Calbain Troubles
| Calbain Troubles | ||||||||
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| Belligerents | ||||||||
 Calbain Government
| Prince Deiniol Princely loyalist and Calbain progressives Socialist faction
|  Rogue sections of the Gwarchod Tywysogaidd
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| Commanders and leaders | ||||||||
| Hugo Lewis-Dreicdyn Rowenna Sherrinford Princely Calbain Armed Forces
| Prince Deiniol† Oswald Wyndham
| Royce Wayne†
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| Casualties and losses | ||||||||
| Prince Deiniol 37 members of the Cynulliad Cenedlaethol | All 25 members of the rogue Guard squadron | |||||||
The Calbain Troubles of 1730-1731 were a pivotal moment in the history of the Calbain people, Aeronesia, and the Calbain overseas territories. The fall was characterized by a convergence of political upheaval, cultural tension, and societal disintegration. Triggered by the succession crisis following the death of Prince Arthur III and exacerbated by the controversial ascension of Deiniol to the princely throne. As divisions deepened and allegiances fractured, the realm descended into chaos, with conservative factions seizing control in certain regions while others succumbed to anarchy and violence.
Background
On 16.VIII.1730, Prince Arthur III passed away from old age. After Prince Arthur's only son, Llywelyn, died, the line of princes from the house of Sherrinford de Montfort would be extinct following Arthur's own demise. The closest male-line relative eligible to succeed was upon Arthur's death the 32-year old Daniel Verion de Montfort, a Knight of the Holy Lakes and a Hurmu socialite and junior scholar at the University of Huyenkula. Upon succeeding to the throne, Daniel took the regnal name Deiniol to show his loyalty to his new Calbain country.
Amidst the somber atmosphere that enveloped Calbion, the mantle of leadership fell upon an unexpected heir — Deiniol, a distant relative from Hurmu, who did not speak the Calbic language well, nor was considered a child of Calbion by the people there. As the newly crowned prince took his place upon the throne, murmurs of uncertainty rippled throughout the country, and questions lingered regarding the moral legitimacy of his claim to power. Much of the difficulty for Deiniol also lay in the media's outing of him as gay, which further strengthened the opposition against Deiniol in this rather homophobic country.
The ascension of Deiniol was thus met with a cacophony of dissent and opposition from segments of the Calbion populace. Protests erupted across the realm, with banners emblazoned with slogans denouncing the new prince and his rule. Across Calbion, voices clamoured for change, their grievances echoing through the hallowed halls of power.
As tensions reached a fever pitch, nationalist fervour swept through Calbion like wildfire, igniting the flames of resistance against external influence. Conservative factions rallied around the banner of cultural identity, fiercely protective of their traditions and heritage. The spectre of secession loomed large as regions sought to assert their autonomy and resist loyalty to the Prince, fearing the new Prince's leadership would lead to the erosion of their way of life.
Against the backdrop of escalating discord, allegiances within Calbion began to fracture along lines of loyalty and defiance. While it became evident that certain territories pledged their support to Prince Deiniol – such as Ynys y Calbain, Ura'Bos, the Brettish Isles, Sant Paula, and Blackstone, as well as the Calbain Church, for various reasons for themselves – the rest of the country withheld its allegiance, casting doubts upon the unity of the realm. The once-unified principality now stood on the precipice of fragmentation, its future hanging in the balance.
In regions such as Kilkelly, Aerys, Cybwlach, and mainland Andilaria, conservative factions seized upon the tumultuous climate to consolidate their hold on power. Draconian laws were enacted, dissent quashed, and opposition silenced as autocratic rulers tightened their grip on authority. The once-thriving communities of these strongholds now found themselves under the iron fist of oppressive rule, their freedoms curtailed in the name of preservation.
Despite the initial veneer of stability maintained by conservative strongholds, this soon descended into a state of chaos and despair. Internal power struggles and factional rivalries tore at the fabric of society, leaving communities fractured and vulnerable. As the central authority waned, criminal elements seized the opportunity to exploit the vacuum of power, plunging the realm into a protracted era of lawlessness and violence.
Faced with the specter of anarchy and societal collapse, Prince Deiniol embarked upon a desperate bid for survival, seeking refuge in his birth country of Hurmu. Diplomatic channels were opened between the Prince, with the support of the areas he had secured allegiance, and the Order of the Holy Lakes. Negotiations were initiated, as the beleaguered prince sought to secure the integration of the core of Calbion into the Hurmu realm, without which, he feared for a Calbain auto-genocide. Yet, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, the fate of Calbion hung precariously in the balance, its future teetering on the brink of oblivion.
