General History of Laurasia, AH 322-840

This is Part II of the General History of Laurasia, covering from the Arachosian Period to the beginning of the Dasian Yoke.

First Laurasian Space Age (85 BH-333 AH)
In 85 BH, the First Laurasian Space Age commenced as the first Laurasian rocket was sent into orbit by Americanian scientists and engineers. This rocket orbited Laurasia for five days before being pulled in and destroyed by the force of the Laurasian atmosphere. Nevertheless, the Americanian government became convinced of the potential of space, in order to implant a Laurasian presence in space and strengthen the position of Americana herself. In the three decades after the first rocket launch, major Laurasian milestones in space occurred: the first Laurasian astronaut was sent into space (83); the first Laurasian astronaut orbited the planet (80); the first permanent satellite was dispatched into space (76); astronauts landed on Calaxis I (73) and Calaxis II (69);  the first Laurasian space installation, the Neuron Plantita Station, was constructed in orbit of Laurasia (66); the first probes and spacecraft to the outer Laurasian Star System was dispatched (62); astronauts landed on Laurasia's two other moons, Hepudermia (58) and Jadia (56); and the first moon bases were established on Calaxis I and Calaxis II (53). All of these innovations ushered in the initial stage of colonization for the Laurasian Star System. In 83 BH, Americana's government had established the National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA), which coordinated the country's ventures and launches. This was followed by the establishment of the International Space Service (61), which became responsible for maintaining space installations and organizing new missions amongst all the nations of Laurasia. The Service was followed by the World Assembly (59), a diplomatic assembly amongst nations.

The ventures into space intensified during the second half of the 1st century BH. Rocket technology, which had originally been developed during the 100s BH, was already proving outdated and inefficient, as they consumed massive amounts of fuel energy and pushed ships at slow speeds. As such, NASA and the Space Service launched elaborate research projects, aiming to create a new design of vessel. This resulted in the development of the first Laurasian generation ships in 47 BH. These ships were equipped with extensive entertainment modules, living quarters, the first Laurasian shield generators, food production compartments, and other such rooms. They were designed to provide for the needs of colonists on the ship, whose purpose was to exit out of the Laurasian Star System and spread to surrounding star systems. The first generation would teach their children on how to run the ship, colonize a world, and take extensive maps and charts of regions they traveled through. The previous generation would die out and the new one would assume control, passing the line on to the next generation until the trip was finished. Each generation ship was equipped with the new fusion reactors, which relied upon advanced elements mined on Laurasia's moons. These were safer and far more energy-reliable then the previous nuclear reactors. Each ship had “booster devices”, designed to give a ship a coordinated and radical push in space, at lightspeed. These vessels quickly entered service in the space fleets, and were used as the primary means of colonization and exploration by the Laurasians for nearly eighty years, from the time of their final commissioning in 45 BH until 33 AH. Thousands of star systems to the north, west, and east of Laurasia were either discovered or colonized through these means.

The Laurasian Space Age, and further technological advancements in science and medicine during the 1st century BH, including the discovery of the thyrra liquid restoration process (43) and the development of advanced antibiotic drug treatments (38), not only lengthened the life expectancy of Laurasians, which increased from 50 years in 85 BH to 80 years in 1 BH, but also rapidly increased the Laurasian population, accelerating from 25 billion in 85 BH to nearly 50 billion in 1 BH. This was besides nearly a billion Laurasians living on the four moons, those 15 million at the various space stations, and those dispatched out of the Laurasian Solar System. Crime and poverty were at their lowest levels in all of Laurasian history, and disease was largely under control. This did not, however, stop the rivalries of the various Laurasian nations, as war continued unabated, as before. Americana instigated a massive military buildup in 39-33 BH, intent on bringing the Haustian Nations and their colonies to heel. Those nations, however, built up their forces as well, and the Laurasian colonies in space became heavily fortified. During the last three decades of the 1st century BH, several conflicts, such as the War of Darsis (30-27 BH), the Jadian Campaigns (24-19 BH), and the Second War of the League of Cambrai (16-9 BH), took place, delaying Laurasian colonization efforts for some time and causing the Great Depression of Laurasia (8-4 BH), which rose unemployment levels across the planet to their highest levels since the 3rd century BH. However, as the 1st millennium BH was brought to her close, and as the Millian Empire in the Inner Territories invented the hyperdrive (AH 1), a Laurasian presence in space was firmly established.

In the first half of the 1st century AH, further wars and conflicts occurred amongst the various Laurasian nation-states, fueled by continuing rivalries over colonies, natural resources, and territories on Laurasia itself. The Third World War (6-17 AH), lead to the Americanian acquisition of vast territories in the Haustian Continents, including Chilsia and most of Wallachia. This conflict also ushered in the final dissolution of the World Assembly, which as an international organization had proved ineffective in maintaining the peace. It was replaced by the Committee of World Discussions in 19, which proved to be a mere talking shop for much of its existence. This period, however, also saw first contact made with the other Human species of the north-western Core Worlds, in particular the Metallasians (15), the Courdites (18), and the Gourdinians (24). These contacts lead to a exchange of various technologies, the establishment of the first formal trade routes in the north-western Core, and diplomatic relations amongst the various associated species. Laurasian technology also continued to advance accordingly, as the earlier laser weaponry was replaced by more advanced photonic and advanced blaster weaponry (10-45). Warships increased drastically in size, being equipped with celluloid computer systems and improved fusion reactor variants. The development of carbonite freezing (25), lead to Laurasian scientists and engineers instigate extensive research projects, in order to replace the aging generation ships. This ushered in the development of sleeper ships (33). These ships were equipped with “dimensional ripple” devices, which allowed them to achieve limited FTL speed by generating a effect that created a tunnel through space, allowing the ship to course across most of a light year at a time. These vessels, although faster then generation ships still took many years or decades to reach their destination, and as such its inhabitants were put in suspended animation by carbonite freezing. However, they quickly became the forefront of Laurasian colonization and exploration forces, and remained in use for fifty years.

On Laurasia, the rise and consolidation of Americana continued, until after various minor wars during the 30s and 40s AH, and the Explosanian Colonial Wars of 48-54, Americana finally obtained her greatest territorial and political extent on Laurasia in 55, governing nearly 60% of Laurasia's land surface and holding another 30% under vassalage. Americana also controlled 55% of all the Laurasian colonies and worlds in space. Thus, she came close to unifying all of the Laurasians under her rule. The Americanians, had, however, overextended their military and economic resources: as early as 30, the country was experiencing severe internal stresses and also was buckling under political disputes and intrigues. Although the country's economy enjoyed great prosperity throughout the 50s and 60s AH, this was backed on shaky foundations, as the stock market fluctuated and the construction, mining, agriculture, and space resources sectors suffered serious internal problems. This was tempered by three conflicts in succession: the Dispute of Darcia (59-63), the Qauedian War (61-79), and the Americanian-Arasian Conflicts (63-72). These conflicts drained Americanian military power and left the nation exposed to its core. Finally, the Stock Market collapsed in the Fall of 9 October 68, ushering in a major Great Depression of Americana (68-82). Unemployment levels skyrocketed, as industry, agriculture, and space sectors ground to a halt. The military deteriorated, as the government became bogged down in corruption, doing little to solve the economic crisis. Bank and business failures increased in rate, while many Americanian colonies and stations in space, fell into disrepair. This Depression affected other Laurasian nations as well, but not as severely. Americana was forced to borrow large sums of money from the economically durable Cellini Nations, quadrupling her debt between 68 and 76. The last three decades of the 1st century AH was dominated by the wide-scale disintegration of Americanian authority and power, but also by continuing innovations in FTL travel, weaponry, and communications, as also by intensified relations and contacts with various other Core Worlds. The Cellini Nations increased their economic clout in the 70s AH. They established prosperous Laurasian settlements and colonies on the worlds of Kalaria, Ney, and Ux-dey. The massive loans they provided to Americana and other Westar nations tied those in debt to the Cellini Nations, and allowed them to gain a monopoly in those nations' economies. The Cellini Nations also began to gradually absorb many of the Americanian vassals, such as Caudisa, Mexicana, and the nations of the Syrenes Sea, in a series of military campaigns, diplomatic treaties, and interventions conducted between 74 and 99 AH. Americana herself suffered a devastating civil war from 79-86, which disrupted Americanian society and permanently weakened the military structure. Americanian territorial losses began during the 90s AH, as Chilsia and Wallachia first regained autonomy (94-5), and then reasserted their independence in 99.

In this time, however, space travel was further refined and modified, as scientists of NASA, the Space Service, and other organizations began major development projects on Calaxis II in 76, seeking to develop a new brand of travel drive and replace the earlier sleeper ships. This ultimately resulted in the development of the “jump drive” (83), which relied upon dimensional ripples and a push effect to generate a coordinated sling, accelerating the ship at FTL speed. In order to insure the safety of the drive, a “lighthouse” network would have to be constructed, comprised of jump beacons and receiver nets, in order to maintain the stability of the other sites. Nevertheless, this vastly decreased travel times, from weeks or months to a matter of days, and allowed the Laurasian nations to make contact with Briannia (87), Rebecca (89), Sauvania (92), Heuthros (94), Horacia (96), Clancia (99), and Teth (102), alongside numerous other worlds of the Core Worlds and Central Core. Intensive Laurasian colonization efforts had now also transformed the region surrounding Laurasia (the future Imperial Laurasian Province under the Empire), into a developed and civilized hub of trade, culture, and economics. By this time, Laurasian population had further increased from 50 billion in 1 AH to 107 billion in 100 AH.

As the 2nd century AH commenced, affairs for Americana turned to worse, and then desperate. Territorial losses for the Republic continued, as the final remaining Americanian vassals reasserted their full independence between 102 and 109, while the Americanian states of Numbia and Screland declared themselves to be independent republics. The Americanian economy suffered high unemployment and numerous other issues, as the government proved unable to pay back the loans borrowed from the Cellini Nations. The most powerful of the Cellini Nations, Charasia, was already proving her weight, as she signed treaties with both Numbia and Screland (104), instigated a massive military buildup (105-7), and made military base arrangements with Chilsia (108). The Charasians then began providing secret support to extensive rebellions and uprisings within the Americanian dominions. Riots and demonstrations impacted the cities, forcing the Americanian President, Antigonus Diodutus (in office 109-123), to instigate martial law in 110. More and more states seceded from Americana between 110 and 116, until she had been reduced to a shadow of herself.

In order to protect the secrets of the Americanians, President Diodotus ordered all remaining Americanian-operated bases and stations in space to be demolished, and for all Americanian colonies to be abandoned. While the bases were successfully destroyed and abandoned in 115, most of the colony worlds instead were seized by Charasia or various other Cellini or Haustian nations. Diodotus, however, retained Americana's remaining nuclear weapons, intent on destroying both his country and severely weakening others in any event of invasion. Charasia and her allies, however, waited to take advantage of the situation, applying economic pressure on the Americanian core territories and imposing a blockade. Charasian agents managed to disable most of the Americanian nuclear arsenal, and upon the completion of this, massive Charasian, Cellini, and Haustian armies flooded into the remaining territory of the Republic (about 25% of what it had controlled at its height), beginning in November 117. Americanian resistance proved extremely strong, however, and massive battles were fought, leading to the deaths of nearly 100 million people. Eventually, however, Allied strength proved two strong, and Columbia, D.C., was besieged and captured on 19 February 123, bringing an end to the Western Republic of Americana.

For the next century and a half, from the destruction of Americana in 123 until the late 3rd century, Laurasia Prime and her colonies in space were dominated, in succession by Charasia (123-99); Koriana (199-250); and then Potaria (250-331). During this time, the Haustian Nations once again became major powers, although they never recovered the same level of prominence or strength as they had enjoyed in previous centuries, before the rise of Americana. Under the aegis of the Charasians and their successors, the Laurasians created extensive charts of known space, continued to colonize and develop star systems, and nurtured trade relations with the other Core Worlds. The Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route was founded by the agreement of the Laurasian nation-states with the states of Rebecca in 147, linking Laurasia Prime to Rebecca. This lane eased traffic, transportation, communication, and trade. The Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route would slowly be extended over the centuries, until it finally reached the Outer Borderlands in the late 8th century. During this time, Belegoth's Station was established (156), in order to facilitate the new trade route. The first leg of the Clancian Trade Run was established (157), followed by the establishment of the Metallasian Trade Corridor with Metallasia (159). During this time, the Laurasian economy prospered, as major corporations such as Christiania Pharmaceuticals (161); Katherine Drive Yards (165); and Laurasian Transport (169) were founded, eventually to grow into galactic mega-corporations. Laurasian interest in history also spiked, and records about the Founders, Shardasians, and other ancient civilizations were uncovered on Ux-ney, Caladaria, and other worlds during the 170s and 180s.

Laurasian technology continued to advance during this time, as the first Laurasian androids were constructed (133), while photonic weaponry was replaced with modern quantonic equipment (146-51). Research projects, spanning out over many decades, eventually lead to the development of hyperspace cannons (180), which linked Laurasia and her colonies to Courdina, Gordasis V, Briannia, Horacia, Rebecca, and Neustroni. These cannons accelerated ships into hyperspace, then inducing a drag effect to bring the ship back into realspace. The Core Worlds were now interconnected, at the same time the Millians were conducting their major explorations of the Outer Borderlands and waging wars against hostile powers such as the Roastafarians and Cyrians. Charasia, seeking to assert her dominance on Laurasia and establish herself as the successor to Americana, become involved in the Laurasian Espionage Game (129-33); the War of the Syrenes Sea (139-45); and the Great Solar Conflict (149-56). The Charasians, under their Great Leader Secranius (ruled 143-67), obtained their peak (157), but their communistic form of government, and the harsh oppression directed at conquered peoples, even more brutal then that employed by the Americanians, gradually drained their strength. Charasia was devastated by a major civil war which broke out after Secranius died in 167. This civil war, which became known as the Humagian Contention, lasted for a decade, severely weakening the Charasian government. Although the Red Tiger faction leader, Houdinius, emerged victorious in 177, Charasia had been permanently ruined by the conflict. The nations of the Syrenes Sea regained independence (179-85), which was followed by a major economic depression (186-89) and then by another civil war (190-95), which followed Houndinius' death. Charasia lost her position on Laurasia to Koriana, which had been a splinter-state of Americana. Koriana restored capitalism on Laurasia, and gained major power in the War of the Two Coalitions (209-13) and then by the Charasian Conflicts (219-22), which lead to Charasia's final dissolution in 222 and its absorption by Koriana. Koriana experienced major political struggles and military decline from the 230s onwards, however, and itself dissolved into numerous competing states (250-53). Koriana was succeeded by Potaria, which retained dominance on Laurasia until shortly before the Arachosian conquest.

The second half of the 3rd century AH witnessed three major events in the galaxy: first, Millian contact and relations with the Core Worlds; second, the arrival of the Arachosians in the Galactic Borderlands and Wild Marshes; and third, the first intensive wars amongst the Core Worlds. After over two and a half centuries of territorial expansion and exploration since the invention of the hyperdrive, Millian scouts finally blazed the Kimanian Run in 272, from the Millian baseworld of Kimania in the Middle Territories, which lead directly into the Core Worlds. This allowed Millian colonization in the southwestern quadrants of the galaxy, and then penetrations into the Core Regions. Bypassing the Athenians and the Venasians, the Millians seized control of Ipsus V, and in 276, made first contact with Laurasia, Briannia, and the other Core States. The result of the first contacts was the establishment of trade routes and the exchange of technology. The Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route was extended by scouts and explorers into the Outer Core, linking to Ipsus V and allowing direct relations with the Millians. The Millians provided the Core Worlds with the hyperdrive, finally integrating them into modern galactic civilization. Cultural contacts took place as well, and the Laurasian nations, alongside other Core Worlds, established embassies on Way'tosk. These nations also gradually adopted the Hyperdrive Calendar system: Potania and the other Laurasian nations adopted it in 303. While these contacts improved galactic trade and knit the inner regions of the galaxy, it also left them exposed and known to lurking threats in the outside, who would sweep in and conquer over fifty years later: the Arachosians.

As a result of the Core contacts and relations, and the successful Millian campaigns against the Lavellans (276-79), which resulted in the acquisition of the important Denom Nebula outposts, the Millian Empire obtained her greatest territorial extent in 280, governing nearly 300,000 worlds, colonies, stations, installations, factories, and outposts, scattered throughout the entire breath of the galaxy, but primarily concentrated in the Way'tosk region and the Inner Territories. There were tens of thousands of contacts, exchange programs, alliances, and economic agreements with various species across the galaxy, ranging from the Venasians to the Laurasians themselves. However, Millian prosperity was based on shaky grounds, as the numbers of the Millian species had declined drastically between 230 and 280, now comprising less then a third of the empire's population. Millian taxes and trade had decreased in volume, and cultural activities were no longer as vibrant. When the Millian emperor Huganitus (r. 275-82), was assassinated in 282, major civil war broke out. The Decade of the Four Emperors (282-92) was followed by the Civil War of the Descents (299-304), and then by the major Cheyennan Revolt (306-09), all of whom weakened Millian military strength and caused a lapse in the empire's power. This was tempered by the activities of the newly arrived Arachosians, in the outer regions of the galaxy, who were swiftly building up a powerful empire. The Arachosians were of extra-galactic origin, hailing from the Felix Galaxy. Their evolution and progression had been in coordination with that of the Millians, until they obtained a Space Age c. 1000 BH. The Arachosians then jumped ahead, inventing a jump drive within two centuries and conquering the majority of their galaxy between 800 and 600 BH. They became despised, however, for their ruthlessness and dictatorial rule, and eventually, in 585 BH, the subjugated species of the Felix Galaxy rose against them. The Arachosians, overextended, were overwhelmed and driven out of their Galaxy (576).

Thus forced into exile, the Arachosians would spend the next eight and a half centuries in transit across the Extra-Galactic Void. Several generations were born, and died, on the long trip, as the hordes traveled in the space between the galaxies and tried to find a suitable one for them to take possession of. During this long journey, they penetrated into the Calathrinan Galaxy (c. 390 BH) and the Crones Galaxy (c. 325 BH), managing to raid numerous planets and carrying off millions of Calathrinan and Voth slaves (to form the cream of their servant caste, whom they would bring to the Caladarian Galaxy), but were eventually defeated and thrown out by the Calathrinan and Vo'ring Empires of those galaxies. They skirted the outer edge of the Teggedon Spiral (c. 120 BH), having brief blows with “mysterious beings”, but turned away and continued their journey. In the latter 1st century BH, they dispatched probes and scouts to the Caladarian Galaxy and the Angelina Spiral, attempting to see if those galaxies were “useful for their purposes”. The probes and scouts sent to the Caladarian Galaxy arrived in 200 AH, in the edge of the Galactic Borderlands. Over the next three decades, they gathered extensive volumes of data and info about the Caladarian Galaxy, remaining undetected by the Millians or any other species. This information they sent back to the main Arachosian forces, who were now nearing the Caladarian Galaxy. Once the forces had received the info in 235 AH, the king of the Arachosians at the time, Shamashi-Adad (r. 230-46), reorganized his forces and made preparations for a forced entry into the Galaxy.

After many centuries, the first Arachosian forces entered the outskirts of the Caladarian Galaxy in 249, penetrating the Galactic Barrier by ways of the Vector Prime star system, on the extreme edge of the Galactic Borderlands. Gradually, the Hordes moved through the gap, establishing themselves firmly in the Galactic Borderlands, alongside their Calathrinan and Voth servant race-fleets. Over the next three decades, the Arachosians undertook rapid conquests and subjugations throughout the Galactic Borderlands, conquering thousands of different star systems and subjugating the Kalbachans (253), Rasdallans (257), Homi (259), Niss (263), Sassi-ruuk (266), and various pirate, marauder, and criminal groups, who lurked in isolated clusters. The Arachosians impressed the vast majority of these species into their military forces, built extensive defenses throughout their domains, and focused on maintaining their military strength. By 280, the Arachosian Stellar Empire had been constituted and was one of the most powerful nations in the Caladarian Galaxy.

With the Galactic Borderlands under Arachosian domination, extensive campaigns and offensives were launched (280-310), against the Gedrosian Confederacy, the Mauryan Empire, the First Huntite Empire, the Lavellans, the Wakedian Empire of Robert, the Rileans, and numerous other major powers in the Wild Marshes and Outer Borderlands. These campaigns tripled the size of the Arachosian dominions, extending her reach over the southern and eastern spans of the Outer Borderlands, and gathered vast military resources and material for their use. Between 310 and 322, the Arachosian Stellar Emperor, Adad-nirari (r. 299-322), stormed into the Middle Territories, conquering the Eutagans, Benzites, Acamarians, Cadarians, and numerous other major states, establishing a direct boundary with the inner dominions of the Millian Empire and further extending Arachosian territory. The Millians, distracted by their continuing political intrigue and weakened by economic depression, were not able to react.

Finally, major conflicts among the Core Worlds took place, more intensive or devastating then any preceding ones, including the Potarian Core Conflicts (283-87), the Gourdinian Crusades (289-93), the Briannian-Rebeccan Conflicts (285-97), and the War of the Matrix (300-12), which severely weakened the potential of the Core States to resist any outside invasion. The economic strength of these states declined, and they became ever more divided amongst themselves. Among the Laurasian nation-states, the Potarian Conflicts seriously weakened Potaria, and as the 4th century began, the Potarians were losing their predominance on Laurasia, as numerous Potarians vassals became independent and many Potarian colonies fell into disrepair.

Thus conditions became ripe for the Arachosian Empire, which held ambitions to extend herself into the inner regions of the galaxy and consolidate her position as the predominant force. Adad-nirari was already planning major military campaigns and offensives against the tottering Millian Empire, and already was organizing his military forces for such an offensive. The Emperor introduced conscription, expanded taxation, and began amassing garrisons along the border with the Millian Empire. Before he could implement his plans, however, Adad-nirari was assassinated (23 March 322), by one of his own bodyguards, leaving the throne to his 20-year old son, Sargon (r. 322-36). Sargon was an ambitious, intelligent, and energetic man, who was determined to continue the conquests of his predecessors and become “Master of the Galaxy”. Sargon continued to marshal Arachosian military resources, forming a powerful invasion fleet of nearly 200,000 destroyers, battleships, dreadnoughts, cruisers, and carriers; 1.4 million fighters, patrol ships, transports, and frigates; and 340,000 corvettes, gunships, and battle-cruisers. This was comprised of Arachosian, Kalbachan, Lavellan, Huntite, Cadarian, Benzite, Eutagan, Niss, Sassi-ruuk, and numerous other units from various conquered or vassalized peoples. He also crushed revolts by the Cadarians and Benzites, subdued the Kimanians, and secured Arachosian domination over Iego. Finally in 324, the Emperor launched his anticipated invasion, as Arachosian forces attacked Millian outposts and colonies in the Outer Borderlands and Middle Territories, while the main Arachosian armada under the command of Sargon himself advanced into the territory of the Millian Empire proper.

