, Rylumer, Dinst, Himmler, North-Kay I, and the Margian Cluster to Kthexox. Aelle in turn, freed all Hospallian prisoners of war. After this, Aelle crushed a uprising on Yimna (April-May 1091) and then began construction of the Great Fortress of Rhys (1091-93). His kingdom settled once more into peace, and Aelle opened diplomatic relations with the Ashgoths and other barbarians in the northern Outer Borderlands.

While Aelle and Oisc were ruling in peace over their Amelianian kingdoms in separate parts of the Galactic Borderlands, yet another adventurer was arriving from the Galactic Void and making his preparation for entry into the Caladarian Galaxy. That adventurer was Cedric, a ambitious and striving figure who, like Aelle, began as a minor official in his warband, the Cordanians. Cedric would be described by his contemporaries as "a energetic and ambitious fellow who held a exalted view of his species". By virtue of these abilities and his loyalty to his commanders, he was named by Cenwalh, his thegn-general of the forces, as the successor to his position in the warband in 1093. By January 1094, the Cordanians had progressed to the edge of the Galactic Borderlands, reaching the western outskirts of the Great Kalbachan Kingdom, and soon established communications with Aelle and Oisc. The two Amelianian kings provided them financial resources and supplied them information about viable routes to enter the Galactic Borderlands. By December, Cenwalh and Cedric were beginning to make preparations for a military intrusion into the territories of Kalbacha. The Kalbachan Great King, Herman (1079-1102), learned of their preparations and began assembling his forces at Ashley-Stead, the farthest colony world of Kalbacha. He was determined to stop any further Amelianian intrusions and to prevent them from falling into his dominions. Cenwalh now employed a ambitious strategy, organizing his ceorl squadrons into specialized mobile units, who would use speed and manipulation in order to overwhelm their enemies. Finally, in February 1095, the Amelianian hordes descended into Kalbachan territories. The Kalbachan worlds of Eric, Betist, Magarina, Werthalla, and Jameson were quickly overwhelmed by the invaders, as was the outpost of Ashley-Stead. Cenwalh led his hordes in migration across the Kalbachan dominions, destroying dozens of outposts and scattering all Kalbachan fleets in their path. Herman now mustered his forces from Kalbacha Major, and intercepted the invaders at Banah (9 April 1095). The Amelianians suffered extensive losses, with Cenwalh himself being slain. Cedric, now acknowledged as the thegn-general of the Cordanian warband, managed to outflank Herman and flee with the majority of his units.

For much of the rest of the year, Cedric led his warband in raids and espionage operations throughout the Kalbachan dominions, having become determined to evade direct confrontation with the enemy. These operations, which included the sack of Florence (15 May 1095) and the devastation of the worlds of the Prietist (June-July 1095), acquired much prestige for the Amelianian chieftain, who seemed as if he could not be caught. Herman grew irritated at the raids, and launched extensive efforts in order to seek out and scatter the holdouts of the enemy. His efforts did not succeed however, and he was reduced to installing heavy garrisons at various worlds throughout his territory, in order to protect his assets. Nevertheless, a spate of massacre, devastation, brutality, rapine, and enslavement continued throughout the outpost systems, as Cedric and his men launched swift raids. Finally, by November 1095, they encountered and destroyed a Kalbachan fleet party in the Battle of Licening V, inflicting severe losses on the Kalbachan squadrons. Cedric and his fleet soon passed over into the Wild Marshes, now determined to establish a kingdom beyond the boundaries of Kalbacha. Descending on Angelica, they defeated and killed the Angelican Queen Guvera in the Battle of Giron (9 December 1095). The warband then occupied Angelica itself, where Cedric proclaimed himself King of Cordania, establishing yet another Amelianian kingdom within the Caladarian Galaxy. By January 1096, he had established a embassy at the court of Laurasia Prime, and then, by the Treaty of Sadaat with Herman (5 February 1096), secured recognition of his kingdom and the establishment of peace.

The Early Guardianship of Stilicho and the Early Reign of Mandukhai and Jasagatu; The Ravages of Alaric; The Fall of the Great Horde to the Crimeanian Khanate (1095-1102)
Touching back on the Huntite and Homidinian Khanates, it is now necessary to note continuing events in the Outer Borderlands, as the barbarian migrations and invasions began to revive again, while the power and unity of the Dasian government and military in the Caladarian Galaxy steadily declined. In his will and testament, Tokugaistus had divided his dominions amongst his sons, naming Stilicho as guardian of Jasagatu and Ruflius as guardian of Mandukhai. This arrangements had taken effect on 17 January 1095, when the Khan died. It would turn out that neither Jasagatu or Mandukhai were equipped with the affairs of state, and both would be destined to spend their reigns under the domination or influence of their advisers and court officials. It was now a necessity for any minister of the respective Khans to maintain his own personal guard while attempting to contain murderous intrigues at the Khan's court. In order to retain the control over the Khan, the aristocracy, minor gentry, local officials, and the barbarian federates, a Guardian needed a judicious mixture of leadership, patronage, and armed might. This was to mark the attitude of the next few decades.

Upon the death of Tokugaistus, the military and tribute arrangements with the Ashgoths disintegrated. For thirteen years, the Dasian Khan had been served by his Ashgoth commander, Alaric, a man possessed of energy, intelligence, tact, vision, ruthlessness, and tactical insight. Alaric had hoped that upon the death of his master, Stilicho and Ruflius would consider it fit to promote him to the rank of major-general in the Khan's guards, and that they would grant certain privileges to his people, the Ashgoths. He was disappointed in this, however, as Stilicho and Ruflius focused their energies on the accumulation of wealth and the consolidation of their positions. Enraged at this, Alaric openly erupted in rebellion against the co-guardians and their Khans (24 March 1095). Gathering his personal squadrons together, he traveled to Sernapasia, where a assembly of the Ashgoth elders acknowledged him as King of the Ashgoths (2 April 1095). Alaric now began his expeditions. He sacked Scanlan (17 April 1095); destroyed the fortress of Gibbs-to-Lester (29 April 1095); and stormed Brlla (5 May 1095). After devastating the Homidinian worlds and besieging Yutzy, Alaric and his hordes then marched to Chalassia in June 1095, but found themselves unable to breach the world's defenses, embarked on a harassing campaign around the Homidinian capital world. Ruflius and his armies were just then focusing their attention against Brestord incursions at Xilrania Minor, Buranti, Greyson, and Kledis Var, whose massive armadas were laying utter waste to those particular star systems.

In July 1095, the guardian of Homidinia, desperate to have Alaric's attacks terminated, sent a emissary to the Ashgothic King, attempting negotiations with him. This plea to Alaric aroused the suspicion of many on Chalassia, who believed that Ruflius was engaged in a conspiracy to destroy the Khanate. It did not matter anyhow, for Alaric continued to ravage the star systems west of the Northern Way. Ruflius then attempted to maintain his position by arranging for the marriage of his daughter, Sethajay, to Mandukhai. This plot however was foiled by Minretus, the Khan's Chamberlain. Minretus then gathered his supporters at the imperial court, and soon began spreading rumors amongst the ranks of the army that Ruflius planned to kill the Khan and usurp the throne himself. These rumors wrought their effect, and Ruflius, desperate to salvage his prestige and make the wrong of the rumors, asked Stilicho to help him against the barbarians. Stilicho had become alarmed of Alaric's campaigns, and in October 1095, he dispatched a expeditionary force to Lacia, Englestrom, and Dromund in order to help the Homidinians. This force was led by the Halegoth mercenary Gainas, who had become one of Stilicho's chief subordinates. The mercenary force managed to repulse a Ashgothic attack on Gwendolyn (6 November 1095) and cleared the barbarians from Homidinia, Calms, and Theodore. Soon, however, they turned on Ruflius. The force advanced towards and surrounded Chalassia (10 November 1095). After a long and bitter siege of seventeen days, they finally stormed the Homidinian capital world (27 November 1095), capturing Ruflius. Ruflius was executed by the orders of Gainas, who thereafter ordered the plunder of the world. Some 100 million Dasians, Chalassians, and Homidinians were carried off as slaves. Gainas soon withdrew however, not wishing to become Homidinian Khan himself. Minretus, instead, returned with Mandukhai, having been at the resort world of Aethiopia at the time of the siege. He installed himself as the new guardian of the Homidinian Khanate (2 December 1095) and arranged the marriage of Aella Gardonia, the granddaughter of a former Laurasian slave nobleman, with the Khan.

In January 1096, Stilicho dispatched significant reinforcements to Gainas, comprised of a smattering of Jageron, Devianiani, mercenary, Dasian, Huntite, and Robertian units, and ordered for him to continue resisting Alaric's raids and plundering operations throughout the Homidinian Khanate. Gainas signed a military agreement with Minretus (13 January 1096) and thereafter established a stronghold on Markis Prime, which became his principal base of operations. Alaric however, continued to roam across unopposed, as Gainas was having to devote much of his effort to defending positions from incursions by the Kazanian Khanate as well as crushing uprisings by the Edmundians, Mackenzians, and Lacians. Alaric thus won the Battle of Saris V (17 January 1096) and thereafter raided Elijahana, making off with some 40 million Elijahanan captives. He then devastated Karakorum (25 January 1096), which by now had a population of less than 50 million, a drastic decline from its height of nearly 1.3 trillion two centuries earlier. He then sacked Izzia (1 February 1096), destroying the final remnant of the Monks of Izzia, which thus brought an end to one of the most ancient religions in the Caladarian Galaxy. This campaign was followed by the sack of the Cosite stronghold of Simmons (5 February 1096) and by the devastation of Hukaron, Makuthia, and Watchers. The Battle of Kars (20 February 1096) and the sack of Etti (29 February 1096), inflicted severe losses on Homidinian and Huntite mercenary forces. Stilicho, lambasting Gainas for his laziness, now advanced across the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route and took command of the forces himself (9 March 1096). He stopped Alaric's offensive onto Tyson (10-19 March 1096), although losing a large number of troopers and Dasian marauders to Alaric's tactics. Stilicho then halted raids against Robert and Meris (April 1096), reinforced the defenses of Chalassia (3 May 1096), and then secured the world of Borlas against Ashgothic attacks (17 May 1096). By June 1096, he was able to halt Alaric's offensives along the Northern Way, and on 2 July, forced him back to Belkadia and Gage. Alaric however, halted his attempts to dislodge his forces. Stilicho now withdrew back to Hunt Major, and by the Truce of Vechinque (29 July 1096), temporarily halted hostilities with Alaric. Alaric then spent the remainder of the year to consolidate his forces, although he raided against the Muggal Cluster. These, however, were halted by Oisc in November 1096.

In January 1097, however, Alaric resumed his harassing expeditions and campaigns. The outpost fortresses of Farell and Judith were stormed and captured by the Ashgothic King (5-17 January 1097), inflicting severe losses on the Homidinian frontier units. He then crossed the Corporate Trade Corridor and harassed Houston, Vandross, and Sernapasia (February 1097), destroying the military fortifications of those worlds and inflicting severe damage on their cities. By March 1097, Coronadia and English Star had both fallen to the invader, who penetrated to Edmundia and destroyed the outposts of the Homidinian Khanate along the Galactic Vector of that region. Alaric deported millions of Edmundians, Mackenzians, Longmirans, and others as slaves, even selling some to dealers in the Kazanian Khanate. Soon however, Minretus reacted to the Ashgothic King. Determined to retain his position, and eager for military success, the Guardian managed to entrap the forces of Alaric at Keeley (3-4 April 1097). The result was a surprising victory for the Dasians, as Alaric himself was entrapped and captured by the battleship squadrons of the Dasian force. Alaric was forced to sign the Treaty of Keeley (7 April 1097), by which he pledged himself vassal to Khan Mandukhai and agreed to help defend the Homidinian Khanate against other barbarian peoples and against any other enemy which she might have. Alaric was then appointed general of Dasian forces in the Homidinian regions, and was dispatched with his Ashgothic armadas and a Homidinian fleet to the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route. There, he halted a incursion attempt by the Brestords (14 April 1097), capturing nearly 100 million marauders and deporting them as slaves. Thereafter, Minretus had the Khan declare Stilicho a enemy of the blood line, but Jasagatu refused to remove his trusted guardian from his position. Skirmishes and raids thus took place between the two Khanates, although there was no full-scale war.

This precarious situation was broken when in February 1098, the general of Dasian forces at Shendonana, Cyrus III, and Larkin, Gibones, erupted in rebellion against Stilicho, having been dissatisfied with the exactions whom the Guardian had conducted from his territories. Gibones established contact with Alaric and Minretus, being determined to break away from the Huntite Khanate and align himself with the enemies of Stilicho. This rebellion was a major threat to Stilicho, as Gibones now controlled the important shipyards of Majoria Schall, which furnished nearly half of the starfighter units employed by the Dasian military. Stilicho was forced to pull units from the Denveranian Trunk Line and from the border with the Homidinian Khanate to contain the rebellion. These units however, were commanded by his militarily skilled younger brother, Mandurtaius, who instilled a high morale in his men. The General recaptured Roastafaria Major (2 March 1098); stormed Choir (6 March 1098); ravaged Zellwegger (17 March 1098), and reconquered the worlds of the Melanie Trade Line (April 1098). He then besieged and captured Hoohshikk (7-16 May 1098) and also subdued the uprisings at Bookman, Christopher, and Nanda (May-June 1098). Shendonana was recaptured on 17 June 1098, followed in July by Majoria Schall. Gibones himself attempted a last stand in the Battle of Shary (5 July 1098), but was defeated, his starfighter being disabled by Dasian Genghis-class cruisers. Gibones was captured and by the order of Mandurtaius, executed (9 July 1098). With the death of Gibones, the rebellion had been crushed, and Stilicho had cemented his prestige. He consolidated his position yet further by arranging the marriage of his daughter, Basita, to the Khan (12 August 1098).

By this point, as the number of ethnic Dasians continued to deplete and as financial resources for the Huntite Khanate withered away, Stilicho was forced to recruit Brestords, Halegoths, Alexandrians, Devianiani, Huntites, Robertians, Vickians, Shendonanans, Roastafarians, and even Amelianian, Crimeanian, and Kazanian mercenaries into his forces. He was desperately short of military supplies and equipment, being reduced to make economic agreements with the Amelianian kingdoms and with the Donguarian Stellar Empire (1098-99). Nevertheless, he managed to retain control of the situation, and continued to act well in suppressing uprisings and maintaining the authority of the Huntite court. The following year, yet another military crisis emerged when the Melork general Trabold, who had entered the service of the Homidinian court, erupted in rebellion at Tyson (2 February 1099), dropping his oath of allegiance to Mandukhai and opposing the authority of Minretus. Trabold captured the fortress of the Oirat Complex (7 February 1099), posing a major threat to military positions in the former regions of the Northern Khanate. Gainas, who had returned to Samarkand in April 1096 and spent his time recovering his standing with the Guardian, now gained his master's support to return to the Homidinian Khanate with a mercenary force. Gainas swiftly conquered Homidinia (1 March 1099), and evading Alaric's forces, raced to Chalassia, where he defeated and killed Minretus (14 March 1099). Gainas thereafter proclaimed himself Guardian of the Khan and became the new chief figure in the Homidinian court. Alaric quickly paid allegiance to Gainas, and with his assistance the new Guardian crushed Trabold in the Battle of Swift (6 April 1099), capturing and killing the rebel leader. Soon after, Gainas began formulating secret plans to get rid of Alaric, believing that that the Homidinian court no longer needed the Ashgothic King's services. In July 1099, the Guardian ordered Alaric to begin assembling his units at Yutzy and Dion, and in September, ordered him to leave the territories of the Homidinian Khanate. Alaric at first resisted, and even instigated a siege of Homidinia (1-10 September 1099). Gainas however, with the support of Brestord and Melork mercenaries, drove the Ashgothic King across the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route in October 1099. Alaric sought refuge with Stilicho, who received this unexpected guest at Uris. The Treaty of Uris (2 November 1099), allowed Alaric to take up occupation of Sheldonia, as long as he promised to help Stilicho defend the Huntite Khanate against external threats. Stilicho however, was wary of the Ashgothic King, and he now strengthened the defenses of Hunt Major, having to pull units from Kimania, Filorean, and Breha in order to do so.

Gainas in the meantime, quickly became unpopular in the territories of the Homidinian Khanate, as many in the Dasian court and government regarded him as a usurper with no right to the Guardianship. This belief was fueled by his oppressive actions towards the Dasian nobility. In December 1099, the Guardian had significantly raised the tsarist vy'hod, which insulted his Chalassian and Homidinian subjects. In January 1100, at the instigation of the last year of the eleventh century, he extended the tax to the Dasian nobility, who were now subject to pay new levies to the Khan's treasury. This action extremely angered the nobility, who believed that Gainas intended to reduce them to the status of servants. From February onwards, the Dasian general Fravitta began formulating conspiracy plans against Gainas. Gainas was then confronted by massive uprisings on George, Xilania Major, Homidinia, Sernapasia, Calms, Buranti, Kledis Var, Markis Prime, Lacia, Dromund, and Coronadia (March-June 1100), which strained his military resources and signified the public resistance to his rule. In July 1100, demonstrations and protests began in the streets of Chalassia's capital city, Nordinum. Gainas at first attempted to reason with the protesters, but when they demanded that he step down as Guardian, he ordered his troops to fire on the crowd. The "Gainaian Massacre", as it became known, of 21-28 July 1100, led to the deaths of nearly a million beings and greatly soured the Guardian's reputation. Eventually, in September 1100, Brestord raids at Etti and Scanlan forced Gainas to leave Chalassia, in order to stop this new threat. Fravitta took advantage of the Guardian's absence to instigate rebellion (2 October 1100). He quickly gained custody of the puppet Khan, Mandukhai, and proclaimed himself the new Guardian the following day. One by one, the worlds of the Homidinian Khanate acknowledged the usurper's authority, and by November, Gainas had been proclaimed a outlaw. Fravitta eventually encountered and defeated the former Guardian in the Battle of Aborginal (20 December 1100). He was taken as a prisoner and brought back to Chalassia. Here, as the "greetings" of Fravitta to the twelfth century, Gainas was publicly beheaded (1 January 1101) and his body was dumped on a desolate moon, this being broadcast across the Holonet. After this, Brestord raids started again, and soon many frontier star systems were engulfed in a series of massacres, enslavements, and deportations.

As the new century began, Stilicho was now attempting to muster up further troops in order to strengthen the Huntite armed forces. To this end, he left Hunt Major in February 1101, leaving the capital world and its surrounding star systems protected by a smattering of militia, mercenary, and Huntite defense units. Across the Kimanian Run, the Guardian managed to halt Devianiani, Melork, and Rudorite raids, gathering troops from Offshora, Nanking, Kimania, Leo's Redoubt, and Riley as he was doing so. Alaric now decided to take advantage of the Guardian's absence, as he was desperate to carve a kingdom for his people and recover his resources. On 1 April, he launched a series of offensives from Sheldonia, breaking the terms of the Treaty of Uris. Alaric stormed Gabriella (9 April 1101); defeated a Huntite expeditionary force in the Battle of Iego (12 April 1101); breached the fortifications of Robert (19 April 1101); and captured Samarkand (20-26 April 1101). Eventually, Alaric drove Jasagatu from his retreat on Leah and besieged him at Lorna on 30 April 1101. Stilicho was now forced to turn his attention back to the Huntite regions, and he managed to secure temporary truce arrangements with the raiding hordes in the Barsar Regions. In May 1101, he then recrossed the Kimanian Run and proceeded to the north. Alaric moved south from Lorna, although he left some units there to contain Jasagatu. The Battle of Newman Victoria (6 May 1101) and the Skirmish of Reid (17 May 1101) both resulted in staggering losses for the contenders, as Alaric and Stilicho were unable to inflict a decisive defeat on the other. Nevertheless, Alaric now retreated to the north, and this allowed Stilicho to relieve the siege of Lorna in July 1101, escorting the Khan Jasagatu to safety. Stilicho then recaptured Samarkand (3-17 August 1101) and saved Shephard from a attack of Alaric's forces (September 1101). Alaric and his forces now engaged in raiding operations, inflicting severe damage on many star systems and launching operations into the Barsar Regions. Stilicho however, prevented him from linking up with the Devianiani, and also managed to keep Vickis, Hunt Major, and Kimania safe from raids. By November 1101, a stalemate had ensued, which lasted into the next year. During that time, Alaric continued to expand his forces and made further preparations for a campaign against the Guardian and his forces. Stilicho in the meantime, now recalled units from Larkin, Shendonana, Emily Deuistania, and Beverly Hereidu in order to strengthen his squadrons.

