The Veilbreaker Uprising
The Conflict
Prelude
Before the war erupted, tensions in Tekvalen had been steadily rising, culminating in a massive protest rally at the forge—a site of immense significance to the province. This forge, renowned for its cutting-edge technological innovations, symbolized not only the progress of Tekvalen but also the disparity in power and opportunity between the governing elite and the marginalized followers of Aionexus. The cultists, along with a growing number of their supporters, barricaded the forge, determined to make their voices heard. They blocked all entrances and exits, preventing anyone from entering or leaving the facility. This bold act of defiance was not just a protest but a desperate bid to force the government’s hand, demanding the legalization of Aionexus’ practices and an end to their systemic exclusion from Tekvalen's society. For hours, the protest remained tense but largely nonviolent. Demonstrators chanted their demands, raised banners adorned with Aionexus’ sacred sigil, and held firm in their resolve to disrupt the flow of production until they were acknowledged. As the day wore on, however, frustrations began to mount. Negotiations between the protest leaders and local officials stalled, and the energy of the crowd began to wane. Just as it seemed the rally was nearing its conclusion and participants started to drift away, tragedy struck. Onyomia, one of the most prominent leaders of Aionexus’ movement, was in attendance, joined by her closest friend and most devoted student, Killian. Killian, a young and passionate advocate for equality, had been helping to organize the demonstration and maintain order among the protesters. In the chaotic moments as the crowd began to disperse, a misunderstanding occurred. Police, sent to monitor the rally, moved in to break up the remaining protesters. Words were exchanged, tempers flared, and in the confusion, an officer fatally struck Killian. The exact details of what transpired remain disputed; some claim it was a tragic mistake, while others insist it was a deliberate act of suppression. Regardless, the outcome was the same: Killian lay dead in the street, a martyr for the cause. The shock of Killian's death sent waves of anger and grief rippling through the supporters of Aionexus. Onyomia, devastated by the loss of her dearest ally, became a symbol of righteous fury. That single act of violence transformed the simmering unrest into an inferno. No longer content to protest peacefully, Aionexus’ followers took up arms, vowing to fight for their rights and for justice. Thus, the war that would plunge Tekvalen into years of bloodshed began.
Deployment
Government Forces Deployment
The government of Tekvalen, well aware of the strategic importance of the mountain ranges and the forge, relied on a heavily regimented and resource-rich deployment strategy. They established fortified encampments at key locations in the mountains, such as narrow passes, elevated plateaus, and the entrance to the forge itself. Each encampment was equipped with advanced technology produced at the forge, including steam-powered war machines, automated turrets, and mechanized exosuits for their soldiers. The government leveraged its technological advantage to maintain tight control over these strongholds, which became both defensive bulwarks and staging grounds for offensives. Infantry Divisions formed the backbone of the government’s forces, trained to endure the harsh mountain climate and fight in coordinated, disciplined units. Alongside the infantry, elite squads known as Sentinel Divisions were deployed to hunt down Aionexus cultists in the mountain caves and dense forests. These units were outfitted with lightweight armor optimized for mobility and carried advanced ranged weapons, such as long-range rifles that utilized magnetized projectiles. To manage logistics in such treacherous terrain, the government deployed clockwork transports, large, spider-like machines that carried supplies and reinforcements over cliffs and through snowdrifts. Aerial surveillance was also used; ornithopters—mechanized bird-like drones—patrolled the skies, scouting for ambushes and mapping cultist hideouts. Despite their technological supremacy, the government struggled with the terrain. Their reliance on mechanized units made them vulnerable to sabotage, and their supply lines were constantly targeted by cultists. At the heart of their deployment was the Forge Guard, an elite contingent tasked with defending the forge itself. These soldiers were equipped with experimental weapons and armor, a reflection of Tekvalen’s cutting-edge technology, and were under strict orders to hold the forge at all costs. Their presence underscored the government’s desperation to maintain control over this critical asset. Aionexus Cultist Deployment
In stark contrast, the cultists of Aionexus adopted a decentralized and highly adaptive deployment strategy. Lacking the resources and advanced weaponry of the government, they relied on guerrilla tactics and their intimate knowledge of the mountainous terrain to gain an edge. Small, mobile units of cultists—referred to as Havoc Cells—were scattered across the mountain range, operating independently but with a shared goal: to disrupt, sabotage, and weaken the government’s hold on the region. The cultists used the natural geography of the mountains to their advantage, establishing hidden cave sanctuaries and camouflaged encampments in hard-to-reach areas. These sanctuaries served as both supply depots and spiritual centers, where the teachings of Aionexus were passed down and morale was bolstered. These locations were often protected by traps, such as