Hesperidesian Crusades
The Hesperidesian Crusades were a series of intermittent military campaigns in the years from 810 to 1382, sanctioned by various Emperors. In 810AD the Exponential Emperor, Maximinius I, sent an open call to the nobles of his lands requesting military support to defend against increasingly hostile incursions against settlement's on the Empire's borders. The nobles and church leaders responded by calling Catholics to join what later became known as the First Hesperidesian Crusade. This initiated a complex several hundred year struggle in the region.
Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people from many different classes and nations of Hesperidesia became crusaders by taking a public vow and receiving plenary indulgences from the church. The Emperor, Maximinius I, claimed that anyone who participated was forgiven of their sins. In addition to demonstrating devotion to God, as stated by him, participation satisfied feudal obligations and provided opportunities for economic and political gain. Crusaders often pillaged the countries through which they traveled, and contrary to their promises the leaders often transformed newly conquered territory into their own personal fiefdoms, rather than simply convert the inhabitants.
Opinions concerning the conduct of crusaders have varied from laudatory to highly critical. The impact of the crusades was profound; they ended with the entire continent of Hesperidesia under the control of the Exponentia family. Crusader armies would trade with the local populations while traveling, and local chieftains often organized markets for crusaders moving through their territory. The Crusades consolidated the collective identity of the Empire of Exponent under a unified leadership, and were a source of heroism, chivalry, and piety. This consequently spawned medieval romance, philosophy, and literature. However, the crusades reinforced the connection between Catholicism, feudalism, and militarism, which was counter to the some of the initial ideas of Maximinius, such as the peaceful conversion of natives beyond the fringes of Empire.
First Crusade
Eastern Crusade
Northern Crusade
Coastal Crusade
The Coastal Crusade (1164-1172) was a military campaign between the Empire of Exponent and the remaining Latin Kingdoms of Hesperidesia along the continent's southern coastline. The conflict began over a religious dispute between the Amianthus IV, the king of Basilea, and the Pope in Rome, leading to the former's excommunication. The excommunication was subsequently seen as a green light for Octavius II to send his armies against the kingdoms.