Over the next eight years, Sargon and his vast forces lead the way in major campaigns and feints against the overstretched Millian Empire. Sargon's opponent, the last Millian Emperor Solai (r. 324-29), was a weak and ineffective figure who proved incompetent in commanding a military force. Sargon's first major military victory was at the Battle of Outpost K39 (8 May 324), in which he utterly decimated a force of various Millian satraps and regional military officers, capturing nearly 15,000 starships and destroying 10,000 others. This was followed by the seizure of the Cyrillian treasury, the decisive Siege of Halicarna, and the Raid on Shenandoah. He thus secured control of the Millian portions of the Kimanian Trade Run, following this up by advancing to the west, where Landa Umbtia, Dumbgwia, and Cyrus III were captured in major sieges, that lead to the capture of nearly 70,000 Millian vessels, a devastating loss for the Millian armed forces. At the same time, the Millian colony of Ipsus V in the Core Worlds was stormed by an Arachosian raiding expedition, providing an anchorage point for the eventual invasion and subjugation of the Core Regions. In the meantime, Sargon and his armada soon faced off with the forces of Solai, at the Battle of Grand Junction (5 November 325), which resulted in the rout of the main Millian naval armada and the destruction of three Millian Army Groups. Grand Junction was then taken and occupied by the Arachosians, from which Sargon advanced into the Roastafarian Kingdom, a Millian vassal. The Roastafarians quickly submitted to Sargon, saluting him as their new King, and recognized him as a divinity brought upon by their Gods.

Now replenished with Roastafarian naval and army detachments, and after spending some time at Verdis, Sargon slammed to the north, defeating Solai a a second time at the Battle of Lars Planet (1 October 327), which resulted in the decimation of the Millian Vindicator Corps and the capture of nearly 56,000 starships, adding considerably to the Arachosian forces. Thereafter, the Millian world of Predosur was conquered by the Arachosians, while the Shenadoanans and Vickians, who supplied a large proportion of Solai's army and naval forces, submitted themselves to Arachosian rule. On 20 January 328, one of the Millian capital worlds, On'diriay, was attacked by the Arachosians. A garrison of 300 million men and a defense fleet comprised of 15,000 capital vessels and 20,000 other craft, commanded by one of Solai's leading generals, Arcades, put up a fierce resistance, but was ultimately outflanked and defeated by the Arachosian armada. On'diriay was sacked by the Arachosians, as its massive treasury was seized and the Millian Palace of Mortals was destroyed. Shortly after, another one of the Millian capital words, Par'say, was invaded, seized, and devastated. After this, Solai and his remaining forces fled to Way'tosk and the Millian Home Region, in order to make a final stand against the Arachosians. The Battle of Way'tosk commenced on 3 March 328, and dragged on for several months. Nearly 115,000 Millian capital vessels and 100,000 other craft faced off against 200,000 Arachosian capital vessels and 350,000 other craft. Eventually, Sargon's forces smashed the left-flank of the Millian capital fleet, rushing forward and crippling Way'tosk's orbital defenses. The Millian armada then scattered, with nearly 80% of the ships being destroyed, captured, or damaged by the Arachosians. The Arachosians then destroyed Way'tosk's shield generator, and Arachosian armies advanced onto the world. Way'tosk's capital city, Dinai, was sacked by Arachosian forces on 3 August 328, and the world was devastated. Nearly 500 billion Millians were killed in the battle, and the world was left largely depopulated.

Solai himself managed to flee the Battle of Way'tosk, retreating to one of the final Millian possessions, Bor'say, but was betrayed and assassinated by one of his own commanders, Bessus. This took place on 8 January 329. Bessus then proclaimed himself Millian Emperor, but this was recognized by few. Sargon's forces destroyed the final Millian weapons caches and colonial holdouts throughout 329, and on 5 January 330, Bessus was captured and executed by orders of Sargon, as Bor'say was attacked and annexed by the Arachosians. With the defeat of Bessus, and then the capture of the final remaining Millian holdout, Bacturis Invictius (18 February 330), the Millian Empire, which had existed for nearly five centuries, had been destroyed. Sargon now was the helm of a massive empire which engrossed the Galactic Borderlands, most of the Wild Marshes, the southern/eastern Outer Borderlands, alongside large parts of the Middle and Inner Territories.

The fall of the Millian Empire now heralded disaster for the Laurasian nations and for other worlds or world nation-states of the Industrialized Borderlands, Outer Core, and Core Worlds. Sargon, being the ambitious figure that he was, now wished to extend his realm “to the very center of the galaxy” and mark himself as the greatest conqueror in the history of the Caladarian Galaxy. Sargon, however, spent the remainder of 330 reorganizing his military forces, consolidating his Millian conquests, and stamping out any rebellions or uprisings by the vanquished Millians against their new-found Arachosian masters. Using the vast Millian financial revenues and the resources confiscated by his armada, Sargon prepared for a further strike into the Galactic Core. In February 331, he demanded that the rulers of the Laurasian states, Briannia, Courdina V, Gordasis, Horacia, Rebecca, Neustroni, Venasia Prime, Podrac, Hammenor, and Bristalai submit themselves to Arachosian rule. While the grand prince of Bristalai and the magnate of Hammenor quickly submitted themselves before the Emperor, the other rulers refused and instead established a coalition, intent on maintaining their independence. For the Laurasians, Potaria and the other nation-states finally put aside their differences, three centuries after the invention of the hyperdrive, establishing the Stellar Republic of Laurasia (3 April 331). Thus after five millenia, all of the Laurasians were now unified under one government. Sargon mustered his forces, taking direct command of the Arachosian clawcraft and battleship squadrons, intending on bringing his full force to bear against the insolent “Core Worlders”. From July 331, the Arachosians fell upon Podrac, the predominant state in the Sliced Industrialized Borderlands, alongside the minor powers of Vindictoria, Organis, Mariana, and Hannis. Sargon crushed King Hu-hac of Podrac at the decisive Battle of Archon's Bow, eventually capturing Podrac in November 331 and laying waste to the colonies of the Organis and Vindictorians. In the meantime, Sargon's generals Ashurbanipal and Shalameneser, who had been instrumental in many of the offensives against the Millians, launched devastating raids on Venasia Prime, penetrating the Steamy Mist and scattering the Venasian fleet of Battle Dragons at the decisive Battle of Chulrua (1 January 332). The Venasian Queen Kennatha (r. 319-32), was killed in this battle. After Mariana Secondary was plundered by the Arachosians and Hannis was devastated in the Battle of Hannis, the Marianians and Hannsi surrendered to Sargon (21 February 332).

Lightning quick attacks on Neustroni and Briannia, launched from Ipsus V, quickly subdued those states and brought them under the Arachosian grip (March-May 332), while Nathaniel was sacked (3 June 332) by an Arachosian expedition, conducted by General Ashurbanipal, while the main armada under Sargon's command clashed with the Zygnian, Zesian, Horacian, Brothi, and Mennite fleets at the Battle of New Nosauria (18-25 August 332), which resulted in a decisive Arachosian victory, the plunder of New Nosauria, and the capture of the Horacian Royal Council. The Zygnians, Zestians, and Brothi were attacked and subjugated during the last part of 332, bringing most of the remaining Outer Core under Arachosian dominion, with the Mennites being subdued at the Siege of Rithos (9 March-3 May 333). Besides this, Venasia was captured by the Arachosians (23 March 333) while Rebecca was plundered (12 April 333) and a espionage operation at Courdina V sabotaged that world's shields, leaving it exposed to a swift Arachosian army conquest (5 May 333). While a Arachosian battle-fleet surrounded and bombarded Gordasis, eventually forcing its surrender on 18 June 333, other forces under the command of Ashurbanipal, Ishme-Dagan, and Sargon himself, pushed across the colonial boundaries and assaulted the territories of the Laurasian Space Republic, beginning on 1 June 333. Arachosian expeditions swiftly reduced the Laurasian colonies at Kalaria, Ney, Ux-dey, Darcia, and Clackimaris. A Laurasian battle-fleet under the command of Fleet Admiral Antipater Drucilius (273-337) was crushed by Sargon and Ashurbanipal decisively at the Battle of Cron's Drift (17 June 333). Thereafter, the Laurasian colony of Charasia-in-Space was attacked and devastated (24 June 333), while a espionage force led by Ishme-Dagan plundered the Neuron Plantita Station above Laurasia (28 June 333).

Eventually, the Laurasian Star System fell under a full-scale Arachosian assault, commanded by Sargon (3 July 333). The final remaining Laurasian task force, commanded again by General Drucilius (who had evaded capture after Cron's Drift), was heavily outnumbered, comprised of only 25,000 capital starships and 100,000 fighters, while Sargon's force comprised of nearly 130,000 capital starships and 250,000 fighters. The decisive Battle of Laurasia Prime (5 July 333), resulted in a crushing Arachosian victory, as Sargon's forces decimated the fighter squadrons of the Laurasian force and overran Laurasia's four moons, heavily bombarding the world from above. After nearly a billion Laurasians had died from the orbital assault, Drucilius and the Laurasian Government submitted to Sargon, and his forces took up occupation of the world. Seventy nine years of foreign rule had commenced, bringing the First Laurasian Space Age to an end.

The Arachosian and Sennacherid Periods (333-412)
Once Sargon had secured the Laurasian dominions, he was determined to now push into the Central Core and conquer the Clancian, Tethian, and Bilirasi Kingdoms that dwelled in that region. To this end, the Arachosian forces, using Laurasia Prime as a base, pushed down the future Clancian Trade Route and clashed with the Clancian and Tethian forces under the command of the Clancian Queen Tardina (r. 323-76). The Battle of Hydapses (2 January 334), was the costliest battle ever fought by the Arachosians, who lost nearly 50,000 starships due to both the spatial anomalies of the region, to whom they were unused, and the elaborate battle formations employed by the Queen, who was a brilliant and skilled military commander. Nevertheless, Sargon managed to obtain a victory by using his clawcraft squadrons to destroy the frigate formations of the Queen, surrounding her personal flagship, and forcing her to surrender. He recognized Tardina as a worthy rival, and allowed her to retain the Clancian throne as a Arachosian vassal. The Tethian King Taxiles (r. 325-69), who had participated in the battle, was also allowed to retain his throne as a vassal. Sargon then reorganized his forces and prepared for massive offensives against the powerful Bilirasi, who dominated the Central Core south of the Galactic Center. This was to be followed by campaigns in the northern reaches of the Galaxy, against the Nandi and Calrissaite Empires, who remained outside of Arachosian boundaries. Sargon's forces, however, were exhausted by the years of endless campaigning, and they were on the breaking point. Sargon's military commanders, too, loathed having to direct further military campaigns and refused to fight any further. This was in effect, mutiny. One of Sargon's premier generals, Nabopolassar, persuaded him to change his opinion, for his men "longed to see peace, to see their wives and children". Sargon eventually agreed and called off any further military offensives, as he himself was tiring. He signed a treaty with the Bilirasi, Nandi, and Calrissaites, insuring military alliances and trade deals, and then withdrew his forces from the Central Core.

Sargon then returned to the Arachosian capital world in the Galactic Borderlands, Arachosia Prime (which had been seized by the Arachosians in 250, the first world taken by them, and had become their primary base of operations). During the last two years of his reign, he consolidated his Core conquests by installing a system of Arachosian satraps and military governors, taking inspiration from the Millian form of governance, although with modifications that subordinated these officials to the center. Laurasia received her first Arachosian Satrap, Orestes (ruled 334-36). Orestes took measures to consolidate the Arachosian presence on Laurasia, establishing himself at the Potarian Presidents' House in the city of Christiania, imposing Arachosian legal traditions and taxation practices, as well as dismantling all of the old Laurasian government resources and transferring them to Arachosian dominion. Besides these measures, Sargon also presided over a massive royal court and married the Arachosian princess Semiramis (308-50) on 18 October 335. He had little love for her however, and openly indulged in a homosexual relationship with one of his bodyguards, Hammurabi (300-36), who however died on 5 January 336, shortly before his master's death. The Emperor was devastated. Sargon's health thereafter entered into a severe and terminal decline, from February 336 onwards. He became extremely depressed and sad, besides suffering severe physical pain, a result of an injury on 28 February. In March, his doctors and physicians diagnosed the Emperor with Barsa's disease, a germ epidemic which had never before impacted an Arachosian. Because of this fact, his retinue did not know how to cure the disease, which was relatively unknown in general at the time. Sargon's decline became more profound after this, and by early June, he was confined to his bed. He then died at the Persepolid Palace of Arachosia Prime on 10 June 336, and was buried in the Chapel of Arachosian Sovereigns.

At the time that Sargon died, the unified Arachosian Empire stretched from the Core Worlds to the Galactic Borderlands, comprising of dominions spanning from Laurasia and Clancia to the Vector Prime system itself, where the Arachosians had first entered the Caladarian Galaxy. Although Sargon did not love his wife Semiramis, and had only married her for political reasons, he nevertheless had relations with her. Semiramis was pregnant when Sargon died, but the child's gender remained unknown (due to Arachosian royal custom, which would, ironically, be inherited by the Laurasians). As such, the line of succession was unclear and disputed, and a struggle soon erupted amongst the major Arachosian generals, officials, and family members of Sargon. General Nabopolassar and the clawcraft squadrons supported the candidacy of Sargon's mentally challenged half-brother, Darius, while Ashurbanipal, as commander of the Arachosian Immortal Corps, wished to wait until the birth of Sargon's unborn child by Semiramis. This was supported by Semiramis herself, along with Sargon's two older half-sisters, Athalia and Bathsheba, who both wished to assume political positions in the Arachosian state. A compromise was arranged, however. The Partition of Arachosia Prime (5 July 336), stated that Darius should become Emperor, and should rule jointly with Semiramis' child, assuming it was a boy (as it was, becoming Sargon IV). Ashurbanipal himself would become regent protector of the entire empire, holding power until Sargon IV was to come of age, while Nabopolassar was to become vice-regent and his second in command. Ashurbanipal, however, shortly after deposed Nabopolassar from his position and had him murdered (3 September 336).

The other generals, officials, and notables who had supported Ashurbanipal were rewarded by becoming satraps of various regions of the empire: Xerxes received Kalbacha; Cyrus received Lavella and Homi; Gobryius received Froteria; Ashur-tilani received Rasdalla; Nagai received Sassi-ruuk and Niss; Borai received Neucretia; Naradius took Maurya, Wakedia, and Hunt; Maraunder received Riley and Abshire; Popur received Gedrosia; Shishak received Benzitr V; Tigranes received Acamaria; and Tholamus ruled Cadaria. Arachosia Prime and Vector Prime were to be under the joint rule of Cambyses, who had governed those core territories for Sargon, and Ishme-Dagan, who had been one of Sargon's primary lieutenants, while Sargon's old secretary, Achaemenes, was to rule Hedonsis and Kimania. In the Core Regions, Ashurbanipal left Sargon's arrangements largely intact: Tardina and Taxiles ruled over their kingdoms in the Central Core; Ardashir ruled Cyrus III; Cyarxes ruled over Dumbgwia; Nebucanezzar ruled over Landa Umbtia; Ashari ruled over Grand Junction; Apartes ruled over Roastafaria; Artaxerxes ruled over Bar'say; Menentos ruled over On'diriay; Paucluthis ruled over Pa'ray; Crledat ruled over Way'tosk; Ezra ruled over Hammenor and Bristalai; Nehemiah ruled over Vindictoria, Organis, and Podrac; Salamis ruled over Mariana, Hannis, and Venasia; Sibyrus ruled over Zyngi, Zesia, Horacia, Caamas, and Mennitis; Latheridus ruled over Briannia, Ipsus V, and Rebecca; while finally, Doracius ruled over Laurasia, Courdina V, and Gordasis.

These arrangements, however, were unstable, as Ashurbanipal and others (in particular Bathsheba), desired further political power and influence in the Empire. After a revolt by the Lavellans was crushed by Ishme-Dagan and Cambyses, the Regent Ashurbanipal and Bathsheba, both of whom were driven by ambition and desire for influence, married on 17 December 337, intending to unite their positions and fortunes together in a bid to gain absolute power. Ashurbanipal began secretly making plans in order to assassinate the co-Emperors and proclaim himself the new sovereign, but these were leaked by courtiers in the know to Xerxes. Following this, Cambyses, Ishme-Dagan, Naradius, and Xerxes erupted in a full-scale revolt in February 338 against Ashurbanipal, accusing him of breaking the Partition arrangements and denouncing him as a traitor to the Arachosian state. The actual outbreak of conflict, was, however, caused by Xerxes' theft of the deceased Sargon's body from his tomb, and his diversion of it to Kalbacha. Although Achaemenes managed to suppress the rebels in the Outer Borderlands, a battle in which Ishme-Dagan was killed, it was all for naught, as Ashurbanipal himself was assassinated (9 May 338) by his own generals Ashur-tilani, Sennacherib, and Esarhaddon during a failed invasion of Kalbacha. Thereafter, Xerxes and the remaining rebels came to term with Ashurbanipal's murderers, as he promoted Ashur-tilani and Ahasherus as the new regents of the Arachosian Empire (13 May 338). This was violently opposed by Athalia and by Vashiti, the wife of Emperor Darius. Since these two women commanded considerable influence at the Arachosian court and had the support of the Hoplite Guards, Xerxes was forced to call a conference at the resort world of Risa, and the Partition of Risa (5 June 338), named Cambyses as the new Imperial Regent. Naradius retained control of Maurya, Wakedia, and Hunt, to which was added Gedrosia and Abshire. Xerxes retained Kalbacha and Shishak retained Benzitr V, while the three murderers of Ashurbanipal-Ashur-tilani, Sennacherib, and Esarhaddon- were rewarded with the provinces of Par'say, Way'tosk, and On'diriay respectively. Ahasherus, one of the regents whom Xerxes had attempted to impose at first, received Acamaria in compensation. Naradius was charged with the task of defeating Achaemenes, who had supported Ashurbanipal. Also, Bathsheba was to be confined at the Arachosian Dungeon of the Underworld, as punishment for her involvement with Ashurbanipal (she died here on 18 October 351). In effect, Cambyses retained control of the Arachosian capital province, dominating the Galactic Borderlands, while Naradius, as head of the largest military force in the remainder of the Arachosian Empire, held a similar position in the Outer Borderlands and Wild Marshes.

A uneasy peace managed to reign for the next two years, but this ended on 24 May 340 with the death of Cambyses. For political reasons, the deceased Regent had, in his will, passed over his own son, Tudiya, instead declaring the Arachosian general Tikhara his successor as regent. Tudiya, obviously, did not accept his father's arrangements. Building on his base of support amongst the Arachosian courtiers and nobility, and utilizing his alliances with Xerxes, Shishak, and Naradius, Tudiya declared war against Tikhara and amassed a massive fighting force. Civil war soon raged in the Galactic Borderlands. Tudiya forced Tikhara to flee from Arachosia Prime to Vector Prime, along with the co-Emperor and toddler Sargon IV. Tikhara however, gained the support of Sargon the Conqueror's mother, Jezebel, who until this point had remained quietly in the background. Jezebel had built up a stronghold in the Tekos IV system, amassing a considerable naval fleet. With her assistance, Tikhara roared back into the Arachosian capital star systems, nearly recapturing Arachosia Prime. Tikhara also received support from Achaemenes, who managed to prevent Naradius from directly supporting Tudiya. Co-Emperor Darius, who had joined Tudiya on the urging of Vashiti, managed to gather a force, confronting Tikhara and Jezebel in the Battle of Ompus Septimia (5 January 342). Darius' force, however, refused to fight Jezebel, and quickly defected to her side. Darius and Vashiti attempted to flee, but were quickly apprehended. Jezebel believed they were too dangerous to be left alive, and on her orders, the imperial couple were executed (16 January 342). This aroused Tudiya however, as Naradius also managed to bypass Achaemenes and provide direct support to him. Tudiya and Naradius decisively defeated Tikhara and Jezebel at the Battle of Invictius Mesura (3 March 342). Jezebel herself was captured, and she was executed by Tudiya's command (6 March 342). Although Tikhara managed to flee to the Gate Sorian Cluster, Tudiya obtained Sargon IV, now the sole Arachosian Emperor, and his mother Semiramis. He proclaimed himself regent of Arachosia and was recognized as thus by the other Diadochi. At the same time, Achaemenes was defeated by Naradius in the Battles of Lychinae (3 April 342) and Eamino (25 January 343), which lead to his territories being subsumed by his rival, and eventually, his betrayal and execution (4 February 344). Naradius, who had also gradually eliminated the other satraps in the Middle Territories and the remaining Arachosian Outer Borderlands (with the exception of Shishak, who now controlled most of Acamaria besides Benzitr V), now controlled the largest single portion of the Arachosian Empire, his domains stretching from the Millian regions to the Wild Marshes.