Eventually, in March 1102, once he was confident enough to proceed further, Alaric launched further attacks across the Huntite Khanate. A expeditionary force managed to seize Samantha (18 March 1102) and sacked Messalina (29 March 1102), disrupting Stilicho's military routes in the Eastern Barsar Regions. Alaric himself then led a force which overwhelmed Samarkand (1-5 May 1102), forcing Stilicho and his units to retreat. He then captured Meris (19 May 1102); devastated Beharis (25 May 1102); and stormed Vickis (29 May 1102). By June 1102, Shendonana, Majoria Schall, Rose, Brasslisburg, Larkin, and Minnetoa were in his possession, and Stilicho was now reduced to pulling units back from Hunt Minor to defend the capital world. Stilicho was now desperate for a victory, as poverty on Hunt Major increased and as conspiracies against the person of the Guardian festered. He negotiated a treaty arrangement with King Aelle of Kthexox (3 July 1102), by which the Amelianian King promised to supply, at Strongstine, Abshire, and Drea, a fleet of 5,000 warships and 3.4 billion Amelianian warriors. In return, Stilicho agreed to pay Aelle a tribute and to acknowledge him as the suzerain of the Khan Jasagatu. With these forces in his possession, Stilicho was now able to strike back. He halted an offensive on Kimania (10 July 1102) and recaptured Samarkand (21 July 1102). During August 1102, he isolated Alaric's forces in the eastern Barsar Regions, installed a garrison at Leo's Redoubt, and secured Armenia Major against attack.

Finally, he managed to lure Alaric into a trap at Pollarium (3-5 September 1102). This two-day battle was hard fought, with Alaric at times almost managing to break out, but in the end, Stilicho won the day. Alaric's wife and bodyguard corps were captured by the Guardian, Alaric himself barely evaded capture, fleeing on a small starfighter. With this major victory, Stilicho was now able to move further. Robert was recaptured (19-29 September 1102) while Alaric's stronghold at Samantha was destroyed (October 1102) and Shendonana recaptured (1-6 November 1102). By the end of the year, Brasslisburg, Greg, and Brooke One had also been recovered, and Alaric was now bringing his units back up to the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route. Then on 1 January 1103, Alaric suffered a crushing defeat in the Battle of Meredita, and was forced to sign the Treaty of Verona, by which he again acknowledged Jasagatu and Stilicho as his suzerains, agreed to pledge absolute loyalty to the Huntite Khanate, and promised to defend the Robertian Regions from barbarian attack. With a turbulent peace restored, Stilicho now returned to Hunt Major. For the next two years, he would focus his efforts on maintaining civil order, reorganizing the military units available to him, and suppressing plots against his rule. With this, we can now turn to events in the Core.

Shaikh-Ali was in a very precarious position after the Treaty of Abija, with his dominion now extending to only a handful of star systems and with his military resources virtually extinguished. He was now defintely a vassal of Mengli-Giray, and was no longer able to act as a independent ruler. Indeed, in February 1092, the Crimeanian Khan summoned the Khan of Saray to his court on Crimeania. There, he was forced to pay homage to Mengli-Giray and to pledge absolute loyalty to him. Soon enough, the humiliating form of vassalage fell upon his shoulders. Mengli-Giray now again installed his representatives on Saray, who gave orders to the household and whose approval was required for any decree or order sent out by the Khan. With Shaikh-Ali in such a weak and subordinate place, rebellions and uprisings broke out in full stream. The Saray Protests of 1092-93, caused much havoc in the cities of the Dasian capital world, as devastating riots and attacks throughout the cities which killed some 100 million sentients. Shaikh-Ali's troops eventually crushed the uprisings, but they had significantly harmed the Khan's standing on Saray. In 1093-94, Senna Major, Murphy, and Mumbraine were engulfed in a spate of revolts, as the rump garrisons of those worlds were heavily besieged. Many of these revolts were provoked by agents of Honorius I of Laurasia, who was determined to weaken yet further the Great Horde. In this he was supported by Mengli-Giray, who was already building on his plans to destroy the remainder of the Horde and extend his dominion into the central Core Worlds. Terrorist attacks and conspiracies were now proceeding in full stead, and in January 1095, the Khan felt it necessary to declare marital law on Saray, a decision which was however, rejected by Mengli-Giray. In February of that year, the Crimeanian Khan's representatives forced the Khan of Saray to sign the Concordat of Girare, by which all of his future decisions were to be subject to a council of elders, appointed by the Crimeanian Khan. This council reported directly to Mengli-Giray, and not to Shaikh-Ali, being invested with authority over taxes, enumeration, and legislative revision. For the rest of the decade, Shaikh-Ali slipped into relative insignificance, as the Crimeanian representatives and their council conducted numerous exactions and brutalized the people of Saray.

By January 1100, nationalist feelings again emerged on Murphy, as the Murphians, who had been under the Dasian Yoke for over two and a half centuries, were now determined to take advantage of the declining situation of the Great Horde in order to reestablish their independence. A nobleman and patriot arose to take advantage of these feelings: Jadarus, who had served as a mercenary in the armies of the Crimeanian Khanate, Venasian Khanate, and even for a time, in that of the Laurasian Kingdom. Thus he was invested with military experience and tactical insight, being determined to employ these skills for the liberation of his people. His intimate awareness with Dasian military organization and tactics helped to amplify this advantage. Ever since returning to his homeworld in 1097, he had gaged the emotions and feelings of the Murphian people. He held secret meetings for various Murphian political and military figures at his mansion, supplied financial aid to guerrillas and other bands who resisted the Dasian garrison, and covertly implanted his agents in the Bey's court and government. Eventually, in January 1100, he raised the standard of revolt against the Bey and his garrison. The rebel movement quickly seized control of Matt, Murphy's capital city (2 February 1100) and thereafter drove the Dasian garrison from the Murphian star system (4 February 1100).

Proclaiming himself Grand Prince of Murphy, Jadarus then destroyed the garrison of Mumbraine (10-19 February 1100), liberating many Murphian slaves at that world. He then conquered Moria (March 1100) and crushed a paltry defense fleet sent by Shaikh-Ali at Hickoris Five (9-10 April 1100). Shaikh-Ali now begged his suzerain, Khan Giray, for permission to proceed against the rebel forces. Giray, however, seeing that the Murphian revolt could deal a death blow to the Great Horde, refused and commanded him to keep his forces at Hammenor, Saray, and Senna Major. Thus deprived of any opposition, Jadarus advanced further, conquering the Prelone Asteroid Belt (May 1100) and clearing out the enclaves of the Great Horde in the Murphian territories. He then began receiving considerable financial aid from Honorius, who was determined to keep Shaikh-Ali off balance. Using this aid, he constructed military defenses at Murphy and Mumbraine, fortified his positions, and launched raids at Senna Major, making off with a large amount of booty and starships. He then defeated the garrison of Hammenor (1-11 September 1100) and captured the world, extinguishing the Great Horde's last foothold in the Outer Core. By the end of 1100, Jadarus had consolidated his position and received diplomatic recognition from Kazan, Laurasia, Arias, Clancia, the Khanate of Venasia, and even now the Crimeanian Khanate itself. In January 1101, Jadarus launched a major attack on the outskirts of the Senna Major system, sacking the asteroid stations of the Senna Belt and inflicting severe damage on the military positions in the system, compounding his earlier raids in the region. Shaikh-Ali by now realized that the revolt was beyond hope of suppression. This was confirmed when in March 1101, after a further month of raids and plunder by the Murphian rebels, Mengli-Giray confirmed his diplomatic recognition of Murphy and commanded Shaikh-Ali to begin negotiating arrangements with the rebels. The Treaty of Duros (2 April 1101), negotiated under the "meditation" of Mengli-Giray, recognized the independence of the Murphian Grand Principality and obliged Shaikh-Ali to compensate Jadarus for the expenses of his revolt. Shaikh-Ali, humiliated and ashamed, now retreated into the recesses of what was left of the once splendid Golden Palace, and surrendered control of state affairs to his minister of affairs, Shamira. Shamira was a ambitious and intriguing figure, and his accumulation of wealth for himself, his accommodation of the Crimeanian overlords, and his extortions from the treasury made him extremely unpopular with the people.

A Dasian nobleman and steward at the Khan's court, Altan, became determined to arrest the decline of the Great Horde and restore splendor to the state. Although he was vain, arrogant, and cruel, Altan believed himself to be the rightful successor of Batya and even claimed descent from the great Genghis Khan himself. He could not substantiate these claims, but by virture of his possessed self-confidence and striking physical resemblance to the founder of the Dasian Empire, he was able to convince many that he worked in the interests of the Khan. Altan mustered his personal units, provoked rebel and civil tensions on Saray, and in July 1101, launched a major conspiracy against Shamira. Shamira attempted to resist, but was eventually betrayed by his own household officers and was executed (3 August 1101). Altan thereafter proclaimed himself Chamberlain, Minister of Affairs, and Guardian of Saray, with Shaikh-Ali surrendering virtually all state powers to him. Altan now began to rebuild the Khan's bodyguard units, sought measures to widen taxation, and began using obscure charters in order to increase conscription. He also opened secret contacts with Soonitr Dondonna, who had succeeded his father to the throne of Schaueria Prime in 1099. Altan promised Dondonna control of the Murphian territories in exchange for helping him expand the Great Horde and destroy the Crimeanian Khanate. The Guardian however, did not comprehend, however, that Mengli-Giray was taking note of his every move, his loyal representatives reporting to their master all of the machinations at the court of Saray. Determined to find a excuse to get rid of the Great Horde, Mengli-Giray permitted the Council of Elders to approve all of Altan's measures. This was to give Altan enough rope so as to hang himself. Indeed, in November 1101, the Khan allowed for the Council to issue a declaration praising Altan as "loyal to his master" and commending him for his efforts to preserve Shaikh-Ali from destruction. Altan had the folly of believing that Mengli-Giray was not aware of his plans, and he persuaded himself that the overthrow of the Crimeanians would take just a snap of the finger. With this in mind, he concluded the secret Protocol of Jessica Perea with the Schauerian government (25 December 1101), providing for financial subsidies and military aid. The Schauerians then dispatched a force from their enclave at Ipsus V, which arrived at Saray in January 1102.

In February 1102, with his military units organized and the alliance with the Schauerians insured, Altan rejected the terms of vassalage with the Crimeanian Khanate and entered into a state of rebellion against his overlord. His loyal personal guards forcibly dispersed the Council of Elders, impounding their documents and again assuming the absolute authority of the Khan over legislative matters. Altan had Khan Giray's representatives arrested, tortured, and then imprisoned on Senna Major. The following month, he attempted to launch offensives against the Crimeanian Khanate. At first, there was some successes, as Donald was captured (9 March 1102) and Jackie was isolated (10-13 March 1102). Zennethia and Horacia then suffered raids (March-April 1102) while Theresa and Zutagia were taken by suprise expeditionary forces (9-17 May 1102). By that time however, Mengli-Giray had recovered his composure, and mustering his units, he crushed Altan's armada in the Battle of Crossley (25 May 1102). By the beginning of July 1102, all of the worlds mentioned above had been recaptured with ease or secured from further attack, and Mengli-Giray now divided his forces into two squadrons. One was to attack the Schauerians and punish them for daring to assist the Great Horde, while another was to mop up the remnants of the Great Horde itself. The first force won a major victory in the Battle of Hordania (9 July 1102) and captured Tyleria Perea (10-15 July 1102), before isolating the Selena Star Cluster (20-23 July 1102). Schaueria Prime was then besieged and forced to surrender on 29 July 1102. Dondonna was forced to sign the Treaty of Schaueria Prime (1 August 1102), by which he recognized Mengli-Giray as his overlord, agreed to pay him a considerable subsidy and tribute for the expenses of the war and for the Khan's leisure, and gave some 35 million Schauerians to the Khan as slaves, who then sold them at the slave markets of Polonia and Wronzaz.

Just as Schaueria Prime was being punished for her involvement in the rebellion, the Great Horde itself was under great pressure. In contrast to what Mengli-Giray had expected, the paltry defense forces of the Great Horde resisted fiercely, being determined to delay the destruction of their state. Crimeanian fleets suffered extensive casualities in confrontations at Josopha, McEvlogue, and Shalamenser Goldthia. Eventually however, Mengli-Giray, himself now commanding the forces, crushed the last remaining independent operation fleet of the Great Horde in the Battle of Shakure (29 July 1102), destroying virtually all of the starfighter and carrier units. Thereafter, the Great Horde was practically defenseless in terms of space, but still possessed a will to fight on land. Senna Major was besieged, beginning on 3 August 1102, but it was over a month before the Crimeanian fleet was finally able to breach the planet's shields. The planet itself was razed, with nearly 30 billion sentients being killed and the 750-year old treasures of the Sennacherid Empire on that world being scattered. Saray itself was then besieged (3 September 1102), with the largest Crimeanian fleet ever assembled by Mengli-Giray attempting to bring the world to heel. A desperate Altan brought Shaikh-Ali from the Palace and reminded the planet's inhabitants who they were fighting for. Resistance thus intensified, and "suicide rockets" launched from the planetary surface managed to destroy many destroyers, dreadnoughts, and transports in orbit of the planet. Eventually however, after two months, the planetary shields were breached (7 November 1102). Mengli-Giray, determined to personally take Altan and Shaikh-Ali into custody, ordered his armies to invade the planetary surface, over the objections of his officers. The armies encountered extensive resistance, and it was nearly a month before they managed to reach the inner zones of the Saray Capital District. After several days of house to house fighting, the remnants of the Golden Palace of Saray were captured (13 December 1102), and both Altan and Shaikh-Ali were captured by Crimeanian troopers. By the orders of the Khan, they were trundled on a transport to Crimeania, where they were executed (21 December 1102). With this, and then the complete devastation of Saray, the Great Horde, rump remnant state of the Golden Horde, had ceased to exist, the first of the Dasian khanates in the Caladarian Galaxy to disappear. Over the course of that century, all of the other Dasian khanates in the Galaxy (including the victorious Crimeanian one), with the exception of a rump Chalassian Khanate, would make their exit from the stage.

The Legal Reforms of Honorius the Liberator; The Laurasian-Clancian War; Death of Honorius the Liberator (1096-1105)
We can now also cover further events in the reign of Honorius I of Laurasia. After the conclusion of his war in the Kazanian Khanate, the King was determined to continue the internal development of Laurasia, consolidate her territorial gains, and insure the stability of her government foundations. To this end, the King was determined to codify legal customs inherited from the Dasians, as well as Laurasian judicial practices, in a single organic code. In December 1096, Honorius had appointed a legal commission who was charged with reviewing the Laurasian governmental system, gathering together Dasian decrees, grants, and charters of the Yoke, as well as the King's own laws and decrees issued since 1080, and organizing them into collection form, simplifying and combining them so that they may be accessible to easy reading by the public. This commission was headed by Athanasius Gulateyvis (1030-1109), a respected Laurasian clerk, official of the civil service, and Bishop of Augis V. The commission labored on its task from December 1096 to August 1097. As models for the code, it drew on sources ranging back to the Codex Gordansius of the First Laurasian Period. Khan Uzbeg's yarlyk codes of 938-41 and Bey Haruun Al-Rashid's legal charter of 985 were also extensively consulted. The result of their efforts was the Codex Honoriusius, which was presented to the King at the Celestial Palace on 26 August 1097. The King then conducted his own revisions of the code, in consultation with some of his trusted advisers, and then formally published the Code on 2 September 1097. The code established a universal system of the judicial bodies of the state, dividing the system into municipal, planetary, solar, and zone courts, which was loosely based off the Dasian model, which had divided the system into katy (city), worlai (world), and celestie (solar) systems. The code defined their functions and established major judicial principles. Dasian customs such as the presentation of evidence by a official chosen by the King (in place of the Bey), the prohibition of public input on a trial, and the secret nature of proceedings, were incorporated. The code extended the range of crimes which were considered punishable under the system. The death penalty was confirmed as the consequence for treason, attempted treason, or conspiracy against the government. The code established the concept of different forms of crime and carefully delineated a scale of fines according to social class. In a humanitarian action however, and reflecting the Laurasian's view towards the practice, slavery and indentured servitude were prohibited, with any found to engage in such practices subject to heavy fines, imprisonment, and the confiscation of all properties and titles. This last provision was to be followed by all of Honorius's successors, royal or imperial, and would become a major protection block of the Laurasian legal system. The Codex Honoriusius remained in effect for fifty-three years, until it was replaced by the Codex Arascanius in 1150.

After the completion of this code, Honorius embarked in one final war, determined to secure Laurasia's southern boundaries and deflect a threat from Clancia. Since 1095, Clancia had been under the rule of the ambitious Queen Tardina II, who happened to possess the name of that same Queen who had defeated Sennacherib I of the Sennacherids in the mid 4th century, asserting Clancia's complete independence. Tardina II believed that Clancia deserved to establish a prominent position in the Central Core and that Laurasia could pose a threat to this. Indeed, Honorius had provided financial aid to the courts of Marshia, Teth, Arias, Goldaria, and Ecreutus for years. Strain existed between the Laurasian and Clancian courts over the matter of aid. In a bid to maintain peace with Clancia, and in order to attempt to align Tardina to his side, Honorius arranged for the marriage of his daughter, Helena, to Tardina's nephew, Jerome, in January 1098. For a while, it seemed that the marriage would retain the peace between the two powers. However, issues soon emerged, when Jerome, persuaded by his aunt, demanded that Helena drop Almitism and convert to the Clancian Faith of Harmony. Helena sent requests to her father, begging that she be allowed to change her religion, for the sake of peace. Honorius however, a pious and determined follower of Almitism, forbade his daughter from changing her religion. As a result of this, Helena came to be mistreated by her husband and her aunt-in-law, and she was ostracized at the Clancian court. Honorius now saw a excuse to intervene in Clancian affairs, as he was by now realizing that Clancia could only be made to support Laurasia's interests by force. Thus, he dispatched a ultimatum to Tardina II (29 April 1100), demanding that the Clancian Queen concede the Clancian Trunk Line, Antennes, and North Tammi to the Laurasian Kingdom, that she force her nephew to stop his pressure on Helena, and that she allow Honorius to station representatives at her court. Tardina, insulted by these demands, refused, and responded by ordering Helena to be cast into prison (9 May 1100). This enraged Honorius, who then issued a declaration of war from the Celestial Palace (14 May 1100).

Honorius now advanced his forces south from Laurasia, and stationed them along the boundary with the Central Core. Tardina dispatched a expeditionary force, attempting to disrupt the Laurasian advance units. These however, were defeated in the Battle of Risa I (1 June 1100). Laurasian forces then crossed the boundary into the Central Core and advanced south along the Clancian Trunk Line. The fortresses of Brithum, Wes, Reoyania, Conservan, and Condtella fell to Laurasian forces throughout June and July 1100, with the Clancians suffering severe defeats. Tardina now dispatched Jerome himself with a force north to Dramis, a Clancian colony-world, where he attempted to halt the Laurasian fleet. He was decisively defeated by Honorius, however, in the Battle of Dramis (1 August 1100). Jerome himself was captured, and was sent to Ralina Vixius, where he was kept as a state prisoner for the next several months. The Laurasians then captured Summers (29 August 1100). Then, in the Battle of Treoshia (14 September 1100), the Clancian magnate Tudli was handed a crushing defeat, himself falling into Laurasian custody. By the end of 1100, the Laurasians had occupied nearly a third of the Clancian territories and engaged in harassing operations throughout the remainder. Honorius returned to Laurasia Prime on 31 December 1100, just in time for the new century celebrations, the first to be celebrated by a independent Laurasia since 800. Tardina engaged in similar celebrations on Clancia as well, and there was such spirit in these celebrations that the two sides agreed to the temporary Truce of Nurdas (29 January 1101), by which hostilities were suspended until July. This would allow both sides to reorganize their forces and plan for future strategies.