concealed pits and explosive mechanisms, designed to repel intruders. In terms of weaponry, the cultists were resourceful. While many wielded basic firearms or repurposed tools from the forge, they also developed crude but effective EMP devices to disable the government’s mechanized units. Explosives crafted from salvaged materials were commonly used for ambushes and sabotage operations. Additionally, cultist engineers created mobile workshops, allowing them to repair equipment or build improvised weapons on the move. Their deployment heavily relied on scouts and messengers, often adept climbers or swift runners, who navigated the treacherous terrain to relay information between cells. The cultists also cultivated a network of sympathizers among the local population, who provided food, shelter, and intelligence. This allowed them to remain elusive and maintain their supply lines despite the government’s efforts to cut them off. The leadership of the cultists, including Onyomia, operated out of an enigmatic command post deep within the mountains. This location was a sacred site, rumored to be blessed by Aionexus itself, and was fiercely guarded by the cult’s most zealous followers. The leaders coordinated their efforts through a combination of traditional signals, encrypted communications, and spiritual rites that invoked Aionexus’ favor.
The government of Tekvalen, well aware of the strategic importance of the mountain ranges and the forge, relied on a heavily regimented and resource-rich deployment strategy. They established fortified encampments at key locations in the mountains, such as narrow passes, elevated plateaus, and the entrance to the forge itself. Each encampment was equipped with advanced technology produced at the forge, including steam-powered war machines, automated turrets, and mechanized exosuits for their soldiers. The government leveraged its technological advantage to maintain tight control over these strongholds, which became both defensive bulwarks and staging grounds for offensives. Infantry Divisions formed the backbone of the government’s forces, trained to endure the harsh mountain climate and fight in coordinated, disciplined units. Alongside the infantry, elite squads known as Sentinel Divisions were deployed to hunt down Aionexus cultists in the mountain caves and dense forests. These units were outfitted with lightweight armor optimized for mobility and carried advanced ranged weapons, such as long-range rifles that utilized magnetized projectiles. To manage logistics in such treacherous terrain, the government deployed clockwork transports, large, spider-like machines that carried supplies and reinforcements over cliffs and through snowdrifts. Aerial surveillance was also used; ornithopters—mechanized bird-like drones—patrolled the skies, scouting for ambushes and mapping cultist hideouts. Despite their technological supremacy, the government struggled with the terrain. Their reliance on mechanized units made them vulnerable to sabotage, and their supply lines were constantly targeted by cultists. At the heart of their deployment was the Forge Guard, an elite contingent tasked with defending the forge itself. These soldiers were equipped with experimental weapons and armor, a reflection of Tekvalen’s cutting-edge technology, and were under strict orders to hold the forge at all costs. Their presence underscored the government’s desperation to maintain control over this critical asset. Aionexus Cultist Deployment
In stark contrast, the cultists of Aionexus adopted a decentralized and highly adaptive deployment strategy. Lacking the resources and advanced weaponry of the government, they relied on guerrilla tactics and their intimate knowledge of the mountainous terrain to gain an edge. Small, mobile units of cultists—referred to as Havoc Cells—were scattered across the mountain range, operating independently but with a shared goal: to disrupt, sabotage, and weaken the government’s hold on the region. The cultists used the natural geography of the mountains to their advantage, establishing hidden cave sanctuaries and camouflaged encampments in hard-to-reach areas. These sanctuaries served as both supply depots and spiritual centers, where the teachings of Aionexus were passed down and morale was bolstered. These locations were often protected by traps, such as concealed pits and explosive mechanisms, designed to repel intruders. In terms of weaponry, the cultists were resourceful. While many wielded basic firearms or repurposed tools from the forge, they also developed crude but effective EMP devices to disable the government’s mechanized units. Explosives crafted from salvaged materials were commonly used for ambushes and sabotage operations. Additionally, cultist engineers created mobile workshops, allowing them to repair equipment or build improvised weapons on the move. Their deployment heavily relied on scouts and messengers, often adept climbers or swift runners, who navigated the treacherous terrain to relay information between cells. The cultists also cultivated a network of sympathizers among the local population, who provided food, shelter, and intelligence. This allowed them to remain elusive and maintain their supply lines despite the government’s efforts to cut them off. The leadership of the cultists, including Onyomia, operated out of an enigmatic command post deep within the mountains. This location was a sacred site, rumored to be blessed by Aionexus itself, and was fiercely guarded by the cult’s most zealous followers. The leaders coordinated their efforts through a combination of traditional signals, encrypted communications, and spiritual rites that invoked Aionexus’ favor.