Because of the massive naval forces and army commands that he controlled, alongside the extensive natural resources he held access to and his large intelligence network, Naradius was now the most powerful of the Diadochi, and soon found himself at war with Shishak, Xerxes, and Tudiya, who considered him a major threat. This war began in March 345 and opened with the invasion of Rasdalla by Naradius, now ruled by Xerxes since the death of Ashur-tilani in April 344. He besieged Kathia for more then a year, until June 346. Naradius allied himself with (ironically), Tikhara, who, being in control of the Gate Sorian Cluster, still retained a sizable naval battalion and the remaining financial assets of the deceased Jezebel. Tikhara issued a charter of guaranteed rights, attempting to secure the assistance of the Arachosians under Tudiya's rule (this gesture failed). Naradius and Tikhara's devastating raid and sack of Vector Prime (9 September 346), however, forced Tudiya into briefly concluding peace with the two, although he was allowed to retain his position as regent. Elsewhere however, matters fared poorly for Naradius. A task force sent by Naradius to subdue the Rokai Confederacy, a state located to the north of Robert that had a military alliance with Xerxes, was badly defeated, losing over 90% of its fleet strength. Fortunately, a Rokai counterattack against Robert was scattered by a force under the command of Naradius' son, Isidius. Isidius himself was defeated at Gazarus by Xerxes in the Battle of Gazarus (5 March 347). This victory forced Naradius' forces out of the domains of Xerxes. Isidius barely managed to evade capture. After this, Tudiya rejoined the war in June 347 and repudiated the peace deal with Naradius and Tikhara. At the same time, Sennacherib secured his control of Way'tosk and seized the other Millian provinces, alongside most of the provinces in the Industrialized Borderlands and Outer Core, effectively securing the Core Regions in the Empire. Naradius realized now that general war was useless, and after suffering further humiliating defeats at the Battles of Boomis Barris (18 May 347) and K'data (5 January 348), concluded a peace with Xerxes, Tudiya, and Shishak on 13 April 348, which restored the status quo ante bellum. He now turned his attention towards Sennacherib, however, hoping to gain control of his domains and restore his complete supremacy over his rivals. Over the next two years, the two waged bitter war against each other, with Naradius briefly capturing Way'tosk in March 349, but he and his son Isidius eventually suffered a crushing defeat at Nana (4 March 350), losing nearly all of their battleships and dreadnoughts. After this, Naradius sued for peace, and the Treaty of Hipucca (1 April 350), acknowledged that Sennacherib controlled the Millian and Core provinces. No territorial changes took place, however.

Shortly after, Tudiya, who felt firm in his position as regent, and wished to do away with some of the formalities had the ceremonial Emperor, Sargon IV, and his mother Semiramis poisoned (5 July 350). This ended the Hargonid Dynasty which had ruled the Arachosians since the 2nd century AH, during the time of the Great Migration, and in effect, de facto dissolved the Arachosian Empire. Although the Empire would officially continue to exist for another three years, the imperial throne was now left vacant. Nevertheless, Tudiya and the other competitors continued to recognize the dead Sargon as their master, since the Regent did not officially announce his death until 5 January 352. Barely a year passed before conflict broke out again. While Xerxes while consolidating his power in the northern and western Galactic Borderlands, even extending into the kingdom of Hypasis in the Wild Marshes, Sennacherib conducted a tour of the Core Regions, confirming his conquest of those territories and bringing Laurasia, Briannia, and Gordasis under his rule. Queen Tardina and King Taxiles in the Central Core now switched their loyalties to Sennacherib, for the moment, although they were looking for the time to rebel and reassert their independence.

Naradius, seeking to establish a foothold in the Galactic Borderlands, dispatched Isidius with a considerable naval battalion in October 351, comprised of many of the most advanced Arachosian battle-cruiser, destroyer, and dreadnought classes. This was besides a large army, primarily of Huntite and Robertian troopers besides Arachosian guards and officers. Isidius was also aided by Tikhara, who had remained in the Gate Sorian Cluster. Isidius managed to advance considerably against Tudiya, deposing one of his subordinates, Harna, from his position as viceroy of Vector Prime on 5 March 352, while also destroying the Tudyian military redoubt on Marith (18 March 352). This was followed by the destruction of the Rhedite Consortium, a state which had been a vassal of Tudiya and Xerxes (3-18 April 352), alongside successful raids on Arachosia Prime and campaigns in the Lavellan, Homi, and Credite domains. Following this, Isidius turned his attention to Xerxes, redeeming himself of his earlier loss at the Battle of Gazarus by utterly decimating Xerxes' fleet of Brethite Cruisers, at the Battle of Illumis (4 May 353). In the aftermath of this decisive victory, which had been followed by the invasion and seizure of the Rogerian Cluster (3-19 July 353), Naradius proclaimed himself emperor of Naradia (6 November 353), bestowing the junior title "King of Maurya" upon his son, Isidius, a reward for his successful campaigns in the Galactic Borderlands. Xerxes (on 18 November), Shishak (on 3 December), Sennacherib (on 25 December), and Tudiya (on 1 January 354) thereafter also proclaimed themselves emperors of various new nations (Kalbacha, Shishakia, Sennachidia, and Arachosia Suprema), thus formally dissolving the Arachosian Empire. On Laurasia, the Arachosian Period now gave way to the Sennacherid Period.

In early 354, Naradius and Isidius launched a massive invasion of Kalbacha, aiming to depose Xerxes and consolidate their earlier conquests in the Galactic Borderlands. The fleet of Isidius, was however, scattered at the Bron Nebula by a secret attack of Tudiya (16 February 354), which disabled much of the Naradian military strength arrayed against Xerxes. Xerxes (with the help of Shishak and Tudiya) thereafter defeated Naradius and Isidius at Mister (25 February 354), inflicting severe losses and forcing their retreat. Nevertheless, both Tudiya and Xerxes were now on the brink of collapse, having lost much of their naval and army strength. Sennacherib too, was distracted by his activities in the Core Regions. Naradius and Isidius decided to take advantage of the situation, launching a major offensive against the Rokai Confederacy. The Rokai capital world, Homdinia, fell under a major Naradian siege from 18 April, as Naradius and Isidius attempted to subdue the world. Naradius turned south, however, on 25 April, leaving his son to continue the siege. Homdinia soon received major reinforcements from Shishak, Xerxes, and Tudiya, alongside renewed Rokai divisions and even support from the Calrissians. Ultimately, Isidius managed to force a compromise deal from the Rokai (3 June 354), in whom they agreed to support Naradius and Isidius against all enemies, save their great ally Xerxes. Xerxes claimed credit in preventing the complete fall of the Rokai, but Isidius had strengthened his position and could now resume campaigns in the western galaxy. In a span of three years, Isidius penetrated into the Arachosian Suprema dominions, as he sacked Arachosia Prime, defeated Tudiya in the Second Battle of Ompus Septimia (19 October 355), and forced him into exile at the court of Xerxes on Kalbacha Major. By now, however, Xerxes, Tudiya, Shishak, and Sennacherib were tiring of Naradius and Isidius. Shishak broke out from his western dominions and penetrated into Naradian-dominated Hypasis, while Xerxes launched surprise offensives in Abshire and the Rokai tore up the treaty agreements, attacking Robert. Sennacherib too, was now returning from his unsuccessful campaigns in the Central Core (where he had been forced to recognize the complete independence of Tardina and Taxiles, who had successfully revolted and defeated him at Goss Beacon).

Naradius and Isidius soon combined forces however, as both Shishak and Xerxes were now isolated at Kimania, deep in Naradian territory. But here came the decisive intervention from Sennacherib and Tudiya, who arrived in time to save Shishak and Xerxes from disaster. Although Naradius and Isidius had a larger fleet then the Allies (300,000 capital vessels to 210,000 capital vessels), the Allies had a larger army (3.2 billion troopers and army personnel to 2.4 billion). This was also tempered by the vast starfighter corps (750,000), brought in by Sennacherib, which surpassed the Naradian starfighter corps of 450,000. The Battle of Kimania (5 August 358), lead to a decisive Allied victory, as the Allied starfighter corps decimated the battleship squadrons of the Naradian fleet, while the Allied army smashed the defenses of Naradius on Kimania. Naradius himself was struck by a blaster shot at the age of 81 and died. Isidius escaped with only a small fraction of the original Naradian force (about 15,000 capital vessels and 70,000 starfighters, alongside less then 150 million army troopers). He fled to the Gate Sorian Cluster (Tikhara had died on 9 May 356) and the Vector Prime system, consolidating those strongholds and salvaging the remainder of his conquests in the Galactic Borderlands. As a result of this battle, the Naradian Empire was largely divided up by the victors, as Sennacherib acquired Hunt, Wakedia, most of Maurya, and the provinces of the eastern Outer Borderlands, while Shishak received Hypasis, Xerxes received Abshire and Riley, and Tudiya received parts of Kimania and the Barsar Regions.

The events of the next fifteen years were dominated by a struggle of control over Arachosia Prime and the Suprema dominions themselves, although not immediately. The four years after the Battle of Kimania were relatively peaceful and prosperous ones, not including the irritations that Isidius poised from time to time to Tudiya and Xerxes. This general period of idleness, however, ended with the sudden death of Tudiya on 10 September 362. Upon his death, his two sons Ezra and Apartes ascended to the throne of Arachosia Suprema as joint sovereigns. This situation quickly turned sour however, as the two brothers quarreled with each other and engaged in political intrigues and disputes. Apartes ousted Ezra from co-occupancy of the throne on 19 November 364 and murdered his own mother, the Dowager Empress Apama. Ezra fled into exile to the Gate Solarian Cluster, and completely forgetting the history of the past, summoned the help of Isidius. Isidius had seized Kimania and the Barsar Regions in 363, taking advantage of the Supreman civil disputes, as also taking Abshire and Hypasis, while maintaining generally peaceful relations with Sennacherib. Isidius quickly stormed onto Arachosia Prime, overthrowing and killing Apartes (19 June 365). Shortly afterwards, on 1 July, he murdered the restored Ezra and proclaimed himself Emperor of Arachosia Suprema, moving his capital from Neustron in the Gate Solarian Cluster to Arachosia Prime itself.

However, while Isidius was consolidating his position in Arachosia Suprema, Shishak recovered Hypasis and Xerxes recovered Abshire, besides also taking the southern Basar Regions, Klementos, and Breha. This was besides the seizure of Kimania and the northern Barsar Regions by Sennacherib, who thus broke his alliance with Isidius. Isidius had to deal with raids and other irritations from Phyrrus, a Arachosian general installed by Xerxes as King of the Rhedites. Eventually, after ruling Arachosia Suprema for six years, a massive uprising on Arachosia Prime, combined with the intrusion of forces mustered by Shishak, Phyrrus, and Xerxes, forced Isidius to flee Arachosia Suprema in November 371. Using his remaining forces to raid the domains of Shishak and Xerxes in the southern part of the Outer Borderlands over the next year and a half, proving elusive time and time again, Isidius then penetrated to Kimania in July 373. This roused Sennacherib from his throne-world of Senna in the Core Worlds, however, as he swiftly moved south. Sennacherib used psychological propaganda to destroy the morale of Isidius' forces, who surrendered to him en masse, completely abandoning their master. Isidius himself was captured on 25 July, and sent to prison on Windowia Photis, where he died three years later on 9 August 376.

When Isidius had been driven out of Arachosia Suprema, Shishak and Phyrrus had become co-Emperors of the country. Shishak however, was ambitious to extend his power yet further and in December 373, drove Phyrrus from his share of Arachosia Suprema, asserting himself as sole Emperor of that territory. Troubles also arose in Kalbacha, as Xerxes decided to make his younger son, Artaxerxes, his heir, instead of his eldest, Martaxerxes. He then died peacefully in his sleep on 9 September 376, leaving the Kalbachan throne to Artaxerxes. Martaxerxes had fled in 375 to the court of Shishak, who received him with great splendor. Shishak, however, had experienced severe family troubles. His wife Roxana, daughter of Xerxes, whom he had married in 359, became determined to insure the succession of her sons over that of Shishak's eldest child, Zeruabbel. Roxana allied herself with Martaxerxes, and together, they accused Zeruabbel of conspiring with Sennacherib to seize the throne. Shishak was angered, and without rational thought, ordered his son's own execution (9 March 375). This atrocious deed of Shishak's aroused widespread indignation, as Zeruabbel's widow, Joxana, and her children fled to the court of Sennacherib. Martaxerxes, ironically, also went to the court of Sennacherib, demanding that he go to war against Shishak. Sennacherib had no qualms about doing so, and in May 378, invaded the Arachosian Supreman dominions. He then decisively defeated Shishak in the Battle of Corupedia (19 August 378). Shishak himself was slain in the battle at the age of 81. After this, Sennacherib was the last of the original Diadochi left. Sennacherib then moved to take possession of Arachosia Prime and the Benzite core domains of Shishak, but before he could do so, fell out with Martaxerxes. This man, who wanted to rule Arachosia Suprema himself, assassinated the elderly Emperor (8 September 378) and proclaimed himself ruler of Arachosia Suprema.

Sennacherib was succeeded by his son, Shalameneser. Shalameneser wished to punish Martaxerxes for his treachery and resume his father's campaigns, but was confronted with massive revolts on Ipsus V, Venasia, Briannia, Bar'say, Shenadoah, Majoria Schall, and numerous other worlds. He was forced to withdraw his forces from the campaigns and make peace with Martaxerxes, who thereafter, in order to consolidate his position, married his half-sister Roxana, the widow of Shishak. He also formed an alliance with Phyrrus. Roxana however, soon conspired against Martaxerxes, attempting to seize the Arachosian throne by use of her sons. Martaxerxes discovered the plot and forced his wife into exile (9 July 379). She fled to the court of her brother, Artaxerxes, who provided her refuge. Martaxerxes thereafter had few enemies, as the son of Isidius, Gorias, was confined to the Gate Solarian Cluster. He was not to enjoy the rule of Arachosia Suprema for long, however. The Torfians, a nomadic species who dwelled in the Angelina Spiral, sole companion galaxy of the Caladarian Galaxy, were forced by a supernova to migrate towards the Galaxy. Earlier raids by them in 369 and 370 had been defeated by Xerxes and Isidius, but now that those rulers were long gone, and the position in the Galactic Borderlands still emerging, the Torfians saw their opportunity. Massive hordes of Torfians penetrated into the Galactic Borderlands, beginning in December 379, swarming through the Arachosian Supreman and Sennachredian dominions. Martaxerxes and his armada confronted the nomads, under the command of their ruler Hulaugh, at the Battle of Vector Prime (9 April 380), but was decisively defeated. Martaxerxes himself was slain in the battle, and soon most of Arachosia Suprema was overrun by the Torfians. The Torfians then crossed over into the Outer Borderlands, after isolating and inflicting severe damage on Kalbacha's frontier defenses. They plundered Kimania, Angel, Samantha, Jennifer Uxtius, Prima Secundia, Karlais, Robert, Wakedia Minor, Hunt Major, Hunt Minor, and numerous other star systems, destroying numerous Sennachredian military bases and penetrating even to Way'tosk. This weakened the Sennacherid Empire considerably, paving the way for its future collapse. Eventually however, Shalameneser managed to defeat the hordes in the pitched Battle of the Vernes (9 July 381), destroying more then half of their worldships and drone-craft, and forcing them back into the Galactic Borderlands.

After this it was ironically the son of Isidius, Gorias, who restored order in the Galactic Borderlands. The two years after the Battle of Vector Prime were dominated by anarchy and disorder in Arachosia Suprema, as the Torfians enslaved many Arachosians and plundered the empire of its riches, while continuing predatory raids against Kalbacha and sending expeditions as far as the Central Core, causing the collapse of the Bilirasi Kingdom. Gorias, protected in his redoubt of the Gate Sorian Cluster, received considerable military aid from Artaxerxes. Utilizing classic guerrilla tactics, and taking advantage of the organization and preparation of his forces, Gorias launched a surprise attack on the Torfian hordes at Victoriae (5 April 382), attaining a major victory and capturing Hulaugh himself. Further campaigns at Vector Prime, Arachosia Prime, Ompus Septimia, Nagi-raka, and other Galactic Borderlands worlds occupied by the Torfians, cleared the hordes out of Arachosian Supreman territory and acquired further prestige for Gorias. Hulaugh and his admirals were then forced to sign the Treaty of Vestes (4 June 382), by which the Torfians retro-ceded all of their conquests, returned all plunder, and were forced to take up residence in the isolated Muggal Cluster, on the northern edge of the Galactic Borderlands. Gorias thereafter proclaimed himself Emperor of Arachosia Suprema, as also seizing the Benzirite domains, Acamaria, and Hypasis (the former dominions of Shishak), subsuming them into Arachosia Suprema. Over the next two years, he engaged in a struggle with Phyrrus, eventually defeating and killing his rival (9 October 384), and proclaiming himself King of the Rhedites. He also established an alliance with Artaxerxes and Shalameneser. Finally, in 384, nearly fifty years after the death of Sargon the Conqueror, a sort of order had been established in the dominions of the former Arachosian Empire. Gorias ruled over Arachosia Suprema, the Benzirites, Acamaria, Hypasis, and the Rhedites; Artaxerxes ruled over Sassi-ruuk, Kalbacha, Rasdalla, and parts of the Barsar Regions; and Shalameneser ruled the Core, the former Millian provinces, Hunt, Wakedia, Maurya, the Arachosian Middle Territories, and the northern Barsar Regions.

This did not mean however, that war ended entirely. In particular, during the original arrangements of the partition of the Naradian Empire, in 358, the Allies had agreed to give the entirety of the Barsar Regions, southwest and east of Kimania, to Sennacherib. The majority of these, however, with the exception of the northern sectors, had been seized by Xerxes. Sennacherib did not challenge his ally and friend for control of the territories, but tensions nevertheless simmered at his court and government. Sennacherib still honored Xerxes' territories until the end of his life. After he was assassinated by Martaxerxes in 378, however, his son and successor, Shalameneser, determined to assert the "rightful title" of the Sennacherid Empire to the disputed regions, even to the extent of waging war. Thus on 6 February 385, he instigated the First Barso War by attacking Nuguria, in Kalbachan territory, to the south-west of Sennacherid ruled Kimania. For the first two years of conflict, Shalameneser did well, as he captured Nuguria (17 February 385), scattered a Kalbachan expedition near Mars Klars (25 March 385), sacked Abshire (28 March 385), attacked and sacked Samantha (9 May 385), won the battles of Ralina (15 May 385) and Neutria (19 June 385), and then finally, achieved a string of victories in the Bactrian Campaigns of 386-87. Eventually however, Artaxerxes mustered a powerful set of Kalbachan, Rasdallan, and Arachosian naval corps, and utilized his Brethite cruisers to great effect, annihilating Shalameneser's forces at the Battle of Nicole (9 August 387). Shalameneser barely evaded capture, but was forced to flee the Barsar regions. Artaxerxes then assaulted Kimania, attaining a major victory in the Battle of Kimanis Mooria (18 September 387). Kalbachan forces penetrated up the Kimanian Trade Run, destroying a series of Sennacherid agricultural, industrial, and military outposts. Eventually, the fall of Narra (6 January 388), forced Shalameneser into signing the Treaty of Vestius (5 February 388), by which he seceded Kimania, the lower Kimanian Trade Run, and Narra to Artaxerxes.

For the next ten years, general peace reigned amongst the successor states of Sargon the Conqueror's Empire. Shalameneser rebuilt his forces and followed a policy of Arachozination, introducing Arachosian customs, legal traditions, and culture to many of the conquered worlds. Artaxerxes and Gorias instigated similar policies in their own dominions. The seeds of disintegration for the Sennacherid Empire were already showing however, as major revolts on Gordasis, Rebecca, Laurasia Prime, and Horacia symbolized the heavy resistance towards Sennacherid rule. Pirate and slaver activity increased in the Wild Marshes, as the Gangs of Cleo and the Theodoric Marauders rampaged numerous frontier star systems throughout the 390s, before finally being exterminated in 399. Laurasia Prime herself, however, received benefits during this time, as the First Station of Callista (396) was constructed by commission of the Sennacherid Satrap Cresties (ruled 390-97). This would remain a landmark in the Laurasia Prime system until its destruction by the Dasians in 847.

This peace was however, shattered upon the death of Shalameneser on 19 July 398, after reigning over the Sennacherid Empire for nearly twenty years. He was succeeded by his son, also named Shalameneser, who became Shalameneser II of the Sennacherids. Shalameneser, an ambitious and overconfident figure, was determined to gain fame and prestige for himself, by recovering territories lost to the Kalbachans in the First Barso War and extending the empire's dominions to the rest of the disputed territories. He also wished to resume Arachosian conquests in the northern Outer Borderlands. Shalameneser declared war against Artaxerxes on 9 August 398, instigating the Second Barso War (398-406). This conflict, which dragged out over a period of eight years, drained much of the Sennacherid Empire's strength, although it lead to the recovery of the lost territories and even acquisition of some of the disputed ones. For the first half of the conflict, from 399 to 403, Artaxerxes achieved many successes, as the important Sennacherid military base at Amonti was sacked (25 March 399); a Sennacherid military expedition at Teresa was decisively defeated and scattered (9 November 399); major victories were obtained at Newman's Star (18 February 400) and Nikki Lowell (25 June 400); and then, the major Gedrosian and Mauryan Campaigns of 401-03 lead to Artaxerxes temporarily extending his authority as far as Gedrosia Max and Gabriella, controlling much of the eastern Outer Borderlands. The Sennacherid Empire came under severe pressures, but Shalameneser managed to quell internal dissent and, securing an alliance with Gorias (8 May 403), finally managed to revive. A strategic victory at Aram (26 May 403), ended the progress of the Kalbachan invasion and scattered Artaxerxes' main fleet of Brethite Cruisers. This was followed by the Raid on Kimania (29 November 403), which destroyed the Shipyards of Kimania and recovered numerous battle-cruisers and destroyers for use by Shalameneser. The Battle of Gedrosia Max (18 January 404) and the Operation of Horuz (25 May 404), inflicted severe losses on the forces of Artaxerxes, eventually expelling him from his conquests in Sennacherid domains by February 405. Shalameneser then advanced on and achieved victory in the Second Battle of Kimanis Mooria (19 March 405), which lead to the recovery of Kimania, and thus, of the lower Kimanian Trade Run. Finally, the Battle of Breha (19 November 405), allowed for the acquisition of the eastern Kalbachan Barsar Regions, accomplishing Shalameneser's goal of extra-imperial expansion. Artaxerxes was forced to the peace table, and the war was ended by the Treaty of Nicole (9 February 406). By this agreement, all territories acquired by Kalbacha in the First Barso War were returned to the Sennacherid Empire, which also acquired Breha and the eastern Kalbachan Barsar Regions. This bargain was sealed by the marriage of Artaxerxes' daughter, Esther, to Shalameneser.