On 1 June 1101, Tardina died suddenly however, and Jerome now ascended to the Clancian throne. Jerome now began making preparations for a two-pronged offensive, intent on driving Laurasian units out of their occupied territories and striking in the Laurasian home region itself. Eventually, the war renewed in July 1101 as the Clancians launched attacks on two separate fronts. One force recaptured Reoyania and Conservan (1-9 July 1101), isolated Condtella and Brithum, and recovered the Clancian position at Dramis. Another under the command of King Jerome himself crossed the border with the Core Worlds, launching surprise attacks on Caladaria, Scoutria, Andriana, Ralina Vixius, Combina I, Charasia, Americana, and Darsis. The invaders won the Battle of Caladaria (12 July 1101), capturing the Laurasian stronghold, stormed the defenses of Combina I (19 July 1101), and briefly penetrated to Katherine (20-29 July 1101). Honorius however, soon reacted, and he isolated Jerome's scout squadrons at Americana (2 August 1101), crushing them utterly. He then managed to stop the Clancian siege of Ralina Vixius (6 August 1101) and repulsed an offensive on Darcia (9 August 1101). Throughout September and October 1101, the Laurasians drove Clancian units back into the Central Core and cut off occupied Caladaria from outside support. Caladaria itself would be recaptured on 2 November 1101, thus ending Jerome's offensives. Jerome, having suffered a major defeat, was forced again to revert to the defensive, as the Laurasians resumed their attacks. Dramis was recovered in November 1101.

In January 1102, the Laurasians won the Battle of Gatty, destroying some 300 Clancian super-dreadnoughts, a major loss for the Clancian Navy. The Laurasians then reconquered Conservan (24-29 January 1102) and relieved the siege of Condtella (1-3 February 1102). Honorius then himself traveled to the Central Core. He instigated a second siege of Reyoania, which nevertheless resisted for nearly two months. The world was finally captured on 1 April 1102 and experienced a spate of deportations, as the Laurasians dispatched many of the Clancian inhabitants to the Core Worlds. The Laurasians then relieved Brithum (4-8 April 1102) and then conquered Harmony (19 April 1102). By June 1102, the Laurasians had penetrated to Goss Beacon, and soon gained a major victory there (27 June 1102), capturing half of the Clancian fleet. During July and August, the bases of the Drixus Nebula were stormed, while a force sent by Jerome was crushed in the Battle of Tunga (25-29 August 1102). By September 1102, Clancia itself was under threat of siege, and Jerome asked for negotiations. A truce was proclaimed on 3 October, and delegates from both sides met in the Palace of Harmony, wrangling over peace conditions for five long and arduous months. Finally, by the Treaty of Narisces (25 March 1103), Jerome conceded Condtella, Conservan, Reoyania, Brithum, Dramis, and the northern sects of the Clancian Trunk Line to Laurasia. He also released Helena from prison, recognized that she could retain Laurasian Almitism, and promised to pay Honorius a financial subsidy. Honorius also gained the right to station his consuls at the Clancian court and to have special commercial privileges for his merchants.

One major issue which confronted Honorius was the succession to the throne. Before his ascension, Honorius had married in 1058 the Princess Lydia of Caladaria, who gave birth to his eldest son, also named Honorius, the following year. After this, they had no other children. On 3 December 1067, Lydia died suddenly, leaving her husband a widower with his son. For the next five years, the future King abstained from marriage, as he believed that he could not find another who would take Lydia's place. Eventually however, he did find that another: Sophia of Darcia, the heiress of the Duke Icarius of Augis V. Sophia was a intelligent and sophisticated woman, and it was these qualities that attracted Honorius. They eventually married on 12 November 1072. Honorius's marriage with Sophia proved to be more fruitful then that with Lydia, for Sophia produced five sons and three daughters. The eldest of these was Arasces, who was named after the original founder of the first Stellar Kingdom of Laurasia. In the meantime, Honorius, son of Lydia, grew to adulthood, and had reached his maturity by the time his father ascended to the throne. The King appointed his son to the military service, and he served in numerous missions. Honorius was officially proclaimed heir to the throne in 1082, and the following year, seeking to fulfill his dynastic duties, he married the Princess Constantia Duplidis. That Princess gave birth to Constans (3 June 1085). For a while, it seemed that no threats to peaceful succession would emerge.

However, young Honorius suddenly fell ill in December 1089, and his condition steadily declined. His untimely death from Asney's disease (17 February 1090), left his father devastated. Honorius however, had a grandson, and overriding Sophia, who pointed to her son Arasces as his next heir apparent, proclaimed his grandson as his successor and had him crowned on 17 February 1091. Constans was now given the best tutors in the Kingdom, who were to prepare him for the burdens of state. He learned languages, mathematics, biology, agriculture, constitutional law, forensics, athletic activities, legal aspects, history, and a large number of other subjects. Eventually however, it became apparent to the King that his grandson was a vain, foolish, scheming, manipulative, and overconfident young man, who was not above using others to achieve his own ends. This perception of his grandson was fueled further by Sophia, who spread rumors at court that Constans intended to reverse all of his grandfather's reforms and bring Laurasia into servitude to the Crimeanian Khanate. Finally, Honorius changed his mind and in a decree of 5 January 1102, proclaimed that "it has always seemed reasonable that the son in direct succession to his father should succeed, and not merely a grandson in indirect succession". Therefore, he reversed his earlier decision, and now named his son Arasces his successor. Arasces was formally crowned heir apparent and co-ruler with his father on 14 April 1102. Therefore, for the last three years of the reign, he helped his father in state duties and learned how to govern the state by experience. As for Constans, he was arrested in May 1102, accused of conspiracy and sacrilege, and was eventually condemned by a special council (9 June 1102). Constans was deprived of his titles and properties, degraded from royal rank, and imprisoned in the Station of Jadia, eventually dying there on 4 November 1109. The following year after this, Sophia, her triumph complete, died (7 April 1103), leaving Honorius a widower for the second time. Honorius himself however, retreated more and more from state affairs, with Arasces assuming more responsibility for the cares of government. In June 1104, he made his last appearance in public. By December, Honorius was drafting his last will and testament. In this document, he again confirmed Arasces as his successor, provided financial allotments and pensions to all of his children, and stated on how "Laurasia was, by the effort of my Person, freed from the Yoke". In January 1105, Honorius had the will and testament ratified, and he then gave his signet ring to his son, entrusting him to look after the state with wisdom, patience, and honesty. In April, he entered into a coma. On 27 October 1105, at the Celestial Palace on Laurasia Prime, and after having ruled for 25 years, Honorius I "the Liberator" of Laurasia died. He was succeeded by Arasces, who became Arasces III of Laurasia.

====The Threat of Radagaisus; The Great Barbarian Invasion; Rebellion in the Barsar Regions; Fall and Death of Stilicho; Alaric's Campaigns and Sack of Hunt Major; Death of Alaric; The Reign of Athaulf and the Early Years of the Dominance of Argatu (1105-1115)==== With this out of the way, we can now turn back to events impacting the Dasian khanates of the Outer Borderlands. New trouble was brewing for Stilicho and the Huntite Khanate, as the Rudorite leader Radagaisus, determined to secure a place of residence for his people in the Caladarian Galaxy, decided to penetrate into the territories of the Huntite Khanate. Radagaisus gathered a army comprised of Rudorites, Ashgoths, Halegoths, and Armandes. His action was also promoted by Brestord movements around the Angelina Spiral, threatening the safety of his horde. Finally, in November 1105, the barbarian hordes crossed the Galactic Barrier and invaded the Huntite Khanate. Prestley, Sheldonia, Meredita, Jeanne, and Abiata quickly fell to their forces, with barbarian units raiding to Samarkand, Lorna, Gedrosia Max, and Filorean. For the next six months, Radagaisus and his forces caused much havoc in the territories of the Huntite Khanate, devastating hundreds of star systems and slaughtering, enslaving, or deporting millions of Huntites, Robertians, Sheldonians, Gabriellians, Gedrosians, Mauryans, and Kimanians. Alaric with his powerful units refused to move these forces in support of Stilicho, in violation of the Treaty of Verona. This was a shadow of what was to come. Stilicho thus was now forced to muster as many mercenaries and conscripts as he could, and he had to increase the level of tribute paid to Aelle in order to convince that Amelianian King (who had experienced his own troubles, to be described below) to provide him more units. In the meantime, he tried his best to keep Hunt Major, Vickis, Uris, and Kimania safe from attack.

Finally, in May 1106, Stilicho was ready to undertake active campaigning against the new wave of barbarian invaders. After recapturing Robert and securing Samarkand from raids, his forces, including Brestord and Armande auxiliaries, were able to obtain a victory in the Battle of Gutyania (2 August 1106), destroying the disorganized armada squadrons of the fleet of Radagaisus. Radagaisus, who although a formidable raider, was not well equipped in the arts of direct warfare, and he was captured. The barbarian would be executed on 10 August 1106. Stilicho, in order to increase further the size of his forces, thereafter drafted the defeated barbarians into his navy. Stilicho now returned to Hunt Major, and sent a communique to Alaric, asking him to again abide by the terms of the Treaty of Verona. Negotiations dragged on for several months, as Alaric was playing for time, knowing that Stilicho was no longer strong enough to impose his will on him by force. Indeed, the Ashgothic King had conscripted large numbers of Robertians into his army and had received more units from the Homidinian Khanate, which was determined to keep Stilicho off balance. In November 1106, attempting to satisfy Alaric, Stilicho agreed that the young Bodi Aligh, later to become the last effective military commander of the Huntite Khanate and Khan of the Crimeanian Khanate, should be sent to Alaric as a hostage. Alaric seemed receptive to the gifts which he received, and through his emissaries, he communicated to Stilicho the proposal that they should embark on a joint expedition against the Homidinian Khanate.

While Stilicho was negotiating the arrangements for this expedition with Alaric, another, more destructive wave of barbarian invaders swept from the northern edge of the Galaxy, who were to migrate across a vast distance and occupy or devastate vast territories along the way. Stilicho was also to face a series of revolts and opposing Khans, who would challenge his authority in the Barsar Regions. As regards to the horde, Brestord movements beyond the Galactic Vector subjugated or severely damaged many of the bands, forcing them to begin migrating. The Jagerons, Armanes, and Melorks were foremost among the groups who began moving towards the Galactic Barrier. Others included the Melarnarians, Proto-Solidaritans, Brentarks, Jajanics, Hortons, and Kuevi. In early December 1106, Homidinian frontier units at Sernapasia, Scanlan, Etti, and Jacobs I, began sighting raiding parties and alien probes which were harrying their outposts, and reported this to their superiors. The Khan Mandukhai's advisers and ministers received these reports, and foolishly, dismissed them, believing them to be just some Brestord bands. They were to prove grievously mistaken.

On 31 December 1106, just as New Year celebrations were commencing throughout the Caladarian Galaxy for the coming of 1107, a large fleet of many tens of thousands of barbarian warships, transports, starfighter craft, and carriers suddenly penetrated the frontier outposts and swarmed into the Caladarian Galaxy. Etti, Scanlan, Jacobs I, Coronadia, Theodore, Husais, Mackenzia Major, Homidinia, Yutzy, Dion, Robert, Sernapasia, Karakorum, Houston, Tyson, the worlds of the Corporate Trade Corridor, Greyson, Xilania Major, Espergos, and many other worlds were overwhelmed and sacked by the invaders, who destroyed all fleets in their path. Massive barbarian hordes fell on the Kazanian Khanate, sacking Cibourney, Massanay, Kazan, Garmania, and many other minor systems. The hordes then crossed the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route, sacking Zellwegger, Melanie, Shendonana, Par'say, Bar'say, Way'tosk, Cyrilla, and Ondi'iray. Many Huntite, Venasian, Kazanian, Homidinian, and Donguarian fleets were destroyed. For the next two years, the invaders would cut a path of devastation across a vast corridor stretching from Scanlan to Larkin and the outskirts of Donguarian space, and would wreak utter annihilation in their path. The Venasian and Homidinian Khanates were to lose a large percentage of their territory and would never fully recover from the invasions. Stilicho's forces collapsed, and the Guardian now concentrated his units at the major Huntite, Robertian, and Kimanian worlds, hoping that the barbarians would not proceed galactic-east. They decided not to do so, but another threat now emerged to Stilicho's position.

In February 1107, on Offshora, the general Tumed was proclaimed Khan by his troops, and he quickly seized control of Reading, Leo's Redoubt, and Kimanis Mooria. Tumed however, disappointed his troops, and after only a month was deposed by his own commanders (25 March 1107). He was succeeded by the nobleman Zayyanid, who then managed to hold the usurper position for four months. Zayyanid would eventually be deposed and killed by his chief general, Subutai, who was named after the great Dasian general of the ninth century (2 July 1107). Subutai quickly moved to consolidate his position, and by September 1107, he had seized Drea, Duana, Riley, Abshire, and Touforia, gaining control of the southern belt of the Barsar Regions. He took the old title "Khan of Chobania and Offshora" and soon extended his rule to the outskirts of Kimania itself. Stilicho found himself unable to dislodge the usurper. He himself was now distracted by further issues with Alaric. Alaric, finally seeing his opportunity to impose himself, advanced south to Beharis, demanding in September 1107 that Stilicho pay him a immense tribute in order to compensate Alaric for his efforts on the Guardian's part, and that the Guardian formally annul the terms of the Treaty of Verona, give Robert and Wakedia to Alaric as his own kingdom, and acknowledge Alaric's rights. Stilicho tried to play for time, but Alaric's hostile movements towards Samarkand prompted the Guardian to concede to his demands in November 1107. Alaric was paid a subsidy of $950.5 trillion Dasian marks. With the troubles with Alaric temporarily resolved, Stilicho now attempted to deal with Subutai. He dispatched his general Sorones against the usurper in January 1108. Sorones won the Battle of Times (17 January 1108) and crushed a expeditionary fleet of the usurper's at the Wild Marshes world of Grase (25 January 1108). Sorones then defeated and captured Subutai's general, Achines, in the Battle of Millard (4 February 1108). Achines was executed two days after the battle. Sorones then drove rebel advance positions from Kimania and soon engaged in a confrontation with Subutai's other general, Yasougei. Yasougei was defeated and killed in the Battle of Richard (19-24 February 1108). Soon however, Subutai himself advanced against Sorones, and he crushed him in the Battle of Bejing (6-9 March 1108). Sorones was then driven from Grase and Kimanis Mooria (10-19 March 1108) and soon was forced to retreat back across the Kimanian Run. In April 1108, Subutai instigated a siege of Kimania itself, which had so far withstood his raids. The world was besieged for over a month, but was finally captured (3 May 1108). Subutai thereafter moved his capital to Kimania and then captured Millard (9 May 1108), consolidating his position in the region. He then captured Samantha (12 May 1108), stormed Zoe (19 May 1108), and secured Messalina (25 May 1108).

As all of this was going on, certain events took place at the courts of both Hunt Major and Chalassia. Stilicho's daughter, the Khaness Batista, died on 19 February 1108. Stilicho, who still held absolute control of Jasagatu and the imperial council as Guardian, arranged the marriage of his second daughter, Cardiju, to the Khan. The marriage took place on 3 April 1108. Meanwhile, in the Homidinian Khanate, the Khan Mandukhai died on 1 May 1108, being replaced to the throne of Homidinia by his seven-year old son, named Tokugaistus after his illustrious grandfather, who thus became Tokugaistus II. Because Tokugaistus II was so young, his sister Jaethong assumed the regency and established herself as the most powerful influence in her brother's court. Stilicho, who believed he could finally reunite his deceased master's dominion under one rule, began once again drafting plans to march into the Homidinian Khanate and to depose the young Khan and his sister. He also planned to make permanent peace arrangements with Alaric and to reestablish cordial relations with him. Before he could do so, however, a major coup took place against his supporters in the court of the Khan. This was while Stilicho had left for Gabriella with a detachment of his forces. This coup was led by Mulan, the Steward of the Khan's Household and one of Stilicho's own associates. Mulan however, had become disenchanted with his master, and his circle of friends had convinced him that he could strike to remove the Guardian from his position. Mulan acted quickly, proclaiming himself the new Guardian of Hunt (18 August 1108) and quickly seizing control of government resources. He soon secured the person of Cardiju and Jasagatu, eliminating his opponents in the Khan's household. Stilicho received news of the coup at Gabriella. Soon, his own troops betrayed him, as Sorones, who had returned from the unsuccessful campaigns against Subutai, rebelled, seizing control of most of the naval corps and abandoning his master. Sorones declared loyalty to Mulan. Afterwards, Stilicho's barbarian units abandoned him, leaving the Guardian without forces. Stilicho sought refuge on Gabriella, but the governor of the world, Godeng, proclaimed himself loyal to Mulan (22 August 1108) and ordered for Stilicho's arrest. At the Citadel of Gabriella, Stilicho was executed by the Governor's troops that same day, and his head was sent back to Hunt Major, where Mulan had it dumped into the pit of traitors. Stilicho's family was stripped of their properties and honors, while all of his supporters or subordinates were arrested and imprisoned or executed. Cardiju herself was arrested and banished to a nunnery of Mysticism. Mulan soon did a foolish thing by proclaiming Alaric a enemy of the blood line (1 September 1108), alienating the Ashgothic King. Mulan thereafter decided to move the location of the Khan's court and government, and he now relocated with the Khan and all government officials, resources, and units to Jasonia, a isolated fortress world in the outskirts of the Wild Marshes (7 September 1108).

Although Alaric learned of the movement of Mulan and the Khan, he was unable to find out where they had relocated to. Determined, nevertheless, to again attack throughout the Huntite Khanate, he declared war (19 September 1108) and advanced his forces from Robert, Meris, Walters, Hasselbeck, and Elijahana. He quickly captured Lorna (25 September 1108) followed by Ber Bachman (29 September 1108) and then Garnett (2-9 October 1108). Leah capitulated on 17 October 1108, followed by Samarkand five days later. Eventually, on 1 November 1108, he instigated his first siege of Hunt Major. Alaric cut off all food supplies to Hunt Major, intent on using starvation to force the former capital world's surrender. Before the former capital world could fall however, Mulan and the Khan sent a encoded message to Alaric (21 November 1108), offering to pay him a immense tribute and to provide him with a certain number of slaves, if he agreed to end the siege. Alaric, contenting himself with booty and the glories of wealth, agreed. The Truce of Hunt Major (29 November 1108), provided that he be paid a quadrillion marks and 5,566,000 slaves in exchange for raising his siege of Hunt and ending his campaigns against the Khan. Mulan and his court then undertook extensive measures in order to collect the money and slaves, extorting heavily from all of their subjects. Alaric tried to hasten them by continuing his raids around Hunt Minor and Uris, making off with more captives and starships. Eventually, in December 1108, the tribute and slaves were finally raised and provided to Alaric, who then withdrew his forces from the Huntite home regions. Alaric withdrew back to his territories and began secretly making preparations for further military campaigns against the Dasians. All during this time, Subutai had consolidated his rule of territories to Larkin and further cemented his military forces. He even crossed the Denveranian Trunk Line and campaigned against the Devianiani, exacting tribute and the concession of certain borderlands worlds from them.

