The Breaking of Wyrms

The first major battle between Valnoria and Aurelion at the outbreak of The Sundering. What occurred on these fields has been debated amongst historian for centuries. What can be agreed upon is that the Aurelion forces suffered a humiliating defeat in battle against a brilliant Valnorian strategy.

Heralded as one of the greatest battles to be fought on Lorthwyns during the first age, the Breaking of Wyrms was the clarion call that would begin the Second Elven War, more commonly known in the history books as The Sundering. Capturing the imagination of generations to come, the battle inspired countless pieces of art and literature epitomising a romanticised conflict of heroism and gallantry. On one side, the shimmering armour and splendid banners of The Sunburst Sepulchre on the other midnight clad warriors with crescent moons and lidless eyes of Aulreth flying high. The only similarity between both sides were the sigil of dragons from the ancestral bond of the now divided Alcronian dynasty. While it is true that many great names fought and died during this momentous encounter, it was far from chivalric engagement of legend it has been made out to be.
In reality, many contemporary sources repute the battle to be a bloody and sordid affair. Typical Aurelion rhetoric paints the Valnorians as the aggressors of the conflict, however it was the belligerent actions of The Sunburst Sepulchre and their flagrant disregard of borders when conducting increasingly violent religious purges that forced the conflict. Much of what lead up to the Breaking of Wyrms, paints a picture of how the Sundering began and the terrible legacy it would leave behind. Changing not only the face of Lorthwyn forever but Aelfaune kind forever.

Prelude.

Since the schism that shattered the Elysion Imperium in 1433 of the first age, perpetual state of cold war existed for over two centuries between the successor Aelfuane nations of Valnoria and Aurelion to the backdrop of their bickering deities. With increasing religious rhetoric, tensions between the two powers would finally reach breaking point, descending into open warfare when The Sunburst Sepulchre's purges began spilling over into Valnoria unabated. In response, the beset Valnorian marcher lords repelling the incursions had begun launching raids and pillaging the borderlands of Aurelion to quell these intrusions into their lands. This did little to diminish the purges, in fact it rather stoked the flames of fanaticism, calling for drastic action against those who dare oppose the righteous will of the sepulchre.
Over the course of several month, diplomatic relations would rapidly break down as the followers of Aushurie would mass behind The Sunburst Sepulchre and urging the nobility of Aurelion to raise their banners and wage holy war against their northern neighbours. The threat of war would be officially declared by the Valnorian King Dakranul Urithair. Interestingly war was not declared on Aurelion, but rather on The Sunburst Sepulchre itself. Stipulating that unless the faith withdrew its militant zealots and preachers from its lands then the Valnorians would have no choice but to expel them, and seek to permanently neutralise the faiths ability to wield military power. This did little to diminish the purges, but rather stoked the flames of fanaticism. Isenril Lorthrien, Oracle of the Sepulchre publicly denounced the Valnoirans and their declaration of war on the faithful of Aushurie, was not only a declaration of war on all Aurelion, but all Aelfaune kind.

Conflict Type

Battle

Start Date

1786 FA.