The last five years of the reign of Shalameneser II, were, however, dominated, by the fragmentation and disintegration of parts of the Sennacherid Empire, as numerous provinces of the Core Worlds, Outer Core, and even Industrialized Borderlands obtained their independence. Shalameneser, who had grown haughty and overly ambitious after his victory in the Second Barso War, embarked on campaigns against the Rokai Confederacy, which had survived invasions by both Naradius and Sennacherib during the Wars of the Diadochi, and had retained her independence as a major independent state in the northern Outer Borderlands, one of the regions that had not been conquered by Sargon or his predecessors. The Sennacherid-Rokai War of 406-09, was a humiliating failure for Shalameneser, as he was decisively defeated by the Rokai Great Lord Ug in the Battle of the Tenes Cluster (9 September 407), which lead to the decimation of an entire squadron of Sennacherid clawcraft. The Rokai then had penetrated to Robert and Elijahana, causing major devastation and sacking the worlds of Kiania and Bertia over the course of 408. The Treaty of Barlia on 9 January 409, seceded the immediate Robertian Regions to the Rokai and compelled Shalameneser to pay a immense indemnity. This was a humiliating loss for the Emperor, who lost much of the prestige gained from the Second Barso War. Shalameneser then was tied up in unsuccessful endeavors in the Central Core, being trounced by King Hura (r. 389-436), the grandson of Queen Tardina (who had defeated Shalameneser's grandfather Sennacherib at Goss Beacon in 354), in the Battle of Fatalist (18 June 409). As a result of this confrontation, Shalameneser lost a significant portion of his destroyers and lost control of Sennacherid military bases in the Central Core.

The first secession from the Sennacherid Empire took place on 25 June 409, when the Satrap of Briannia, Thrackan'Sal, assumed the title of "King of Briannia" and declared himself to be an independent sovereign. Shalameneser was still distracted by his conflicts with Hura in the Central Core, suffering continuing naval and army losses, and as such, was not able to respond to the revolt directly. He did dispatch his general Clementhes, however, to contain the revolt. Clementhes however, suffered an humiliating defeat at the Battle of Barton (6 July 409), and was captured by Thrackan'Sal, who then, by the Treaty of Barton (9 July 409), forced him to recognize Briannian independence. This was shortly followed by a successful revolt lead by the Venasian noblewoman Tenna, who proclaimed herself Queen Mother of Venasia (25 July 409), reestablishing the Venasian Consortium. By this point, Shalameneser had finally concluded peace with Hura in the Peace of Vergennes (28 July 409), which resulted in the Sennacherid withdrawal of all forces and garrisons from the Central Core. He attempted to subdue the Venasians, but was defeated by Tenna and her force of Battle Dragons at the Battle of Casey (6 August 409), being forced to recognize Venasian independence. A massive uprising on Kimania and in the newly-won East Barsar Regions forced Shalameneser to turn his attention to the Outer Borderlands, leaving the opportunity to more worlds. Throughout the remainder of 409 and into 410, the following Core worlds or provinces successfully revolted against the Sennacherids and asserted themselves as independent kingdoms: Gordasis under Tython (9 August 409); Horacia under Anhala (26 August 409); Hammenor under Gorgias (1 September 409); Bristalai under Murundo (8 September 409); Osiana under Lesia (17 September 409); Athenis under Arostules (25 September 409); Nathaniel under Judas (5 October 409); Arias under Sestes (16 October 409); and Zutagia under Eugenes (25 November 409). Shalameneser's military commanders in the Core failed to contain these revolts, and in one case, the General Ashur-Dan set himself up as King of Duralis (5 January 410), betraying his own oath of office. He was quickly deposed, however, by the Duralian Neuste-Baraos (17 January 410), who thereafter proclaimed himself King.

During 410 and 411, massive revolts and uprisings in the Outer Borderlands distracted Shalameneser, allowing for further Core States to assert their independence. The Oglameris Conglomerate was established (9 June 410), in the Industrialized Borderlands, the result of a union between the rebelling worlds of Ogla and Meris V. This state would remain a major galactic power until its destruction and annexation by the Dasians in their invasions of the 9th century. The Sennacherid Empire had now lost control of parts of the Kimanian Trade Run, as well as the Core parts of the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route, hampering its access to the remaining territories in the Core. This was further tempered by the secession of Hannis (18 July 410) and a major revolt on Chadian, which reestablished the Serene Autocracy (25 August 410). Shalameneser finally managed to quell the Kimanian revolt, however, in January 411, and also scattered a coalition of rogues, pirates, and smugglers at the Battle of Mudd's Redoubt (9 February 411). He thus turned his attention to the problems in the Core. Gathering a vast force, comprised of Millian, Arachosian, Mauryan, and Barsarian corps, Shalameneser confronted Queen Mother Tenna, King Thrackan'Sal, Queen Anhala, King Tython, King Murundo, and King Gorgias in the Battle of Senna Minor (25 March 411), which was indecisive but lead to staggering losses on both sides. A renewed attack by the Rokai, alongside an northern invasion spearheaded by the Parni Alliance, forced Shalameneser back to the Outer Borderlands, allowing the above mentioned monarchs to recover their losses and consolidate their positions. Tensions on Laurasia Prime, in the meantime, grew, as the Laurasians refused to pay taxes to Sennacherid authorities and engaged in demonstrations, protests, and rallies in Christiania and other major cities. Eventually, on 1 January 412, the last Sennacherid Satrap of Laurasia, Hourmanes (ruled 409-12), was forced to resign his position, and five days later (5 January 412), the Laurasian nobleman Arasces (372-432) was proclaimed the first King of All Laurasia. With this, the Sennacherid Period had ended. Laurasia was now a unified kingdom after eight decades of Arachosian rule, and the First Laurasian Period had commenced.

The Arachosian occupation had left its impression upon the Laurasians. For the first fifty years of their rule (333-83), Laurasia had been ruled solely by Arachosian Satraps, like all other conquered worlds, and was considered a spoil of conquest. New ground had been broken however, when in 383, the first Laurasian native to be appointed Satrap, Praxius, assumed office (ruled 383-87). Praxius was followed by Antigonus (ruled 387-90), who was then succeeded by Oresties, the final Arachosian Satrap of Laurasia. After 397, the remaining Satraps, including the last one, Hourmanes, were Laurasians.

Throughout the Arachosian rule, sporadic rebellions and uprisings against their authority had erupted on Laurasia. The most violent and widespread of these was the Rebellion of the Haustians (347-53), the War of the Nomads (357-63), and the Great Uprising of the Chrasians (387-94). These rebellions were crushed ruthlessly by both the Arachosian and Laurasian Satraps, who deported nearly 300 million Laurasians in response to far-off worlds between 363 and 409. Excepting these situations, the Arachosians and their Laurasian Satraps were relatively liberal rulers. During their reign, Laurasia's population exploded from 227 billion in 333 to 312 billion in 412. The arts and sciences flourished, with such Laurasian writers as Demetrius Kolakos (319-98) and Aurelia Sompkalos, Arachosian Baroness of the Flame (319-66), becoming renowned throughout the Arachosian and later the Sennacherid Empire. The Viceroys Praxius, Antigonus, and Oresties vastly expanded the city of Christiania and restored numerous palaces and residences dating from the Middle Ages, besides the construction of the First Station of Callista, already mentioned.

The Arachosians also introduced numerous political and cultural innovations onto Laurasia. These included the Arachosian Warfare system, a system of military strategies and tactics that would be employed by the Laurasians throughout the First Laurasian Period. The Arachosian hyperdrive (developed 339), a modified variant of the Millian hyperdrive, was also introduced, increasing the speed and travel durability of Laurasian vessels. The Arachosians also introduced new technologies in the fields of weaponry, replication, agriculture, and industrial production. Their rule also witnessed a revival in the popularity of monarchies, as the Laurasians largely abandoned their enlightened political ideals of democracy, which had dominated on Laurasia from the 2nd century BH to the early 4th century AH, moving towards a more traditionalist system of government (monarchy and aristocracy). Philosophy and Almitism also absorbed new ideas from the Arachosian Cults of the Flame, the state religion of the Arachosian Empire and her successor states.

Fate of the Arachosians
Although Laurasia and most of the other Core States had now obtained independence, the Sennacherid Empire continued to exist, with territories still encompassing the former Millian provinces, footholds in the Core Worlds and Outer Core (primarily the Senna region and Murphy), parts of the Industrialized Borderlands, and the majority of the Middle Territories, alongside major swaths of the eastern Outer Borderlands. It is therefore necessary to chronicle the remaining history of the Sennacherid Empire, in connection to the events of the Core. Nevertheless, she had been seriously weakened by the secessions and revolts, and was no longer able to reassert her authority over the rebelling Core Worlds. Shalameneser, who was exhausted by the anti-rebellion campaigns, and who was experiencing severe troubles within the Sennacherid royal family, signed the Treaty of Murphy with Queen Mother Tenna, King Thrackan'Sal, Queen Anhala, King Tython, King Murundo, King Gorgias, Queen Lesia, King Arostules, Grand Prince Judas, King Sestes, King Eugenes, and King Arasces (19 November 412), which acknowledged them as monarchs of various independent nations and surrendered the Sennacherid Empire's previous jurisdiction over their domains. After making this agreement, Shalameneser returned to Senna Major, where he was poisoned by his former Empress Consort, Ziana (9 June 413).

Shalameneser had originally married Ziana, who was the daughter of a wealthy Arachosian nobleman in 393, before the death of his father. She gave birth to his first son Sennacherib (8 May 395). For many years, their marriage was a relatively stable one, although the couple did not bear any considerable personal love for each-other and had only married for political reasons. This was exposed entirely in 406, when the Second Barso War was ended by the Treaty of Nicole. As part of the arrangements with Artaxerxes, Shalameneser divorced Ziana and married Esther (380-413), the second-eldest daughter of Artaxerxes. He thereafter declared that his son by Esther, Ashur-nirari (408-13), would become his heir apparent and ascend to the Sennacherid throne upon his death. This angered Ziana, who commanded a base of support amongst the nobility and had inherited her father's immense fortune. Ziana became determined to assert the right of her son, Sennacherib, to the throne, and to be rid of Esther and Ashur-nirari. She conspired secretly throughout the remainder of her ex-husband's reign, and eventually was the one who arranged his poisoning, as described above. After Shalameneser died, a succession struggle broke out in the Sennacherid Empire. On Way'tosk, Empress Consort Esther proclaimed her son Ashur-nirari the new Sennacherid Emperor and installed herself as regent. Halfway across the Empire, on Senna however, Ziana utilized her base of support, declaring the terms of succession of Shalameneser II to have been illegal, and proclaimed her son as Sennacherib II, the new Emperor. The nobility and government administration quickly defected to Ziana and her supporters, who thereafter crushed Esther and Ashur-nirari at the Battle of Escorial (18 August 413). Esther and Ashur-nirari were captured and executed by Ziana's orders the following day.

This however roused Artaxerxes II, who had just succeeded his father Artaxerxes I as Emperor of Kalbacha (3 August 413). Artaxerxes II was enraged by the execution of his elder sister and nephew, vowing to avenge them. He also wished to recover Kalbacha's losses from the previous Barso War. He declared war against Sennacherib II and Ziana (25 August 413). Using the massive Kalbachan, Rasdallan, Sassian, Arachosian, Barsarian, and Torfian forces that Artaxerxes I had amassed since the end of the Second Barso War, the Kalbachan ruler swept onto Breha and the Kimanian Trade Run, launching penetrating attacks. The military defenses of the Sennacherid Empire had weakened considerably because of the civil uprisings, the Core Secessions, and the brief civil war, handing the Arachosians of Kalbacha (who had enjoyed a long period of prosperity and internal strength) a major advantage. The Battle of Cybrtron Xerxia (5 September 413), resulted in a smashing Kalbachan victory, as four squadrons of Sennacherid clawcraft were obliterated and the important factories of that world were plundered. Major victories at Breha, Kimania Mooris, Constipex, Filorean, Filmore, and Millard followed, with Sennacherib being utterly annihilated in each battle and with Artaxerxes sweeping deep into the Outer Borderlands. Major rebellions on Hunt Minor, Maurya, Hrostophis, and Gedrosia Max followed, which tied up Sennacherib's forces further and effectively secured the Outer Borderlands for the Kalbachan-Arachosians. The offensives continued, until by January 417, Artaxerxes had conquered the majority of the Millian provinces, seized Way'tosk, and even penetrated to Vindictoria. By this point, however, his line of supply had grown perilously thin, and Sennacherib finally managed to gain a victory at Shirley Vidae (19 September 417). Artaxerxes by this point had achieved his aims, and the Treaty of Coele (9 January 418), restored all Sennacherid gains of the Second Barso War to Kalbacha; seceded Kimania, the lower Run, and the Borax Cluster to the Kalbachans; forced Sennacherib to acknowledge the independence of Hunt and Maurya; compelled the Sennacherid Empire to pay a massive indemnity; and forced Sennacherib to dismantle all remaining military garrisons in the Outer Borderlands. Sennacherib also had to issue a pardon for Esther and her child, and was compelled to execute his mother, Ziana. These were harsh terms, but they were relatively generous, considering that most Sennacherid dominions in the Outer Borderlands, Middle Territories, and Inner Territories had been held by Artaxerxes at one point.

After the humiliating losses of the Third Barso War, Sennacherib stood on weak grounds, and was helpless to do anything as his Empire continued its gradual disintegration, only forty years after the death of her founder, Sennacherib I. Over the next sixteen years, various provinces in the Middle Territories obtained their independence or autonomy: The Vickians, Shenadonans, Hursians, Bostarians, and others obtained their independence between 418 and 429, while the kings of Sa'aar established themselves as independent rulers and the Roastafarian Bo'rlai seized control of the Consortium, declaring himself independent of Sennacherid authority. The Eutagans as well, emerged as an independent republic under the leadership of President Dodur (9 May 425). Finally, Cadaria and Anasia declared themselves independent (8 May 431). Sennacherib's health declined considerably from January 433 onwards, and he died on 7 August 434. Sennacherib was succeeded briefly by his elder son, who became Sennacherib III, but he died on 3 June 436, after a reign of only two years. Sennacherib was then succeeded by his younger brother, who became Shalameneser III.

Proving to be the most successful Sennacherid ruler since Sennacherib I himself, Shalameneser III launched vigorous expeditions and campaigns, temporarily restoring the power of the Sennacherid Empire. During his 36-year reign, Shalameneser waged various wars in the Industrialized Borderlands, Middle Territories, and Outer Borderlands, seeking to reassert control over lost territories. He managed to recover the Robertian territories from the Rokai (438-40); reconquered the Roastafarian Kingdom, defeating and killing Bor'lai (9 May 441); annexed the Bostarian and Hursian kingdoms (441-45); forced tribute from the Vickians and Sa'aar (446-48); defeated and reconquered the Huntites in two different wars (450-52 and 457-59); attacked and vassalized Chadian, Bristalai, and Hammenor (453-55); and launched punishing expeditions against the Oglameris Conglomerate and the Eutagans (461-65). Although Shalameneser was defeated by Artaxerxes III in the Fourth Barso War (442-44) and was briefly forced to acknowledge Artaxerxes as his overlord, he rebounded in the Fifth Barso War (458-65), which resulted in the acquisition of all the Barsar Regions and decisive victories over the regents of Artaxerxes IV, son and successor of Artaxerxes III (r. 457-80). Finally, Shalameneser launched an expedition against Acamaria (469-72), gaining major victories and annexing that territory into the Empire. He thus took advantage of the chaos that reigned in Arachosia Suprema after the death of Gorias on 9 September 419. Shalameneser died however, on 17 June 472, from a major repulsorpod accident. Shalameneser had briefly restored Sennacherid fortunes, but had overextended the Empire's resources, imposing stresses on military resources and paving the way to the loss of many of his gains after his death. Indeed, his son and successor Sennacherib IV (r. 472-84), proved to be a weakling, being dominated by his grand vizier Hedonsius for the entirety of his reign. The Roastafarian Kingdom regained independence (3 June 473); the Oglameris Conglomerate recovered her territorial losses and annexed the important Sennacherid colony of Ashelius (474-5); Chadian and Bristalai overthrew Sennacherid overlordship (9 June 476); and the Huntites regained their independence (3 May 478). The Rokai also, launched renewed offensives into the Robertian Regions (479-81), recovering the regions and inflicting severe losses on the Sennacherids at the Battle of Sallia (8 May 480). In the end, Sennacherib was assassinated by Hedonsius (18 April 484), who seized the Sennacherid throne as Shalameneser IV (r. 484-93).

Shalameneser IV proved to be the last Sennacherid ruler of any stature, as he was determined to restore the Imperial territories in the Outer Borderlands and to repel the Rokai. In the Second Battle of Sallia (9 April 486), he defeated the Rokai Great Lord Og and captured hundreds of Rokai battleships, successfully reasserting Sennacherid rule over Robert. Shalameneser IV then instigated the Fourth Huntite War (487-89), annexing the northern Huntite domains of Sisuur and Barchosia, besides forcing the Huntites into Sennacherid vassalage. He then instigated the Sixth Barso War against Kalbacha (488-90). He took advantage of major dissensions in the Kalbachan dominions. Ever since the death of Artaxerxes II (8 August 437), the fortunes of the Kalbachan state had declined rapidly, as Artaxerxes III (r. 437-57) proved to be a corrupt and ineffective ruler, although he achieved victory in the Fourth Barso War against Shalameneser III. Artaxerxes III was under the influence of his ministers throughout his reign, and experienced internal family disputes. Artaxerxes IV (r. 457-80), ascended to the throne at the age of five, and thus, the Kalbachans passed under the rule of a series of regents: first Sorones and Asney from 457 until 459, and then Theocoles from 459 until 470. These men were greedy and corrupt, spending their time gathering wealth for their persons, encouraging corruption in the civil service, and allowing the once mighty Kalbachan military to fall into disrepair. It was because of this that Kalbacha was defeated in the Fifth Barso War. After Artaxerxes IV assumed effective authority in 470, the decline of Kalbacha continued, as severe revolts by the Rasdallans (473-76 and 478-80), drained the military strength of the Kalbachan state and left the government exposed to its core. When Artaxerxes IV was assassinated (6 June 480), the state was in disrepair. His son and successor Artaxerxes V (r. 480-516), was only five years old, like his father had been at his ascension, and again the Empire passed under the rule of regents. His mother Clestia governed as regent until her death in 485, and afterwards, the general Polares ruled as regent until Artaxerxes came of age in 493. Thus on 9 August 488, Shalameneser IV launched a major invasion of Kalbachan territory. Over the next two years, he advanced rapidly, as he gained victory at Illumis (18 September 488); scattered a Kalbachan expeditionary force at Palaris III (9 January 489); sacked Rasdalla (18 February 489); penetrated the Gate Solarian Cluster, now under Kalbachan rule (25 May 489); and destroyed a fleet under the command of Polares at Kalbacha Minor (19 June 489). Eventually, Shalameneser won a major victory at the Battle of Kalbacha Major (18 February 490). On this, Polares and Artaxerxes V were compelled to come to terms. The Treaty of Zannah (4 May 490), seceded Illumis and parts of Rasdalla to the Sennacherid Empire, while Artaxerxes V was forced to submit as a vassal and was reduced to the rank of King of Kalbacha. This was a humiliating blow to Arachosian Kalbacha, one from which it would never fully recover (although the conditions would be repealed in 496).

This last great period of strength for the Sennacherid Empire ended on 24 March 493, with the death of Shalameneser IV. Shalameneser IV was immediately succeeded by his son, the nine-year old Shalameneser V (r. 493-96), with the general Lyanias as regent. A series of devastating civil wars soon impacted the empire, as the general Horas disputed the Sennacherid throne and supported the claim of another Sennacherid prince, Darius. Lyanias was defeated in the Battle of Par'say (8 June 494), and was forced off Senna. Way'tosk declared its independence as the Kingdom of Wesia (27 July 494), under the aegis of the Millian nobleman Burgantius. Although this revolt was quickly dispersed by Horas (25 August 494) and Burgantius himself executed, it demonstrated the continuing decline of the Sennacherid Empire. The Robertian territories were lost for the last time (25 September 495), as the Wakedian Conclave of Meris proclaimed the establishment of the Second Wakedian Empire. The Huntites instigated the Fifth Huntite War (494-96), recovering all of the territories lost to Shalameneser IV, while Sennacherid Gedrosia fragmented into several competing kingdoms who declared themselves independent of Sennacherid authority (496-98). The Kalbachans under Polares and Artaxerxes V threw off the conditions of the Treaty of Zannah (9 January 496), re-elevating themselves to an Empire and recovering most of their territorial losses by July 496. Acamaria reemerged as an independent kingdom (7 February 496), while the Parthian Marauders under Chandragupta moved in and established the Collective of Hooper (16 February 496). As regards to the civil war, Lyanias and Shalameneser V were crushed by Horas at the Battle of Cyriana (19 March 496). Shortly after, emperor and general were captured, and then executed by Horas' orders (27 March 496). Horas thereafter installed Darius as the new Emperor (r. 496-505). He attempted to dominate the Empire through his puppet-Emperor, but aroused the distaste of the Arachosian nobility, and was eventually deposed from his position and executed (8 May 500). During the reigns of Darius and then that of Balas (r. 505-09), who deposed Darius and had him murdered, the dominions of the Sennacherid Empire fell apart. The major worlds west of the Kimanian Trade Run (Landa Umbtia, Cyrus III, Brooke One, Horia, Emily Deustianis, and Casandia) obtained their independence in 498-501, while Senna in the Core Worlds was seized by Horacia (5 May 502). The final Sennacherid holdout in the Outer Core, Angel Hycrania, was abandoned (9 October 504). Breha, Kimania, Filmore, Nicole, Samantha, Angel, Constipex, and Millard established themselves as independent kingdoms (506-09), effectively severing the Barsar Regions from the Empire. Massive revolts on Way'tosk, On'diriay, Par'say, Sarah, and Temperance (497-508), disrupted Sennacherid authority in the former Millian domains and weakened the empire's administrative structures. Finally, the loss of Organis and Mariana in the Industrialized Borderlands (507-08), imposed a severe blow on the economy.