In January 1109, Jasagatu, desperate for allies, signed the Treaty of Oria with the usurper Khan, recognizing his position in the Barsar Regions and terminating campaigns against him. In exchange, Subutai promised to help Jasagatu through financial subsidies and to refrain from providing information to Alaric. In February, the two Khans exchanged ambassadors. By then, events picked up steam again. Mulan now found his position under threat at the court, as some of Jasagatu's ministers distrusted the Guardian and wished to overthrow him. After months of intrigue and blackmail, Mulan was finally exposed by his enemies (9 March 1109), who had him arrested on trumped up charges. He was convicted without trial on 12 March, and was executed two days later, his body being thrown into Jasonia's star. After the death of Mulan, Alaric resumed negotiations with Jasagatu, promising to terminate all further war if he were allowed to retain the Robertian territories, as well as Leah, Lorna, Sheldonia, and Meredita. He instructed his emissaries however, to exaggerate his demands. The way in which they carried themselves on Hunt Minor angered the Khan, and on 30 March, he rejected Alaric's terms. Alaric now terminated negotiations and resumed a state of war. His forces ravaged the Huntite regions, storming Prestley (9 April 1109) and devastating many outposts, installations, and colonies. Alaric however, did not launch another siege of Hunt Major, contenting himself with pillaging operations and raids. His real intention was to find the location of Jasagatu's secret hideout, but in this he was unsuccessful. This situation continued throughout much of the remainder of 1109. In October, he captured Jasagatu's sister, Wrangia Althia, and then proceeded to the outskirts of the Hunt Major star system. By now, the Council of Hunt Major, which Jasagatu had installed to administer the Huntite home regions in his name, attempted negotiations with Alaric. They were so desperate that they were willing to submit to any of his demands. Alaric installed his general, Garic, on the throne as Khan of Hunt Major, and thence proceeded to Kimanis Mooria. A desperate Subutai, who was now facing the threat of the other barbarian hordes, who had sacked Christopher and threatened Breha, now gave Alaric the information he wanted: the location of Jasagatu's hideout. Alaric thence proceeded to Jasonia, ravaging all outposts and relay stations along the way. Jasagatu had been making plans to flee to Crimeania, to Mengli-Giray, who had held off the barbarian hordes from his dominions and maintained his conquests in the Core Worlds. Soon however, a army and fleet arrived from Aelle, who perceived Alaric to be a grievous threat. Jasagatu managed to hold on and maintained elaborate defenses around Jasonia, thus preventing Alaric from taking the world without considerable expense. Garic, who held grand ambitions and wished to kill Alaric, established contact with Jasagatu. Garic then launched his own units from Hunt Major, capturing Samarkand (19 November 1109) and storming Leah (23 November 1109), before threatening Beharis at the beginning of December 1109. Alaric was forced to turn back, and in the Battle of Lithcray (2 January 1110), destroyed Garic's forces. Garic himself was captured and executed. Alaric then proceeded to Hunt Major, determined to punish the world for its support of the traitor.

Alaric's second siege of Hunt Major commenced on 5 January 1110. For nearly a month, the planet resisted, as the Council of Hunt Major had stocked up on supplies and equipment in order to resist for a certain period of time. They believed that Jasagatu and the advisers of the Khan Tokugaistus II would be able to muster enough units to come to their rescue. The Homidinian and Jasonian courts were desperate however, and they did not dispatch any assistance. Finally, Alaric's forces breached the planet's shields (2 February 1110) and captured Hunt Major. They sacked the world for four days, slaughtering or enslaving virtually all of its inhabitants, carrying away its treasures, and leaving the cities as virtual wastelands. Alaric however, conscripted the barbarians of Hunt Major into his forces. He also forbade his troops to damage religious properties, and in fact recruited some Almitian missionaries on his personal staff. The fall of Hunt Major was a major symbolic blow to the Dasian khanates. Refugees of the fall fled in all directions throughout the Caladarian Galaxy, and their stories reached the ears of Aelle, Oisc, Arasces, Mengli-Giray, the Donguarian court, and that of Jasagatu and Tokugaistus. Contemporary historians would write exaggerated or spirited accounts of the fall, and it was not until the fifteenth century that Alaric's campaigns would be approached in a informed manner.

As all of this was ongoing, the position of Subutai weakened yet further. Trying to maintain control of Kimania, and eager to prevent the barbarians from progressing further along the Kimanian Run, the Khan removed units from Beverly Hereidu, Armenia Major, Tarjan, Riley, Abshire, and Afdari. The inhabitants of these worlds, angry that their so-called "protector" had left them exposed to outside threats, revolted against his authority in March 1110 and expelled his remaining officials. Later that month, Subutai's own general, Yutsen, erupted in revolt against his master, establishing a base on Goni and expanding to Millard, Filorean, and Constipex. Yutsen proclaimed himself Khan (1 April 1110) and immediately advanced to the Kimanian Trade Run. Attempting to secure allies in his efforts against Subutai, and hoping to provide a territory for some of the barbarian invaders, he arranged the Settlement of Rougray V (9 April 1110), by which the Kuevi occupied Lesia, Skye I, and Sharon Alfonsi, while the Armanes occupied Nicole, Abshire, and the Durant Cluster. With this agreement ratified, he then turned his attention to reducing Subutai's remaining strongholds. He quickly captured Samantha (12-15 April 1110) and then isolated Shirtaugh (19 April 1110). Bookman, Nathiro, and Dumbgwita fell to his forces in May 1110, followed by Rathad on 2 June. Subutai was now reduced to control of Offshora, Kimania, and a few enclave outposts near Christopher. Hoping to recover his resources, and desperate for more units, he launched a invasion of the southern Huntite territories in June 1110. Gedrosia Max, Thurgothia, and Blake fell to his forces, but his attempt to seize Samarkand was checked by Alaric, who then drove his forces back to Leo's Redoubt. Eventually, by the beginning of August, he had been driven back into the Barsar Regions. Subutai had wasted many of his remaining resources, and he now lost control of Offshora to Yutsen (1-19 September 1110).

In the Huntite regions, Alaric and his hordes had continued their campaigns, sacking Hunt Minor in March 1110 and bringing the majority of the Huntite Khanate east of the Middle Territories under their rule. As also mentioned above, he repulsed Subutai's invasion and forced him back to the Barsar Regions. Alaric was now determined to campaign galactic-west, in order to bring the territories to Temperance, Way'tosk, and the outskirts of the Crimeanian Khanate under his dominion. Before he could undertake these plans, however, Alaric suddenly fell violently ill in October 1110. As his medical condition deteriorated rapidly, it became apparent to all that he would not survive. On 2 November, the dying King named his brother-in-law, Athaulf, his successor to the throne of the Ashgoths, a decision which was ratified by a council of elders two days later. Alaric then entered into a coma on 7 November, and his life support was cut off. The King of the Ashgoths died on 11 November 1110, and was succeeded to the throne by Athaulf. Athaulf abandoned his deceased master's grandiose plans, and he now began looking for a place of residence for his people. By the end of 1110, he had signed truce arrangements with the new Guardian of Hunt, Argatu, and now retreated with his units to Robert.

Then in January 1111, Argatu began mustering his units at Hunt Minor, Vickis, Choir, Uris, Samarkand, Gabriella, and Jasonia, determined to now proceed to the Kimanian Trade Run and to crush both Subutai and Yutsen. Yutsen, aware of this new threat, and hoping to finally eliminate Subutai before facing Argatu, instigated a major siege of Kimania on 20 January. This siege had dragged on for nearly two months by the time Argatu invaded the Barsar Regions on 19 March. Filorean, Constipex, and Millard fell to his forces (19 March-12 April 1111), followed by Leo's Redoubt, Breha, Offshora, and Drea in the latter part of April. By 5 May, Argatu had captured Subutai's remaining outposts outside of Kimania, and on 9 May, he attacked Yutsen's forces besieging Kimania. Yutsen was quickly put to flight and found most of his units in the act of abandoning him to the enemy. He fled to his stronghold on Goni and held out there until he was murdered by his own commanders (23 May 1111). In the meantime, Argatu had intensified the siege efforts of Kimania. The planet's defenses were finally breached on 9 June, and the world was captured, with Subutai himself becoming a prisoner. By the Conditions of Kimania (12 June 1111), he agreed to abidicate as Khan of Offshora and Chobania, acknowledged Jasagatu's renewed authority in the Barsar Regions, and on the condition of promising never to revolt or engage in conspiracy again, was to be allowed to retire peacefully to the resort world of Anna Yunia. Subutai was then granted a safe conduct and proceeded north, arriving at Anna Yunia on 13 June. Soon however, the advisers of Jasagatu on Jasonia prevailed upon their master, forcing him to declare Subutai a outlaw and enemy of the blood line on 21 June. Argatu was now ordered to arrest and execute the former rebel. He did this on 22 June, and Subutai was trundled back to Jasonia, where he was executed on 27 June.

Argatu then reinstalled a Bey on Kimania, restored garrisons along the Kimanian Trade Run, and confirmed the settlement arrangements with the barbarian hordes to the west, before returning firmly to Jasonia on 2 September. Once he was gone however, rebel tensions again flared in the turbulent region. The general and governor of Chobania, Nakai, was a ambitious and conniving figure who believed that now was his opportunity to establish another rebel Khanate and to expel Jasagatu's authority from the Barsar Regions. Thus, he now gathered his forces, and erupted in rebellion on 17 September, proclaiming himself Khan of Chobania three days later. He seized Kimania without much resistance (29 September 1111) and soon destroyed Argatu's garrisons along the Kimanian Trade Run, reversing all of the Guardian's gains in the Barsar Regions. The situation surrounding the new plot now allowed the Alexandrians, under their new ruler Gaurmanes, to recover their position and to establish control over the southern end of the Murphian Trade Spine. Soon, his dominion extended to Abbadia and Beverly Hereidu. Argatu now made a treaty with Athaulf (2 November 1111), offering him a territory in the Barsar Regions if he got rid of Nakai and contained the Alexandrians. Athaulf agreed, and spent until April 1112 reorganizing his forces, replenishing his resources, and establishing a massive transport fleet in order to take his people safely from Robert and Meris. Finally, on 24 April, the Ashgothic King and his hordes set off on their journey, bypassing Hunt Major and reaching the Run by 27 April, their progress hampered by the sheer number of transports and craft. Wrangia Althia, treated now more as a guest then as a hostage by the Ashgoths, remained in Athaulf's possession, who was enchanted by her. This insured the continued cooperation of Argatu and Jasagatu with the Ashgoths.

Once he had arrived in the Barsar Regions, Athaulf opened negotiations with Nakai. These negotiations dragged on until the end of May 1112, with neither Nakai nor Athaulf actually having intentions of abandoning their respective positions. Eventually, on 2 June, Nakai insulted Athaulf by supporting the claim to Ashgothic leadership of one Sarus, who had until then been the King's chamberlain and commander of his chief expeditionary force. Athaulf now hunted down Sarus, who had broken away from the horde and began his own operations along the Kimanian Trade Run. A bitter struggle ensued, which lasted until October, when Athaulf finally managed to capture and kill Sarus (23 October 1112), eliminating a threat to his control. He then declared that Nakai had violated the honorable means of negotiations and now declared him a public enemy of the Ashgothic Kingdom. In November, Athaulf began campaigning throughout the Barsar Regions. He conquered Offshora (1-5 November 1112); besieged and stormed Christopher (10 November 1112); scattered many of Nakai's patrol units into the Wild Marshes (12-17 November 1112); and won a major victory in the Battle of Macrommania (29 November 1112), before capturing the worlds of the Orion Cluster in December. By January 1113, Nakai had been driven from Breha and was forced to retreat to Kimania, Kimanis Mooria, and Nikki Lowell. Athaulf conquered Nikki Lowell and Kimanis Mooria that month, encountering fierce resistance however from the usurper's units. A desperate Nakai now declared his chief minister and second-in-command, Avbourik, his co-Khan, and sent him with many of the last remaining starfighter units to harry the positions of the Ashgothic hordes. Avbourik managed to make off with Ashgothic worldships in the Skirmish of 567-Obsio (2 February 1113) but was then decisively defeated in the Battle of Says (7-9 February 1113). Avbourik himself was captured, and sent as a prisoner back to Jasonia, where he would be executed on 17 February. Athaulf then instigated a siege of Kimania on 12 February, finally storming the world on 19 March. Nakai himself was captured and executed by the Ashgothic King, who had his head sent back to Jasagatu on Jasonia. Shortly after this, the general Hertui, who had connections with the murderers of Stilicho, invaded Hunt Minor but was ultimately defeated at Gargonia (9 April 1113).

Having defeated the rebellion of Nakai and Avbourik, Athaulf now consolidated his position in the Barsar Regions. He established his headquarters at Gardiner, previously a obscure world on the southern end of the Kimanian Trade Run. He reorganized his military units, secured control of the worlds of the eastern Denveranian Trunk Line, and then waged war against Gaurmanes during May and June 1113, forcing him to retreat from Beverly Hereidu. In August, Athaulf signed the Treaty of Isthoria with the Khan Jasagatu, by which his rule of a independent Ashgothic kingdom in the Barsar Regions was acknowledged. In turn, Athaulf agreed to acknowledge Jasagatu as his overlord and to cooperate with him in all diplomatic and military matters. By now, he was absolutely smitten with Wrangia Althia, and in October, with Jasagatu's foreknowledge, he announced his engagement to her. This inter-species relationship angered Athaulf's advisers and commanders, who told him that the Ashgothic state would be threatened if a hybrid was to ascend to the throne. He refused to listen to them, however, and he proceeded with his plans. In November, the Ashgothic officer Toola attempted to launch a conspiracy, aiming to murder Wrangia Althia, but this was exposed by the King's informants, who had the traitor and his supporters executed on 3 December. Finally, on 17 January 1114, he married his love on Gardiner, the ceremony being attended by dignitaries of the Huntite Khanate, the Alexandrians, the Devianiani, the Amelianian kingdoms of Hengist, Kthexox, and Cordania, the Crimeanian Khanate, the Homidinian Khanate, the Kazanian Khanate, the Venasian Khanate, and Laurasia, Clancia, Arias, Murphy, Schaueria Prime, among others. Argatu was alarmed by the marriage however, which had been concluded without his counsel. He was now afraid that Athaulf would use his wife as a pretense to claim the Huntite throne, and that he would now seek to conquer the Huntite Khanate, depose Jasagatu, and disrupt the power of the people of Genghis Khan. This was confirmed by the reports of his spies, who in February 1114, informed the Guardian that Athaulf had privately boasted to his new wife and to his ministers that the Ashgoths would soon be masters of the Outer Borderlands. Alarmed at this, Argatu now overrode Jasagatu's objections to the instigation of a war, and he began assembling a massive force, comprised of Huntites, Robertians, Halegoths, Brestords, Rudorites, Jagerons, Solidaritans, Brethorks, Melorks, Homidinians, and even other bands of Ashgoths, alongside Amelianian, Laurasian, Venasian, and Kazanian mercenaries. Athaulf also began preparing his units, although he tried his best to maintain the peace.

These hopes were shattered when in March 1114, the forces of Argatu crossed the boundary and invaded the Ashgothic Kingdom. Filorean and Constipex were captured in bitter and hard fought sieges during that month, as the Ashgothic hordes, while largely disorganized and disunited, nevertheless resisted the invaders with great ferocity. Argatu and his units then had difficulty progressing to the Kimanian Trade Run, as Ashgothic units at Kougar, Cox, and Banks heavily resisted the progress of their forces. Eventually however, they reached Leo's Redoubt (19 April 1114) and instigated a siege of that major stronghold that lasted for a month. The base finally fell (21 May 1114) and was devastated, being rehabilitated as a Huntite base. Athaulf now assembled his main units at Kimania, Breha, Offshora, Chobania, Beverly Hereidu, Armenia Minor, Messalina, Christopher, Drea, Duana, and other such strongholds, hoping to draw Argatu's forces into a series of long and costly sieges. His ploy actually worked, as Argatu, eager for glory and for a reputation, sent his forces to besiege these worlds, ushering in a series of sieges that dragged on for the remainder of the year. This drove down the strength and durability of his units, but he received constant reinforcements from Jasagatu, who had been convinced to support his military campaigns. Wrangia Althia, who was by then absolutely loyal to her husband, refused to return herself to her brother's custody, and she gave her husband information about secret routes that he could use to evacuate his hordes from the Barsar Regions. Athaulf was proud of her, and grateful to her for her loyalty, he held a coronation ceremony in which she was formally crowned Queen (29 August 1114). This was little more than a symbolic gesture however, as Argatu continued the sieges. By November 1114, Athaulf had formalized his plans of evacuation, and on 31 December, the Ashgothic fleets slipped through the sieges and fled into the Middle Territories. On 2 January 1115, they took possession of the world of Garun, now renamed Ashlgothia, and soon took control of territories in the Middle Territories between the Denveranian Trunk Line and Murphian Trade Spine. By then, the Rudorites and Jagerons had established their own kingdoms extending to the Kimanian Trade Run, including Brooke One and Emily Deustianus. Argatu, having learned that it was Wrangia Althia who gave information about the routes to her husband, entered into a fit of rage, persuading Jasagatu to proclaim both she and Athaulf enemies of the blood line. Nevertheless, he knew that he would not be able to attack the new Ashgothic territories, and as such, concluded the Treaty of Kimania with Athaulf (29 January 1115), by which the new territorial arrangements were confirmed.

Soon after the Treaty however, Athaulf was assassinated in his own personal headquarters by a Huntite mercenary (16 February 1115), thus bringing an abrupt end to his reign. His widow, Wrangia Althia, had been pregnant with his first child when he died, and upon hearing the news of his death, immediately miscarried. Because of this, a council of elders convened and on 18 February, selected Sigeric, previously a obscure captain of a Ashgothic cruiser, as the new King of the Ashgoths. Sigeric was chosen because the nobles perceived that they would be able to dominate the state with a obscure person on the throne. Sigeric, proved more vigorous then they had expected. Upon his ascension, he immediately ordered the execution of several of Athaulf's former councilors, destroying men who had held respected positions in the Ashgothic government. He then conducted a purge of the military commands, executing or banishing generals, admirals, and captains whom he considered a threat to his own power. Sigeric then forcibly dispersed the Council of Elders, arresting and imprisoning many of them. He established a secret police force and began oppressing his subjects, ushering in a spate of enslavements, arrests, imprisonments, executions, exiles, and the like. Wrangia Althia herself was not immune from his oppressions. By his command, she was deprived of her rights as a Ashgothic queen consort and was enslaved, being made over to the men of the royal household as a concubine. This last, foolish action, angered many amongst the Ashgoths who had come to respect and cherish the woman who had been so loyal to their master. It also aroused the distaste of Jasagatu, who, in one of his few ever independent actions, revoked his sentence against his sister and her deceased husband. He now declared Sigeric a enemy of the blood line and pressured Argatu to resume the war. Argatu did so, issuing a formal declaration of war on 19 May 1115. His forces stormed Brigonia and then decisively defeated Sigeric in the Battle of Argonia (27-29 May 1115), scattering the majority of his units. Sigeric himself was captured, being sent back to Kimania, where he was executed on 3 June. After the defeat of Sigeric, Argatu proceeded to Ashlgothia, and there installed Wallia, a respected Ashgothic nobleman, as King of the Ashgoths (6 June 1115). Wallia signed the Treaty of Ashlgothia with the Huntite Khanate (8 June 1115), by which he returned Wrangia Althia to the custody of her brother, thus giving her over from nearly six years of captivity-residence amongst the Ashgoths. Wallia also secured recognition of his kingdom's territories and was awarded Beverly Hereidu, Armenia Major, and Bookman as strongholds.