Battlefield
The battlefield of Tekvalen’s civil war was a rugged and unforgiving expanse of mountain ranges, dominated by jagged peaks and treacherous ravines. The heart of the conflict centered around the forge, a colossal facility nestled in the craggy cliffs that towered over the province. This forge was not merely a factory- it was a fortress, a symbol of Tekvalen’s innovation and its government’s grip on progress. Its towering smokestacks spewed plumes of steam and ash, mingling with the swirling mountain mists, as if the land itself was caught in the chaos of war.
The terrain shaped every aspect of the fighting. Narrow mountain passes became deadly choke points where ambushes and skirmishes were a daily occurrence. Soldiers and cultists alike navigated the perilous paths with care, knowing a single misstep could send them plummeting into the shadowed depths below.
The forge itself became the focal point of the conflict, a prize that both sides were desperate to control. Its towering walls were reinforced with layers of steel, and its entrances were protected by complex mechanisms designed to withstand sieges. Cultists of Aionexus saw the forge as a holy site, a place where they could harness Tekvalen’s technological prowess to elevate their cause. For the government, the forge represented not only a critical asset but also a symbol of their authority. To lose it would mean conceding power to the rebellion.
The Engagement
The Battle of Ridgefire Pass
The first major confrontation in the war, the Battle of Ridgefire Pass, occurred six months after hostilities began. Ridgefire Pass, a narrow and treacherous pathway, was a key access route to the forge. The government sought to secure it to protect their supply lines and prevent the cultists from advancing deeper into the mountains. The cultists, however, saw the pass as a critical chokepoint they could exploit to weaken the government’s forces. The battle began with an ambush. Under cover of night, Aionexus cultists detonated hidden explosives, collapsing sections of the pass and trapping an entire government convoy. Using the rocky outcrops for cover, the cultists launched a series of hit-and-run attacks, targeting the convoy’s mechanized transports and cutting off communication with reinforcements. The government troops, disoriented and unable to navigate the unstable terrain, suffered heavy casualties. As the battle stretched into its third day, the cultists’ leadership demonstrated their tactical prowess. Onyomia directed her forces to lure the remaining government troops into a dead-end gorge, where they were surrounded and overwhelmed. The victory at Ridgefire Pass gave the cultists their first major foothold in the war and emboldened their supporters across Tekvalen. However, it also marked the beginning of the government’s brutal countermeasures, as they vowed to avenge their losses. The Siege of Frostspire Hold
Midway through the war, the Siege of Frostspire Hold became one of the longest and most grueling battles of the conflict. Frostspire Hold was a fortified government outpost perched high on an icy plateau, serving as a key stronghold for launching offensives against cultist positions. Capturing it was vital for the cultists, as it would disrupt the government’s operations and give them control over a strategic vantage point. The siege lasted for over two months. The cultists, ill-equipped for prolonged warfare, struggled to breach the outpost’s defenses. They used every resource at their disposal, employing crude siege engines, scaling the cliffs under cover of snowstorms, and sabotaging supply routes to starve the defenders. The government, meanwhile, used their technological advantage to hold the cultists at bay, deploying automated turrets and drones to patrol the perimeter. Despite their resilience, the government forces within Frostspire Hold began to falter due to dwindling supplies and the harsh winter conditions. In a daring final assault, the cultists launched a coordinated attack, using explosives to collapse part of the outpost’s outer wall. The defenders fought valiantly but were ultimately overwhelmed. The fall of Frostspire Hold was a turning point in the war. The victory came at a great cost to the cultists, who lost many fighters in the freezing conditions, but it proved their ability to challenge the government on equal footing. More importantly, the capture of the hold allowed them to seize valuable supplies and weapons, bolstering their efforts for the battles to come. The Battle for the Forge
