Destruction of Knothole

The Destruction of Knothole was a massive military engagement between the Eggman Empire and the Kingdom of Acorn lasting mere hours. The engagement marked a massive military feat for the Kingdom of Acorn and a quick, decisive victory for the Eggman Empire. The victory was short lived however, when the few un-captured citizens staged a rescue mission and had all of the citizens transported to New Mobotropolis.

Prelude
From the time Sonic the Hedgehog was transported off of Mobius and the Xorda were driven away, Dr. Eggman officially formed the Eggman Empire and declared war against the Kingdom of Acorn and the United Federation. For nearly two years, the Eggman Empire spent most of its time and resources on the occupation of Angel Island, where the Echidna population was predominantly enslaved and sent to concentration camps by the occupying Dingo Regime. Eggman changed his focus back Knothole upon Sonic's return, realizing that the Kingdom of Acorn now had their greatest warrior back and posed a legitimate threat. (StH: #125, #130)

For the next few months, the Eggman Empire launched a series of failed campaigns against the Kingdom of Acorn, though this was primarily due to Dr. Eggman wishing to enjoy the various "war games" and prolong the war until he felt it was time to truly act. In 3238, the Egg Fleet had been completely produced and was ready to be used. Eggman used it to win a decisive victory during the "Darkest Storm" when Ixis Naugus and his followers joined with Mammoth Mogul and his. Though Eggman could have used the Egg Fleet to capture Sonic and his allies then, Eggman decided to bide his time. (StH: #132, #133, #162, #163, #164, #175)

After the successful defeat of A.D.A.M. - largely due to the Egg Fleet - Dr. Eggman was prepared to launch a full-blown offensive against his enemies. The Kingdom of Acorn, slowly taking the Eggman Empire less seriously after obtaining numerous victories upon Sonic's return to Mobius, was completely unprepared for the invasion. Although Espio the Chameleon infiltrated New Megaopolis and discovered Eggman's plans, he was subsequently captured and prevented from bringing the news back to Knothole. Not wishing to delay the invasion any longer, Eggman gave the order to attack. (StH: #169, #174)

The Attack
While the Knothole Freedom Fighters and Chaotix spent their time relaxing at Freedom HQ, the Egg Fleet began its aerial bombardment of the Knothole Kingdom. Snively arrived at Freedom HQ and attacked both teams, acting as a diversion while the Egg Fleet attacked and captured the kingdom's citizens. After capturing all but Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, Amy Rose and NICOLE, Snively's attach mech was defeated and Snively retreated. Sonic, the only one of the un-captured citizens who was not buried under the rubble of the former Freedom HQ, ran to Castle Acorn to warn the king of the attack. As he ran through Knothole he witnessed the large-scale destruction. Just as he arrived at the castle, the large structure exploded. Emerging from the flames was Dr. Eggman in his Egg Beater battle suit. Sonic fought bravely against Eggman, but was ultimately no match for the Egg Beater suit and was left beaten and demoralised. Eggman, wanting Sonic to remember the tragic defeat, left Sonic alive and alone while the Egg Fleet returned to New Megaopolis. (StH: #175)

Aftermath
Due to Snively failing to capture Knuckles, Tails, Amy and NICOLE, the five regrouped and managed to launch a successful rescue mission in New Megaopolis, preventing the captured citizens from death while being held in Egg Grape Chambers. Due to Eggman's overconfidence and refusal to listen to Snively, NICOLE managed to re-calibrate the transported beams on the Egg Fleet and Egg Beater to transport the targets to the nanite city which NICOLE had remade into New Mobotropolis. Because the city was protected by an energy force field, Eggman was unable to destroy it or re-capture the Mobians within. With assistance from the Knothole Freedom Fighters and the Chaotix, Sonic managed to defeat the Egg Beater and force Eggman to withdraw - a complete turnaround for the Eggman Empire and partial victory for the Kingdom of Acorn. (StH: #176, #177)