Massacre at Summerhal

The Massacre at Summerhal was a turning point in the Alcanzar Slave Rebellion of the Fourth Era. It resulted in the death of the Emperor Charles II Viromaro, as well as Grand Chancellor Marquess Bernard Montclair.

Causes

During the early Fourth Era, a slave rebellion spread across mainland Alcanzar, after a similar rebellion managed to successfully form a free republic in the Alcanzari island colonies of Aqumis months earlier. The Alcanzari forces, quickly overwhelmed due to their small numbers, requested the aid of the White Gold Tower. The young Emperor Charles II Viromaro saw this as his only opportunity to see and lead in war like his ancestors of the Third Era. He organized a number of battalions of the Imperial Legion, and marched into Alcanzar. After a few weeks of relative succes and securing the capital of Solleria, the Emperor decided to host a small feast for the High-Lord of Alcanzar, Fernando Vinkhuys, in the Viromaro summer palace of Summerhal, a short distance outside of Solleria, with lush forests for hunting to the east, and overlooking the Cape of Sol to the west. Here, they would celebrate the previous victories, discuss upcoming battles and how to ensure such a rebellion would not occur again. Having pushed the fight deep into southern Alcanzar, Emperor Charles II considered the palace safe.

The Massacre

As the evening continued, the formal discussions and battle plans ended, wine and imported Ardoraghi honey flowed freely, and the soiree became more a regular party. The officers mingled in the gardens, whilst the Emperor danced with his mistress in the great hall. High-Lord Vinkhuys went to his room to privately discuss matters with Grand Chancellor Marquess Bernard Montclair, whilst he send his wife back to Castle Verona, overlooking Solleria.

As the party continued, some offers allowed the handful of Imperial Royal Guards to indulge in the fine wines as well, until almost everyone in the palace was intoxicated. A cache of fireworks were discovered in the attic of the palace, and from the city walls of Solleria guards could see the sky light up in bright colors.

A battalion of volunteer fighters