The final and most decisive battle of the war, the Battle for the Forge, marked the culmination of years of bloodshed. By this point, the cultists had gained significant ground, and the government’s forces were stretched thin. The forge, the heart of Tekvalen’s technological might, became the last bastion of government power in the mountains. Losing it would mean total defeat, but holding it required resources and manpower the government could no longer spare. The battle began with a massive assault by the cultists, who launched waves of attacks to breach the forge’s formidable defenses. Government troops, bolstered by experimental war machines, fought fiercely to repel the invaders. For days, the mountains echoed with the sounds of gunfire, explosions, and the whirring of machinery. The air grew thick with smoke as fires raged both inside and outside the forge, turning the surrounding area into a hellscape of twisted metal and scorched earth. Onyomia, leading the cultists personally, inspired her forces with her unwavering resolve. She coordinated a daring infiltration team to disable the forge’s main defensive systems. This team, braving the labyrinthine corridors of the facility, successfully sabotaged its automated turrets and power grid, plunging the forge into chaos. With the defenses compromised, the cultists launched their final assault. The government’s forces, outnumbered and demoralized, fought to the last man but could not withstand the cultists’ relentless advance. In a desperate bid to avoid total annihilation, the government’s commander offered to surrender the forge in exchange for safe passage for the remaining troops. Onyomia, though victorious, accepted the surrender on the condition that the government formally recognize Aionexus’ cult and grant them equal rights within Tekvalen. The Battle for the Forge ended with the cultists raising their banner above its towering smokestacks. The victory not only marked the end of the civil war but also the beginning of a new era for Tekvalen. While the province remained scarred by years of conflict, the forge became a symbol of the cultists’ resilience and their vision of equality- a testament to the power of belief and the cost of change.
The first major confrontation in the war, the Battle of Ridgefire Pass, occurred six months after hostilities began. Ridgefire Pass, a narrow and treacherous pathway, was a key access route to the forge. The government sought to secure it to protect their supply lines and prevent the cultists from advancing deeper into the mountains. The cultists, however, saw the pass as a critical chokepoint they could exploit to weaken the government’s forces. The battle began with an ambush. Under cover of night, Aionexus cultists detonated hidden explosives, collapsing sections of the pass and trapping an entire government convoy. Using the rocky outcrops for cover, the cultists launched a series of hit-and-run attacks, targeting the convoy’s mechanized transports and cutting off communication with reinforcements. The government troops, disoriented and unable to navigate the unstable terrain, suffered heavy casualties. As the battle stretched into its third day, the cultists’ leadership demonstrated their tactical prowess. Onyomia directed her forces to lure the remaining government troops into a dead-end gorge, where they were surrounded and overwhelmed. The victory at Ridgefire Pass gave the cultists their first major foothold in the war and emboldened their supporters across Tekvalen. However, it also marked the beginning of the government’s brutal countermeasures, as they vowed to avenge their losses. The Siege of Frostspire Hold
Midway through the war, the Siege of Frostspire Hold became one of the longest and most grueling battles of the conflict. Frostspire Hold was a fortified government outpost perched high on an icy plateau, serving as a key stronghold for launching offensives against cultist positions. Capturing it was vital for the cultists, as it would disrupt the government’s operations and give them control over a strategic vantage point. The siege lasted for over two months. The cultists, ill-equipped for prolonged warfare, struggled to breach the outpost’s defenses. They used every resource at their disposal, employing crude siege engines, scaling the cliffs under cover of snowstorms, and sabotaging supply routes to starve the defenders. The government, meanwhile, used their technological advantage to hold the cultists at bay, deploying automated turrets and drones to patrol the perimeter. Despite their resilience, the government forces within Frostspire Hold began to falter due to dwindling supplies and the harsh winter conditions. In a daring final assault, the cultists launched a coordinated attack, using explosives to collapse part of the outpost’s outer wall. The defenders fought valiantly but were ultimately overwhelmed. The fall of Frostspire Hold was a turning point in the war. The victory came at a great cost to the cultists, who lost many fighters in the freezing conditions, but it proved their ability to challenge the government on equal footing. More importantly, the capture of the hold allowed them to seize valuable supplies and weapons, bolstering their efforts for the battles to come. The Battle for the Forge