Relative peace ensued for the rest of the year, as the Ashgoths finally were able to consolidate themselves in their new dominion of the Middle Territories. By January 1116, however, Wallia was making plans for military campaigns against the Armanes, Devianiani, Jagerons, Melorks, Rudorites, and other barbarian hordes who shared the Middle and Inner Territories with the Ashgoths. In this, he had the support and approval of the court of Jasonia, which wished to restore some stability in those regions and contain the threat of the non-Ashgothic barbarian hordes. Unable to do this themselves, the government of Jasonia recognized Wallia's right to campaign against those hordes. Wallia gathered his units at Bookman, Beverly Hereidu, and Amaica, and eventually, in March 1116, he launched his campaigns. Over the next two years, he scored a succession of victories. Wallia stormed Greg and then destroyed the fortresses of Trebek, Jeporday, and Newthowne, asserting control over the Rudorite kingdom. He then conquered the Devianiani hordes of Redia and asserted control over the Hospallian fortresses. Wallia thereafter cleared the Armanes from the Murphian Trade Spine and conquered Larkin, Nanda, Carolman, and Sarandia. In the meantime, in January 1117, Argatu, eager to maintain his position, forced Wrangia Althia to marry him. They would have two children: Dost (born in 1119) and In'sara (born in 1117), the future Khan and the future conspirator with the Brestords respectively. ====The Reign of Sigismund and the final resurgence of the Great Kingdom of Kalbacha; Death of Sigismund and Resurgence of the Amelianian Kingdoms; The Creation of Marcia by Cearl and His Reign (1102-1119)==== With this taking place, we can now note events amongst the Amelianian kingdoms, which have been neglected for some time. After the establishment and consolidation of Cordania by Cedric, stability persisted amongst the states of the Galactic Borderlands for some years, as the focus of events in the Caladarian Galaxy shifted to the Dasian khanates of the Outer Borderlands and the movements of the barbarian hordes, primarily Alaric's Ashgoths, in those regions. Aelle, as has already been mentioned, provided units and financial support to Stilicho in his efforts. The relative peace in the Galactic Borderlands, however, was to be disrupted shortly after the turn of the twelfth century. The Kalbachan Great King Herman, although he despised the presence of the Amelianians and employed various spies at the courts of Aelle, Oisc, and Cedric, nevertheless retained the peace with those kings and refrained from war until the end of his life. Upon his death on 29 November 1102, however, he was succeeded by his aggressive and vigorous son Sigismund (1102-10). Sigismund was determined to halt the Amelianian advance and to recover some of Kalbacha's lost territories, including the outer Hypasian systems. He immediately began building up his military forces, sent emissaries to the court of Mengli-Giray, and began provoking rebellions amongst the Lavellans, Nagai, and Sassi-ruuk under the rule of the Amelianian overlords. Aelle, Oisc, and Cedric, learning of his machinations, signed the Treaty of Sychronia (29 December 1103), promising to cooperate in military campaigns against the Kalbachan King. In January 1104, Sigismund signed a treaty with King Agord of the Neo-Merlite Kingdom, who ruled over a vast territory along the outskirts of the Middle Territories. The following month, Nagosh arose in rebellion against Aelle, under the rebel leader Shavakkah. Sigismund provided substantial financial aid and military supplies to Shavakkah. This action prompted Aelle to break off diplomatic relations with him on 9 March. On 17 March, Sigismund sent out orders to his forces, and on 21 March, he launched a preemptive strike into the territories of Aelle. Sigismund's fleets attacked Nicole, Livonia, Dinst, Himmler, and Inteni, besieging these worlds with great force. A battlefleet sent by Aelle to confront the Kalbachans was crushed in the Battle of Tashia (7 April 1104). Sigismund however, now found that his attack had consequences, for on 10 April, Cedric declared war against Kalbacha. Cedric launched his forces into the remaining Hypasian systems, conquering Trasha Dakai and Song Dhu (10-17 April 1104). Oisc also sent his forces against Kalbachan positions near Illumis, driving them out and raiding several Kalbachan outposts. Sigismund was now forced to turn north, and this allowed Aelle to relieve Nicole and Livonia in May 1104. By the beginning of June, the Kalbachans had been completely driven out of Kthexox, and soon, by juncture of Kathy and the Canite systems, Aelle invaded Kalbacha. Gedthrop, Krasowia, and Vicara quickly fell to the Amelianians, followed by the major world of Kalbacha Minor. Sigismund was now mustering his units and preparing for a last stand.

Events now turned against the Amelianians however, for King Agord now fulfilled his treaty arrangements with Sigismund and declared war against Kthexox, Cordania, and Hengist (10 June 1104). Agord's forces attacked Nicole on 11 June, followed by assaults against Nagosh, Livonia, and Inteni three days later. Agord followed a series of guerrilla tactics, using the mobility of his squadrons to launch sporadic operations, raids, and lightning-quick assaults against various Kthexian, Cordanian, and even Hengistan fortifications. These efforts were assisted by the superior quality and speed of the Merlite hyperdrive. By the end of June, much of Kthexox and Cordania had been overrun, and both Aelle and Cedric were now themselves on the road to ruin. Oisc, sweeping down from the Muggal Cluster, attempted to link up with his fellow Amelianian kings. He was intercepted by Sigismund and Agord however, at Chardis, where a vigorous battle ensued on 3 July. For three days, Oisc attempted to break free, but his efforts were halted by the allied coalition, and he was eventually defeated, captured, and trundled as a prisoner to Kalbacha Major. There, he was forced to sign the Treaty of Kalbacha (12 July 1104), by which he recognized the concession of Illumis, Chardis, and the Tof Borderlands to Kalbacha, agreed to terminate his alliance with Aelle and Cedric, and promised to provide a tribute to Sigismund and Agord. With Hengist exiting the war, Sigismund and Agord now turned their attention to Kthexox and Cordania. They drove Cedric from Song Dhu (15-19 July 1104) and then stormed the outpost of Roxuli (20-29 July 1104), which had been seized by Cedric from the Kazanian Khanate. Cedric now fled his kingdom and with Aelle, traveled southwards, linking up with the Rasdallan Imperator Canterius, who was determined to prevent a resurgence in Kalbachan power. At Mons Bathocius, they were assaulted by Agord's forces, who used a secret military route to penetrate quickly into the Galactic Borderlands. The Battle of Mons Bathoicus (7 August 1104), resulted in a decisive victory for the Merlites, as the squadrons of the Amelianian-Rasdallan fleet were decimated. Aelle, Cedric, and Canterius were now forced to sign the Treaty of Kathy (11 August 1104), by which Rasdalla now came under Kalbachan rule. The Hypasian systems were returned to Kalbacha as well, while the Merlites acquired Kthexoian strongholds in the Western Barsar Regions. Aelle and Cedric were both forced to pay tribute to Sigismund and to acknowledge him as their overlord. This humiliation temporarily delayed the Amelianian advance.

Sigismund was now the most powerful ruler in the Galactic Borderlands, and he was the overlord of the Amelianian kingdoms from 1104 until his death on 9 January 1110. After subjugating Kthexox, Hengist, and Cordania to his overlordship, Sigismund now turned his attention against the Donguarian Stellar Empire, determined to expand his kingdom into the Industrialized Borderlands. In the war of 1106-08, Sigismund inflicted decisive defeats on the Donguarian Stellar Emperor Vladislaus (1090-1116), seizing the strongholds of Cossack, Croac, Bordina, and the worlds of the western Murphian Trade Spine. By the Treaty of Donguaria Prima (19 September 1108), his gains were acknowledged and he gained yet another vassal. Sigismund then returned to Kalbacha Major and presided in peace over his dominions for two years. He repelled the raids of the barbarian hordes which had invaded in 1106-07, maintained contacts with Alaric, and dispatched emissaries to Laurasia, Crimeania, Kazan, and Venasia. He corresponded with Mengli-Giray over a border dispute in 1110. As all of this was ongoing, further events took place elsewhere in the Galactic Borderlands. The Amelianian general and nobleman Raedwald, who held ambitions of his own, raised a revolt on Lavelle against Oisc in January 1106, and after a series of vigorous campaigns, raids, and attacks over the course of the next two years, eventually obtained the independence of the Kingdom of Amelianian Lavella in February 1108. Raedwald, who would reign until his death in 1124, would eventually become one of the more Amelianian kings, as will be shown below. Nevertheless, he acknowledged Sigismund's overlordship in January 1109, and sent gifts, slaves, and starships to the Kalbachan Great King. In the meantime, a starfighter pilot named Ethelfrith arose in revolt against his master, Aelle, in March 1109. Ethelfrith was determined to carve out his own kingdom in the Galactic Borderlands and received support in this from Sigismund and Agord, who wished to ensure that Aelle could never again rebuild his strength. Raising his standard at Clackmore, Ethelfrith proclaimed himself King of Nordania (29 March 1109) and quickly advanced against Aelle's positions. Nagosh fell to him (9 April 1109) followed by Francia (12 April 1109). Aelle then dispatched a fleet to So'thirta, but this was crushed (19-21 April 1109). In May 1109, Ethelfrith conquered Velaquez and destroyed Aelle's outposts along the border of the Outer Borderlands. He then raided Lwheek and then sacked Ivanna (2 June 1109). During July 1109, Ethelfrith consolidated his gains, and on 5 August, he crushed Aelle in the Battle of Agester. Aelle was forced to come to terms, but negotiations dragged on for a month. Only when Sigismund threatened to intervene did the negotiations finally conclude. The Treaty of Lwheek (1 September 1109), resulted in Aelle recognizing the existence of Nordania. Ethelfrith too, acknowledged Sigismund as his overlord. It seemed that the Amelianians were destined to thralldom for the Kalbachans for a long time to come.

Events however, were now returning to the favor of the Amelianians. Sigismund's health entered into severe decline in December 1109, and by the beginning of January, he had lapsed into a coma. In his will and testament, he named his weak and foolish younger brother, Lourid, his successor to the throne of the Kalbachan Kingdom. Sigismund believed that his trustworthy councilors would guide his brother in the right direction and that the Amelianian kingdoms were now too weak and divided to even attempt a overthrow of the conditions of overlordship. In this, he was to be posthumously proven mistaken. Sigismund died on 9 January 1110, and was succeeded to the throne by Lourid. Lourid quickly revealed to the Galaxy what he was was, as he lavished gifts on his friends, indulged himself with mistresses and courtly pleasures, and neglected the affairs of state. This provided an opportunity to the Amelianian kings. Aelle and Oisc both proclaimed themselves free of Kalbachan overlordship in February 1110, just a month after Sigismund's death, and Lourid took no action in order to stop this. Raedwald proclaimed himself a independent King of Amelianian Lavella in March 1110, followed by Ethelfrith's declaration of independence in April. Agord wished to stop this wave of events and he assembled his forces at Nicole, aiming to force Kthexox and Nordania back into terms of vassalage. Before he could do so however, he died (9 June 1110), and was succeeded to the throne by his son, the pacifist Elred, who recognized the complete independence of the Amelianian kingdoms by the Treaty of Norg (21 June 1110). In August, he returned all of the Merlite gains from the preceding war to Kthexox. In September, Lourid lost control over Rasdalla, as Canterius escaped from prison at Ba'dai and returned to reclaim his position as Rasdallan Imperator. By the end of 1110, Cedric had also proclaimed his freedom from Kalbachan overlordship, and the Amelianian kings began drafting plans to recover territories that had been lost to Sigismund. War finally erupted in January 1111, as Aelle, Cedric, and Oisc launched a joint invasion of Kalbacha. Cedric gained a major victory in the Battle of Thang Gaesong (25 January 1111) and stormed Song Dhu (29 January-3 February 1111). Trasha Dakai and Valeris V fell to his forces in February 1111, followed by Hypasis Major on 3 March. Hengist in the meantime, had conquered Illumis (9 March 1111) and recovered control of the Tof Borderlands (March-April 1111). Lourid proved to have no military talent, and his forces were constantly driven back. Aelle harried Pressburg (19-25 April 1111) and conquered Cossack (2 May 1111). By June 1111, all Kalbachan forces in the Hypasian and Donguarian regions had been expelled. The Amelianian forces drove into the Kalbachan home regions, and Lourid grew increasingly desperate. Finally, Kalbacha Major was besieged and captured (2 September 1111), and the Kalbachan Great King was forced to surrender. The Treaty of Engores (8 September 1111), resulted in the recovery of all lost territories by the Amelianian kingdoms. Hengist and Cordania also annexed the western and eastern regions of Kalbacha proper, reducing Lourid to control of little more than Kalbacha itself and a few outpost systems.

After the Amelianian kingdoms recovered their position and their lost territories, besides also annexing parts of the Kalbachan territory, Ethelfrith of Nordania decided to cement his kingdom's position by waging further war against his former master, King Aelle of Kthexox. Determined to annex the former Merlite strongholds in the western Barsar Regions, he declared war against Aelle (2 January 1112) and launched his forces into the remaining territories of Kthexox. Nicole and Redia were quickly captured by his forces (2-9 January 1112), followed by the worlds of Gosrios, Dedantia, and Nerjurnia in early February. Aelle and a fleet of his then mustered themselves from Lwheek, and encountered the forces of Ethelfrith in the Battle of Acoria (12 February 1112), which resulted in a decisive victory for the Nordanian King. By April 1112, when the core dominions of Kthexox were threatened, Aelle was forced to instigate peace negotiations with the King of Nordania. Negotiations dragged on for several months, and only when Nordanian forces launched raids at Mercia and Camerania, did Aelle finally submit to all of Ethelfrith's demands. The Treaty of Grisit (19 September 1112), resulted in the Kthexoian territories of the Barsar Regions being seceded to Nordania. Nordania also acquired the Rogerian Cluster and other Kalbachan territories which had been occupied by Kthexox. With this victory, Ethelfrith had consolidated his position. He thereafter erected a new capital at Deira, which became the center of the Nordanian Kingdom. From 1112-15, he focused his efforts on developing Deira, luring colonists to his dominions, and mustering his military resources. While Nordania settled into relative peace, further events took place elsewhere in the Galactic Borderlands. Aelle, who had once been the most powerful of the Amelianian kings, had now lost much of his prestige and strength, and could no longer maintain control over some of his subordinates. In 1113, a general named Ethelred erupted in rebellion against his master, seizing Francia, Mercia, and Camerania. He briefly posed a threat to Lwheek itself before Aelle was finally able to defeat him. Aelle now restricted himself to Lwheek, and more disunion erupted in the kingdom.

Finally, in 1115, a previously obscure starship captain, Cearl, decided to carve a kingdom for himself, and he looked to what had once been the territory of Arachosia Suprema. Cearl gathered together his personal squadrons and in November 1115, terminated his oath of allegiance to Aelle. Aelle now mustered his units from Lwheek and advanced against the General. Cearl however, crushed a expeditionary force sent by the King in the Battle of Ida (2 December 1115) and devastated Francia, which was still recovering from Ethelred's rebellion. Cearl thereafter bypassed Lwheek, plundering and destroying the outposts along the Galactic Barrier. By January 1116, he had conquered many of the remaining systems of Kthexox and had impounded most of Aelle's military, financial, and agricultural resources. Aelle, who did not want to lose control of his kingdom, decided to come to terms with the rebel, and a peace conference opened at Camerania on 17 January 1116. By the terms of the Treaty of Camerania (2 February 1116), Aelle recognized Cearl as King of Marcia (a title which the General took from his ancestral warband, the Marcians of Knost), and agreed to provide him support in conquering the former systems of Arachosia Suprema, ruled by the Neo-Arachosian Senate of Vector Prime. Cearl, in turn, returned all plunder to his former master and promised to abandon Kthexox for his new territory. A disenchanted Aelle, angry that he had lost the majority of his conquests and was now a master of a rump kingdom, returned to Lwheek. There, he caught a severe illness, and on 20 February, confirmed his son Eadbald as his successor in a formal Amelianian ceremony of homage. Three days later, the King entered a coma. On 24 February 1116, Aelle, founder of Kthexox, died. He had been preceded in death by Oisc, who had died on 29 March 1114, having been succeeded by his son Cyneglis. A new generation of rulers were thus now grasping the cares of state.

Cearl, now King of Marcia and with a considerable armada of his own, proceeded into the territories of the Neo-Arachosian Republic of Vector Prime. The Senate, learning of the Amelianian invasion, dispatched its chief general Sennacherib against the invaders. Sennacherib encountered Cearl and his forces in the Battle of Arthost (8 February 1116), which resulted in a decisive victory for the Amelianians. Sennacherib was forced to abandon his positions there, and he now retreated back to Arconia, which the Senate had established as a major Neo-Arachosian military fortress. Cearl now harried throughout the Arachosian Supreman dominions and conducted a series of raids, espionage operations, and campaigns. Sennacherib in the meantime, stocked up on his military supplies, as the Senate urged him to make sure that his forces were in readiness. Finally, he advanced forth from Arconia, and launched a attack against Cearl's forces near the Galactic Vector (28 February-2 March 1116). Cearl and his forces obtained victory, however, using their superior battleships and starfighters to maul Sennacherib's couriers and dreadnoughts. Sennacherib fled back to Vector Prime, where he was relieved of duty by the Senate on 8 March. On 12 March, the Amelianians won the Battle of Ompus Septimia, and three days later, they sacked the defenses of the Sargonius Asteroid Belt. On 19 March, Arachosia Prime was overrun and captured by Cearl. On 22 March, the Amelianians destroyed the fortifications of Insult, which was one of the keys to the Neo-Arachosian defense. The Senate, growing increasingly desperate, dispatched one final expeditionary force under the command of Achaemenes. Achaemenes managed to harry the positions of the Amelianians for several days. Cearl however, was able to use his intelligence service to find out the location of the Arachosian General's hideout, and on 7 April, he launched a major attack on their base, located at the world of Kelvan along the edge of the Galactic Barrier. Achaemenes, commanding the defense, was defeated and killed, and the world was taken by the Amelianians. With the final Neo-Arachosian expeditionary force destroyed, the Amelianians swiftly captured Sargossia, Akania, and Lellwehr over the course of April. On 2 May, Vector Prime itself was besieged. The world resisted Cearl for a month, and its shields were not breached until 3 June. The planet was devastated and some 3 billion Arachosians were butchered. Another 2 billion were enslaved, tortured, or deported. Cearl exterminated the final cells of Arachosian resistance thereafter, and by July, all of Arachosia Suprema was under his rule. Marcia was now one of the most powerful Amelianian kingdoms, and it was to continually expand and strengthen, until, by the time of Offa, it was to dominate the Galactic Borderlands. Cearl now colonized the world of Allhorah, which he established as the Marcian capital. Over the next several years, he consolidated his position and organized a powerful government bureaucracy. In 1118-19, he settled the last remaining extra-galactic Amelianian and Melanite bands in his dominions, who colonized the worlds of Kennedy, Jadaurine, Kylantha, and Essie.

====The Struggles of Ethelfirth and Edwin of Nordania; The Dominance and Death of Raedwald of Lavella; Dominance of Edwin; Ascension of Penda; Penda's Challenge to Edwin; Fall and Death of Edwin and the Beginning of Penda's Dominance (1115-1134)==== While Cearl of Marcia was consolidating his kingdom, Ethelfrith of Nordania decided to eliminate the remainder of the Kalbachan Great Kingdom and push his dominion into the central regions of the Galactic Borderlands. Lourid, who had staggered on ineffectually ever since his defeat by the Amelianian kingdoms in 1111, had become despised by his subjects, who loathed on how he had so easily submitted to the Amelianians after the death of Sigismund. One of Lourid's military commanders, Selyf of Virthrones, erupted in rebellion against his master in November 1115, seizing the Kalbachan outpost of Goriance and proclaiming himself King of Gadweria. Lourid attempted to campaign against Selyf, but he was defeated in the Battle of Screnteen (9 December 1115). After Selyf conquered other Kalbachan outposts and threatened the Kalbachan capital regions, Lourid was forced to sue for peace. The Treaty of Hejiu (6 January 1116), resulted in the independence of the Kingdom of Gadweria being recognized. Selyf, who was now overconfident and wished to expand his dominions, looked to the Rasdallan territories under the rule of Nordania. Acting along this goal, he sent a "request" to Ethelfrith in February 1116, demanding that the Rogerian Cluster, Kathy, Jakarta, and Java being conceded to the Gadwerian Kingdom. Selyf attempted to imitate his rival by mustering his forces at various border strongholds and launching provoking raids onto Amelianian-Melanite frontier outposts, colonies, and stations. Ethelfrith, enraged at his daring, formed a alliance with Lourid against the common enemy (2 March 1116). Thereafter, he invaded Gadweria with his forces on 4 March 1116. Screnteen and Powys quickly fell to his forces (4-17 March 1116), followed by the fortress of Ilop on 2 April. Selyf now attempted to employ guerrilla tactics in order to harry the forces of his enemies. He sacked Jakarta (9 April 1116) and raided the Rogerian Cluster (10-14 April 1116). Eventually however, Ethelfrith terminated the raids. On 20 April, he linked up with the forces of Lourid, and on 22 April, they destroyed Selyf's forces in the Battle of Aprillia. Selyf himself was killed in the heat of the battle. Two days later, Goriance and Gadweria were conquered by Ethelfrith, who now had strengthened his power. No longer interested in cooperation with Lourid, the Nordanian King turned against his ally, crushing his paltry units in the Battle of Iosty (3 May 1116) and then conquering Kalbacha Major. Lourid himself was captured and executed.