The Troubles
The tumultuous years of 1730-1731 in Ynys y Calbain bore witness to a complex web of political intrigue and factional dynamics, as key figures within the island's leadership grappled with the implications of Prince Deiniol's ascension to the throne. Against a backdrop of succession crisis and societal upheaval, Grand Master Huw Macklemore, Governor-General Hugo Lewis-Dreicdyn, Speaker of the Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cadwaladr Bevan-Hall, and Leader of the Opposition Rowenna Sherrinford emerged as central figures in shaping the island's response to the prevailing crisis.
As a pivotal figure within the Calbain Church, Grand Master Huw Macklemore wielded considerable influence over the island's religious and political landscape. Macklemore's intervention played a crucial role in swaying the opinions of Governor-General Lewis-Dreicdyn and Speaker Bevan-Hall towards supporting Prince Deiniol's ascension and integration with Hurmu. Drawing upon his moral authority and theological expertise, Macklemore navigated the delicate balance between tradition and pragmatism, advocating for a path forward that prioritized stability and unity amidst the prevailing crisis.
Governor-General Hugo Lewis-Dreicdyn initially harboured skepticism towards Prince Deiniol's ascension and the prospect of integration with Hurmu, wary of the potential consequences for Ynys y Calbain's autonomy and cultural identity. However, Macklemore's intervention and persuasive arguments regarding the necessity of unity and pragmatism in the face of external pressures ultimately swayed Lewis-Dreicdyn's stance. Recognizing the imperative of political cohesion and collective action, Lewis-Dreicdyn lent his support to Deiniol's leadership and the treaty of accession, albeit with lingering reservations.
Speaker of the Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cadwaladr Bevan-Hall, a shrewd and pragmatic politician, shared Lewis-Dreicdyn's initial skepticism towards Prince Deiniol's rule and integration with Hurmu. However, Macklemore's intervention and diplomatic overtures proved instrumental in convincing Bevan-Hall of the necessity of supporting Deiniol's leadership and the treaty of accession. Drawing upon his political acumen and strategic foresight, Bevan-Hall navigated the intricacies of parliamentary politics, leveraging his influence to garner support for Deiniol's cause and secure the island's future within Hurmu.
Kilkelly emerged as a focal point of resistance against Prince Deiniol's leadership. Fueled by deep-seated suspicions and prejudices, the island's populace vehemently rejected Deiniol's authority, citing his foreign background and sexuality as grounds for their defiance. Instead, Kilkelly rallied behind the so-called Independent Calbain Church, viewing it as a bastion of traditional values and national identity in contrast to the established church. Driven by a fervent commitment to conservative nationalist ideals and a desire for local autonomy, Kilkelly's leaders established a strict secessionist government, determined to chart their own course independent of Deiniol's influence. However, this decision proved to be a fatal misstep, as the hastily formed administration struggled to maintain cohesion in the face of mounting internal discord and external pressures.
Brettish Isles
As the political landscape of Calbion descended into chaos, the Brettish Isles faced a tumultuous period of uncertainty and upheaval. The looming specter of preventive invasion by neighboring powers, Shireroth and the Benacian Union, heightened tensions and added a sense of urgency to the decision-making process. Faced with the looming threat of external aggression, the government of the Brettish Isles recognized the imperative of unity and collective action to safeguard its sovereignty and protect its citizens.
In the midst of this pivotal moment, Lieutenant Governor Owain Rivers of the Brettish Isles emerged as a key player, wielding considerable influence and playing a crucial role in navigating the storm. Rivers, with his deep understanding of the geopolitical dynamics at play and his unwavering dedication to the welfare of the Brettish Isles, played a pivotal role in rallying support for the decision to align with Prince Deiniol and seek refuge within the framework of Hurmu. His diplomatic acumen and steadfast leadership provided a guiding beacon for the government and the people of the Brettish Isles amidst the tumult of the fall of Calbion.
Despite lingering reservations and internal dissent, the government of the Brettish Isles embarked on a course of action aimed at securing its future within the protective embrace of Hurmu. The decision to align with Prince Deiniol and seek refuge within the framework of Hurmu was driven by a pragmatic recognition of the realities of the post-fall era and the need to chart a path towards stability and security amidst the uncertainty of the times.
The commitment to integration with Hurmu was not without its challenges, as dissenting voices within the Brettish Isles expressed concerns about the erosion of sovereignty and the dilution of cultural identity. Leader of the Opposition Richard ab Ioan remained steadfast in his opposition to Prince Deiniol's rule, aligning himself with nationalist-conservative forces resistant to change. However, the prevailing sentiment within the government and among the populace was one of resilience and determination to confront the challenges ahead.
