Terracotta Wars

= Overview: = The Terracotta Wars are not necessarily between specific nations nor factions, but rather is the general term used for all wars directly related to, or related around The Mesa. Generally however, these wars will concern the Empire of Uldarash and Ardat Mosul, with at least one or both being involved in the conflicts

(note: at the moment of writing there is only one Terracotta War, although this stated as plural due to the high likelihood of future conflicts)

The First Terracotta War:
The First Terracotta War, or the Viper War as it's commonly referred to, was started on October 30-31, primarily between Ardat Mosul and Sewer Mafia. Firstly, the conflict was started with Greentomato declaring on Ardat Mosul, citing personal issues with the nation and stealing valuable gear from the city.

Opening Maneuvers:
Ardat's first attack on Sewer Mafia was repelled, the fault primarily be placed on the mercenaries hired for the assault. Mercenaries along with volunteers from around Rathnir rushed to their aid, each carrying their own grievances. Following a short cease fire, Ardat performed a counterattack on Tomato's forces, resulting in Tomato insulting Dalatra, using very personal insults and such against her. The repercussions of this would proof instrumental in their downfall

The Second Terracotta War:
The Second Terracotta War, of the Great Western War as it's commonly referred to, was started on officially started on November 3rd, however the route of the conflict can be traced back as far as October 27th with the Bardonian Illegal Mining Incident. This conflict, fought mere days after the First Terracotta War, would proof incomparable with regards to its influence on the Mesa, The Empire of Uldarash, Bardonia and Western politics at large. Declared by the Empire of Uldarash, the war would be won by Bardonia and her allies, proofing a decisive and incredibly detrimental blow to Uldarash.

Beginnings:
Signs of the war to come could be traced as far back as October 27th, where it was discovered by Marquis Corvus of Uldarash that 2 individuals were illegally mining in a part of the far Western, coastal mesa. Unaware of their gear nor their intentions and believing them to most likely be Sewer Mafia, backup forces were called. Upon the arrival of these forces, the individual, now only 1, with the other having been believed to have left, was confronted, confirming him to BackTotheHub of Bardonia. Additionally, a bed for Unicornb0i was found, and eye witnesses testimony from Gencarrot believed Exezus to be the individual who left.

After a short, non-violent verbal confrontation, a meeting between Uldarashi officials and Unicornb0i the chancellor of Bardonia was established. Due to some miscommunication in regards to timezones, Unicornb0i arrived over an hour late to the meeting. During the meeting, it was concluded by the Uldarashi that a fine of 100k, calculated from the cost of a Legendary Enchantment Book, (about 500k in exp bottle cost) would be leveled upon Bardonia, with them having a week to get the money & confirm it with their council, and also various means to reduce the fee, such as an offer to procure about 8 of BackTotheHub's head. This reduction offer alone would go a long way in creating tensions as, despite it being a generally standard punishment in Uldarashi culture, it was deemed as barbaric and insulting by Bardonia. Apparently, Corvus had also, while the negotiations were going on, been sliding insults towards BackTotheHub under the table, further harming relations

The Five Day Week:
Five later on November 1st the Uldarashi were informed the Bardonians had come to a decision and had a payment. Surprised at their earliness, although not particularly thinking to hard on it, the Uldarashi eagerly accepted the meeting, encouraging Bardonia to bring a second to back up their chancellor in the talks.

This meeting was held in the same city as the first, Hapatmitas, with Chancellor Unicornb0i and Senator Ezexus coming to representing the Republic of Bardonia and Minister Timeken of Commerce and Minister Iram of War representing the Empire of Uldarash. The negotiations, although starting off quite respectful and optimitstic, proved quickly to be short in this manner and overall. Instead of the demanded 100k, Bardonia instead payed 100. As in 1/1000th of the demand and 1/2 the price of a single price of gold. Effectively the Bardonians had spat in Uldarash's face, calling their demands extortion. While various efforts would still be continued to attempt and reach a peaceful resolution, somewhat surprisingly primarily encouraged on by Uldarashi diplomats, these efforts would prove in vain, as many believe this was the moment war became unavoidable. Two days later, the war was declared by Uldarash. It seemed the one week ultimatum had come to fruition.