[Ensemble cast, mostly original worldbuilding] Since the Northern Border Independence War began in 1072, peace on Terra has been as fragile as paper at the slightest touch. The Newark Great Depression of 1088 then completely shattered peace across Terra. The entire planet’s economy collapsed, Columbia’s global economic strategy failed utterly, and the many conflicts and crises hidden beneath the bubble of prosperity came rushing to the surface. Victoria’s political turmoil was temporarily suppressed by the heavy-handed measures of the great noble government. To divert attention from the conflict at home, they sent Terra’s largest fleet, which nearly annihilated the Eastern Fleets of Siesta and Columbia. The two sides are now at war.
Eastern Terra is the source of the war. The North’s independence has severely damaged the interests of both Ursus and Yan, and each wants to annex the North again through a great war. Ursus’s million-strong army has already crossed the Northern Border, but Yan did not invade as agreed with Ursus. It remained unmoved, waiting to see what would happen to another nation.
Kazimierz suffered a crushing defeat in its eleventh war against Ursus. It had been on the verge of occupying New Siracusa, only to be driven back into its own territory by Ursus, losing a quarter of its land in the process. Now, with aid from several nations, it has rebuilt dozens of knightly orders wiped out in the war and is marching on Ursus once more. It intends to reclaim the glory of Kazimierz.
Every nation on Terra has been drawn into the conflict. Victoria’s “Iron Duke,” Wellington, declares that this war will bring an end to everything.
But who, exactly, will be brought to an end?
Nice. . . But which was the last book?