Ethelfrith, returning from his victory against the Kalbachans, was received with vigorous celebrations on Deira. The King however, was now to encounter new troubles. One of the Amelianian military commanders who had distinguished himself in the Nordanian campaigns against Kthexox and Kalbacha had been Edwin, who was the son of Ethelfrith's childhood friend Edgar. Edwin had become extremely popular within the military ranks, as his energy, intelligence, and determination had cemented his support amongst the military base. Ethelfrith, who had at first been friendly to the young commander, and indeed had supported his rise in the ranks, now grew disenchanted and afraid. His wife, Aethelflead, a vile and ambitious woman who had long exerted a strong influence over him, convinced the King that Edwin was engaged in conspiracy against his person and warned him to take action before it was too late. Taking into consideration what his wife had told him, and acting on his own suspicions, the King declared Edwin a enemy of the state (15 May 1116) and ordered for him to be deposed of all his positions. Two days later, Ethelfrith issued a formal sentence of death against his once-favored commander. Edwin however, had been warned by his counterparts of the fate which the King had in store for him, and acting effectively and quickly upon these warnings, he mustered his personal units and fled Nordania. Eadbald of Kthexox, not wishing to antagonize the King of Nordania, refused to grant him sanctuary, as did Cedric of Cordania. Thus, Edwin decided to flee to the court of Raedwald, King of Amelianian Lavella, who received him at his resort on Esthania. Raedwald proclaimed Edwin a state guest and refused Ethelfrith's demands to hand the fugitive over for justice. He now began planning to install Edwin on the throne of Nordania by force.

Eventually, on 17 June 1116, he formally declared war against Nordania, and by juncture of routes through the Rasdallan regions provided to him by Edwin, invaded Ethelfrith's dominions. He seized Kalbacha Major (20 June 1116); conquered the Rogerian Cluster (21-27 June 1116); captured Kathy and Jakarta (1-7 July 1116); and then destroyed the Nordanian base of Suelios. Eventually, Raedwald and his son Ragenhere, along with Edwin, clashed with Ethelfrith in the Battle of the Iswill (12 July 1116), which resulted in a decisive victory for the allies. Although Ragenhere fell in the battle, Ethelfrith himself was mortally wounded, dying on his flagship just as it was captured by Edwin's squadrons. Following this, Raedwald seized Deira (13 July 1116) and installed Edwin on the throne of Nordania. Edwin now paid homage to Raedwald and acknowledged him as his suzerain. Raedwald in turn, withdrew from the Nordanian territories back to Lavella. For the next several years, Edwin was to remain a vassal of Raedwald. Raedwald now extended his power to the other Amelianian kingdoms. Determined to assert Lavella's position in the southern Galactic Borderlands, he declared war against Eadbald of Kthexox on 2 January 1117. The Lavellan units advanced quickly, using the Nordanian military strongholds of Nicole, Redia, and Dedantia in order to launch a series of penetrating offensives into Kthexox. Francia was sacked (27 January 1117), followed by Mercia (5 February 1117), Camerania (16 February 1117), and Kaley (7 March 1117). Eadbald now advanced with his units from Lwheek and Ivanna, attempting to utilize a series of lightning-quick assaults to blunder the forward squadrons of his enemy. In the Battle of Inspiratia V (25 March 1117), the King of Kthexox managed to inflict some humiliation on the forward units of the Lavellan corps, and in April, he managed to secure the Amelianian-colony world of Aliana temporarily against any further offensives. Raedwald, who now commanded Edwin to join him in his campaigns, managed to recover from his losses, and in May, his forces won the Skirmish of the Angulie Nebula. On 22 June, Aliana itself was again exposed to assault, and was subjected to a fierce siege. The world did not fall however, until 29 August. On 7 September, Lwheek was sacked by the Lavellan-Nordanian forces, and on 12 September, King Eadbald was forced to come to terms. The Treaty of Nagosh (6 October 1117) resulted in the King of Kthexox acknowledging the King of Amelianian Lavella as his overlord. He agreed to pay a considerable tribute and to surrender a certain number of slaves and starships. The King also promised to impose a limit on the size of his military forces. With this, Raedwald had extended his power. In February 1118, he signed a treaty of alliance with King Cearl of Marcia. Military campaigns were conducted against Cordania and Hengist in 1119-21, by which King Cyneglis and King Cedric were also brought under Lavellan overlordship. On 2 January 1122, Raedwald proclaimed himself "Overlord of the Amelianians", the first Amelianian ruler in the Caladarian Galaxy to take such a title.

Upon his death on 17 February 1124, however, the dominance of his kingdom over the other Amelianian states of the Galactic Borderlands quickly receded. Edwin, who had remained a subordinate to Raedwald for nearly a decade, believed that it was now his time to assert himself as absolute overlord of the Amelianian kingdoms. At Raedwald's funeral on 2 March 1124, which was conducted in the Palace of the Lavellan Konsia on Lavelle, the King formally proclaimed in a speech that the dominance of the Amelianian kingdoms should rightfully pass to Nordania. Raedwald's successor, Eorpwald, attempted to protest, but he was not as formidable as his father and was quickly overruled. Cyneglis and Cedric both proclaimed themselves independent of Lavellan overlordship in April 1124, while Cearl canceled the Treaty of Alliance with Lavella on 2 May 1124. Edwin himself now declared that Nordania was the new "arbiter of affairs" of the Amelianian kingdoms, and he banished the Lavellan consuls from his court. In order to consolidate his position, and to promote his ambitions, the King of Nordania decided to conduct a expansion and reorganization of his military forces. In July 1124, he introduced a system of universal conscription in his dominions, the first of the Amelianian rulers to perform such a act. This allowed him to increase the number of troopers and warships at his disposal. A series of shipyards were constructed at Nicole, Redia, Kensingtia, Elizabania, Taghania, Kalbacha, Major, and the planets of the Roger Major star system. The King himself reorganized his personal bodyguard units and implemented a new discipline code, determined to constitute a powerful military machine. By the spring of 1125, he felt confident enough to engage in more active endeavors. On 27 April 1125, King Eadbald of Kthexox formally recognized the overlordship of the King of Nordania, in place of that of the King of Lavella, and in order to seal the arrangement, agreed to marry his sister, Ethelburg.

Shortly after this, the King of Nordania sent a demand to the King of the Merlites, now Corlio, who had succeeded his childless elder brother Elred to the throne in 1122. Edwin claimed that Elred had signed a secret protocol in 1120, which promised the concession of Aretha, Evan, Ryan Barlack, and Orithiana to the King of Nordania. Corlio of course, did not believe his claims, and in May 1125, rejected the Nordanian King's ultimatum. In response, Edwin declared war (7 June 1125). Nordanian forces advanced from Nicole, Nagosh, and Tashia, crossing the boundary with the Merlite kingdom on 12 June. The Nordanian King, commanding the forces personally, destroyed a Merlite armada in the Battle of Alec (17 June 1125) and scattered a collection of Merlite starfighter units in the Battle of Austin (29 June 1125). Aretha was the first of the disputed worlds to be besieged by the Amelianians. Despite Corlio's efforts to reinforce the world, the Amelianian armada breached its defenses. Aretha capitulated on 22 July 1125. Following this, Evan and Ryan Barlak were conquered (August-September 1125), although a Amelianian effort to besiege Orithiana failed in October. Edwin however, gained a major victory in the Battle of Tula (27 October 1125), clearing all opposition for a advance to the worlds of the T'kon Salient, which contained many of the Merlite kingdom's most important industrial and agricultural strongholds. From November 1125 to February 1126, the worlds of Corinia V, Talaris, Roaeris, Thathel Prime, Ethel Kennethia, Bobria, and Jacquenthia were besieged and stormed in succession, inflicting severe losses on the Merlites. Orithiana was besieged for a second time from 27 February 1126. It finally fell to the Amelianian forces on 24 March. On 2 April, King Corlio commanded one of his last remaining battlefleets against the Amelianian armadas, attempting to harry their positions at Carolyn. The Battle of Carolyn, which was fought from 2-7 April 1126, resulted in a decisive victory for King Edwin, as the Merlite units were captured, destroyed, or dispersed. Corlio himself barely evaded capture. On 12 April, the conquest of the Merlite stronghold of Rory, which was only a few light years from Merliash, forced Corlio to ask for a armistice. The Treaty of Merliash (25 May 1126), resulted in the secession of all Merlite territories to Nordania with the exception of Merliash, Rory, Schriver, Eurdice, and the outpost systems of the Merliash Cluster. Corlio was forced to acknowledge Edwin as his overlord and to pay a annual tribute to the King's court on Deira. With this victory, the territories of Nordania now touched with those of Ashlgothia. Indeed, King Edwin signed the Treaty of Jacquenthia with King Theodoric of Ashlgothia (2 August 1126), by which the two monarchs promised to co-exist peacefully with eachother. In September 1126, Edwin destroyed the Armane kingdom of Korgia, cementing the Nordanian position at Nicole, Redia, and the worlds of the Hospitalla west of Ashlgothia.

Other events were taking place in the Galactic Borderlands as well, particularly in Marcia. King Cearl of Marcia had signed a treaty of alliance with Raedwald of Lavella, but had not been formally subject to the suzerainty of the Lavellan monarch. As a result, Cearl managed to establish a powerful governmental bureaucracy and to expand his military forces. The Marcian King spent the last years of his reign focusing more of his effort on consolidating Marcia's position in the southern and western Galactic Borderlands. In 1120-21, he crushed the uprising of the Arachosians of Ompus Septimia, who had been provoked by one Shalameneser, who deluded himself into believing that he could reconstitute the Arachosian Empire of Sargon the Conqueror. Shalameneser managed to convince much of the populace of Ompus Septimia, and in the summer of 1120, he seized control of that world's shipyards. Taking the old title of Emperor of Arachosia Suprema, Shalameneser assembled a sizable naval fleet and managed to advance as far as the Gate Solarian Cluster before the units of King Cearl forced him to retreat. Shalameneser's forces then suffered a series of losses in skirmishes at Badoria, Pasia, and Gulfica. In March 1121, Ompus Septimia was reconquered by the Marcian King, and on 7 April, the rebel himself was captured and executed. After the suppression of this uprising, Cearl imposed punitive measures on the Arachosian population. Determined to insure that Amelianian rule would never again be threatened, he deported millions of Arachosians from Vector Prime, Arachosia Prime, and the worlds of the Gate Solarian Cluster in 1122-24. Melanites and Amelianians were resettled on those worlds, while most traces of Arachosian cultural influence were removed. Cearl now moved his capital to Arachosia Prime, which was renamed Marcia Prime. In February 1125, he divided Marcia into military districts and civil provinces, intent on maintaining oversight over all of the local affairs of his kingdom. Cearl also established a series of military, scientific, industrial, and agricultural outposts, in order to strengthen the Amelianian economy and lure colonists to his dominions. All of these measures sufficed to strengthen Marcia. In December 1125, Cearl, who was 77 (the oldest of the Amelianian monarchs), named his nephew, Penda, who was then 44, as his successor to the Marcian throne, as he had no children of his own. On 29 January 1126, he died, and was succeeded to the Marcian throne by Penda. Penda was destined to become the most powerful Amelianian monarchs, overtaking Edwin, and would lay the groundwork by which his grandson, Offa, would insure direct Marcian rule over all of the Galactic Borderlands. For three years after his ascension however, Edwin remained dominant over the other kingdoms. Indeed, the King of Nordania waged war against Cedric of Cordania (1127-29), devastating Hypasia Major, Kelvania, and Angelica Major. In January 1129, Cedric was forced to acknowledge Edwin as his overlord. By April 1129, Cyneglis of Hengist had also acknowledged the King of Nordania as his overlord.

Penda however, escaped Edwin's hostile intentions, and he signed the Treaty of Niss with the Nordanian King (1 December 1126), by which the two monarchs promised to exchange ambassadors, maintain positive economic relations, and refrain from military aggression against each other's territories. The King of Marcia did formally acknowledge Nordania's dominant position amongst the other Amelianian kingdoms. With the Treaty of Niss providing a period of stability, Penda focused his efforts on strengthening his military forces, continuing the reforms of his uncle, and fostering Marcian contacts with states elsewhere in the Caladarian Galaxy. He signed economic agreements with Laurasia (1126), the Crimeanian Khanate (1126), the Kazanian Khanate (1127), the Venasian Khanate (1128), the Kingdom of Ashlgothia (1129), and the Homidinian Khanate (1131). By the beginning of the 1130s, however, tensions were beginning to increase between Nordania and Marcia. Edwin, who was confident of his "unassailable" position in the Galactic Borderlands, was now nurturing aggressive ambitions towards the faltering Donguarian Empire, which was ruled by Louis (1125-1134). The King of Nordania wished to conquer the remaining Donguarian territories and extend his territories into the Core Regions. As a result, he sent two ultimatums to Louis: in January and in November 1130, demanding that the Donguarian Stellar Emperor concede Pressburg, Kaunitz, Buda, and several other strongholds to him. The Donguarian Emperor refused, believing this to be a intrusion upon his rights. As a result, Edwin began expanding his military forces during 1131. Louis in the meantime, made overtures to Penda, who was fearful of Edwin's power. On 17 August 1131, Penda's ambassador to the court of Edwin on Deira, Alfred, made a request that the King of Nordania cease his "hostile course of action". Edwin ignored his pleas and decided that he would continue with his military campaigns. In January 1132, the King of Nordania commanded his generals to draft plans for a military campaign against Marcia. In October, diplomatic relations between the two Amelianian kingdoms were severed.

On 9 November, Edwin formally declared war against Marcia and Donguaria. His fores attacked Nagi-raka, Ompus Septimia, Vector Prime, the Ttehite Worlds of the Gate Solarian Cluster, and Sarwardia in Marcia, while Pressburg, Neushell, Buda, Pest, and other Donguarian strongholds were also assaulted. At first, the King of Nordania gained a string of victories. Sarwardia was conquered (17 November 1132), followed by Ompus Septimia (25 November 1132), Pressburg (29 November 1132), and Buda (1-19 December 1132). The Gate Solarian Cluster was harassed and many Marcian military strongholds were sacked. Penda however, now employed a series of surprise attacks and the use of his defense squadrons to harry Edwin's supply lines, and in the Battle of Verthegsso (29 December 1132), he destroyed a transport armada of Nordanian troopers. In January 1133, the King of Marcia reconquered Ompus Septimia and refortified the Gate Solarian Cluster, while Louis received units from the aged Cedric, who was now considering a break with Edwin. The Marcians then regained Sarwardia on 7 February, while the Donguarians regained their position at Buda (10-15 February 1133). On 2 March 1133, a Donguarian-Marcian force invaded Kalbacha Major and inflicted a decisive defeat on the forces of Edwin in the Battle of Lankey IV. Edwin was now forced to retreat towards the Rogerian Cluster. He suffered a major setback when his vassals Eadbald, Cedric, and Eorpwald denied his overlordship on 25 March 1133. On 3 April 1133, the Treaty of Kathy was signed by those monarchs with the King of Marcia and the Donguarian Stellar Emperor, expanding the coalition against Nordania. Kthexox now launched its own offensives against Nagosh, Rhedita, and Nicole, while Cordania drove Nordanian units out of the western Hypasian systems. After another month of campaigns, during which Nordania lost Nicole and Redia to Kthexox, Edwin was finally cornered by Penda and Louis at Chathania (7-15 April 1133), which resulted in a decisive victory for the allied monarchs. The King of Nordania himself was slain in the battle. As a result of this victory, Nordanian hegemony collapsed. Penda and Louis thereafter engaged in campaigns throughout the core Nordanian territories, sacking Bernicia in May 1133. On 2 June, Deira was besieged, eventually falling to the coalition two months later. Edwin's successor, Eanfrith, was forced to sign the humiliating Treaty of Deira (27 August 1133), by which Nordania seceded Kalbacha and the Rogerian Cluster to Marcia, alongside Nicole, Redia, and the Western Hospallian Worlds to the Donguarian Stellar Empire. Kthexox, Cordania, and Hengist were acknowledged as kingdoms independent from Nordanian overlordship, and the King of Nordania was forced to pay a immense tribute to the coalition monarchs. With this victory, Penda had consolidated his position as the most powerful Amelianian ruler.

In December 1133, however, a nobleman named Oswald rose in revolt against King Eanfrith. From his stronghold on Lindarnia, Oswald quickly gained the support of most of the Nordanian magnates. His force quickly expanded and through the Oswaldian Campaigns, which lasted from January to March 1134, he scored a series of decisive victories over Eanfrith's corps. Finally, on 4 April 1134, he captured Deira and formally proclaimed himself King of Nordania. Eanfrith managed to flee with his personal bodyguard units, but was finally intercepted at the Amelianian colony-world of Werdathak. On 17 April 1134, he was captured by some of Oswald's troopers, and was trundled back to Deira. On 2 May 1134, Eanfrith was forced to sign a formal abdication declaration, acknowledging Oswald as the new King of Nordania. Four days later, he was strangled to death in his prison cell. Oswald, who was more vigorous and intelligent then his predecessor, was determined to restore Nordania's position as a major Amelianian power. Louis of Donguaria, whose treaty of alliance with Penda had expired upon the conclusion of the Treaty of Deira, nevertheless decided to launch a series of renewed military offensives against Nordania, believing that his forces would be able to secure a series of victories. He declared war against Oswald in June 1134, and his units immediately assaulted Velasquez, Nagosh, So'thirta, Gosrios, and Dedantia. Although Velasquez was conquered by the Donguarians (20-27 June 1134) and a Nordanian patrol fleet destroyed in the Battle of Ivar's Star (6-7 June 1134), the assault on Gosrios was halted by Oswald (12 June 1134), who inflicted a humiliating defeat on the Donguarian shock trooper corps. Oswald, employing a series of lightning assaults and tactics, then harried the Donguarian supply lines. In August 1134, Velasquez was recaptured by the Nordanians.

The Nordanian King then signed the Treaty of Delmar's Spear with Penda (1 September 1134), by which the Marcian King promised not to intervene in any campaigns undertaken by Oswald in Donguarian territory. Similar agreements were secured with Kthexox and Hengist. Hengist in fact, had concerns of its own. The elderly Cedric had never had any children, nor did he have any siblings. As such, he needed to decide who would inherit his kingdom. After a series of consultations with his advisors, the King of Cordania decided to name Cyneglis, King of Hengist, as his heir apparent (23 August 1134). Shortly after this decision was ratified and laid down in the form of a final testament, the King of Cordania died (27 September 1134). Cyneglis, who entered in victorious procession on Angelica, was proclaimed the new King of Cordania. With two kingdoms under his rule, his power and prestige had been vastly expanded. He wished to consolidate this however, and such, had no wish to be involved in war with Nordania. With no one to oppose his military campaigns, Oswald invaded Donguaria in October 1134. Nicole, Redia, Serjania, and Vurzurnia's Asteroid were conquered, while Donguarian units were driven to the north. A desperate Louis mustered his formations together and attacked the Nordanian fleet at Lallondia (4 November 1134), which resulted in a decisive victory for the King of Nordania. Louis himself was captured on his personal flagship. He was taken back to Deira and executed (7 November 1134). His successor, Vitovt, was forced to sign the Treaty of Temesevar (12 November 1134), by which all Donguarian gains from Nordania in the proceeding war were returned to Nordania. The Donguarian Emperor also had to pay tribute and provide a corps of military soldiers for the King of Nordania.

====Ascension of Arasces the Patient; Renewed War in the Kazanian Khanate; Great Barbarian Invasion of 1106; The Solidaritans, Melarnarians, and Brentarks; The Defeat of the Barbarian Peoples; Laurasian Annexation of Arias; Salasthrold's Seizure of the Goldarian Throne and his ambitions; First Great Goldarian War, Part 1 (1105-1113)==== With the affairs of the Amelianian kingdoms to 1134 having been covered sufficiently, we may now divert our attention to events in the Core Regions, as regards to Laurasia, the Kazanian Khanate, the Crimeanian Khanate, and the Venasian Khanate. As has already been stated, Honorius I died in 1105 and was succeeded to the throne of Laurasia by Arasces III. Arasces III, who was one of the most intelligent and educated monarchs to sit on the Laurasian throne, was determined to consolidate his father's gains, extend Laurasian power at the expense of the Dasian Khanates in the Core Regions, and strengthen his realm by making yet more territorial acquisitions. The King was assisted in his efforts by his chief minister, Lord Thucydides Ralolos of Bernista (1060-1136), who had participated in the Battle of Ugra and served on commissions which had drafted the legal codes of the King's father. Ralolos had also been sent on diplomatic missions to Crimeania, Venasia, Arias, Clancia, Gordasis, and other foreign courts. As such, he had considerable experience in both domestic and foreign affairs. The Grand Vizier focused his efforts on enforcing the legal codes, suppressing conspiracies against the King's rule, and carrying out his master's initiatives. In the first year of his reign, Arasces faced two major issues: a renewed war in the Kazanian Khanate and the intrusion of further barbarian peoples into the Caladarian Galaxy.