Eventually, a final major civil war between Shalameneser VI (r. 509-19) and the Princess Xilania (480-519), that lasted from 510 until 518, provided the opportunity to most of the Millian provinces. The Neo-Millian Kingdom of Sarah was established (9 June 510); the Oglameris Conglomerates invaded and annexed the Deusianian Colonies (9-25 April 512); the last Sennacherid outpost on the Kimanian Trade Run, Heustas, was destroyed by Acamaria (27 June 513); the provinces of Par'say and Temperance gained their independence under the aegis of Hurshite and Borsian usurpers (515-17); and Shenadoah defeated the Sennacherid satrap of Boydaria (8 May 518). By 520, after both Xilania and Shalameneser VI were defeated and killed by Ishme-Dagan I (r. 519-32) at the Borni Nebula (9 August 519), the once mighty Sennacherid Empire now comprised of little more than the Way'tosk province and a few outlying military garrisons. Ishme-Dagan formally made peace with the seceded provinces, acknowledging their independence in the Treaty of Way'tosk (9 April 520). He spent his reign preserving what remained of the Empire and suppressing internal dissent. After his death on 9 June 532, the curtains were drawn for the Sennacherid Empire. Intensive civil war broke out on Way'tosk, complicated by revolts of the remaining Millians. Outlying Sennacherid garrisons in the Inner Territories and Industrialized Borderlands were seized by various powers, while the Queen of Temperance, Par'na (r. 530-75), allied herself with King Hyania of Par'say (r. 527-69) and determined to destroy the Sennacherid remnants. Temperance and Par'say declared war on the Sennacherids (9 June 534) and launched a swift invasion. The paltry Sennacherid forces were not able to withstand their advance, and Way'tosk was captured (17 July 534). The last Sennacherid Emperor, Ishme-Dagan II (r. 532-34), was captured and executed two days later. With his death, and the capture of Way'tosk, the Sennacherid Empire had ceased to exist.

The curtains also came down upon the Arachosian-Kalbachans and the Arachosian Supremans as well during the first half of the 6th century. Although Kalbacha recovered her territorial and political losses in 496, the rulers of the Xerxic Dynasty never regained their former power or prestige. Artaxerxes V assumed complete authority upon his 18th birthday in 493, but remained a weak ruler and continued to rely upon Polares as his chief minister. Polares retained a dominant position in the Kalbachan state, serving as Grand Vizier of Kalbacha and Supreme General of the Imperial Armies. His corruption and gluttony bankrupted the Kalbachan treasury in 496, while he brutally suppressed all rebellions against his authority and acted harshly towards the nobility. Tensions simmered in Sassi-ruuk, Rasdalla, and the Solarian Cluster throughout the 490s and 500s. After Polares died (3 August 498), Artaxerxes V appointed a new Grand Vizier, Ashur-tilani. Ashur-tilani continued the policies of his predecessor and engaged in numerous political intrigues. Eventually, he made plans to seize the Kalbachan throne for himself. On 2 June 502, Ashur-tilani seized control of the Palace of Xerxes on Kalbacha Major, proclaimed himself Emperor with the support of the Imperial Guards, and forced Artaxerxes to flee into exile. Artaxerxes however, managed to gather up military forces with the support of his sister, Cleo, and waged a guerrilla war from the Gate Solarian Cluster for the next five years. The Battle of Toggul (9 May 506) proved a victory for Artaxerxes, as the usurper was slain and his fleets scattered. On 9 June 506, Artaxerxes returned to Kalbacha Major and regained his position as Emperor. In gratitude for her support in the civil war, Artaxerxes proclaimed his sister Cleo the junior ruler of Kalbacha, as Empress Regnant, a status he also conferred on his son Artaxerxes. Thus, for the remaining ten years of the reign, Kalbacha was ruled by a triumvirate comprised of Artaxerxes V, Artaxerxes VI, and Cleo I. Further disintegration set in for the state however, as massive revolts by the Lavellans and Homi (510-13) tied up Kalbachan military resources. The Nagai and Sassi-ruuk actually managed to restore their independence (8 May 516). Unemployment soared to unbelievable levels, and poverty set in.

After Artaxerxes V died (17 October 516), a massive civil war broke out in the Kalbachan dominions. Cleo, who had become accustomed to imperial authority, wished to depose Artaxerxes VI from co-occupancy of the throne and assert herself as sole ruler of Kalbacha. Artaxerxes VI, on the other hand, wished to do away with Cleo and take his rightful place as sole Emperor. Over the next ten years, massive confrontations and conflicts between the two took place. Artaxerxes VI had a larger naval armada, but Cleo had the support of the nobility and controlled more industrial strongholds. Kalbacha Major changed hands at least six times during the civil war, while vigorous battles, confrontations, and raids, laid waste to many worlds and plundered many of the Arachosian colonies and garrisons. It also provided the opportunity to the subjugated peoples, as the Rasdallans finally managed to regain their independence after nearly three centuries of Arachosian rule (8 May 520), followed by the Lavellans (8 October 520) and the Homi (19 November 520). The worlds of Illumis, Chardis, and Tysenai established themselves as independent kingdoms, while the Torfians threw off Arachosian overlordship and expanded southwards. The Kalbachans too, engaged in demonstrations and protests. As Artaxerxes VI finally managed to retain permanent hold of Kalbacha Major (13 January 526) and then defeated Cleo at the Battle of Toma (17 February 526), capturing and executing her, the Xerxian Empire of Kalbacha had been permanently weakened. Artaxerxes VI managed to hold the remnants of the Empire together for eighteen years, although he contended with the major Kalbachan revolts of 528-30 and 532-34, while also dealing with severe disputes amongst the Arachosian nobility and suppressing conspiracies in the army. He was however, assassinated (19 February 544), and this laid the final blow for the Xerxian Empire. Artaxerxes VII (r. 544-46), was forced by the general Ibliya to flee Kalbacha Major (8 May 545). This was followed by the final great Kalbachan Revolt of 545, which deposed Ibliya and the Arachosian nobility (19 September 545). The native Kalbachans, long subjected to the rule of their Arachosian overlords, finally regained autonomous independence after nearly three centuries. The Kalbachan nobleman David-nay was proclaimed Great King of Kalbacha (25 September 545), reestablishing the Kalbachan Great Kingdom. Shortly after (4 January 546), Artaxerxes VII was captured by a Kalbachan scout force, and his execution two days later formally ended the Empire and Dynasty of Xerxes after nearly two centuries.

Arachosia Suprema too, disintegrated. After Gorias had died in 419, he had been succeeded by his son, Ashurbanipal (r. 419-29), who proved to be a weakling and failed to suppress uprisings in Hypasis, which established independence (9 June 422). The Arachosian military fell into disrepair as defenses weakened. After Ashurbanipal died (3 June 429), the official heir apparent to the Arachosian throne was his nine-year old son Ashurnasirpal. Because Ashurnasirpal was deemed too young to govern, the Arachosian general Naradius accepted the title of Emperor Regent (18 July 429) and assumed rule over the state. Naradius proved to be an corrupt and brutal ruler. Establishing a massive secret police organization, Naradius ruthlessly suppressed his enemies, established a virtual police state over Arachosia Suprema, and allowed the civil service to sink further into corruption. He vastly reduced the resources of the civil service and devoted the government's revenues to his personal comfort. This aroused the distaste of the nobility and the hatred of the people. Massive uprisings in Rhedita, Acamaria, and the Gate Solarian Cluster symbolized the populace's resistance to his rule. Naradius was eventually assassinated (5 February 437). Ashurnasirpal finally ascended to the Arachosian throne and obtained what was his birthright. Although he was handsome and physically energetic, Ashurnasirpal was vain, arrogant, and dictatorial. During his fifty-year reign, Arachosia Suprema was defeated in a war against Kalbacha (445-48), being forced to secede the Gate Solarian Cluster, alongside the Lavellan and Homi dominions, and to pay a massive indemnity. Benzitr V obtained independence (8 May 450), while massive pirate raids disrupted the Arachosian Supreman economy and led to the loss of the Vincent Star Cluster (456-8). The Barlones Conspiracy of 463 and the Great Arachosian Droid Uprising of 466-69 seriously weakened internal stability and imposed pressure on government resources. Acamaria regained her independence (9 August 467), but was conquered by the Sennacherid Empire only a few years later. Finally, the Great Vector Supernova (8 May 480) smashed the Vector Prime system and destroyed numerous Arachosian military bases. Ashurnasirpal staggered on for seven years after this, contending with revolts and terrorist unrest, but eventually was killed in a major explosion at the Leagues Palace (3 May 487). The two decades after his death witnessed the swift-break up of the Supreman Empire. The Rhedites erupted in a major uprising (490-95), against Parasius, the son and successor of Ashurnasirpal (r. 487-97), successfully regaining their independence. This was followed by the Great Terrorist Chaos (493-94), resulting in the deaths of millions of Arachosians and the devastation of Talanis III, among other worlds. Civil war then erupted (495-501), which resulted in the deposition and death of Parasius (8 February 497), and a whole crop of pretenders and usurpers. The secret police organization fell apart, and soon, the Rhedite king Gomer (r. 501-35), actually managed to take advantage of the situation, invading Arachosia Suprema (19 May 503) and forcing the last Arachosian emperor, Tomris (r. 501-09), into vassalage, a humiliating blow indeed. Tomris simmered under the conditions, eventually rising up in revolt against his overlord (8 January 509). He was swiftly punished by Gomer, however, who captured Arachosia Prime (19 May 509) and executed the Emperor two days later. Gomer divided the former Arachosian Supreman dominions into numerous smaller kingdoms, giving control of these to various of his officials. With this, Arachosia Suprema had been destroyed. And after the destruction of Arachosian Kalbacha in 545-46, already described above, the Arachosian Empire had finally been completely eliminated from the face of the galaxy.

Laurasia
The newly established Stellar Kingdom of Laurasia spent the first two decades of her existence consolidating her position, creating a formal government structure, and constituting her core territories. Arasces I proved to be an effective and strong ruler, determined to maintain his kingdom's independence and establish it as a major power of the Core Worlds. Between 413 and 420, the Laurasians recovered control of many of their colonies and outposts of the First Laurasian Space Age. The Royal Laurasian Navy and Army were founded (9 February 415), at first comprised of hastily organized units and leftover Sennacherid equipment, military stations, and garrisons, but later with formal Laurasian regiments and with Laurasian equipment and garrisons. Arasces I also established the Royal Assembly of Elders (425), to serve as a consultation council and a legislative review body on the Arachosian model. This organization remained a major government organ until the reforms of Augustus over a century later. The King also established the Charasian President's House as his chief residence, renamed the Royal Palace of Laurasia (413); sponsored the establishment of the Clancian Trade Route with Clancia in the Central Core (417); and signed economic agreements with the kings of Rebecca and Gordasis (420). By the time of his death (9 October 432), the Kingdom of Laurasia was already one of the wealthiest and prominent states in the Core Worlds.

Competition soon ensued with other Core States, however. Each of the kingdoms which had obtained independence from the Sennacherid Empire desired the predominant position in the Core and ascendancy over all their rivals. The most vigorous Core Worlds besides Laurasia at this time were Gordasis, Horacia, Rebecca, Zutagia, and Brenni. Wars, economic competitions, and other conflicts soon raged amongst these states, consuming the remainder of the 5th century. Under King Alexander Septimius, the son of Arasces (r. 432-49), Laurasia fought the Mons Gladian War against Gordasis (437-38), acquiring the disputed Brentaal Trade Station and economic privileges in the Muriel Cluster. Alexander Septimius then focused his attention to the north and east, establishing Laurasian colonies at Maria Xindia (438), Borasis (440), and Nicator (443). This was followed by the Laurasian Incursion of Homas (444-45), which resulted in the Laurasian seizure of Courdina V. Finally, Alexander Septimius defeated the Torfian Kingdom of Ecreutus in the First Laurasian-Ecreutian War (446-48), repelling their incursions and destroying the major Ecreutian base at Clasis III. After Septimius died (18 August 449), he was succeeded by his second-eldest son, Gordian I (r. 449-62). Gordian proved to be a powerful ruler, as he enacted important taxation codifications (451); constructed the Redoubt of Ux-Parr (452); defeated and sacked Ecreutus in the Second Ecreutian War (453-56) acquiring fifty important star systems and establishing a Laurasian foothold in the Central Core; established colonies on Vulteris (454) and Tommmy (456) at the expense of the Zutagians and Arianites; allied with Horacia against Brenni and Nosauria in the War of the Dawnist Succession (457-60), annexing the important systems of Croft and Redis, extending Laurasian dominion along the southern end of the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route; and finally, launched punishing expeditions against the Louane Confederacy in the Outer Core (461). Gordian I also founded the Katherine Trunk Line (460) and vastly expanded the Laurasian civil service by his Codex Gordansius (462).

Under the son and successor of Gordian I (who died on 28 June 462), Antipater I (r. 462-78), the Stellar Kingdom of Laurasia continued her expansion and consolidation. Antipater I, was focused on exerting Laurasian power against other Core States and expanding his kingdom into the Outer Core. Laurasia first engaged in the Zutagian War (464-67), in a alliance with Horacia and Rebecca against Zutagia, Gordasis, Arias, and Bristalai. This conflict, which saw major Coalition victories at the Battles of Buat (8 May 465) and Krones V (9 June 466), resulted in major territorial changes, as Arias' dominions were annexed and divided between Laurasia and Horacia, while the Gordasian King Kenay (r. 465-76), was forced to submit himself as a Laurasian vassal and Zutagia witnessed the establishment of major Laurasian and Horacian garrisons in her territory. Laurasia acquired the important world of Caladaria and the systems of the Yutzi Cluster in the Outer Core as well. This was followed by the extension of the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route (470); Laurasian incursions and attacks against the Nest of Prakith (473-75); and the seizure of Ipsus V from Hammenor (8 May 476). Antipater I also directed the compilation of the Codex Antipartis (473-78), which reformed the Laurasian legal system and codified practices adopted from the Arachosians. His reign was ended abruptly however, by his assassination (18 July 478). He was succeeded by his son, Devraldus, who was only 15 years old.

For the first two years of the reign, Laurasia was governed by the Council of Elders, in the name of the King. When Devraldus assumed effective authority in 480, he endeavored to continue the expansion and consolidation of the Stellar Laurasian Kingdom. Under his direction, Laurasia waged the First Crossite War with Bristalai and Hammenor (484-87), in which she was assisted by Rebecca and Horacia. This conflict, which imposed severe strains on Laurasian resources, lead to Devraldus reorganizing the Laurasian army structure and vastly expanding the taxation system, while ruthlessly exploiting the resources of many Laurasian colony worlds. Laurasia eventually obtained victory, and by the Treaty of Devin (18 July 487), acquired the Nori Bend, the worlds of Sofia and Grazia, and the important Byray Interstellar Space Station. King Devraldus soon had to contend with revolts on Caladaria, Goroth, and Brentaal, which he crushed ruthlessly in 489-91, deporting millions to the Central Core. Afterwards, he utilized the Laurasian colonies and garrisons in Zutagian space to attack the Grand Principalities of Balaur and Hannia (493-95), resulting in Laurasian domination of the South-West Corridor and a foothold on the Murphian Trade Spine. Devraldus then completed the destruction of the Nest of Prakith (497-98), extending Laurasian dominion to the western Galactic Center, while defeating King Boray of Clancia (r. 489-517) in the Contention of Calanina V (499-501). Afterwards, the King died prematurely on 18 January 502, and was succeeded by his son Severus. At the beginning of the 6th century, Laurasian dominions comprised just over a third of the eastern Core Worlds, a fourth of the Central Core, and footholds in the Outer Core.

It was during that same century that Laurasia experienced considerable cultural, economic, and territorial progress under kings Severus (r. 502-29), Tiberius (r. 529-49), Augustus (r. 549-82), and Claudius (r. 582-603). Severus, an ambitious and energetic man, pushed the kingdom's boundaries further into the Outer Core, as he annexed Tyleria Perea (504), Jessica Prime (506), and the systems of the Selena Star Cluster (509) as Laurasian commercial outposts. He forced tribute from Brittany (512); directed expeditions and raids against Clancia, Teth, and Goldaria (514-18); defeated and annexed Hammenor in the Second Crossite War (512); suppressed uprisings in Zutagia and Courdina V (517-21); and brutally crushed the Consortium of Osiana in the First and Second Osianian Crusades (518-23 and 526-28). Severus established the University of Laurasia (527); expanded and renovated the Royal Palace of Laurasia (523-528); constructed the Ice Fortresses of Ianis (526); and sponsored the arts and sciences, maintaining a lavish court and creating a extensive Laurasian cultural institutes system. Laurasia's population, which stood at 312 billion at the beginning of the First Laurasian Period in 412, had grown to 490 billion by 529. Much of the planet was by this point urbanized and industrialized. After Severus died (19 March 529), he was succeeded by his younger brother Tiberius. Tiberius continued the expansion of Laurasia. Under him, Laurasia handed Osiana a crushing defeat in the Battle of Reman (18 May 534), during the Third Osianian Crusade of 532-34, and a result of this battle, annexed the majority of the Osianian colony, agricultural, and military redoubts, forcing the Osianian king into vassalage. This was followed by the Third Crossite War (538-42), which resulted in the Laurasian annexation of Bristalai and the devastation of Gordasis, which lost most of her remaining territories. Tiberius then confronted the Venasian Consortium, the Brenni Kingdom, and the Empire of Athenis in the major War of the Poth Succession (543-46). Although Laurasian forces were defeated at the Battles of the Steamy Mist (8 October 543) and the Raid of Podaria (19 October 543), Laurasia quickly revived. Tiberius rebelled Venasian expeditionary forces and scored a major victory over Venasian Queen Mother Amasia (r. 531-63) at the Battle of Antenna (19 June 544). Eventually, the Treaty of Berry (18 May 546), resulted in major Laurasian acquisitions throughout the eastern Outer Core, whilst extending the Kingdom's reach across the regional boundaries into the Industrialized Borderlands. Finally, Tiberius defeated incursion forces of the Kalbachan Great Kingdom (547-8) and dispatched ambassadors to the Oglameris Conglomerates (18 June 549).

Tiberius was then succeeded on 2 August 549 by his son Augustus, who maintained an effective military and reorganized the Laurasian government. He replaced the Royal Assembly of Elders with a Royal Administrative Parliament (7 October 553), which was comprised of noblemen and elected delegates, and was invested with authority over the execution of laws and royal trade. An ingenious creation when established, this body would eventually evolve into a source of opposition to the sovereign. Augustus also re-codified the civil service (554), passed the Royal Procedures of Succession (558), and issued a general directory of finances (564). He continued Laurasia's territorial expansions and subjugations by annexing the remainder of Zutagia (15 June 553); defeating and destroying Gordasis (554-55); turning on the Laurasian ally of Horacia and exacting tribute from her (8 May 556); defeating and annexing Clancia and Goldaria temporarily into the Laurasian Kingdom (562-5); establishing the Ring of Royal Outposts and Factories in the fringes of the Industrialized Borderlands (567); and destroying the Whydian Pirates (572). This was besides Laurasian penetrations and expeditions into the western fringes, establishing a colony at Roxuli (573-74) and scattering Laurasian garrisons almost to the Kalbachan border (578-79). Finally, Augustus renewed conflict with the Brenni Kingdom (577-79), which resulted in the Laurasian acquisition of the important Trellis Trade Run. Augustus used his vast wealth and the resources he amassed to create and maintain a strong and elite army, which underwent the most significant reforms of tactics, uniforms, and discipline in many decades. He focused on establishing a series of economic stations, agricultural refinement facilities, and habitation outposts, further developing Laurasian dominions. Augustus also extended the Kimanian Run to Laurasia, by agreement with rulers of the Industrialized Borderlands (9 May 580).

After Augustus died while crushing a rebellion on Augis V on 4 July 582, he was succeeded by his only son, Claudius, who ruled for the remainder of the 6th century. Claudius rapidly increased the power of Laurasia in the Core regions, becoming renowned and respected for his intelligent governance and also for how under his aegis, Laurasia came to dominate the entirety of the Core Worlds and Outer Core, alongside considerable parts of the Central Core, however briefly. Claudius also expanded Laurasia into the Industrialized Borderlands and acquired colonies as far afield as the Middle Territories. Under his watch, Laurasia annexed Sanegeta (583-84); defeated and subjugated Nathaniel in the Nathanielite-Laurasian War (585-87); defeated the Oglameris Conglomerates in two major wars (590-93 and 597-600); exacting tribute and acquiring numerous important colonies; and most importantly, defeated the Venasians at the Battle of Vellae (8 May 596), conquering Venasia Prime and forcing the Venasians into vassalage. Claudius also defeated Horacia, Rebecca, Briannia, and Brenni in the major War of Contentions (587-94). This major war resulted in the Laurasian annexation of all remaining Horacian and Brenni domains, while Rebecca lost most of her territories and both she and Briannia became Laurasian vassals. Following this, Laurasia concluded agreements with Organis and Mariana (597-99), acquiring important garrisons and footholds on the fringes of the Industrialized Borderlands. Finally, the Laurasians established control over Relay and Renee in the Middle Territories, north of the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route (601-03). In other matters, Claudius constructed the Byrnes Palace on Laurasia (590-99) and built the Ten Wheels of Paradise on Tyleria Perea.

After Claudius died on 18 March 603, he was succeeded by his third son, Horax (r. 603-23). It was under Horax that the Kingdom of Laurasia obtained her greatest territorial extent and military strength during the First Laurasian Period, although the seeds of disintegration would also be sewn. Horax annexed the Hitherite Kingdom of the Central Core (605); defeated the Oglameris Conglomerates, annexing the important worlds of Hispania (607); established a colony at Haupex-3 in the Inner Territories (609); attacked the Acamarians in the War of the Kimanian Trade Run (609-12); annexing numerous important agricultural worlds and forcing tribute, goods, and agreements; subdued Athenis and Vindictoria (613); crushed revolts on Horacia, Gordasis, and Arias (614-17); and defeated the Horites in the Wars of the Oris Dispute (619-21). Under Horax's rule, the population of Laurasia increased further from 576 billion in 603 to nearly 630 billion two decades later. Horax was responsible for the establishment of the Royal Archives (619) and the sponsorship of the Technical Institutes of Smithia (621). He built numerous palaces, fortresses, treasuries, armories, and official complexes on Laurasia and numerous other worlds. Horax also reorganized the Royal Household and established a Penal Code.

