Novenadian Revolution

Novenadian Revolution
Novenadian forces outside their bunker in the Karjinian Mountains
Period
Midsummer 23rd, 2154 - Midsummer 28th, 2155 (1 year and 5 days)
Location		New Kalban Republic, Veiid
Result		Dissolution of NKR
Belligerents
Novenad			NKR
Strength
Casualties and Losses

The Novenadian Revolution was a civil war between the Varkrimeski-led New Kalban Republic and Novenad (then a coalition of states seeking independence from the NKR). It lasted just over a year from 2154 to 2155, incurring heavy losses for both sides. The Revolution resulted in the dissolution of the NKR and the creation of modern-day Novenad, as well as the secession of Sokovo and Southern Karjina from the NKR, with the two states promptly joining Fortis.

Background

Aleksander Varkrimeski seized power from the Yellow-Red Coalition on the 24th of Paril, 2153, and began a crusade against those in the NKR who didn't follow his interpretation of Patrism. His primary targets were prominent figures aligned with the Veiidic-Baskayan Church, but after a mental breakdown he soon began a campaign of terror against the general population. Varkrimeski announced on national television that he would "purify the religous community of the disgusting infidels who still believe in traditionalism." Fear permeated the nation, with most people locking their doors or fleeing their homes and cities in the following weeks. Varkrimeski sent the specially formed task force Religiosna Sila Prostichavan (Religious Purification Forces), composed of his most loyal squadrons and commanders, to round up anyone who had publicly promoted traditionalist views and threaten reprisals for those who refused to report traditionalist Patrists.

The independent nature of NKR provinces, religious persecution of prominent figures, and socio-economic instability brought on by the sudden change of leadership led to several breakaway states forming; Novenad, Belkagranic & Ladnovizen, Sokovo, and Southern Karjina, with the latter two seeking to join the Federal Republic of Fortis. Among these, Novenad split from the NKR at the end of 2153 as a collection of provinces that had significant political autonomy prior to Varkrimeski's coup. These provinces were able to collect enough support from the elements of the 3rd NKR National Army disloyal to Varkrimeski to form their own small military. The Novenadian Revolution officially began Midsummer 2154, after Varkrimeski directed the NKR National Army to retake Novenadian territory. He flatly refused to declare war, which he stated he considered would be recognizing Novenad as a country.

Warfare

The 1st National Army attacked through a southern pass, but very little fighting actually occurred and both sides stood down to maintain defensive lines after suffering significant losses. The majority of fighting occurred in the Karjinian Plateau, in near constant snow and harsh weather. The Karjinian Plateau is above the snow line for most of the year, getting 1-3 meters yearly. NKR forces were ill-equipped for cold-weather warfare, and expended significant resources in taking the plateau. In November of 2154, Varkrimeski diverted the 1st National Army to the Karjinian Plateau, with the exception of a minimum defensive line. These reinforcements as well as the rising snow line with the onset of summer strengthened morale for the NKR, allowing them to renew their attack and push Novenadian forces out of the Karjinas.

In a fit of hubris, Varkrimeski then turned his sights to the formerly neutral state of Belkagranic & Ladnovizen, and began an assault on their borders. Belkagranic & Ladnovizen had been preparing for an attack since declaring independence, and had close ties with the nation of Belka dating back several decades. This diplomatic relationship brought in significant Belkan support for the Novenadian forces, now united with Belkagranic & Ladnovizen. This support changed the nature of the civil war from asymmetric to symmetric, increasingly in favour of Novenad.

By June of 2155, the 2nd NKR National Army had been backed up to Belgrad, and had achieved air superiority over the NKR. Airstrikes on military hubs were near constant, and the 1st National Army had surrendered. On the 27th of Midsummer, Aleksander Varkrimeski disappeared. Suddenly without leadership or direction, the young and inexperienced command structure collapsed and the 2nd National Army surrendered to Novenadian forces.

Aftermath

The civilian population welcomed the end of the war and liberation from the tyranny of Varkrimeski's fanaticism, and mass lynchings of NKR officials took place across the country. Lucija Berislav, a major leader of Novenadian forces during the revolution, took office and proclaimed the day a national holiday, promising a peaceful transition to a democracy as soon as political violence subsided.