Prelude[]
In 28 ABY, many people within the Chiss Ascendancy felt that the Ascendancy's policies were endangering them. With the Yuuzhan Vong War raging across the Galaxy, and Killik Colonies becoming increasingly aggressive, the Chiss people felt that more definite, military action was nessecary. Many more flocked to the Empire of the Hand, which was commanded by High General Soontir Fel. The Hand had been declining since the death of Thrawn's clone in 19 ABY. This was due to the active war with the Vong and the fact that most Chiss saw it as illegitimate after the death of the designated heir. The Cspalla, Sabosen and Inrokini families had predominent control of the government through political maneuvering. The other families, while disgruntled, were powerless to give the people what they wanted.
However, in 28 ABY, a second Clone of Thrawn was born, who quickly took command of the Hand.
The secession[]
After the birth of Thrawn's clone, the disgruntled ruling families decided that the Hand was now powerful enough to protect them properly, so they seceded. The Mitth and Chaf families had already quietly supported the Hand, and the Kres had until Thrawn's death. The Mina were very strong in their support of the Hand all along. Most of the outlying colonies also joined. The military did as well, wishing to serve under a commander they could trust.
The remainder of the Ascendancy declared war on the seceded families and the Hand.