The War of the Dying Roses

The War of the Dying Roses marks the tumultuous period during which the ruling imperial family of the Markian Empire was overthrown by a new, ambitious family eager for conquest. At the time, the empire was in decline, with its systems deteriorating under various pressures. Emperor Worangrad Reczniek, eager to prove his worth to his new vassals, viewed the breakaway tributary state of Rumburg as the perfect opportunity for expansion. Despite the empire's financial difficulties and an understrength army, Worangrad assembled the Imperial Army and advanced toward Rumburg. However, due to the late arrival of reinforcements, Rumburg had ample time to bolster its defenses. The ensuing conflict, known as the War of the Dying Roses, devolved into a bloody twenty-year stalemate, during which both sides suffered the loss of hundreds of thousands of men. Although the border territories of Rumburg were initially captured, a combination of a deteriorating supply network and harsh winter conditions led to the reversal of all gains. In the aftermath, Worangrad negotiated a peace deal and withdrew his forces. The War of the Dying Roses became known as one of the bloodiest and least successful conflicts in the history of the Markian Empire. Disenchanted by the empire's prospects, Worangrad retreated to his homeland of Wehlen and declared it a separate nation, effectively sealing the fate of the Markian Empire.