However, in the later years of the reign of Horax, economic and social problems began to arise which would bring an end to the First Laurasian Period. Under Augustus and Claudius, and then under Horax himself, the Administrative Parliament had been granted increasing authority, gaining the right to solve court cases and interpret the laws of the kingdom. Horax had also passed a decree in 610 which allowed for upper-class voters to elect "advisers", to the Parliament. All of these measures turned the Parliament into a more insubordinate body, as it began asserting the rights of the Laurasian public and clashing with the king on certain public policy issues. By the end of the reign, the seeds had been laid for massive internal strife in the government. Also, the Laurasian economy began to slow down and entered a severe contraction, with the GNP decreasing by nearly 40% between 616 and 624. Piracy, smuggling, drug handling, and other illegal activities increased significantly in volume, with the Mafias of Gorlone being established as a major criminal conglomerate (620). This drained the resources of the government. Finally, the kingdom of Laurasia had become overextended: Horacia, Clancia, Gordasis, Rebecca, Briannia, Arias, Zutagia, and numerous other worlds desired independence, constantly rebelling against Laurasian authority, while the military was severely strained and certain far-flung Laurasian colonies or garrisons proved difficult to retain. The civil service strained under administrative pressures, and inefficiency increased across the Laurasian dominions. While Horax lived, however, he managed to contain these troubles.

After his death on 18 February 623, the Laurasians lost control. Horax had married twice: his first wife Alexandra of Kronos (576-604) had been killed in a starship accident on 8 January 604, while pregnant with a child. The King, who was devastated by her death, remained unmarried for thirteen years, despite pressures from his advisers. Eventually, he remarried, to the Laurasian Princess Octavia Seslais (594-627) on 17 May 617. Octavia gave birth to Horax's only surviving child and heir, Eugenes (19 September 618). When Horax died, Eugenes was only a boy of four years. Because of his young age, a regency would obviously be required. The Royal Administrative Parliament assembled shortly after Horax's death, and on 20 February, proclaimed Eugenes King of All the Laurasians, with his mother the Queen Dowager as his regent. Problems soon arose however, as Queen Dowager Octavia was an ambitious and striving woman, who wished to use her son as her basis for ruling the state. She engaged in a spate of political plots and conspiracies, and soon gained widespread unpopularity with the nobility for her ruthlessness, cruelty, and dishonesty. The nobles also loathed the prospect of a woman as their mistress, believing that the "female gender was averse to rule". This coincided with increasing economic issues, which the Regent proved unable to handle. Unemployment increased rapidly from 8% in February 623 to nearly 50% in March 624. Economic trade and commerce bogged down, proving the opportunity to the Mafias of Gorlone, as under her leader Felix Gorlone (589-656), the criminal syndicate gained increasing influence and power, seizing control of many of the kingdom's trade routes. Government debts piled up while tax revenues were funneled by the Regent towards her household and personal enjoyment. The military's resources weakened, and by June 624, many Laurasian colonies had actually been abandoned. This finally ushered in a massive spate of uprisings and revolts, beginning in December 623, that was directed against Laurasian rule by various subjugated worlds. One by one, worlds of the Industrialized Borderlands, Outer Core, Core Worlds, and Central Core regained their independence: Clancia (3 January 624), Briannia (18 January 624), Rebecca (18 February 624), Arias (24 March 624), Bristalai (28 March 624), Hammenor (4 April 624), Zutagia (16 April 624), Horacia (19 May 624), Gordasis (16 June 624), Athenis (19 July 624), and Vindictoria (25 July 624). The Venasian Consortium, under the direction of Queen Silvrania (r. 622-36), reasserted her independence and threw off Laurasian overlordship (19 August 624). Finally, the Oglameris Conglomerates recovered territories lost to Horax (625-26). As a result, Laurasia's territory decreased rapidly in size, and by July 625, the Kingdom ruled only the Laurasian core territories and parts of the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route.

These losses severely weakened the position of Queen Dowager Octavia, and on 3 August 625, the Laurasian nobleman Mithridates proclaimed himself King of All the Laurasians at Darcia and announced his intention to depose Octavia from her position as regent. Mithridates quickly gained the support of many of the nobles and wealthy magnates, and amassing a army, he captured Caladaria (18 September 625). Octavia, who insisted on directing the Royalist war effort herself, met with resistance from her councilors, who now seized the opportunity. The Royal Senate acclaimed Mithridates as King of Laurasia (6 November 625). Octavia was forced to flee with Eugenes and personal retinue, while the usurper arrived in victorious procession onto Laurasia Prime. She was not determined to give up, and for the next two years, waged a guerrilla war from Cordasis V, one of the few non-Laurasian conquered worlds which remained in the Kingdom's possession. This weakened the kingdom's internal stability and lowered Mithridates' reputation. Eventually however, Octavia and Eugenes were finally captured (7 December 627) and were executed by the orders of the Senate and King two days later. Shortly after, Mithridates himself was assassinated by his own bodyguards (18 February 628), and was succeeded by his inexperienced son, who became Arasces II (r. 628-30). By now however, a new and more grievous threat had arisen which would bring a end to the First Laurasian Period, ushering in twenty-seven years of foreign domination and overlordship. This was the Lacian Khanate.

Lacia, a harsh volcano world located in the northern reaches of the Outer Borderlands, was inhabited by the Lacians, one of many thousands of species throughout the galaxy who had evolved from the Founder-implanted lifeforms (including the Laurasians themselves). Lacia had consolidated into various nation-states c. 4000 BH, roughly a millennium after the consolidation of civilization on Laurasia. She had, however, managed to maintain a steady pace of advancement, but the influence of the planet's surface and climate, and violent wars, rebellions, and raids which took place throughout much of Lacian history, turned the Lacians into a war-hungry and expansionist species. Beginning in 125 BH, the Great Kingdom of Do'gor had arisen to prominence, launching a complicated series of military expeditions, diplomatic measures, and wars in order to bring the entire world under its rule. The Lacians achieved political unification in 81, and in 139, entered their Space Age, dispatching the first probe above their world. Over the remainder of the 2nd century, the Lacians developed first generation and then sleeper ships, while colonizing their star system, establishing first contact with the Horkians and Hurrians in the neighboring star systems, and establishing a space-based force. The Lacians began aggressive expansion during the 3rd century, as they conquered the Horkians and Hurrians, scattered their colonies beyond the Lacian star system, and constituted a powerful state. First contact with the Millian Empire was achieved in 289, and by means of the Millians, the Lacians acquired the hyperdrive. By the beginning of the 5th century, the Lacian Great Kingdom controlled nearly 30,000 star systems and was a major power in the northern Outer Borderlands. Matters changed for the Lacians, however, during the first half of the 5th century, as economic pressures caused devastating civil wars amongst Lacian aristocrats and nobles. This left the Lacians exposed to the Empire of the Great Marauders, founded by Vorastis (r. 399-444) from the earlier Marauder Coalition. The Marauders launched wide-ranging campaigns throughout the northern Outer Borderlands, destroying the ancient Nandi and Calrissian Empires, while raiding against the Rokai and exchanging skirmishes with the Arachosian-Kalbachans. Lacia was invaded and forced into vassalage by Vorastis (9 December 429). This situation persisted for the next eleven years. On 3 December 440, however, the last king of the Great Lacian Kingdom, Osroman II (r. 430-41), erupted in revolt against the Marauders, as he refused to pay tribute and attempted to reassert himself as an independent sovereign. Vorastis responded in force, as Lacia was sacked by the Marauders (8 June 441). Osroman II was captured and executed, and the Lacian Kingdom was dissolved, being replaced with the Lacian Grand Principality, a vassal state to the Marauder Empire. Lacia remained under Marauder domination for another century and a half, being used as a source of tribute, army recruits, financial revenues, and slaves. The experiences under the Marauders however, instilled a iron will in the Lacians, as during this time the Grand Princes ingratiated themselves with their overlords, who allowed them to retain part of the tribute. The Princes used this to amass their resources.

The Marauders themselves fell into decline in the later half of the 6th century, and during the 580s and 590s, many of their vassals or worlds asserted their independence. Devlet Giray, the last Lacian Grand Prince to be vassal to the Marauders, ascended to the throne (3 September 592). He quickly began building up his military forces, and eventually, proclaimed himself independent of Marauder overlordship (9 August 596). Two days later, he proclaimed himself Khan, formally establishing the Lacian Khanate. Giray was an ambitious, talented, energetic, and ruthless man, who wished to end "the oppressions against Lacia" and see her dominion extended across the galaxy. He allied himself with other formerly subjugated Marauder species, such as the Rokai and Calrissians, and launched extensive military campaigns against the hated Marauders. These wars dragged out over a decade, although during this time the Lacians gained considerable military expertise and acquired a reputation as fearsome and ruthless soldiers.

Finally, on 2 March 610, the Marauder capital world Varta was conquered and annexed by Khan Giray and his allies, and the Marauder Empire was destroyed after two centuries. Giray consolidated his Marauder conquests, further expanded the Lacian military forces, established a massive industrial war machine, and then turned against his allies. Over the next twelve years, he launched wide-ranging campaigns throughout the Outer Borderlands and Middle Territories, vastly increasing the size of his domains and subjugating the Nandi (611), Calrissians (613-14), Rokai (614-17), Vesporians (615), Critanni (616), Espergos (618), Wakedians (617-19), Mauryans (617-20), Palmians (619-21), and numerous other species. The Lacians also crossed the Kimanian Trade Run, attacking and defeating the kingdoms of the Barsar Regions (619-22). Lacian raids penetrated as far as Mara in the Galactic Borderlands. Giray and his hordes then pushed forth into the Core Regions, penetrating through the Industrialized Borderlands and Middle Territories from the north and ravaging, plundering, or raiding nearly 12,000 different industrial, agricultural, and other worlds. They defeated the Venasian Consortium at the Battle of Frogmore (8 January 623), attacked the Oglameris Conglomerates (17 February 623), destroyed most of the Millian and neo-Millian kingdoms (624-6), conquered the Acamarians, Zutagians, Benzites, and others at the decisive Battle of Mourn (8 February 626), destroyed Athena, Organia, and Vindictoria (626-7), and then pushed into the Outer Core, swiftly subduing Bristalai (19 June 627), Hammenor (25 June 627), and Nathaniel (30 July 627). The Lacian hordes then advanced along the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route into the Core Worlds (628-30), falling upon Horacia, Rebecca, Briannia, Arias, Gordasis, and other major worlds. The first three were defeated and annexed into the Lacian Khanate, while Arias and Gordasis were compelled into vassalage.

The Lacian forces under the command of Giray penetrated the weakened Laurasian Kingdom's boundaries (18 November 629). A force under the command of Laurasian Admiral Antigenes Borius (581-630) was defeated decisively at the Battle of Malaria (3 January 630), a confrontation which lead to the loss of 18,000 Laurasian warships and the death of Admiral Borius. Then on 28 January, the Lacian forces entered the Laurasia Prime star system, brushing aside all resistance and conducting a siege of Laurasia Prime. The Kingdom of course had been weakened by the economic troubles, the criminal activities, and the civil war, and was too weak to face off the Lacian invaders. On 17 February, after nearly a month the planet fell to the Lacian hordes and was subjugated for the second time in three centuries. Khan Giray, himself commanding the operation, personally executed Arasces II the following day, who had unsuccessfully attempted to flee the planet. The Khan then installed the 20-year old nobleman, Octavian Masius, as the new King of the Laurasians (20 February 630). Octavian was forced to submit himself as a vassal and to agree to certain conditions. With this, the First Laurasian Period had come to an ignominious end.

Lacian Overlordship (630-57)
For nearly twenty-seven years (630-57), the Stellar Kingdom of Laurasia was a Lacian vassal. As mentioned above, Khan Giray imposed certain conditions on his newly-installed puppet King, Octavian. Octavian was allowed to retain authority over his subjects, print his own currency, act as the leader of the Royal Administrative Parliament (renamed back to the Assembly of Elders), and pass laws with the approval of the council and the seal of the Khan. However, he was not permitted to conduct foreign affairs and was allowed only a small military force. Also, Laurasia was reduced territorially from 40,000 to 1,500 star systems, significantly decreasing its power and strength. The Lacians were reserved the right to conduct their exactions as they saw fit and to launch expeditions or border raids at any time. The Lacians also reserved the right of intervention in the affairs of the Laurasian government. In fact, during the 27-year overlordship, the Lacians rarely intervened in Laurasian political or social affairs, and allowed its government operations to continue as normal. However, they became hated for the raids and constant exactions which they conducted. Nearly 40 billion Laurasians on the outer worlds were captured and carried off by Lacian expeditions between 626 and 654. The Lacians constantly harassed and plundered remaining Laurasian colonies, stations, and outposts, especially on the outskirts of the Kingdom, forcing massive amounts of tribute, goods, and starships. During this time, Laurasia itself suffered severe economic and civil deterioration. During the Lacian Overlordship Period, its population declined from 630 billion in 630 to 400 billion in 657. Government expenditures decreased, and the Mafias of Gorlone remained a constant irritation to the Laurasian government. The Laurasian kings of the Overlordship were Octavian (630-37), Pompey (637-53), and Perseus (653-59).

After forcing Laurasia into vassalage, Khan Giray and his hordes pushed forth along the Clancian Trade Route into the Central Core. There his forces defeated the Clancian royal armada at (ironically) Goss Beacon (18 March 630), capturing nearly 10,000 starships and scouring a great victory. This was followed by the Lacian assault against Clancia itself, in the decisive Siege of Clancia (25 March-3 May 630), which resulted in the Clancian surrender. Clancia too was forced into vassalage and stripped of many of her territories. Giray then launched further campaigns against Teth, Marshia, Vivaylet, and numerous minor states in the Central Core (631-33), exacting vast amounts of tribute and penetrating as far as the Galactic Center. After this, Giray and his hordes then turned their attention to the Inner and Middle Territories, moving swiftly along the Kimanian Trade Run and Denveranian Trunk Line. Hannis (633), Mariana (633), Par'say (634), Temperance (634), the Oglameris Conglomerates (634-36), Shenadoah (636-37), Vickis (636-8), and numerous other states were again subdued and either annexed or forced into vassalage. Giray and his forces penetrated as far as Hunt Minor, defeating the Huntites in the pitched Battle of Sokai One (18 July 638). Giray, basking in his great victories, thereafter returned to Lacia, and was hailed as the "great savior and warrior" by his subjects. After a long reign of forty-six years, he died on 27 October 638, leaving the throne to his third son Pasha-Giray (r. 638-49). Under the aegis of Pasha-Giray, the Lacian Khanate obtained its greatest extent (9 August 640), with the destruction of the Rokai Confederacy, which had long resisted invasions by outside powers (most notably the Sennacherids and Marauders). At this point, the Khanate extended from Hectoris, in the northern edge of the Outer Borderlands, across to Nicole in the border regions of the Galactic Borderlands, with vassals being found in the Core Worlds, Central Core, Industrialized Borderlands, and Wild Marshes. This was besides various garrisons and military installations held by Lacian forces that were scattered throughout the galaxy.

Pasha-Giray was an effective and formidable ruler, but underneath the surface, the Khanate was already experiencing severe troubles. In a span of just five decades, the Lacians had transformed themselves from being a vassalized grand principality within the Marauder Empire to being a grand empire controlling nearly two-thirds of the Caladarian Galaxy. They controlled a larger dominion then even the Arachosian Empire at her territorial height under Sargon the Conqueror. The growth and expansion of the Lacian state had been too rapid, as the Lacians, while being renowned for their ruthless and tactical genius, nevertheless commanded few of the military resources needed and were too few in strength. Devlet Giray himself had been reduced to conscripting conquered populations into his armadas, in order to furnish the amount of starships and personnel the Lacians needed in their military campaigns. This policy was continued by Pasha-Giray. Finally, the aggressiveness and war-like attitudes evident in the Lacian mentality caused the subjugated and vassalized populations to hate their masters, and nationalist tensions simmered across the empire. Pasha-Giray thus, after subduing the Rokai, turned his attention to keeping the empire's current dominions and maintaining Lacian domination. Massive revolts and uprisings on Shenadoah, Briannia, Rebecca, Scanalan, Lando, and Cyrus III (640-48), symbolized the heavy resistance towards the Lacians, and it was only by the greatest effort of will and tact that Pasha-Giray managed to suppress these nationalist outbursts. The Lacian nobility also began bickering amongst themselves, contending for military and political glory within the state. The Great Crisis of the Trojan Houses (647-49), symbolized these troubles.

Pasha-Giray then died unexpectedly (4 July 649). His death threw the Lacian state into full-scale upheaval. Lacian noblemen, military commanders, and notables quickly indulged in a series of intrigue, political assassinations, and civil disputes. This was fueled both by desire of influence and also by the efforts to control the new Khan, 9-year old Mengli Giray (r. 649-56). By December 649, the Lacian Great Chancellor and Regent Ba'lak, who had served Pasha-Giray and Devlet Giray, and was at the helm of one of the major noble factions, managed to achieve predominance in the Lacian government. In order to shore up his own position however, which was still extremely precarious, Ba'lak began summoning Lacian military forces scattered throughout the galaxy, back to the Lacian Cluster and the northern Outer Borderlands. This proved to be a foolish decision, and provided the opportunity to the many subjugated worlds. The Huntites erupted in a major revolt in February 650, eventually regaining their independence (18 April 650). At the same time, Breha, Filorean, Filmore, Nicole, Kimania, Angel, Constipex, Millard, and numerous other major Barsar Worlds regained their independence (650-52). The Oglameris Conglomerates was reestablished (18 February 652), while the Venasian Consortium, Gordasis, Arias, and Nathaniel overthrew Lacian overlordship (23 March 652). The Acamarians, Benzites, Cadarians, neo-Millians, and others in the Industrialized Borderlands and Inner Territories reestablished themselves (651-53), while the Rokai regained independence by the Great Uprising (25 August 653), just thirteen years after their subjugation by Pasha-Giray. The Vickians and Shenadonans also regained independence (654-55). Finally, major uprisings and revolts on Organia, Hannis, Hammenor, Bristalai, Horacia, Rebecca, and Briannia liberated much of the Core Worlds and Outer Core from Lacian rule or domination (651-56).

These major losses and setbacks seriously weakened the position of the Great Chancellor, who lost much of his support and prestige. V'rak Borsay, the Lacian Steward of the Great Council, was one of Ba'laks' leading opponents, and he took advantage of the Great Chancellor's unpopularity to launch a major conspiracy (15 April 653), which resulted in the deposition and death of the Chancellor and V'rak Borsay becoming the new predominant figure in the Lacian Khanate. The Steward was ruthless towards his enemies, but was far from popular and continually resorted to political intrigue, assassination, and bribes in order to maintain his hold over the Khan, still considered unfit for rule. The Khanate's decline continued, as more military forces were withdrawn back to the northern Outer Borderlands and more vassals or conquered species regained independence. Laurasia in particular, was now able to rise up from her downtrodden status. On 7 December 653, Perseus ascended to the Laurasian throne, succeeding his older brother Pompey. He immediately began planning to restore Laurasian power. On 4 September 654, the last Lacian raiding expedition against Laurasian territory took place, and in January 655, Perseus regained absolute legislative authority. Five months later, he began re militarizing Laurasia, rebuilding outposts and expanding his armed bodyguard units. The Lacian Caliph in the Core Worlds, Abbas, was by now a very weak figure, realizing that Lacian domination would not continue. He announced that the Lacian presence in the Core Worlds would eventually be terminated (3 October 655). The following year, he acknowledged the independence of Horacia, Rebecca, Briannia, and other revolting Core Worlds, while ending all tribute requirements for Laurasia and formally approving militarization efforts by Perseus.

These efforts were helped by continuing political turmoil in the Lacian Khanate. V'rak Borsay eventually grew tired of Khan Giray, being determined to exert himself formally as the new Lacian ruler. Thus, by his orders, Mengli-Giray, then only sixteen years old, was poisoned (7 August 656). The following day, Bor'say, who claimed that a "cadre of traitors" had poisoned the Khan, formally proclaimed himself Khan and attempted to assert himself as the new Lacian master. Many Lacian noblemen, magnates, and government officials refused to acknowledge Bor'say as their master, however, setting the stage for further turmoil and the final disintegration of the state. On 7 January 657, Caliph Abbas withdrew all remaining Lacian military garrisons from the Core Worlds, and five days later, King Perseus formally declared himself independent of Lacian overlordship and proclaimed that the "glory of Laurasia" had been restored. With this, the Lacian Overlordship had ended after nearly twenty-seven years, commencing the Second Laurasian Period.

Second Laurasian Period (657-840)
The first decade of the Second Laurasian Period was dominated by Laurasia's emergence out of the Lacian Overlordship and the destruction of the remaining Lacian Khanate itself. After losing its remaining Core territories, the Khanate was weakened yet further. The Nandi and Calrissians managed to restore their independence (18 May 657), while Lacian forces had all but abandoned the eastern Outer Borderlands, yielding garrisons and military stations to the resurgent Rokai. By January 658, the Lacian Khanate's authority and jurisdiction would be restricted to the Lacian Cluster. V'rak Borsay soon contended with a major civil uprising against his authority, launched on 15 March 657. This quickly ushered into a civil war, and the usurper Khan was forced off Lacia (17 April 657). The civil war drained any remaining Lacian military power and further weakened the structures of the declining Khanate. V'rak Borsay engaged bitterly with his rivals for control of the throne, in a struggle lasting for over two years. The usurper was then finally defeated in the Battle of Taliman's Point (28 July 659), and six days later, was captured and executed by the Yemuk faction, lead by the Lacian General A'rlat Yemuk. Yemuk installed his nephew, Voray-Giray, as the new Khan (6 August 659). Voray-Giray was, however, a weak and easily influenced figure, who displayed little military talent and no intelligent thought. This provided a major opportunity to many of the former subjugated Lacian species, as they desired to crush the Lacians and gain their revenge. The Nandi, Horstefort, Scanlans, Rokai, and Bortassians established a major alliance (16 September 659), aimed at destroying the last fragments of the Lacian Khanate. The Alliance thereafter declared war on the Lacians (3 October 659), and massive Alliance expeditionary forces quickly penetrated the Stygian Caldera of the Lacian Cluster. The Lacians proved unable to mount an effective military defense, and their once feared naval forces were crushed at the Battle of Dromund (3 January 660). Lacia itself fell under siege (18 January 660), and a month later, despite ferocious Lacian resistance, fell to the invaders. Voray-Giray himself was executed (19 February 660), and nearly 90% of the planet's population was either deported or slaughtered. The planet would be ruled by a succession of foreign states for the next seven centuries. Lacia would then be rehabilitated by the Revived Lacians in the 14th century, but would never regain her previous level of strength or influence.