The first of these erupted in November 1105, barely a month after the death of Honorius the Liberator. Moxammadamin, who had ruled in Kazania as a vassal of the Laurasian King since 1097, had increasingly simmered under the conditions which had been imposed upon him. Laurasian demands for tribute had forced the Khan to implement a variety of taxation, including a extension of the tsarist vy'hod (1100), and the new kingly knaz (1102), both of whom inflamed further tensions against foreign domination. In 1104, Moxammadamin, who wished to insure the continuing rule of his family line over the Kazanian Khanate, married the widow of the deposed Illham, the beautiful but seductive and scheming Princess Boria. The new Khaness, who was determined to reassert the Kazanian Khanate's independent position, encouraged outbursts of anti-Laurasian xenophobia on Vindictoria, Deanna, Kazan, Rourlay, Ciboruney, Adamis, and Yeusria. These tensions finally exploded in the incident of 27 November 1105, when a crowd of civilians on Kazan attacked and killed a number of Laurasian merchants, traders, and tourists in the famed Commerce Market of Kazan. Similar attacks against Laurasian immigrants and traders occurred on a dozen worlds throughout the Kazanian Khanate. The attacks on Kazan were witnessed by the Laurasian consul and ambassador at the court of Kazan, Sir Cato Elthasius, who sent a report back to the Foreign Bureau on Laurasia Prime. In his report, the Ambassador claimed that "a crowd of barbarians fell upon our people and slaughtered them as if they were animals. These men spilled the blood of saviors." The Ambassador claimed that a total of 150,000 Laurasians throughout the Kazanian Khanate, and 1,200 on Kazan, had been slaughtered. Modern scholarship, however, suggests that the number was closer to 30,000. Nevertheless, the slaughter of the Laurasians in the Kazanian Khanate inflamed the anger of King Arasces.

On 28 November 1105, the King sent a message over Holonet to Moxammadamin, commanding his vassal to "punish those who have inflicted such outrages on our citizens in your territories" and demanding that the Khan pay him a massive indemnity for all damage inflicted on Laurasian property and lives. Moxammadamin, however, who had secretly assembled military units at Leopoldia, Big Twinny, Aldoria, Janus, and Janthet, refused to answer his overlord's message. On 2 December 1105, he proclaimed that the Kazanian Khanate was again independent from the dominance of the Stellar Kingdom of Laurasia. Two days later, a Treaty of Alliance was signed with the Khan of Venasia, Qasim II (who had usurped the Venasian throne in 1104 from Abdal-Karim). On 8 December, Elthasius and his staff were executed by the officials of the Khan's court. Military operations began in earnest. From 12 to 17 December, 1105, a series of skirmishes and raids took place between Laurasian and Kazanian forces along the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route. The Laurasians destroyed the colony of Naloria and harried Dasian positions near Mariah and Martina Mccasia, while a Kazanian task fleet harassed Durglais, Chancia, and Katherine. On 21 December 1105, a Laurasian fleet which assaulted Wendia, Deanna, and Reathan was defeated by Moxammadamin and Qasim II in the Battle of Kurley, being forced to retreat back to Laurasian territory. On 2 January 1106, the Kazanian Khanate forced Schaueria Prime to sign the Treaty of Tyleria Perea, by which Tyleria Perea, Jessica Perea, Compost V, Greenia, and Ipsus V were given to Kazania as military bases for use against Laurasia. Arasces, determined to secure his own position, forced Arias to sign the Treaty of Meaganian (4 January 1106), extracting military access and garrison privileges from that state. Non-aggression pacts were signed with Clancia, Goldaria, Constancia, Gordasis, and Courdina V. Murphy declared its neutrality in the conflict on 11 January 1106, just as a Kazanian-Venasian task force was assembling at Ipsus V.

On 15 January, the Kazanian task force advanced and launched a major offensive along the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route. Durglais was sacked (17 January 1106), followed by Kigonia (19 January 1106), Presfboria (23 January 1106), and Briannia (27 January 1106). Nystadia, Karonia, and Frthasi fell victim to Kazanian assaults, while Rebecca, Chancia, and Chancelleris were harried by Venasian task forces. Arasces however, now mustered his formations at Katherine, Arias, Meaganian, Chandlier, and Northat. He then executed a surprise offensive against the devastated Bristalai (which was used as a military outpost), Compost V, and the worlds of the Selena Star Cluster. By the end of February 1106, all of those regions had been secured. On 2 March 1106, a Kazanian force advanced towards Laurasian positions at Mathalie but was decisively defeated. Five days later, the Laurasians conquered Jessica Perea and besieged Ipsus V. Ipsus V fell on 1 April 1106. On 8 April, Schaueria Prime rejected the Treaty of Tyleria Perea and requested negotiations with Laurasia. Arasces, who realized that Schaueria Prime had been forced by the Khanates to involve itself in the war, decided to offer that world generous terms. The Treaty of Shiloh (12 April 1106), resulted in Schaueria Prime regaining control of all the strongholds it had surrendered to Kazania with the exception of Ipsus V, which was seceded "for all time to come" to Laurasia. In turn, Laurasia promised to compensate Schaueria Prime financially for the military campaigns which had been conducted within its territories. With the eastern flank neutralized, Arasces turned his attention back to the Kazanian forces along the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route. Durglais and Kigonia were reconquered (19-25 April 1106), while a Laurasian force destroyed a fleet of Venasian transports and couriers in the Battle of Pkit (2 May 1106). On 7 May, Briannia was recovered. Two days later, Qasim II suffered a major defeat in the Battle of Diane, and was captured. He was forced to sign the Treaty of Reese (12 May 1106), by which he paid Arasces a indemnity for military losses and severed his alliance with Kazania. With the Venasian Khanate out of the war, Arasces now turned his attention towards the Kazanian Khanate. Briannia was reconquered on 20 May 1106, followed by Presfboria on 27 May. The King of Laurasia then launched his own invasion of the Kazanian Khanate. Deanna, Wendia, and Reathan were again assaulted by a Laurasian expeditionary force, being devastated and captured on 2 June. A Laurasian offensive against Mariah was foiled by Kazanian units on 4 June however, and the Laurasian naval commander of the involved task force, Scipio Publicus, was killed in battle. Nevertheless, Arasces had inflicted severe reverses on the Kazanian Khanate, and a advance Laurasian squadron soon besieged Kazan. On 22 June 1106 the planet's defenses were breached and Laurasian troops landed, seizing control of the world. Moxammadamin was forced to flee north to Gianocola, where he was defeated by King Arasces two days later. On 1 July 1106, the Khan of Kazania was forced to request a armistice. Negotiations were held at the pleasant world of Idyll, which was appropriately named for its lovely springs and lively plains. The Treaty of Idyll was signed (13 July 1106). By the terms of this Treaty, Moxammadamin promised to compensate Arasces for the deaths of those Laurasians in the massacres of November 1105, renewed his oath of homage, and granted Laurasian merchants special privileges on all of his worlds. Laurasian warships were given military access through Kazanian territories, and Leopoldia, Big Twinny, and Bolthay were to become Laurasian strongholds. Moxammadamin also promised to execute his wife and banish any of his officials who had opposed Laurasian interests.

Arasces returned to Laurasia Prime on 17 July 1106, and conducted a victorious triumph in the streets of Christiania. This was the first such occasion to be held in the Space Age History of Laurasia. The King was now very popular with his subjects for his successful military campaigns and his reassertion of the Laurasian overlordship over the Kazanian Khanate. He spent the remainder of the year organizing the tribute collected into his treasury, sponsoring public festivals and parades, and presiding over the splendid Laurasian court, which had adopted Dasian royal customs and become renowned as one of the largest in the Caladarian Galaxy. The King of Laurasia conducted diplomatic relations with the Amelianian kingdoms, the Venasian Khanate, the Kazanian Khanate, the Crimeanian Khanate, Arias, Clancia, Gordasis, Courdina V, Malaria, the Donguarian Stellar Empire, the Ashgoths, the Homidinian Khanate, the Huntite Khanate, the Alexandrian states, and the Devianiani Confederacy. He maintained positive relations with Mengli-Giray, who had been such a ally of his fathers. The two monarchs, in fact, signed a Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in September 1106. Mengli-Giray recognized Arasces' gains over the Kazanian Khanate and continued the payment of financial subsidies to the Laurasian court. The Crimeanian Khan also acknowledged dominant Laurasian interests in Marshia, Clancia, Arias, the worlds of the western Core, northern Schaueria, the Kazanian Khanate, and parts of the Venasian Khanate to Hapes, Venasia Secondary, and the worlds of the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route. In turn, Arasces agreed to recognize a Crimeanian sphere of influence over Murphy, the southern territories of Schaueria Prime, Goldaria, and the southern parts of the Venasian Khanate. It seemed that peace could continue in the Core Regions for some time.

These hopes, however, were brought to a swift end by the Great Barbarian Invasion of 31 December 1106, which has been noted above. Although a multitude of barbarian groups entered the Caladarian Galaxy and caused much havoc, three of these had a major impact upon Laurasia, alongside the petty Central Core Worlds, and, to a extent, on the Crimeanian and Venasian Khanates (which were also ravaged by other barbarian peoples): the Solidaritans, Melarnarians, and Brentarks. The Solidaritans were to eventually be responsible for the destruction of the Kazanian Khanate, while the Melarnarians would move into the western Central Core and displace the Torfians of Ecreuctus, the Willamites, and the Western Clancians. The Brentarks would conquer Denver, Decapolia, and many of the old Millian worlds. All of these events would take place in the future, but for now, major confrontations took place. Within a few days of their intrusion into the Caladarian Galaxy, the Solidaritans, under the command of their barbarian chieftain Erutugul, swiftly moved along the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route. In the early days of January 1107, they devastated many star systems, enslaving, slaughtering, or deporting millions of sapient beings. Venasian squadrons, dispatched to defend Bolgrahay, Permia, and Hannath, were destroyed in the pitched Battle of Kamer (7 January 1107). The three worlds mentioned were then overwhelmed and sacked by the barbarians, who carried off their treasures. The Solidaritans then attacked Ipsus V, Alaria, Vergossia, and Aslagsi, defeating a combined Laurasian-Kazanian task force in the Battle of Robbay (12-13 January 1107). Ipsus V was conquered on 16 January 1107, followed by Alaria two days later. The Solidaritan assault on Aslagsi, however, bogged down, as the Kazanian garrison resisted the barbarians fiercely. Eventually however, resistance collapsed, and Aslagsi fell to the Solidaritan fleet on 1 February 1107. In the meantime, the Solidaritans had invaded Murphy and Schaueria Prime's territories. Selena, Tyleria Perea, Jessica Perea, Hordania, Dorothy, Compost V, Mumbraine, and Hammenor all fell to the invaders during February 1107, while Solidaritan raiding expeditions were sent as far as Jared, Zutagia, Horacia, and Senna Major, exchanging clashes with Crimeanian forces. Erutugul now directed his hordes into Laurasian territory, as he sacked Briannia (27 February 1107), conquered Durglais (3 March 1107), and plundered Blackria (6-9 March 1107). Arasces however, had gathered his formations, and employing his superior knowledge of the region, took advantage of the Solidaritan ignorance of hyperspace routes. He lured the Solidaritans into a trap in the red giant system of Gurgu Dalaka (12 March 1107). The Solidaritan fleet was surrounded by the Laurasian warships and handed a decisive defeat. Erutugul himself was captured. Arasces then forced the Solidaritan chieftain to sign the Treaty of Gurgu Dalaka (17 March 1107), by which the Solidaritans acknowledged the Laurasian King as their overlord and were allowed to colonise the worlds of Cassanie, O'Neal, and Patsy, located along the Metallasian Trade Corridor. They also retro-ceded all of their conquests back to Laurasia, the Kazanian Khanate, Schaueria Prime, and Murphy.

No sooner had the Laurasian King defeated one threat when he was encountered by another: the invasion of the Brentark and Melarnarian fleets, who decided to attack the Core States from the west. The two barbarian hordes signed the Nagakalia Pact (16 April 1107), by which they pledged to divide the territories which they conquered amongst themselves. The Pact outlined plans for the destruction of Laurasia, the Kazanian Khanate, the Venasian Khanate, the Crimeanian Khanate, and the states of the Central Core. With these plans prepared, the barbarian hordes attacked on 19 April 1107. Williams, Erectucus, Goss Beacon, Clancia, Gordasis, Courdina V, Caladaria, Darcia, and Katherine were assaulted by the Melarnarians, while the Brentarks attacked Seejay Prime, Carina, Goldaria, Polonia, Galicia, Denver, Nathaniel, and the worlds of the upper Denveranian Trunk Line. The Melarnarian hordes, under the command of their "royal lord" Nikolai, conquered all of the worlds which they assaulted (19 April-7 May 1107), disrupting the Laurasian Kingdom's Purse Defenses and briefly destroying the independence of Clancia, Courdina V, and Gordasis. Jerome of Clancia, who had remained peaceful since his defeat by Honorius the Liberator, was executed by Nikolai's command (8 May 1107), who had his head imposed on a transport and hurled into the Star of Harmony. Nikolai, who now proclaimed himself "King and Lord of the Western Galactic Regions of the Core", thereafter hurled his forces against Conservan and Reoyania, which had been fortified by the Laurasian Government. Although Conservan fell to the invaders (10 May 1107), Reoyania resisted their onslaught and was ultimately relieved by a Laurasian expeditionary force (12-13 May 1107). Arasces now concentrated his efforts on defending his remaining strongholds. Charasia, Americania, Darsis, the worlds of the Constantine Star Cluster, Rebecca, Briannia, Ralina Vixius, Augis V, and Laurasia Prime itself became heavily fortified worlds, alongside the Laurasian worlds of the Clancian Trunk Line. Melarnarian offensives against these worlds were blunted, while the Laurasians harried the Melarnarian supply lines. Finally, the King of Laurasia unleashed a ploy against the Melarnarians, as he activated the service of his Solidaritan marauders. Erutugul attacked Nikola's personal fleet at Andriana (2-3 June 1107), cutting off his support units and obtaining a decisive victory. Over the next two months, Nikola and his hordes were sent into retreat, as Erutugul and his Laurasian corps reconquered Caladaria, Darcia, Katherine, and the worlds of the Metallasian Trade Corridor. The Melarnarian hordes were forced into the Central Core. Conservan was reconquered on 1 August 1107, with the assistance of a Kazanian expeditionary force, and Clancia was liberated two days later, with Nikola being forced to flee. Arasces installed the Clancian nobleman Husardrius as the new King of Clancia (5 August 1107). On 10 August 1107, Nikola was forced to sign the Treaty of Capital, by which they promised to compensate Laurasia, Clancia, Courdina V, and Gordasis V for military damages inflicted. In turn, the Core Kingdoms allowed Nikola to take up possession of Williams and the world of Laynne, which Nikola renamed Melarnaria. The new Kingdom of Melarnaria was to be a protectorate of both Laurasia and Clancia.

The Brentarks, in the meantime, had been engaged in their vigorous offensives, seeking to overwhelm the worlds of the southern Central Core, the Crimeanian Khanate, Murphy, and the Venasian Khanate. They coordinated their attacks with those of the Kuevians, who had attacked Venasian and Crimeanian territory by juncture of Acamaria and Roastafaria. Polonia was devastated by the Brentarks (21 April 1107), while Galicia was seized (29 April 1107). By the middle of May 1107, Denver, Horacia, Zutagia, Momma, Galicia, and Mormon had all been conquered by the Brentarks, under the command of their barbarian warlord Exculopsie. Mengli-Giray, who had been roused from his capital world in order to resist the attacks, signed a emergency Military Pact (18 May 1107) with You'casy, Grand Prince of Murphy (who had succeeded his older brother Jadarus on 27 December 1106), and with Qasim II of Venasia. The three monarchs decided to coordinate their resources against the Brentark invaders. The Brentark hordes, having secured the south-eastern and central-southern Core Worlds, alongside parts of the Outer Core, now crossed into the Industrialized Borderlands and assaulted the Venasian homeworlds. Hapes and Venasia Secondary were sacked (1-9 June 1107), while Ruttum and the colonies of the Venasian Mist were ravaged. Drennan, Sanegeta, and Hooper also fell victim to Brentark attacks. Mengli-Giray, Qasim, and You'casy, however, now decided to let the Brentarks drain themselves out, as they carefully marshaled their military resources for a decisive showdown. By the end of June 1107, the Brentark hordes had occupied the majority of the Crimeanian and Venasian territories, but they were now overstretched. During July 1107, Qasim II and Mengli-Giray launched a series of raids, ambushes, and guerrilla attacks against the Brentark fleets. Finally, on 3 August 1107 (the 280th anniversary of the death of Genghis Khan, the great founder of the Dasian Empire), they launched a decisive attack against the Brentark command fleet in the Battle of Allhare. Exculopsie's forces were scattered and he lost many of his warriors. With the Brentarks now weakened, Mengli-Giray, Qasim, and You'casy now took the offensive. Horacia was reconquered (5 August 1107), followed by Polonia (6 August 1107), Denver (7 August 1107), and the worlds of the Venasian Mist (8-12 August 1107). Nathaniel, Zutagia, Momma, Donald, Mormon, and Galicia had been recovered by 20 August. By then, Laurasian and Kazanian units, freed from the war against the Melarnarians, had begun to arrive, as Arasces followed the terms of his military alliance with Mengli-Giray. On 22 August 1107, Exculopsie suffered another defeat in the Battle of Vesta, which was the final straw for his commanders. He was assassinated by a gang of conspirators led by his general Lopae (24 August 1107). Lopae, declaring himself Warlord of the Brentarks, thereafter sent a request to Mengli-Giray for negotiations. A armistice was signed on 27 August. After over a month of negotiations, the Treaty of Benzitr V was signed on 31 September 1107. By the terms of this treaty, the Brentarks were to be allowed to colonize Benzitr V, Acamaria, George, Osriana, and the worlds of the lower Denveranian Trunk Line. They were to acknowledge the overlordship of the Crimeanian Khan and pay compensation for all the damage they inflicted in their military campaigns. The Khan was to have the right to exact tribute from them and to employ their corps in his military campaigns.

With the defeat of the Brentarks, peace returned to the Core Regions, as Arasces of Laurasia and his fellow monarchs were determined to reorganize their militaries and to recover their resources. For the next three years, the King of Laurasia focused his efforts on expanding his starfighter corps, constructing a series of elaborate defenses at Charasia, Katherine, Caladaria, Darcia, Andriana, Scout, Constantine, Rebecca, and Durglais, and reorganizing his army. In order to review military regulations, the King appointed a commission in 1109, comprised of high-ranking military and diplomatic officials. This commission recommended major reforms, and the new Military Code was published on 7 January 1110. Arasces also encouraged continuing immigration to his dominions, sponsored the establishment of colonies along the Metallasian Trade Route, and conducted a cultural exchange program with the Crimeanian Khanate, Murphy, and Schaueria Prime. In December 1109, he and Mengli-Giray also signed a Economic Pact, which established a customs union between their two monarchies. With these measures having thus been taken, Arasces now felt confident to resume Laurasian territorial expansion. He first turned his attention towards Arias, which, although it had been a Laurasian protectorate since 1092, and was under military access arrangements since 1106, had nevertheless maintained formal independence. The King of Arias, Jaudios of Gogia, had his own military, issued his own currency, published his own lands, and conducted diplomatic relations as much as any other monarch. Arasces believed that only the complete incorporation of Arias into the Laurasian Kingdom would insure his eastern flank. As such, the King of Laurasia sent a demand to Jaudios (27 February 1110), ordering for him to acknowledge Laurasia's rights over his world and to abdicate his throne. Jaudios, who had grown increasingly nationalist since his ascension to the Arian throne in 1108, now conducted a repetition of what Honorius the Liberator had done to Ahmad of the Great Horde thirty-one years earlier: he tore up the demands and had the Laurasian emissaries to his court executed. His effort to assert Arias' complete independence would not succeed however. Declaring Jaudios a contumacious traitor, Arasces declared war against Arias (7 March 1110) and launched a swift invasion. His forces met with little resistance, and the Arian navy was destroyed in the Battle of Manli (10 March 1110). Three days later, Arias was captured and sacked. Jaudios himself was executed, along with his wife and son. Arasces then arrived at Arias on 16 March and officially announced its annexation into the Stellar Kingdom of Laurasia.

