Battle of Bukwiza
The Battle of Bukwiza was a military battle that took place south of the town of Bukwiza, in the Mandara Grassland, in 47 PC between the Tersten Resistance and the Imperium Valianum. By this point, the Valian Empire was close to collapse, and the Battle of Bukwiza is considered to be the final nail in the coffin for the Empire. It ended with the disappearance of Empress Thalia Bowers, leading into a succession crisis from which there was no recovery.
Bukwiza, and the greater region of Mandara, had been under the occupation of the Imperium Valianum since the fall of the People's Republic of Lordania. However, it lay directly on the border with the newly formed Respublika Rovenya, an independent nation supported and backed by the greater Republic of Tersten. Both Rovenya and the RoT saw the Imperium as a grave threat to the stability of the region, and so sent their aid to the local resistance movements, while also preparing for an invasion of their own.
The Resistance had made their headquarters in Bukwiza, a small and unassuming town lying close to the border, perfect for coordinating with allies outside the Imperium. The Empress and her military leaders decided to lead the Imperial Army to the town. They had expected a small, and unprepared force. Instead, they fought a dug-in and well trained fighting force, with support from the Tersten Army itself. With the Empress stuck in Bukwiza, both Rovenya and the Moore Republic launched an invasion of both sides of the Imperium.
It is not known what happened to the Empress. Most reports state that her body was recovered during the battle, but without her Imperial Battle Armor, the speciality-made combat armour that had made her nigh-bulletproof. It was assumed to have been looted during, or just after the battle, but it would be impossible to hide an 8-foot tall piece of power armour. Some speculate that she abandoned the fight, and the Imperium, others say she is biding her time to return. Whatever the case, the Battle of Bukwiza was the last time the Empress was seen alive, leading to a bitter power struggle at the heart of the Imperium's command, at a time they needed leadership the most. Only seven months after this decisive loss, the Imperium Valianum collapsed entirely.
The Battle is remembered in local and regional history, usually through song or art glorifying those who fought against the Imperium. Its anniversary is celebrated in the town of Bukwiza with large firework displays culminating in the burning of effigies of Empress Bowers on the bonfires.
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