Perseus continued to rule over Laurasia until his death from radiation cancer on 17 July 659 at the age of 33. He spent the remaining two years of his reign after asserting independence, rebuilding the Laurasian government and instigating a series of economic reforms. Laurasia's population began to recover from the desolation of the Lacian Overlordship Period, rising to 450 billion by August 659, while the Mafias of Gorlone entered a severe decline, as their leader Viso Gorlone (617-58), was assassinated (8 January 658). This also coupled with intensified government crackdowns on crime and piracy. Perseus also reincorporated Ralina Vixius, Augis V, the Star Systems of the Combine, and the Empire of the Mortians, reconstituting a powerful state in the western Core Worlds. He also established an commercial alliance with the states of the Deep Core, and sponsored the recovery of trade routes that had been disrupted by the Lacians.

After the death of Perseus, Laurasia experienced periods of military and economic strength, as well as general unity, far greater than any had been enjoyed during the First Laurasian Period. Perseus was succeeded by his son Constantine (r. 659-87). Constantine became renowned as a great patron of the arts and sciences, establishing the Stellar University of Ralina Vixius (666) and expanding the Royal Archives of Laurasia (673). He constituted a lavish and extensive royal court, with the Byrnes and Royal Palaces at its centerpiece. Constantine focused his efforts on rehabilitating worlds and stations that had been sacked by the Lacians. The population recovery of Laurasia Prime continued during his reign, as by 687, Laurasia's population had reached 540 billion. The King established or restored numerous trade routes, reorganized the Laurasian taxation system, and vastly expanded the resources of the royal treasury. He also continued the territorial restoration and expansion of Laurasia. He invaded and defeated Gordasis in the War of the Bline (660-64), forcing that world into vassalage and carrying off large amounts of goods, prisoners, and starships. He then turned his attention to the Central Core, defeating Clancia in the First Koros War (669-73) and scoring a victory over Teth at the Battle of Maur (18 June 674). Constantine then turned to the northeast, allying with Rebecca and Elizabeth against Briannia in the War of the Chandrlis Trade Station (673-76), which lead to the Laurasian acquisition of the important stronghold of Rendesi, and the establishment of military garrisons in Briannian space. Laurasia also turned her attention into the Outer Core, waging war against Bristalai (679-83) and Hammenor (683-86), acquiring many important colonies and recovering many lost territories.

After Constantine died (3 August 687), he was succeeded by his second-surviving son, Marcus Aurelius (r. 687-712). This king, who was renowned for his works of meditation and philosophy, and also for his high level of tolerance for alien peoples, presided over the continuing expansion and prosperity of Laurasia. Laurasia's territorial advance continued during his reign, as the Laurasians continued their advance into the Central Core and Outer Core, also penetrating into the Industrialized Borderlands and asserting themselves further in the Core Worlds. Marcus Aurelius first campaigned against Clancia, defeating her in the Second Koros War (689-93), which lead to the Laurasian domination of the Clancian Trade Route and the reduction of Clancia to vassalage. Laurasia thereafter turned her attention towards Rebecca and Elizabeth, defeating those worlds in the Homerists War (694-97). Rebecca was annexed into the Kingdom and Elizabeth reduced to vassalage. Marcus Aurelius then contended with rebellions on Darcia, Courdina V, Gordasis, Rendesi, and Ralina Vixus, crushing these brutally (695-700). He then moved farther south into the Core Worlds, sacking Zutagia (8 January 701) and penetrating to Murphy (9 May 702). Laurasia then subdued Bristalai and Hammenor (703-04); reacquired Haupex-3 (705); established a protectorate over the world of Literuria and her mines (707); defeated Organia and Vindictoria in the Beltis Confrontation (708-10); and lengthened the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route, by agreement with other states into the Middle Territories (711). Marcus Aurelius, like his father, was a great patron of the arts and sciences. He sponsored such writers as Aurelia Kemenia (673-741) and Robertius Magnus of Denver (665-746). Aurelius also created the Lair of Sciences on the ice world Maria (706), while doubling the territorial size of the city of Christiania on Laurasia (702-10). During his reign, crime and smuggling decreased rapidly, as the Mafias of Gorlone was finally smashed and dissolved by the Royal Government (701). By 712, Laurasia's population had fully recovered from the Lacian Overlordship.

Throughout the 8th century, Laurasia enjoyed extraordinary power, prosperity, and strength, expanding to become one of the most powerful nations in the Galaxy and the predominant Core State. After Marcus Aurelius died on 17 March 712, he was succeeded by his third son, Flavius Aetius (r. 712-46). This king, a talented man with renowned military genius and a polished education, continued Laurasia's expansion, launching wide-ranging campaigns and enacting reforms to the civil service and bureaucracy. Flavius Aetius subdued many long-time rivals of Laurasia in the Central Core, Core Worlds, and Outer Core, exerting the power of the Laurasian kingdom. In the Third Koros War (714-17), Clancia was finally subdued and annexed into the Laurasian kingdom. This was followed by expeditions and campaigns against Teth, Goldaria, Constancia, and other worlds of the eastern and southern Central Core (718-25), including the decisive Battle of Chu'rkai (8 May 724). As a result of these confrontations, Teth and Goldaria were annexed, while Constancia and the worlds of the Lower Galactic Center were forced into vassalage. Flavius Aetius then subdued Arias (725); defeated and annexed Elizabeth (726-27); sacked John Horacius (8 May 728); and directed punishing raids at Mannis and Zerania in the south-western Core Worlds (729-31). Thereafter, Laurasia reduced Nathaniel, Chomeria, and Zennethia to vassalage (731-34).

Flavius Aetius attacked the Venasian Consortium in the War of the Mines (734-39), leading to decisive Laurasian victories at Hapes (8 June 735) and Venasia Secondary (19 May 737). This conflict lead to the Laurasian acquisition of the Steamy Mist regions and the reduction of Venasia to vassalage. The king then penetrated into the Inner Territories, defeating Par'say, Bar'say, and Temperance in the Strand Contention (738-42), which lead to the Laurasian acquisition of the important colonies of Norai-00973. Aetius reconquered Tyleria Perea (739) and Jessica Perea (741), extending Laurasian dominion across parts of the Industrialized Borderlands. Finally, Aetius defeated the Oglameris Conglomerates in the Kimanian Run War (740-44) and conquered Acamaria in the War of the Acamarian Succession (743-46). By the end of his reign, Laurasia's dominions spanned from the Central Core to the Inner Territories. As regards to the Laurasian government, Aetius reorganized the Great Council into the Royal Senate (739), investing it with judicial and administrative authority. He passed new penal and legal codes (743), which simplified the Laurasian judicial codification system. Aetius also established Assemblies of the Planets (745), allowing conquered or subjugated populations a say in government affairs. On Laurasia, he constructed a series of magnificent tourist resorts and orbital stations, instigating major renovations to the First Station of Callista (725-29) and constructing the Senate Administrative Hall (738-43). During the reign of Flavius Aetius, Laurasia's population further increased to 712 billion in 746.

Under the successors of Flavius Aetius, who died on 21 September 746, including Hercules I (r. 746-62), Gordian II (r. 762-76), Hercules II (r. 776-99), and Polares (r. 799-809), Laurasia obtained ever increasing strength and prosperity, as the Laurasians constituted a powerful kingdom, extending from the Central Core to as far as the Middle Territories, with alliances, trade deals, and garrisons even in the Outer Borderlands. Laurasia enjoyed unparalleled military strength and economic prosperity, dominating over her major rivals and securing her boundaries. Hercules I, Gordian II, and Hercules II all vastly expanded the kingdom's dominions: under these two kings, Laurasia defeated the Oglameris Conglomerates in the War of Parlas (750-53), leading to the Laurasian acquisition of the Venzite Commerce Zone and the reduction of the Oglamerians to vassalage; annexed Constancia (755); defeated and conquered Organia, Hannis, and Vindictoria in the War of the Three Alliances (756-59); defeated and annexed Briannia (761); attacked and defeated the Shendonans, Vickians, and Roastafarians in the First and Second Creso Wars (761-66 and 770-75), leading to Laurasian domination of various routes throughout the Middle Territories and the acquisition of the Nabosite Star Cluster; defeated and annexed Eutagia (769); conquered the systems of the Erican Combine (772-74); defeated and conquered Par'say and Temperance (774-78); subdued the Consortium of Drennan along the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route (780); conquered the Brenni in the Confrontation of Bramas (781-83); seized the Rokai garrison at Holmes (785); and destroyed the Neo-Torfian Pirate Alliance (786-89). Thousands of Laurasian colonies and fortresses were established between 779 and 798, establishing a firm Laurasian presence far beyond the Kingdom's core territories. Also, after six and a half centuries, the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route finally reached the Outer Borderlands, linking to Robert and Dion (781), while the Murphian Trade Spine (786) and Denveranian Trunk Line (790) were both established by Hercules II, vastly improving galactic commerce and travel. In 800, Laurasia Prime's population passed a trillion for the first time. By this point, the planet was heavily urbanized. The kings of the Second Laurasian Period now commanded greater administrative resources then those of the First Laurasian Period, ruling over far larger dominions.

However, as with the later stages of the First Laurasian Period, the prosperity of the Laurasian Kingdom was on shaky foundations. Because the Laurasian kings ruled a vaster dominion then during the First Laurasian Period, they were compelled to spend vast sums on maintaining the administrative apparatus, comprised primarily of Laurasian officials. The Royal Senate, comprised largely of wealthy noblemen and businessmen, degenerated into corruption, and proved an ineffective body, easily bribed or manipulated by others. Because the Senate was invested with power over the civil service, and slacked off on its duties, it thus caused the Royal Government to run down. Also, the size of the Laurasian dominions were placing strain on the government's resources. The kings and their officials had trouble in maintaining the military and suppressing nationalist tendencies on the kingdom's many worlds. Laurasia had not been free from nationalist uprisings and revolts on Briannia, Rebecca, Horacia, Zutagia, Gordasis, Venasia, Athenis, Nathaniel, Hammenor, Shenadoah, and other worlds, which began increasing in frequency during the last two decades of the 8th century. The kings also had to spend much of their revenue on funding the royal household and pleasing the nobility. They had vast resources at their disposal, but wasted much of them on patronage and gifts. The Laurasian debt began to pile up, exceeding a quadrillion dataries by 800. The very prosperity of Laurasia was causing problems.

During the first decade of the 9th century, the military and economic strength of the Stellar Kingdom of Laurasia decreased, while nationalist tendencies simmered to elevated levels and the kings began losing their grip over their dominions. Although Polares, the last great ruler of the Second Laurasian Period, managed to hold these tendencies down and keep the kingdom together, unemployment levels grew from 2% in 801 to 9% in 809. Piracy and crime experienced levels unseen since the reign of Perseus, as criminal organizations revived in activity. Also, leaders such as Lonnie Masni of Murphy, Amandis of Goldaria, and Kaja of Venasia established massive anti-Laurasian movements and began agitating further nationalist uprisings. Because of these problems, Polares did not expand Laurasia territorially during his reign, bringing an end to an uninterrupted series of military campaigns and diplomatic actions that had been ongoing since the overthrow of the Lacians.

Polares then died suddenly (8 August 809). In 807, he had married the Princess of Caladaria, Andrea Septimia (787-832). Their marriage had not been particularly loving, but the couple fulfilled their duties nevertheless, and a son, Trajan, had been born on 9 June 809, barely two months before the death of his father. Being only an infant, arrangements were obviously required. The Royal Senate convened on 9 August, the day after the death of Polares, and debated on who was to become the regent for the infant King. The ambitious President of the Royal Senate, Heredotus, gained the support of major noblemen and manipulated the members of the Senate into establishing him as Regent (10 August 809). Andrea Septimia, obviously, was angered and upset that she did not become Queen Regent, as she had expected, and began drafting plans to assert herself. Building up a power base of support and mustering her resources on Caladaria, which she governed, the Queen Dowager refused to acknowledge Heredotus as Lord Regent. When Heredotus attempted to bring the Queen Dowager to heel, she erupted in full-scale rebellion (4 January 810). The fall of the First Stellar Kingdom of Laurasia had commenced.

"The Rebellion of the Dowager Queen", as it became known, ushered in a full-scale civil war which lasted for two decades. Throughout the conflict, the situation constantly shifted. Heredotus had the boy King and at the onset, controlled Laurasia Prime. This gave him jurisdiction over the Senate (who proclaimed Andrea Septimia a outcast) and the support of the Kingdom's chief naval fleet, the Laurasia Prime Defense Force. Andrea Septimia, however, had a larger army, and commanded the support of many of the commoners and merchants, who believed that she, as wife of the deceased King, should be regent of Laurasia. A vigorous fight then ensued, as Laurasia Prime, Darcia, Caladaria, Ralina Vixius, Ux-dey, Courdina V, Gordasis, Elizabeth, Clancia, and numerous other worlds witnessed intensive battles between the two sides. Laurasia Prime itself changed hands at least fifteen times between 810 and 828. As the civil war intensified in range, and as Andrea Septimia battled ceaselessly with Heredotus for domination over Laurasia, both "in the name of His Majesty" (Trajan), the military strength and internal stability of Laurasia deteriorated, proving an opportunity to many of the subjugated and conquered worlds. Shenadoah and Vickis managed to overthrow Laurasian overlordship (8 May 810), recovering all of their territorial losses and crushing a Laurasian force sent by Andrea Septimia at Hickory (18 November 810). Par'say, Temperance, Bar'say, and other neo-Millian states reasserted themselves (810-13), destroying numerous Laurasian garrisons and expelling the Laurasians from Roastafarian space. The Venasian Consortium under the now Queen Mother Kaja restored her complete independence (8 January 812), followed by Nathaniel (17 February 812), Bristalai (20 February 812), the Oglameris Conglomerates (29 February 812), Acamaria (3 March 812), and worlds of the Kimanian Run and Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route (812-14). Rebecca, Briannia, Horacia, and Arias regained independence (814-16), while a Laurasian expeditionary force of Heredotus was crushed by Clancian and Tethian rebels at Goss Beacon (9 July 817), restoring the independence of the Central Core states. As Laurasian defenses and control fell apart, Heredotus and Andrea Septimia merely intensified their struggle, their forces battling across the Laurasian core dominions. By 822, after Organia and Vindictoria regained independence, the Laurasian Kingdom comprised of only the core dominions and footholds in the Outer Core, such as Hammenor and Ipsus V.

On 17 October 823, King Trajan was poisoned by one of his governesses, working for Heredotus, who had decided to do away with his services. The Procurator-Regent thereafter proclaimed himself King with the support of the Royal Senate (25 October 823), although Laurasia was submerged still in bitter civil war. His action in fact, enraged much of public opinion against him, as the Dowager Queen was able to claim that she was fighting to defend Laurasia from the murderer of the "rightful Sovereign Lord". Heredotus began losing ground, being defeated in the Fifth Battle of Caladaria (1 November 823) and the Confrontation of the Cron's Drift (15 December 825). In the Fifteenth Battle for Laurasia Prime (1 April-30 June 828), Heredotus was handed a decisive defeat and was forced off Laurasia Prime for the last time. He fled to his last holdout at Mariana Prime, holding out for two more years and still claiming to be King. On 15 April 830, Heredotus was assassinated by a agent of the Queen Dowager, finally ending the devastating civil war. As a result of this conflict, the Laurasians had lost most of their dominions, and Laurasia Prime's population stood at 489 billion in 830, a rapid decrease from the avalanche of 1 trillion three decades earlier. After Heredotus was finally dead, Septimia felt strong enough to proclaim herself Queen Regnant of Laurasia (26 April 830), the first female sovereign in Laurasian history. The noblemen who had supported her, however, were now alarmed, and one, Neuchrus, instigated rebellion (3 June 830), refusing to acknowledge Septimia as ruler. During her brief and disputed reign, Laurasia was disturbed by further civil turbulence and by continuing economic deterioration. Neuchrus was finally defeated (1 May 832) and executed two days later, but by then, the situation for Andrea Septimia was sour. On 19 May 832, the Laurasian Prince Gordian lead a conspiracy against the Queen. He enlisted the service of her own royal bodyguards, who then slew her in her own bedchambers. After Andrea Septimia, another woman did not sit on the Laurasian throne again until the ascension of Minerva Greysius in 1753, over nine centuries later. The following day, Gordian was acknowledged as King by the Senate. By then however, a new and very ferocious threat had arisen, who would bring an end to the Second Laurasian Period and have a far greater impact upon the Laurasians then the Arachosians or Lacians.

The Dasians
The Dasians, like the Arachosians of earlier centuries, were not native to the Caladarian Galaxy. Similar to the Torfians, that nomadic species who had migrated from the Angelina Spiral and invaded Arachosia Suprema, Kalbacha, and the Sennacherid Empire in the late 4th century, they instead hailed from the Angelina Spiral, now infamous for its birthplace of numerous nomadic and aggressive species. The Dasians had evolved from a brutal near-Human lifeform that had been planted by the Founders c. 130,000 BH in the Angelina Spiral. Attaining a Space Age c. 500 BH, the Dasians had then fought campaigns and raids throughout the Spiral, warring with the Torfians, the Tofs, the Alianese, and numerous other brutal species. Eventually, they had been subdued and conquered by the Torfians in the early 4th century, just before the Great Supernova of 366. As a result of the Supernova, the Torfians had of course migrated towards the Caladarian Galaxy, bringing their Dasian servants with them. Dasian warriors had been used as front-line infantry by the Torfians, in their major campaigns between 379 and 382 that almost lead to the destruction of the Arachosian successor states. When the Torfians were finally defeated by Gorias in 382, however, they were compelled to retire to the Muggal Cluster and to oblige by certain conditions. One of these was that the Dasians under their command would be forced to migrate in the Extra-Galactic Void. Thus expelled, the Dasian hordes spent nearly four centuries in the Void, unnoticed and forgotten by galactic civilization. During this time, they splintered into the competing armadas of the Naimans, Tatars, Merkits, Khamangs, and Keraits. These hordes competed with each other for power, fighting never-ending disputes, wars, and confrontations. Eventually, the hordes remembered the Caladarian Galaxy, and how it had been a residing place of "wealth and opportunity". The Naimans and Tatars entered the northern edge of the Outer Borderlands in 763, followed by the Merkits in 764, the Khamangs in 765, and the Keraits in 766. The hordes conquered the minor kingdom of Sernapasia and the consortium of Scanlan (767-69), establishing a foothold in the Caladarian Galaxy. They remained divided amongst themselves however. This was soon to change.

Among the Dasians arose a certain Temujin (762-827), who was the son of the minor Khamang general Yesugei (726-71). Yesugei was not very wealthy or prestigious, but nevertheless arranged in 770 for his son to marry Borte, daughter of the Khamang nobleman Dei Sechien. The following year, however, Yesugei had a confrontation with the Tatar military commander Narla, who captured him on 20 February and then had him executed two days later. After this, Temujin demanded that he be appointed to his father's position, but his father's fleet officers refused to be lead by a person so young. As a result, they banished the boy, his mother, and siblings, and forced them to seek refuge in the Galactic Borderlands. Experiencing a harsh childhood, Temujin struggled to survive for the next decade, while Dei Sechien ignored the arrangements that had been made with Yesugei and refrained from marrying his daughter to Temujin. Temujin was in 782 captured by the Kalbachans, but he managed to escape. Eventually, Temujin returned to Sernapasia proper, outwitting Dei Sechien and finally obtaining Borte as his wife. In 784, Borte was captured by the Naimans, but Temujin, with the assistance of his new protector, Togrhul Khan of the Keraits, and his friend Jamurkha, managed to retrieve her. Borte would eventually give birth to Jochi (785-826); Caroltgai (787-841); Ogedei, Temujins' eventual successor (789-841); and Tolui (790-832). After this, Temujin began his slow ascent to power amongst the Dasians. He offered himself as a vassal to Togrhul, who had assisted him in retrieving Borte from the Naimans. Togrhul in turn gave him a force of 80 million Kerait warriors and a armada of 20,000 capital starships. Temujin however, experienced troubles with Jamurkha, who had ascended to control of the Tatars. As he rose to power, Temujin proved to be generous to rival hordes. He delegated authority on merit and loyalty, rather then family ties. As an incentive for absolute obedience to his person, the future Khan offered his followers wealth from spoils captured in battle. As he defeated the various splintered military forces and hordes of the Dasians, he incorporated them into his forces and treated them generously, thus gaining their loyalty and widespread support.

Togrhul was soon influenced by his son, Senggum, who was jealous of Temujin's growing power and convinced his father that Temujin was planning to depose him and seize control of the Kerait horde. Temujin learned of Senngum's intentions, and utilizing the forces Togrhul had granted him, defeated Senggum and his followers. Togrhul thereafter declared that Temujin had broke the agreements, and officially proclaimed him an outlaw. Allying with Jamurkha, the Khan attempted to apprehend Temujin, but disputes with Jamurkha and the defection of Togrhul's commanders to Temujin, sealed his fate. On 2 May 800, Temujin defeated and captured Togrhul in the Battle of Kool-Naid, scattering and subsuming the Keraits. Togrhul himself was executed two days later, while Jamurkha now took refuge with the Naimans. In 801, Jamurkha was proclaimed Universal Khan by the Naimans and Tatars, leading to the final breach with Temujin and his hordes. Over the next five years, Temujin and Jamurkha engaged in a bitter confrontation, as gradually the Naimans, Tatars, Merkits, Khamangs, Ughurs, and other factions were defeated and conquered by Temujin, while Jamurkha was pushed to the edge of the then-limited Dasian dominions. Jamurkha was finally defeated at Gross Station (5 April 806) and was killed. Shortly after this victory, a council of the Dasian commanders acknowledged Temujin as Great Khan of the Dasians. He now assumed the title and name of "Genghis Khan". With this, the Dasian Empire had been formally established.