As the Brettish Isles navigated the storm of the fall of Calbion, it did so with a firm resolve to uphold the principles of democracy, liberty, and the rule of law that defined its identity. Despite the formidable obstacles and external pressures it faced, the Brettish Isles stood poised to weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side, guided by the enduring values that shaped its destiny. And in this endeavour, Lieutenant Governor Owain Rivers stood as a stalwart guardian, guiding his people through the tumultuous waters of uncertainty towards a brighter future.
Over the fourth, fifth, and sixth months of 1731 AN, the maritime shipping of the Brettish Isles would begin to be tormented by the predations of the suddenly unleashed Sea-Reavers, beginning with the loss of the MV Trade's Increase, bound from Avalon to Montfort only to be abruptly hijacked and diverted towards the Warring Islands.
Ominously, at the same time, a large body of Benacian warships were rumoured to have sorted out into the Great Western Sea.
Cybwlach
The preoccupation of the Cybwlach government with suppressing homosexuality, maintaining traditional values, and managing internal political turmoil may have diverted attention and resources away from enforcing labour rights and regulating the activities of powerful conglomerates like the Iron Company, CCAC, and CPP. This lack of effective governance and regulatory oversight could have created an environment conducive to the exploitation of workers.
As the political landscape in Calbion became increasingly volatile, the conglomerates wielding immense economic power in Cybwlach seized the opportunity to expand their influence and capitalize on the chaos. With the government in Pentyre preoccupied with internal strife and societal divisions, the Iron Company, Cwmni Cyd-Stoc Amaethyddol Cybwlach (CCAC), and Cwmni Pren a Phapur (CPP) began to usurp greater control over the territory's economic activities.
Workers in Cybwlach, already vulnerable due to the dominance of these conglomerates and the lack of effective labor regulations, saw their rights further eroded. Exploitative labor practices, including extended working hours, reduced holiday rights, and suppression of union activities, became increasingly prevalent. The conglomerates, emboldened by the absence of meaningful oversight, prioritized their own profits over the well-being of their workers, exacerbating social inequalities and exacerbating tensions within the territory.
Against this backdrop of internal strife and economic exploitation, the arrival of a Sanaman police mission in Cybwlach marked a pivotal moment in the territory's history. Responding to the escalating crisis in Calbion, increased offensive posturing by the Benacian Union, and the threat of war looming over the region, Sanama sought to establish a presence on Cibola to safeguard its interests and deny access to rival powers.
The Sanaman contingent swiftly moved to establish control over key strategic assets in Cybwlach, including the harbor and airport. Faced with overwhelming military force and the prospect of foreign occupation, the authorities in Cybwlach offered little resistance, opting instead for public condemnation and acquiescence on the ground. The Iron Company, recognizing the futility of defiance, negotiated an exit with the Sanaman forces, allowing its top echelons to escape with their ships to Pentyre while leaving behind the mining and harbor facilities.
The establishment of Sanaman control over Cybwlach had far-reaching consequences for the territory and its inhabitants. While the immediate threat of foreign intervention may have quelled the internal unrest to some extent, it also signaled the loss of sovereignty and autonomy for Cybwlach. The Sanaman presence, intended initially as a policing mission, raised questions about the long-term implications for the territory's governance and future.
By 14.VII.1731, the Sanaman occupation of Cybwlach had streteched to the entirety of the area, and all parts of Cybwlach government, authorities, and infrastructure were under Sanaman control. The government in Pentyre under Prince Deiniol and Governor-General Hugo Lewis-Dreicdyn reluctantly accepted the situation, hoping nonetheless that Cybwlach might be returned to Calbion once order had been regained across the country. Deiniol dispatched diplomats to Semisa City to seek to coordinate the occupation and understand the Sanaman intentions in the area. It quickly became clear that the Sanaman government intended to remain in Cybwlach, and that while there was possible room to negotiate, the full withdrawal of Sanaman forces would be very difficult to achieve.
Ynys Herydd
Ynys Herydd's economy, heavily reliant on trade with the Inland Sea of Cibola and the mainland of Calbion, suffered significant disruption in the aftermath of Calbion's collapse. Trade routes became inactive, leading to economic decline and uncertainty on the island. This decline prompted Ynys Herydd to further withdraw from external interactions, resulting in a period of isolation as its ports fell silent and commercial activities diminished.
