War by Proxy. An effective solution to the problem of mutually assured destruction.   The seven galactic factions had, for once, all agreed. Entire star systems had been evaporated instantly by the powerful weapons they each possessed.   The War planet was their elegant solution. War games with real consequences. Strict rules enforced by an impartial AI.   It worked. For thousands of years, armies representing each faction fought, lived, and died in a constant stalemate. The citizens left behind lived in peace. The real world war engines died out. And the War Planet was forgotten - left behind to carry out a proxy war for all eternity.   Until a new faction entered the game.     [participant in the 2024 Royal Road Writathon challenge]