Deep Cold Uprising
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The Deep Cold Uprising, or sometimes called Andrik's Rebellion, was a short rebellion against the Holy Orenian Empire orchestrated by King Andrew II of Haense to gain the independence of the Kingdom of Haense. The rebellion occurred during the infamous Year of Four Emperors and ended with the abdication of King Andrew II, and the reaffirmation of fealty by numerous northern Lords and title holders to the Imperial crown. King Andrew II was executed for his deeds, with Ser Brandon, Marquis of Vasiland losing a hand for his role in the uprising.
Prelude
Emperor John III had three sons, John Augustus, Robert Henry, and Philip Frederick. To keep the Imperial crown's good relations with the crown of Haense and to maintain human unity, Emperor John III arranged a betrothal between Philip Frederick and Princess Tatiana of Haense. However, the courtship between the two failed, and Andrew II instead had her wed Marquis Brandon of Vasiland. Instead, a new match was made, between John Augustus and Princess Julia of Haense. Despite the Emperor's best attempts, John Augustus' numerous unsavory comments earned him the contempt of Andrew II.
Andrew II had no patience for what he saw as a slight to his family's honor, and quickly grew disgruntled with the union between John Augustus and Princess Julia. Then, in 1585, Emperor John III was killed, assassinated by two high elven assailants. Word quickly spread through the Empire of Emperor John IV's role in the assassination, given his complaining about having to wait to ascend to the throne. During a diplomatic meeting between the Emperor and Andrew II, the King, and his close friend Marquis Brandon, would strike out at and kill the Emperor, claiming that the Emperor was on the verge of murdering Andrew II, and that this was an act of self defense.
Emperor Robert II, who had succeeded to the throne following his brother's passing, met with the King and a league of other Haensetian nobles, offering a pardon to those who had a role in the death. When Andrew II denied all attempts at forgiveness, the Emperor abdicated, leaving the throne to the youngest of Emperor John III's son, Philip Frederick. Emperor Philip, having lost his father and his two brothers, immediately declared the Kingdom of Haense as a rebellious state, officially beginning the rebellion.
The Rebellion
At the start, King Andrew II received support from a multitude of his vassals, including his Marshal, Marquis Brandon. Andrew II wasted no time in preparing fortifications, and started by destroying and blocking the pass through the Greyspine mountains, obstructing any land route into the Kingdom. As time progressed, there were many within the Kingdom who began to doubt the validity of the rebellion. Many of the Lords of the realm were members of Houses that had been destroyed during the Dukes' War, and wished not to return to a state of exile. It was during this period of doubt that Emperor Philip released the Olive Branch petition, offering amnesty to any northern lords who either remained neutral or fought against King Andrew II. While many were wary of abandoning the Kingdom, they were also not wanting to see their Kingdom and their Houses destroyed. It was Count Sergius's declaration of support for the Empire that gave many nobles the final push they needed, including Baron Demetrius. The loss of support from his top nobles caused Andrew II to give up the rebellion, abdicating the title to his young son, Marius I of Haense.