Immediately after being proclaimed Great Khan, Genghis implemented significant military and administrative reforms, intent on creating a major military and economic machine that would then be used to "spread the dominion of our race" across the Caladarian Galaxy. He reorganized the Dasian army along decimal lines, organizing the front-line infantry into units of arbans (50,000), zuuns (100,000), myangans (500,000), and tumens (1.0 million). The Khestig Guard regiments were consolidated from the "Khan's retinues" of the previous divided hordes, divided into khorchin, torghud, and khetuul units. The Khan divided the Dasian navy into d'khrual (battle) and zagai (defense) units. The Great Khan rewarded those who had been loyal to them, appointing them as the commanders of his forces, though many of these had been commoners or even horde serfs. He gave larger armies and navies to his loyal companions then those provided to his own family members, a very curious situation indeed. Genghis also created the Yassa, a legal code which regulated all matters of everyday life, political affairs, and military regulations for the Dasians. He abolished serfdom, ended the oppression directed against Dasian women, and forbade physical confrontations within the Dasian armada, improving discipline and social morals. Genghis appointed a supreme judge, Shigi-Khutughch, mandating him the keeper of all records in the empire. Besides laws concerning everyday life and military affairs, the Great Khan proclaimed religious tolerance, exempting the clergy and the poor from taxation. All of these measures survived to strengthen the Dasians, improving their military unity and increasing their effectiveness.

After these reforms were enacted, Genghis Khan directed his hordes towards conquest beyond the then Dasian dominions, which until then had been considered insignificant by the wider Galaxy. Although the Dasian militaries were generally outnumbered by their opponents, their superior mobility, speed, and envelopment tactics insured them victory in every major confrontation. The Dasians first turned their attention towards the Xilanian Empire, which had arisen to prominence since the fall of the Lacian Khanate and ruled a vast part of the north-western Outer Borderlands, from the ice world of Munist along the future Galactic Frontier Route to Horeb Prima, in the Horebian Cluster along the western branch of the Larkian Trade Route. The Dasians launched their first attacks in 807. The Dasian armadas quickly overran the more numerous Xilanian forces, gaining smashing victories at Jin Major (9 August 807) and Horeb Prima (3 September 808). After two more years of campaigning, the Dasians finally defeated the Xilanians with the capture of Xilania Prime (17 May 810). Genghis Khan annexed most of the Xilanian dominions and asserted himself as overlord over the Xilanian emperor, Mugus (r. 807-11). Shortly after this victory, the Neo-Rokai Confederacy sent an embassy to Genghis (25 May 810), demanding that the Dasians pay tribute and submit themselves as vassals. Genghis refused their demands and immediately flung his hordes across into the Lacian Cluster (4 June 810). Three years of intensive campaigning ensued, as the Dasians contended with the efficiently organized Rokai forces, who had absorbed Lacian, Arachosian, and Nandi tactics over the preceding centuries. The Dasians were blunted at Merley Station (9 September 810) and Rose (1 January 811), but quickly recovered, gaining major victories in the Lacian Campaigns of 811-13, including the decisive Battle of Lacia (5 June 812). In January 813, the Rokai General Kong defected to the Dasians, providing them major military intelligence and handing over a third of the Rokai military forces to Genghis. The Dasians thereafter besieged Homdinia (8 February-19 June 813), inflicting severe damage on the planet and dispensing larger Rokai forces. The world finally fell on 19 June, and the Great Khan thereafter forced the Rokai into vassalage. In 814, however, the Rokai Emperor Rinjang (r. 812-24), refused to pay tribute, and a further Dasian campaign in 814-17 was required. As a result of this, the Rokai dominions in the Lacian Cluster and Markian Cluster were annexed, while Homdinia was sacked a second time and Rinjang subdued again.

After the campaigns against the Rokai and the Xilanians were complete, the Dasians now moved farther south, penetrating across the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route into the Industrialized Borderlands and Middle Territories. The Dasian Khculug, who had been Khan of the Ughurs before being deposed by Genghis Khan, had taken his remaining forces to the south, and in campaigns conducted from 810-14, had subdued the Creshilite Confederacy and the Vickian Empire. Khculug had provided support to the Rokai in their wars against the Gengishid Dasians, and as such, the Great Khan viewed him as a threat. On 5 February 818, Genghis dispatched a Dasian expeditionary force under the command of his general Jebe, in order to defeat Khculug and extend Dasian dominions farther into the Galactic Bulk. Jebe was heavily outnumbered by the Creshilites, Dasians, and Vickians under the command of Khculug, and had to resort to subtle tactics, including spying, raids, and rebel incitement, in order to gain victory. Nevertheless, he gained victory at Elijahana (9 May 818), Burley (18 September 818), Stapleton (1 January 819), and Shephard (15 January 819). On 21 February 819, Khculug was finally subdued in the Battle of Nora. He was captured and executed by Jebe and his fleet officers. As a result of this, the Dasian Empire's dominions were doubled, and Dasian control now extended as far as Mariana Sirtia, near Shenadonan dominions.

Genghis Khan thereafter dispatched embassies to the Huntite-Robertian Unity (25 February 819), attempting to establish commercial and military arrangements. The Huntite-Robertian Emperor, Aladuni, was weary of the Dasian intentions, as he had observed uneasily while the Dasians conducted their military campaigns in the northern quadrant of the Caladarian Galaxy. As such, the Dasian embassy, when it arrived at Robert, was attacked and scattered, with the Robertians taking numerous prisoners. The Emperor and the military commander responsible for the attack, Iqlarim, refused to compensate the Great Khan for the destruction of the embassy. Genghis began preparing for war, but dispatched a second embassy, attempting to still take a diplomatic course. This embassy was escorted by a heavy naval force. Nevertheless, Aladuni and his personal fleet lured and trapped the embassy, crushing it utterly and sending the main ambassadors back to Genghis, their heads badly scarred and tentacles shorn off, considered a major insult by the Dasians. Outraged at this, Genghis assembled a massive force of nearly 100 million warriors, alongside a massive fleet of nearly 50,000 starships. He left the remaining Dasian forces under the command of his son Ogedei, and made arrangements for the election of a new Great Khan should he die.

Genghis divided his invading force into three divisions: the first, under the command of Jochi, was directed at the eastern Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route, in the regions of Robert itself. The second, under the command of Jebe, was directed into the Huntite dominions of the eastern Outer Borderlands, while the third, under the command of Genghis himself, campaigned in the Huntite home regions, including Hunt Major and Hunt Minor. Aladuni's force, although larger then the forces of the Dasians, was concentrated at certain fortress worlds, neglecting to defend vast swaths of territory. Aladuni's forces were also divided amongst themselves, with Huntites, Robertians, Kimanians, Vickians, and Sheldonians serving alongside each other. This gave a major advantage to the Dasians, as they focused on capturing the various fortress worlds. They quickly overran Wakedia Maxia (19 July 819), destroyed the fortress of Samarkhand (20 August 819), and besieged Robert (29 August-25 September 819). Jebe and his force, in the meantime, captured the fortress worlds of Walters (20 September 819), Hasselbeck (25 September 819), and Beharis (23 December 819), defeating Aladuni and his forces in every battle. Genghis and his forces meanwhile, hurled into the Middle Territories, destroying the Huntite Military Station of Kadais (5 January 820) and sacking Hunt Minor (10 February 820). In these campaigns the Dasians were extremely brutal, slaughtering tens of billions and leaving some solar systems devoid of life. After this, the decisive victory at Daughteria (4 March 820), lead to the utter rout of the Emperor and the destruction of the Huntite Ecrator Corps. This was followed by the siege and sack of Hunt Major (15 March-3 April 820), ushering in the actual dissolution of the Huntite-Robertian Unity. Aladuni was thereafter pursued by the forces of Jebe and Jochi, who eventually captured and killed him at Solani Miller (15 September 820). In the meantime, the sack of Ugruch (5 July 820) and the Battle of Prunella (31 July 820), concluded the Dasian campaigns. Genghis Khan slaughtered millions of Huntites, enslaved millions of others, and laid utter waste to the Huntite home regions.

After the destruction of the Huntite-Robertian Unity, Genghis Khan gathered together his forces in the eastern Outer Borderlands and Middle Territories, preparing to return to the northern Outer Borderlands. At the suggestion of the General Subutai, the Dasian forces were split into two groups. The main force under the direct command of the Great Khan (80 million warriors and 40,000 starships) embarked on a raiding expedition through Shendonanan and Roastafarian territory, carrying off millions of prisoners and sacking numerous worlds, while the remaining force (20 million warriors and 10,000 starships), commanded by Jebe and Subutai, embarked on a push along the Kimanian Trade Run into the Inner Territories and the Core Regions. They pushed deep along the Run, as far as the Industrialized Borderlands. Over the next three years, the Dasians destroyed the kingdom of Acamaria; sacked Cyrus III; inflicted severe damage upon Par'say, Temperance, and Bar'say; penetrated across to the Landian dominions of the Murphian Trade Spine; and raided the Oglameris Conglomerates. Turning back, the Dasians were soon pursued by a coalition of the Oglamerians, Neo-Millians, Roastafarians, Venasians, and Organians, who were determined to terminate this threat before it was too late. Subutai sent emissaries to the Coalition, asking for peace, but these emissaries were executed by order of Venasian Queen Andriana (r. 819-23) and Oglamerian Praetor Anan (r. 810-23). Subutai and his force soon confronted the numerically superior Coalition in the Battle of Kalka (31 May 823). The result was a decisive Dasian victory, as Queen Andriana and Praetor Anan, personally commanding their forces, were handed a crushing defeat, being forced to sue for peace. Subutai accepted, but was in no mood to spare them, and by his orders, the two monarchs were executed (5 June 823). Afterwards, he forced the Venasians and Oglamerians into vassalage, and then, with his forces, returned to Dasian territories.

In the aftermath of the Huntite and incursion campaigns, Genghis Khan conducted expeditions in the northern Outer Borderlands, defeating and destroying the Calrissian Confederacy (823-25), while crushing revolts by the subjugated Xilanians, Lacians, Scanlans, and Sernipdians. Soon after, however, the Xilanian Emperor and Rokai Great Lord, both of whom were vassals to the Dasians, erupted in a major revolt in 825, intent on regaining their complete independence and restoring the full extent of their empires. Throughout 826, Genghis was forced to contend with their revolt, gaining victory at Heresofiran (9 August 826) and Caluminy (1 December 826). Eventually, in February 827 Homdinia was captured for the third and final time, completely extinguishing the Neo-Rokai Confederacy. This was followed by the decisive Battle of Xilranite Minoria (8 May 827), which brought the Xilranians under Dasian control. Genghis then returned to Karkol, the Dasian capital world, after years of endless campaigning. He spent the last few months of his reign consolidating his conquests. Then suddenly, the Great Khan died (3 August 827). At his death, the Dasian Empire extended from Sernapasia in the northern edge of the Outer Borderlands across to Brillo in the eastern Outer Borderlands, encompassing parts of the Middle Territories, Inner Territories, and Industrialized Borderlands as well. Over the next two years, the Empire was governed by the regent Tolui, until Ogedei, who had been designated electoral heir by Genghis, was formally elected Great Khan (13 September 829).

Immediately upon ascending to the Dasian throne, Ogedei sent orders for the resumption of Dasian campaigns in the Outer Borderlands and Middle Territories, determined to extend the Imperial dominion across the Kimanian Trade Run. The son of Aladuni, Jalal, had managed to flee from the Huntite dominions upon the death of his father. He was granted refugee status by the Kimanian Shogun, Kodaisay, who was weary of Dasian intentions. With Kodaisay's support, Jalal had rebuilt his military forces and launched constant raids across the Kimanian Trade Run, sacking the Dasian military bases of Khorasan (19 December 829) and Moray (1 January 830). Ogedei, irritated of the raids, dispatched a Dasian expedition against Kimania, but this was defeated by Jalal and Kodaisay at the Battle of Derangy (19 February 830). Ogedei thereafter organized another large force and commanded Chromaqan, the general of Dasian forces along the eastern Kimanian Trade Run, to destroy Jalal, Kodaisay, and their forces. Chromaqan, a ruthless and determined figure, quickly destroyed the Redoubt of Khartwia (15 March 830), which had been a major Kimanian repository of military supplies and resources. Thereafter, Chromaqan won a major victory at Kimanis Mooria (30 March 830) and inflicted punishing raids in the Kimanian star system, destroying numerous military fortifications and carrying off a huge haul of Kimanian and Huntite slaves. Thereafter, Chromaqan left part of his force to besiege Kimania, eventually forcing its surrender (8 May 830), while he himself ranged to the southwest, gaining major victories at Barnay (13 May 830), Sykes III (18 May 830), and Nanda (3 June 830). From there, he sent armies towards Breha and Millard, forcing those kingdoms into vassalage and ravaging dozens of star systems. Along the south-east of the Kimanian Trade Run, Dayir destroyed the Fortress of Nirandon and crushed Jalal in the Battle of Kabul (7 June 830), destroying half of his starfighter corps. Jalal thereafter was isolated at Kamur (19 June 830), while Kodaisay was captured and executed (25 June 830). The Dasians now dominated the lower Kimanian Trade Run and controlled the eastern Barsar Regions.

Shortly after Ogedei crushed uprisings and revolts by the Xilanians, Lacians, Esperantos, and Burantos (830-34), while penetrating and clearing the Merian Caledera (9 May 834), suppressing the White Tatar Slavers and cementing Dasian domination in the northern Outer Borderlands. He also penetrated into the Galactic Borderlands, demanding the submission of the Torfians, the Dasians' ancient former masters, in 831. The Torfians refused, and Chou Humasi, the Torfian king, prepared his forces. The Dasian forces, under the command of the Great Khan himself, then crossed the Galactic Frontier Route and penetrated into the Muggal Cluster, quickly subduing the world of Th-U (5 May 831). The Torfians clashed with their former subjects at Ung and Kumong. The Dasians won the Battle of Ung but were humiliated by their former masters at Kumong. Ogedei and Sartai, his chief general of the campaign, thereafter used the Dasians' superior mobility to launch a surprise attack on the Torfian capital world, Gaesong, sacking it (19 May 831) and destroying a Torfian battalion. After further Dasian raids and a clash at Eu (19 December 831), Chou Humasi was forced to sue for peace (6 January 832). He submitted to Ogedei as a vassal and agreed to provide an immense amount of starships, minerals, and goods as tribute. Thereafter, Chou Humasi moved the Torfian capital world to Imegina, which was near the Galactic Barrier, and constructed a complex series of military defenses to protect it from the Dasian threat. The Dasians, protesting this, immediately launched a second attack, but were decisively defeated by the Torfians in the Battle of Imegina (19 April 832), a battle in which Sartai was killed. The Dasians thereafter were compelled to retreat from the Muggal Cluster. They returned three years later however, ravaging numerous star systems (835-36) and carrying off hauls of captives, despite heavy Torfian resistance. Eventually, after protracted campaigning which included a failed siege of Imegina (9 November 837), the Dasians forced the Torfians to the peace table (9 June 838), compelling them again into vassalage.

The Dasian Great Khan and his subordinates had also directed their attention towards the Middle and Inner Territories, intent on penetrating to the Murphian Trade Spine and following up on the Subutaian Incursions of 820-23. Dasian forces under the command of Chromaqan launched penetrating attacks from the Dasian foothold in Acamaria, defeating Benzitr V (9 June 832); taking and plundering Cyrus III (18 June 832); defeating and destroying the kingdom of Larkin, the empire of Nandia, and the consortium of Greg (832-34); and then pushed to the Murphian Trade Spine, overrunning the Proto-Landian fortress of Umptia-Bookia (9 January 835). The Dasians then temporarily halted their attack in this direction as the Oglameris Conglomerates, the neo-Millian kingdoms, the Roastafarians, and the Athenians agreed to pay tribute (19 January 835), acknowledging the Dasians as their overlords. Chromaqan then rebuilt his forces and prepared for further offensives. On 5 February 836, the Dasians resumed their campaign, as the hordes and armadas under their command swarmed northwards through Eutagia, attacking the Roastafarians and the Oglamerians. Most Roastafarian and Oglamerian commanders quickly submitted, with the only significant battle taking place at Rasta Minor (19 March 836). Chromaqan then pummeled to the north-east, swiftly subduing the Morites (25 March 836), Rusanians (19 May 836), and Pockarians (5 June 836). The Dasians thereafter ravaged the Shendonanan dominions (836-37) and assaulted the Hookiees (836-38) before concluding their campaigns in this region.

Afterwards, the Great Khan commanded one of his generals and nephews, Batya (who was the son of his older brother Jochi), to organize campaigns that would subdue the vast Core Regions and bring them within the Dasian Empire's orbit (6 June 836). His relatives and cousins Guyuk, Buri, Mongke (a future Great Khan), Khulgen, Khadan, and Baidar, alongside the notable Dasian generals Subutai and Borolday were placed under his command by Ogedei. The Great Khan gave him an enormous force of nearly 2 billion warriors and 300,000 starships, comprised of Dasian, Huntite, Robertian, Xilanian, Kimanian, Oglamerian, Torfian, Esperanto, and other such units, that would be used against the Core Nations (including Laurasia). Batya, his subordinates, and his forces then set off, storming down from Elijahana along the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route. The Dasians hurled their armada onto Permia, Organia, Vindictoria, and Athenis. Dasian forces stormed the fortress world of Bolgharay (19 June 836); destroyed the Organian Installation of Cadueso (25 June 836); and successfully besieged the Permian capital world of Uxus (1 July-6 July 836). The Vindictorians and Athenians resisted fiercely however, and ruthless campaigns had to be conducted by the Dasians, as they destroyed the holdouts of these two nations and smashed their forces continually. Finally, on 2 January 837, the Vindictorians were crushed at the Battle of Po'day, being compelled to submit to the Dasian Yoke, while the Athenians were suppressed in the Siege of Athena (9-15 February 837). Thereafter, the Dasians fell upon the Venasian Consortium, utterly decimating Venasian forces at Hapes (20 February 837) and penetrating the Steamy Mist. Dasian expeditions thereafter ravaged Venasia Secondary (25 March 837); scattered the Battle Dragons Fleet at Krones (27 March 837); and then besieged Venasia Prime, eventually capturing it (2 June 837). Dasian forces also directed their fury at Nathaniel, Sanegeta, the Decapolians, Hannis, Drennan, Breni, and others of the Outer Core and Industrialized Borderlands (837-38), defeating all of those states and connecting the Dasian dominions with the conquests of Chromaqan farther south. Then, on 3 November 837, Batya dispatched his emissaries to the courts of Laurasia, Arias, Horacia, Gordasis, Briannia, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Zutagia, Clancia, Teth, Goldaria, Bristalai, and other Core States, demanding that they all submit to him and acknowledge him as "their master in reality". These rulers all refused, stating their intention "to fight to the death". Batya thereafter readied his forces.

In December 837, the Dasians resumed their offensives, as an expedition under the command of Subutai hurled from the Rebeccan Galactic Trade Route to Hammenor, still under Laurasian control, brushing aside paltry resistance and instigating a major siege. The Laurasians and Hammeorites put up immense resistance, more then the Dasians had expected. Nevertheless, after six days, the planet's defenses were penetrated (11 December 837). The Dasians sacked the planet's cities, slaughtered more then half of its population, and deported 200 million Hammeorites as slaves. Thereafter, Laurasian King Gordian III and the Bristalai King Muris dispatched an expedition against Batya, aiming to prevent the Dasian threat from progressing further. This expedition managed to gain a minor reprieve at Ipsus V (31 December 837) but was then decisively defeated by Batya and Subutai at the Battle of Bromis (11 January 838). Thereafter, the Dasian forces stormed Ipsus V (25 January 838) and went on to sack Jessica Perea (29 January 838) and Tyleria Perea (3 February 838), capturing large numbers of starships and captives. The hordes then laid siege to Bristalai the following day. Despite the resistance of Bristai, Laurasian, Elizabethan, Rebeccan, Briannian, and Goldarian forces, the planet was overrun two days later. King Muris and his entire family were slaughtered by the command of Batya. Batya's forces thereafter slaughtered 70% of Bristalai's population and carried the rest into slavery. The planet would never recover from its sack by the Dasians. Thereafter, the Dasians flung their hordes at Murphy, winning a decisive victory in the Battle of the Sit Trade Run (3 March 838), a battle in which the Murphian Grand Prince Hispansis and the Goldarian Queen Lantha were killed. Thereafter, the Dasian forces ransacked Briannia (5 March 838); besieged and ravaged Rebecca (8 March 838); besieged and captured Horacia (12 April 838); sacked Caladaria (19 April 838); raided and laid waste to Gordasis (25 April 838); decimated Arias (9 May 838); and laid waste to Elizabeth, Chancia, and Katherine (19-25 May 838). Thereafter, Batya laid waste to Zennatha (29 May 838) and destroyed a Laurasian task force at Plutonia (1 June 838). Through the summer of 838, Batya defeated Tethian forces, penetrated to the Galactic Center, and then sacked Clancia (9 July 838). Batya then suspended campaigns for the remainder of the year, restoring his forces and bringing in more resources that would be utilized to complete the subjugations. Then during 839, Batya and his hordes sacked Teth (9 March 839); plundered Goldaria (17 May 839); and decimated Courdina V, Harmite, Neutronis, and other western Core Worlds (May-September 839). Thereafter, the Dasians defeated the Laurasians in the Battles of Ux-ney (19 November 839) and Bastia (25 December 839), penetrating the Laurasian Kingdom's boundaries and paving the way for a siege of Laurasia Prime.

Finally, on 3 January 840, the Dasian hordes commenced their siege of Laurasia Prime. The Laurasians, remembering the Lacian subjugation and overlordship over two centuries earlier, and also remembering the Arachosian conquest in the early 4th century, resisted fiercely, being determined to avoid becoming subjects of another foreign empire. Nevertheless, the Dasian strength proved overwhelming, and on 10 January 840, the defenses of Laurasia Prime were breached. The Dasian forces then crushed the Laurasian naval force and troops under the command of Batya himself landed on Laurasia Prime, quickly subduing the Laurasian armies and sacking many of the major Laurasian cities. Gordian III was captured by Dasian forces on 11 January, and he was bound, his family being slaughtered in his sight. Thereafter, Gordian was himself executed. Dasian forces began moving onto Laurasia Prime, slaughtering nearly 30% of the population and sending another 20% into slavery. With this, the Second Laurasian Period had come to a ruinous end. The Dasian Yoke had begun, commencing two and a half centuries of foreign rule and domination.

See Part III, General History of Laurasia