Ynys Herydd had long been governed by a strict adherence to tradition and conservatism, with dissenting voices marginalized and political change hindered by entrenched norms. In the aftermath of Calbion's fall, this conservative stance became more pronounced as the island's leadership sought to maintain stability amid growing uncertainty. However, this approach led to political stagnation and hindered efforts to address emerging challenges.
While the Calbain Church exerted influence over much of Ynys Herydd historically, the events with Prince Deiniol and the rest of the fall of Calbion, the island chose to give its religious allegiance to the Independent Calbain Church, which advocated for separatism and self-reliance. Led by charismatic figures, the Independent Calbain Church gained prominence on the island, offering an alternative to the established religious order. As traditional institutions faltered, the Independent Calbain Church emerged as a significant force, providing guidance and support to those seeking stability in uncertain times.
Despite efforts to withstand the aftermath of Calbion's fall, Ynys Herydd succumbed to internal divisions and external pressures, leading to societal fragmentation and unrest. Cut off from mainland support, the island descended into a state of disorder, characterized by factionalism and lawlessness. Warlords and criminal elements seized control, exacerbating the chaos and undermining efforts to restore order.
The Calbain Church and the Fall
As the winds of political turmoil swept across the realm of Calbion, the once-unified Calbain Church found itself torn asunder by a profound theological schism, fracturing along lines of allegiance, doctrine, and tradition. At the heart of this division lay the question of the Church's stance towards Prince Deiniol, whose ascension to the throne ignited fervent debate and dissent within ecclesiastical circles.
Of the 23 masterdoms (akin to bishoprics) that dotted the landscape of Calbion, a majority in Ynys y Calbain rallied behind Grand Master Huw Macklemore in a show of support for Prince Deiniol, albeit tinged with prayers for his conversion to what was perceived as the "right way" according to traditional Calbain teachings. Yet, in regions such as Kilkelly, Aerys, Ynyshir, and Armoria, the faithful found themselves grappling with profound internal divisions that threatened to unravel the fabric of the Church itself. Here, bishops and clergy wrestled with the moral and theological implications of Deiniol's rule, with some voicing staunch opposition while others cautiously embraced the prince's leadership, albeit with reservations.
At the heart of the theological rationale behind the Church's support for Deiniol lay a complex interplay of tradition, morality, and political expediency. Synthesizing ancient Calbain polytheism with the tenets of Catologism, the Calbain Faith espoused a cosmology and theology steeped in Unitarian Polytheism, wherein the universe was believed to exist across eight planes of existence, each governed by its own deity. Central to this theological framework was the concept of the Death of Cato, the original god, whose demise gave birth to the eight gods of Calbain religion. Against this backdrop, the Church's endorsement of Deiniol's rule was framed within the context of divine providence and the unfolding of cosmic destiny, transcending the constraints of human understanding and moral judgment.
Amidst the turmoil of theological debate and ecclesiastical discord, a faction within the splintered bishoprics coalesced around the banner of localist-nationalist conservatism, forming what came to be known as the Independent Calbain Church. Embracing a narrative of cultural preservation and resistance to external influence, the Independent Calbain Church rejected what they perceived as the capitulation of the mainstream Calbain Church to the forces of change and modernity. Aligned with conservative factions in secular society, the Independent Calbain Church sought to assert its autonomy and fidelity to traditional Calbain values, even as it found itself on the fringes of ecclesiastical legitimacy.
The theological schism within the Calbain Church reflected deeper tensions surrounding interpretations of scripture, doctrine, and moral authority. While some bishops and clergy in the splintered bishoprics espoused a rigid adherence to traditional Calbain teachings, others grappled with the complexities of reconciling faith with the exigencies of political reality. Questions of moral compromise, divine providence, and the nature of governance loomed large, with each side invoking theological justifications to bolster their respective positions. Moreover, the revelation of Prince Deiniol's homosexuality added another layer of theological complexity, with some factions citing it as evidence of moral depravity while others argued for compassion and acceptance within the Church.
In the crucible of theological debate and ecclesiastical discord, the Calbain Church stood at a crossroads, its future uncertain and its unity fractured. As bishops and clergy grappled with the implications of Prince Deiniol's rule and the broader societal upheaval sweeping across Calbion, the Church found itself embroiled in a struggle for its soul, torn between the imperatives of tradition and the exigencies of the present. The theological schism that emerged laid bare the profound complexities of faith, governance, and identity in a realm teetering on the brink of collapse, leaving an indelible imprint on the religious consciousness of Calbain society.