The Laurasian annexation of Arias was met with a variety of responses. Moxammadamin, who himself was a Laurasian vassal, sent a congratulation message over the Holonet to Arasces on 17 March, praising the "brilliant actions and maneuvers of my lord". Mengli-Giray of the Crimeanian Khanate, a close Laurasian ally, also announced his support for the annexation and declared that it was "justified by the circumstances". The Venasian Khan Qasim II, however, expressed dismay, although he was not able to use force in executing those views. Bastilla Dondonna, who had become Grand Duchess of Schaueria Prime on 29 November 1109, protested the annexation, as did Lopae of the Brentark Despotate. The annexation also aroused extensive fears in the Central Core and inspired the rise of a figure who was determined to reduce Laurasian power: Count Salasthrold of Slugia, a Goldarian military officer and nobleman who had served in the militaries of Goldaria, Clancia, Marshia, the Crimeanian Khanate, Murphy, the Venasian Khanate, and Arias. Salasthrold, who was intelligent, sophisticated, and determined, believed that the Central Core needed to be unified under a common ruler in order to resist the Laurasians. As such, he accumulated military supplies, warships, and soldiers at his personal strongholds on Slugia, Jawerna, and Coupsacaen. The Goldarian received financial subsidies and mercenary units from Bastilla, Lopae, and Qasim II, who were beginning to contemplate a military alliance amongst themselves to defeat the Laurasians, who had already dominated the Core Regions in the past (during the earlier Laurasian Periods). With their support, Salasthrold instigated a coup d'etat against the King of Goldaria, Anagius (1106-1110) on 20 April 1110. Anagius was quickly deposed, and in the Amyian Palace of Goldaria, Salasthrold was acknowledged as King by the government and a assembly of his fellow nobles. With the Goldarian throne in his possession, Salasthrold quickly instigated actions to bring the other Core States under his control. Queen Rebania of Marshia, who also feared Laurasian power and wished to halt the ambitions of the Laurasian King, received a marriage offer from the new Goldarian King on 22 April. She accepted, and the two monarchs were married on 26 April. On 27 April, a council of Marshian and Goldarian officials agreed to acknowledge Salasthrold as king jure uxoris of Marshia in right of his wife, thus effectively providing him direct authority over that state. Salasthrold then instigated military campaigns against Carina and Seejay Prime, which were still relatively weak at this time and had few military forces of their own. By 15 May, both worlds had been conquered and annexed into Goldaria.

Salasthrold, having usurped the Goldarian throne and expanded his dominions in the space of a few months, now launched a major effort to expand his military. Shipyards at Yularen, Daala, Bainsborough, Marshia, Carina, Marcania, and Terell's Point produced a large amount of military cruisers, corvettes, dreadnoughts, destroyers, carriers, and starfighters. The King expanded the army and implemented new discipline regulations, drilling his corps extensively. These efforts now attracted the attention of Arasces. The King of Laurasia had watched as Salasthrold had seized the Goldarian throne and then married the Queen of Clancia. His spies had also reported on the Goldarian King's military campaigns against Carina and Seejay Prime. Arasces had until then believed that his dominance of Melarnaria, Clancia, and Teth would allow him to forestall any efforts by the Goldarians to advance north. But now he began to develop apprehensions. In May 1110, the King had issued a secret military communique to his generals, in which he declared that the "recent expansionist activity of the Kingdom of Goldaria...is of a type that will soon threaten the security and position of power which this kingdom has held". On 4 June, the Laurasian ambassador to the court of Goldaria, Count Demetrius Euallus, officially communicated his master's concerns to Salasthrold, expressing the hope that Goldarian actions "were not directed at upsetting the current state of affairs in the Central Core". Salasthrold, who wished to have more time to assemble his military resources, issued assurances about his determination to maintain peace. On 23 June, this assurance was codified in a formal proclamation, in which the King of Goldaria and Marshia stated his intentions to "always remain on positive terms with my Fellow Majesty of Laurasia". This was merely a cover, however. For the next year and a half, peace managed to hold on, but further diplomatic events took place among the Powers concerned. On 3 September 1110, Arasces of Laurasia and Mengli-Giray of Crimeania signed the secret Pact of Mocoro, by which the two monarchs reaffirmed their friendship for each other and confirmed the terms of their military alliance. Two months later, on 6 November 1110, Salasthrold of Goldaria, Bastilla Dondonna of Schaueria Prime, and Lopae of the Brentark Despotate signed the ultra-secret Treaty of Pauiane, of whose existence even the Laurasian and Crimeanian intelligence services were ignorant of. Qasim II joined this new coalition in February 1111. For most of 1111, each of the Core States which was now involving itself in this diplomatic-military web conducted a extensive militarization effort, while publicly professing their desires for a continued peace. Arasces commissioned the construction of the new Stargazer-dreadnought class in May 1111. On 9 June 1111, Laurasia signed the secret Treaty of Meaganian with Murphy, gaining that state's cooperation for all campaigns against Schaueria Prime. In July, Moxammadamin of the Kazanian Khanate reaffirmed his loyalty towards Laurasia, although in private, he was plotting with Salasthrold and Bastilla Dondonna to overthrow Laurasian overlordship. In August, Melarnaria was forced by Arasces to sign the Treaty of Contemplanyas, by which it pledged to provide the Laurasian monarch with military corps in time of hostility.

The precarious balance began to fall apart in March 1112, however. Arasces III, who wished to undermine the stability of his Goldarian rival's dominions, and believed that this would allow for the maintenance and extension of Laurasian power in the Central Core, established contact with a disgruntled Goldarian nobleman, Glinkaskia Surthire, the Count of Teller. Surthrie, who was one of the few nobles who had not supported Salasthrold's ascension to the throne, harbored ambitions of his own for power. He also believed that a peaceful settlement could be reached with Laurasia. As such, he decided to focus his efforts on the overthrow of Salasthrold and on accomplishing his own elevation to the Goldarian throne. In April, a month after having established contacts with Arasces, Glinakaskia began assembling his own military force at his strongholds on Teller, Cooonia, and VoRoon. As a Goldarian noble was allowed to retain his own personal military force by law, the King of Goldaria was not able to proceed against the noble. The Count, who claimed that his assembly of his own military resources was to "defend his family's position", managed to gather a massive fleet and army. On 3 May, he formally instigated rebellion against the King of Goldaria. The military bases of Yularen, Daala, Natasi, and Pelleaon fell quickly to his forces (3-7 May), followed by the strongholds of Maxck-casi (11 May 1112), Sipp (14 May 1112), and Olivia (25-30 May 1112). By then however, Salasthrold had mustered his units in order to crush the rebellion. On 3 June, he repealed the charters which had allowed Goldarian nobles to maintain their own forces. This aroused the anger of the Goldarian Viceroy of Carina, Michaelius, who maintained his own personal units. Michaelius defected to the rebel movement on 6 June and renounced his allegiance to the King of Goldaria. On 11 June, Glinakaskia and Michaelius inflicted a severe defeat on the forces of the King in the Battle of the Sort Drift. Mommica, Barty, and Muppet were conquered by 21 June. Seejay Prime itself capitulated on 25 June. Salasthrold, who now felt severely threatened, requested the assistance of his allies. Bastilla Dondonna now prepared a force at Hordania and Dorothy in order to relieve her ally. The territories of Murphy however, separated her dominions from those of the Goldarian-Marshian Union. On 25 June, the Grand Duchess, unaware of Murphy's alliance with Laurasia, sent a ultimatum to Grand Prince You'casy, requesting free military passage for her forces through Murphian territory. You'casy refused. Bastilla then decided to force the issue. Schaueria Prime declared war against Murphy on 4 July and launched its forces through Murphian territory. The Prelone Asteroid Belt and Hammenor fell quickly to Schauerian forces (5-6 July 1112), followed by the worlds of the Mumbraine Sector on 12-17 July. Schauerian units then quickly raced into the Central Core and combined with the forces of Salasthrold, assembled against the rebels.

Bastilla's declaration of war and invasion of Murphian territory, however, now ignited Murphy's military arrangements with Laurasia. On 8 July, the Laurasian Foreign Bureau sent a ultimatum to the court of the Grand Duchess on Schaueria Prime, denouncing her actions as "blatant aggression" and stating that unless she withdrew from Murphian territory by 20 July and renounced any relationship with Goldaria, war would be declared. Bastilla, obviously, ignored the ultimatum, and on 19 July, she ordered the Laurasian ambassador to her court, Lord Hercules Cajios, Duke of Thebes, to leave her court. The following day, Arasces III of Laurasia issued a formal declaration of war against the Grand Duchy of Schaueria Prime from the Celestial Palace. Laurasian forces immediately attacked Selena, Tyleria Perea, Jared, Colsonia, Archleuta, and Decapolia. Although the Laurasians managed to storm Selena relatively easy (21 July 1112), their offensives against Tyleria Perea and Colsonia were defeated by the Schauerian fleets of those worlds (22-25 July 1112). Also, the Laurasian declaration of war provoked yet other nations. Salasthrold, who now saw his opportunity to destroy Laurasian influence and power in the northern Central Core, declared war against Laurasia on 26 July 1112. He was followed by Lopae of the Brentark Despotate two days later. Finally, Qasim II declared war on 30 July and launched his forces from Drennan, Organia, Athenis, and Permi. Mengli-Giray, in his turn, declared Lopae a contumacious traitor and denounced Qasim as a betrayer. He entered the war on Laurasia's side on 29 July. The Great Goldarian War had commenced. Battlefronts opened in Schaueria Prime, Murphy, the Brentark Despotate, and Goldaria.

In Schaueria Prime, Schauerian units led by the General Wrango of Decapolia defeated a Laurasian expedition under the command of Prince Basil Exarius in the Battle of the Tanaka Fields, which took place on 1 August. On 5 August, Selena was reconquered by Schauerian forces. A Schauerian offensive against Ipsus V, launched on 10 August, failed however, and the Laurasians defeated Schauerian task forces that were hurled at Arias, Meaganian, Rebecca, Blackria, and Nezbit. In Murphy, the Schauerians conquered Duros and Kuliklovo, but were then held up in the Prelone Asteroid Belt and at Anusia, as Laurasian-Crimeanian reinforcements bolstered Murphian resistance. In the Central Core, Salasthrold managed to reconquer the Sort Drift and Olivia (August-September 1112), but was then defeated by Glinakaskia and Michaelius in the Battle of Stenbock (10-11 October 1112), suffering the loss of many of his starfighter units. Lopae, in the meantime, had suffered serious reverses, losing Eutagia, Hooper, and Cosby to the Crimeanian forces during August and September. On 9 October, he suffered a humiliating defeat in the Battle of Isley, and was forced to flee to Murphy. George was occupied by Mengli-Giray on 15 October. In November, Laurasian forces advanced from Clancia, Melarnaria, Teth, and Goss Beacon, heading towards Marshia. Bainsborough was stormed on 6 November, followed by Capitalis on 8 November. A Laurasian unit sent to reconquer Olivia for the rebels was crushed by Salasthrold and Bastilla however, in the Battle of Constancia. Nevertheless, Marshia itself was besieged by a set of Laurasian cruiser and carrier units from 13 November. It fell on 1 December, inflicting a major humiliation on the Goldarians. On 6 December, Olivia was reconquered by a resurgent Glinakaskia, who now proclaimed himself King of Goldaria in opposition to Salasthrold. On 10 December, Yularen was conquered by the Laurasians. In Schaueria Prime, the Laurasians managed to conquer Hammenor on 12 December, followed by Mtaples on 14 December. A Venasian expedition sent to pillage Leopolodia, Big Twinny, and Lang was defeated in the Battle of Bower (14 December 1112). By the end of December, the Laurasians had again captured Selena, Hordania, Compost V, Greenia, and other Schauerian strongholds. By the end of December, another Laurasian-rebel force had instigated a siege of Goldaria itself. Salasthrold was now retreating to the eastern Central Core. At the beginning of January 1113, it seemed that Salasthrold was in his death throes. Salvation arose for him however, in the person of one of his naval admirals, Tenthius of Gormania. Tenthius, a tactically skilled commander, led a series of successful espionage operations and raids against Laurasian forces, employing the mobility of his starfighter units and his superior knowledge of the local space in order to harry the Laurasian supply lines.

On 20 January, Salasthrold and Bastilla, who had now combined their forces together at Scott, appointed Tenthius as the chief admiral of their naval fleets. Tenthius immediately focused his efforts on relieving the siege of Goldaria. He deployed his forces in two positions. One was sent by use of a secret route to attack Teth, while the other waited to seize Goldaria. On 22 January, the Goldarian force went into hyperspace and soon arrived at Teth. The world, whose garrison had been stripped to provide the units for the siege of Goldaria, proved a easy prey. It fell to the Goldarians on 24 January. Arasces, whose command lines were now weakened, was forced to send units from Goldaria back to Goss Beacon and Hypases. This allowed the other force, under the direct command of Tenthius himself, to relieve Goldaria from the siege on 26 January. Most of the Laurasian fleet was destroyed or captured. Tenthius then reconquered Olivia (28 January 1112) and then lured Glinakaskia into a trap at Chany (1-3 February 1112), annihilating his forces in the asteroids of the Chany System. Glinakaskia himself was barely able to escape with only a few of his units. Michaelius, who now hurried from Carina in order to assist his ally, was intercepted at Merkelis (5 February 1112). He suffered a severe defeat and was captured by the Goldarians. The rebel Viceroy was presented before King Salasthrold, who had him executed on 8 February. Two days after that, Tenthius, using his classic strategies of deception and superior speed, inflicted a severe defeat on Laurasian forces in the Battle of Nargathie. Arasces himself now traveled south in order to take command of the Laurasian forces. He directed his units against Teth, Rusania, and Dernik, Marshian fortresses used by the Goldarian navy as supply posts. Tenthius however, repelled the Laurasian offensive on Teth with the cooperation of its King, Rudic (13-15 February 1113). Thereafter, he crushed a set of Laurasian transports and carriers in the Battle of Seenay (18 February 1113), disrupting Laurasian supply lines to the stations of the upper Galactic Center.

With Tenthius focusing on the Laurasians and the rebels in the Central Core, Salasthrold and Bastilla turned their attention to Murphy and the Crimeanian Khanate. Mengli-Giray, having secured the Brentark Despotate, now dispatched units from Horacia, Donald, Momma, and Theresa, seeking to reinforce his Murphian allies and expel Schauerian forces from Senna Major, which had been seized by them in November. He managed to harry Schauerian positions at Marvin (9-11 February 1113) and conquered Freeley (17 February 1113). Qasim II, however, now launched a coordinated offensive against Hooper, Eutagia, and Sanegeta. All of these worlds had fallen by 22 February. On 1 March, Mengli-Giray was forced to turn south from Murphy in order to defend Galicia, Wronzaz, Polonia Major, and Denver from the offensives of his enemies. This allowed Salasthrold to advance in Murphy. Murphy itself was besieged and finally captured on 4 March, and You'casy was forced to retreat. Horacia and Zutagia were then assaulted (9 March 1113), falling to the Coalition three days later. Qasim II and Bastilla cooperated in campaigns against Laurasian forces at Hammenor, Ipsus V, Hordania, Dorothy, Compost V, Greenia, Blueia, and Selena. Selena was reconquered on 13 March, followed by Greenia (17 March) and Compost V (23 March). On 25 March, a Laurasian force under the command of Prince Michael Vasilios was defeated in the Battle of Maggie, and was forced to retreat to the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route. Tenthius in the meantime, defeated Glinakaskia in the Battle of Mommica (1-5 March 1113). Seejay Prime was reconquered on 12 March. By 21 March, all other rebel fortresses and strongholds had been regained by the Goldarian Admiral. Glinakaskia with his remaining units was forced to flee to Melarnaria. During April, Laurasian forces remaining in Schauerian territory were expelled back to Meaganian, Anderson, and Guxgorne, while Tenthius conquered Goss Beacon and the Laurasian fortresses of the Galactic Center. Melarnaria itself now was under threat. Nikolai now betrayed Arasces, as he signed a cooperation pact with Goldaria, Schaueria Prime, and the Venasian Khanate on 23 April 1113. Arasces, whose fortunes were turning to the worse, decided to consolidate his western frontier. On 28 April 1113, Laurasian forces occupied Courdina V and Gordasis without resistance. Two days later, King Rolos of Courdina V and Queen Dsalil of Gordasis were forced to abdicate, and both worlds were annexed into the Stellar Kingdom of Laurasia. On 4 May, Metallasia was annexed. On 8 May, Arasces dispatched his forces to Kazan, and Moxammadamin was forced to enter the war actively. Using Kazanian strongholds, the Laurasians launched a series of surprise offensives against Monderon, Maxiliana, Tyrania, Colla, and Organia, forcing Qasim to divert units from his campaigns against the Crimeanian Khanate. All of these worlds nevertheless, had fallen to Laurasia by the end of May. On 1 June, a attempt by the Venasian Khan to dislodge the Laurasians was defeated in the Battle of Ka. During all this time however, Laurasian fortunes in the Central Core continued to deteriorate. Tenthius besieged and captured Conservan on 11 May, followed by Reoyania on 14 May. A week later, he deposed Husardrius as King of Clancia and annexed the world to the Kingdom of Goldaria.

Mengli-Giray in the meantime, managed to defeat a force led by Salasthrold in the Battle of Merill (15-19 May 1113) and thereafter reconquered Zutagia (25-29 May 1113). During June 1113, however, a stalemate ensued, as he managed to maintain his forces in the southern regions against Venasian units (since Qasim had to deal with the Laurasians in his own territories), while repelling offensives launched by Bastilla against Podrac and Denver. In the northern Central Core, Tenthius consolidated his positions and mustered formations in order to threaten the Laurasian strongholds of Condtella, Brithium, and Dramis. On 1 July, he launched a major offensive against Brithium, which fell to the Goldarians on 7 July. Arasces however, managed to defeat the Goldarian fleet sent against Dramis. On 11 July, the Laurasians crushed a fleet of Goldarian reinforcements in the Battle of Teta. Arasces was now determined to punish his Melarnarian vassal for refusing to assist Laurasia. On 18 July, he sent a ultimatum to Nikolai, demanding that the Melarnarian ruler follow the terms of his allegiance to Laurasia. Nikolai however, evaded the ultimatum and refused to provide a response. On 2 August, Arasces declared the Melarnarian King a contumacious traitor and launched a invasion of his territories, hurling forces from N'zoth, Azov, Gordasis, and Courdina V. A Laurasian expedition conquered Paramine (4-7 August 1113) and ravaged the fortifications of the Outer Belt (10-13 August 1113). A attempt to conquer Williams, Nonetuhia, and Pearl was defeated by Nikolai in the Battle of Pasquarillio (16 August 1113), with assistance from Tenthius. Tenthius now sent a considerable number of reinforcements into Melarnaria, aiming to repel the Laurasian offensive. On 21 August, Nikolai formally denied the overlordship of Laurasia and signed a Treaty of Alliance with the High Admiral of Goldaria. Five days later, a combined Goldarian-Melarnarian force destroyed a Laurasian squadron in the Battle of Paula. By September, Paramine had been reconquered by the Melarnarians. On 2 October, however, Tenthius, who wished to consolidate his gains and reorganize his forces, requested a truce with Arasces. The Truce of Shemia was signed on Shemis VII on 10 October, which provided for the suspension of hostilities between Laurasia, Melarnaria, and Goldaria until 19 March of the following year. Laurasian forces would be allowed to occupy their positions in northern Melarnarian territory until the resumption of hostilities. Laurasia signed a similar truce with the Venasian Khanate on 16 October, which allowed its forces to maintain its gains east of the Venasian Cluster until the resumption of hostilities. Schaueria Prime however, refused to sign a truce with Laurasia. In November, Bastilla launched a offensive against Meaganian, Arias, and Tommy. Tommy was stormed (12 November 1113) but the Schauerian offensive on Arias proved a failure (16-21 November 1113). On 8 December, Bastilla also requested a armistice, as she was exhausted, and the Truce of Colsonia was signed on 14 December, to last until 19 March.

General History of Laurasia, Part V