Formation of the Earth Empire

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"earth"

- I'd like to make an announcement to the world: the Earth Kingdom is no more. And from here on out, this man has no authority.

The Imperialization of the Earth Kingdom is a conflict instigated by Kuvira, former guard captain of Zaofu following the Anarchy in the Earth Kingdom. Initially a mission to stabilize the nation following Zaheer's assassination of Earth Queen Hou-Ting, Kuvira amassed a sizable army and enough support from the conquered city-states to effectively depose Earth King Wu, the heir to the Earth Kingdom leadership.

Background
Growing up in the Zaofu, Kuvira came to believe that hereditary succession of leadership without merit caused by monarchies was archaic and needed to be changed. After a meeting with Tenzin and Raiko that saw Suyin Beifong decline the chance to lead the Earth Kingdom, Kuvira became disgruntled towards the matriarch. Therefore, she departed the city, taking a sizable amount of supplies, the security force, and the city's wealthiest people with her.

Events
Soon enough, Kuvira's army grew to an immense size. For three years, they traveled across the Earth Kingdom, freeing towns from roving bandits and criminals in exchange for their total loyalty to her. This earned Kuvira the moniker of the, "Great Uniter." After the Earth Kingdom was 90% reunited, Kuvira and her army were invited to the coronation of Prince Wu, the crowned monarch of the Earth Kingdom. After recieving the Kyoshi Medal of Freedom, she made a speech where she declared the Earth Kingdom to be no more, and that Wu's authority was null and void. She also renamed the Earth Kingdom the, "Earth Empire," with her as its ruler. She also started developing what is presumed to be a superweapon using spirit vines found in Republic City.

Following this, Kuvira and her army traveled to Zaofu, her former home and the only city she hadn't conquered. Bringing her entire army to project a sense of strength, Kuvira originally intended to negotiate the surrender of the city peacefully knowing that they were under the eye of the entire world now. After Suyin declared that Kuvira would never get Zaofu, the commander gave her twenty four hours to join the Empire or else the city would be taken by force.

That same night, Suyin and her twin sons, Wing and Wei, attempted to dispose of Kuvira via a nighttime raid. The plan failed and the trio was captured. After hearing of their failed attempt, Korra, Opal, and Jinora traveled to the outskirts of the city to discuss the situation. Kuvira warned Korra that she was treading in Earth Empire business. She challenged Korra to a one on one duel where, should she win, she would take Zaofu, but if she would lose, she would leave Zaofu. After Korra went into the Avatar State to finish Kuvira, her hallucinations returned, allowing the army commander to defeat Korra and take Zaofu.

The city now occupied, Kuvira ordered its denizens to bow to her or suffer the consequences of treason. All but Bataar and Huan bowed to her, prompting Kuvira to send them to prison. The Fall of Zaofu prompted the entire reunification of the Earth Kingdom.