The final and most decisive battle of the war, the Battle for the Forge, marked the culmination of years of bloodshed. By this point, the cultists had gained significant ground, and the government’s forces were stretched thin. The forge, the heart of Tekvalen’s technological might, became the last bastion of government power in the mountains. Losing it would mean total defeat, but holding it required resources and manpower the government could no longer spare. The battle began with a massive assault by the cultists, who launched waves of attacks to breach the forge’s formidable defenses. Government troops, bolstered by experimental war machines, fought fiercely to repel the invaders. For days, the mountains echoed with the sounds of gunfire, explosions, and the whirring of machinery. The air grew thick with smoke as fires raged both inside and outside the forge, turning the surrounding area into a hellscape of twisted metal and scorched earth. Onyomia, leading the cultists personally, inspired her forces with her unwavering resolve. She coordinated a daring infiltration team to disable the forge’s main defensive systems. This team, braving the labyrinthine corridors of the facility, successfully sabotaged its automated turrets and power grid, plunging the forge into chaos. With the defenses compromised, the cultists launched their final assault. The government’s forces, outnumbered and demoralized, fought to the last man but could not withstand the cultists’ relentless advance. In a desperate bid to avoid total annihilation, the government’s commander offered to surrender the forge in exchange for safe passage for the remaining troops. Onyomia, though victorious, accepted the surrender on the condition that the government formally recognize Aionexus’ cult and grant them equal rights within Tekvalen. The Battle for the Forge ended with the cultists raising their banner above its towering smokestacks. The victory not only marked the end of the civil war but also the beginning of a new era for Tekvalen. While the province remained scarred by years of conflict, the forge became a symbol of the cultists’ resilience and their vision of equality- a testament to the power of belief and the cost of change.
Outcome
Tekvalen became the first province to make it legal to be a Time’s Veil cultist.
Aftermath
Aionexus followers were able to infiltrate the government, spreading their influence to other provinces and countries.
Historical Significance
The Veilbreaker Uprising remains a significant event in Tekvalen's history and is widely known across Aeldrithius. While the rebellion itself was ultimately suppressed, and the forge that had been seized by Aionexus cultists was reclaimed by government forces within months, the uprising left a lasting impact on the region and its politics. It demonstrated that Aionexus and its followers held far greater influence and support than the Starhaven Pantheon or the provincial government had previously anticipated. This realization sparked ongoing debates and policy shifts throughout Tekvalen and beyond. Despite the rebellion’s failure to achieve its immediate goals, it forced the authorities to confront the growing presence and power of Aionexus' followers, often referred to as Time’s Veil. The uprising also revealed significant cracks in the government's ability to maintain control, particularly in remote and volatile regions like Tekvalen's mountainous terrain. Even in the aftermath, the provincial leadership faced substantial pressure to decide how to address the religious and political tensions that had fueled the uprising. Trivalent, the governing council responsible for Tekvalen's administration, made the controversial decision not to reinstate the ban on Time’s Veil worship. The council argued that outlawing the group once again would likely incite further unrest and strengthen the perception of government oppression, ultimately causing more harm than good. This decision remains a contentious issue to this day. Supporters of Aionexus view it as a step toward greater religious freedom, while critics see it as a dangerous concession to a movement that once directly challenged the Starhaven Pantheon’s authority. The Veilbreaker Uprising is now regarded as a critical turning point, not only for Aionexus' followers but also for the Starhaven Pantheon, which has since adopted more aggressive measures to monitor and contain dissenting religious movements. Although the forge itself has returned to its original purpose as a hub of technological development, the memory of the uprising persists as a reminder of the tensions that continue to simmer beneath Tekvalen's surface. The Veilbreaker Uprising may have ended, but its legacy continues to influence the political and religious landscape of Tekvalen and the greater regions of Aeldrithius.In Literature
Many books have been written and published about the war, but the most famous is Onyomia’s journal during this time. It sparked a new wave of supporters, particularly because Onyomia flooded the pages of her journal with predictions about the outcome of the war, as well as predictions for future people reading said journal.
Conflict Type
Civil War
Battlefield Type
Land
Start Date
1435-24-2
Ending Date
1442-13-25
Conflict Result
The Time’s Veil cult won
Location
Maps
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Aeldrithius
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