Overview
The Ulzathir Invasion of Solvarria is Zain's campaign to conquer Solvarria after the failed Thalassai invasion and the hidden death of Ozaith. Solvarrian separatists give him a political opening, and Zain uses the campaign to prove Ulzathir is still strong, gain fertile territory, and seize Solvarria's shield, rail, and defense technology.
Campaign
Solvarria had fought as Ulzathir's ally at Terranova and suffered heavy losses. When Solvarrian leaders demand an explanation from Zain, he gives none; later, separatists approach him and offer to serve under his rule. Zain reorganizes Ulzathir's troops in Ishtanur, leaves Qadir as temporary governor, and sends the army across the desert by sandship to keep Ulzathir's opening move hidden.
Archibald meets the army at the Solvarrian border and prepares Lumenbury as Ulzathir's base. Zain assigns Ishqari to handle Solvarrian technology. Khezriya directs Ulzathir's field command. The push beyond Lumenbury stalls when Sol resists behind shield generators and city shields that Ulzathir struggles to break. Zain avoids destroying the capital because he wants the country intact, so the siege of Sol stretches for months.
Ulzathir eventually strikes Redcliffe, a city near red sandy hills, essence towers, and strange wildlife, to drain Sol's essence reserves and weaken the capital's defenses. Archibald's faction obeys Zain's commands, Ulzathir's cities pour resources into the Ulzathir Invasion of Solvarria, and Ishqari's researchers begin adapting Solvarrian technology for Ulzathir.
Aftermath
Solvarria falls to Ulzathir, and Archibald is installed as ruler. Zain leaves Khezriya to finish the occupation and returns to Ishtanur on Qadir's insistence. Archibald later sends engineers to Ulzathir to implement a rail system linking the nations, and Solvarrian troops serve under Zain's command.
Thalassai later reverses the victory by conquering Solvarria by surprise, leaving Archibald holding Lumenbury at the border and pushing Zain toward the failed Attack on Pyrenis.