First Abyssal-Imperial War
The Conflict
Prelude
Despite a period of significant growth, prosperity and peace throughout the Empire, in 3010 BCE, the descendants of both the Tenebran rebels and the Elven colonists often perceived themselves as oppressed and overlooked for key opportunities. High Commandant Zhamar Kaleron passed from a fever in the winter of 3010 BCE, one of the frontrunners to replace him was Commander Kazakus Tharizane, a renowned elven swordsman and spellcaster. At the coming of the new year, the Emperor named Artemond Gammurkand to the role of Seraph and High Commandant. Tharizane challenged Artemond to single combat for rights to the role of High Commandant. The Emperor forbade Artemond from accepting the invitation, claiming that a disparity in either fighter's skill in combat would not further alter his decision. Feeling slighted, Tharizane led an attack on Artemond's caravan as it returned home to Gulkar from his appointment ceremony in Xuuyai. Tharizane was mortally wounded by Artemond in combat, and his forces retreated, carrying him from the battle to his home in Tal Hodeth. Here he was met by the chief Arcanists of Tenebra, Zhan-Chi who saw an opportunity to recruit the dying Commander to his cause. Zhan-Chi offered Tharizane the power to survive his wounds and defeat his rival in exchange for helping him summon Orcus to the material plane. The Emperor sent the Garrison Qohort, comprised mainly of elves and led by the elven commander, Oerthanan to treat with Tharizane. Oerthanan had hoped that Tharizane would be more willing to surrender to his kinsman and would dissolve his renegade force if they were assured pardons. The rejuvenated Tharizane and his loyalists slew the Garrison Qohort with the aid of Zhan-Chi's arcanists. Zhan-Chi instructed Tharizane and his followers to feed on their kinsmen's corpses, in doing so, binding them to Orcus and turning them into the first ghouls. This deadly alliance would then locate and acquire the remains of Orcustus Tenebrous allowing Zhan-Chi to conduct an ancient abyssal ritual, forever destroying the last remnants of Orcus's humanity and summoning the demon lord to the material plane.
Belligerents
Strength
- 20,000 Undead
- 10,000 Abyssal Undead
- 1500 Demons
- 31,500 Total
- 1000 Legionnaires
- 70,000 Imperial Qohort
- 80,000 Total
Casualties
- 20,000 Undead
- 10,000 Abyssal Undead
- 860 Demons
- 500 Legionnaires
- 19,000 Imperial Qohort
- 63,000 Civilian
- 19,500 (Military), 82,500 (Total)
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