The Peninsula War

The Conflict

Prelude

The border between Sarton and The Tribes of Ashklana had been at the narrow isthmus prior to the war. Centuries before that, the Vozhami people who used to inhabit the peninsula were driven out by the Dragonborn, Kobolds, and Lizardfolk who came across the ocean. Some of them fled north, to the human kingdoms. But many of them still remained in the western part of the peninsula, and were oppressed by the Ashklan. Though they had various revolts, none of them ever led to independence and were eventually destroyed. Sarton, seeing itself as a protector of all humans, sent an ultimatum to Rhogar of Verdin with various demands, one of which being to grant autonomy to the Vozhami inhabiting the peninsula. Signed by King Ilian Eldritch the Old himself, they knew that it was no empty threat. But Rhogar could simply not accept the outrageous demands, which included opening borders to humans and moving troops away from the border as well. He chose war instead, which is what Sarton had truly wanted and expected anyways.

Deployment

The fact that Sarton had already prepared for war gave them a speed advantage. However, by the time they reached the Kalstead Mountain Range many of the tribes had already united for war, and continued to be reinforced by tribes from the South and East for the next three years, as some tribes initially declined and needed convincing.

The Engagement

The Sartonians found the most resistance initially trying to push through the narrow isthmus of the peninsula. The terrain became mountainous and hilly, making movement difficult and negating some of the benefits of the firearms which dominate on the plains. Although the tribes were not yet fully mobilized, the most powerful tribes at the time were living in the northwest and they fought fiercely. It was largely a stalemate for the first two years with heavy casualties on both sides. Airships were sent to attempt a landing in the North.The Battle of Brimstone Bay, 6 G.L. was a devastating failure for Sarton, where several airships were destroyed by the tiny Ashklan naval fleet, through the use of mages. Though it prolonged the war, the Sartonians were eventually able to push past the hills and progress for them was much easier on the open plains. However, their generals knew the situation would be far worse in the dense swamplands of the south. Rhogar knew that he would stand a chance much better fighting a guerilla war in the swamps, but refused to retreat and simply allow occupation, seeing it as cowardly. He mustered all of the tribes still willing to fight (many had already retreated southwards). He fought and died in The Battle of Tresa, ending the war.

Included Conflicts

• The Battle of Brimstone Bay, 6 G.L.
• The Battle of Tresa

Conflict Type

Military Campaign

Start Date

4 G.L.

Ending Date

13 G.L.

Conflict Result

The creation of the Sartonian-Ashklan Demilitarized Zone, Sarton gained territory further south than the city of Rhovos

Location

Ashklan Peninsula

Belligerents

Sarton

• Sarton

Led by

• Ilian Eldritch the Old

Tribes of Ashklana

• Tribes of Ashklana

Led by

• Rhogar of Verdin

Strength

• About 800 Gunslingers
• 2000-3000 mixed militiamen (Spearmen, archers, men-at-arms)
• 1000 Vozhami rebels
• 25 Cannons (Crews of 10)
• 13 Airships (Crews of 50)

Total: 4,700 - 5,700

• 2000 - 2600 Dragonborn warriors
• 300 - 400 Dragonborn mages
• 5000 - 6000 Lizardfolk warriors
• 1000 - 1500 Kobold warriors
• 200 Kobold Trappers

Total: 8,500 - 10,700

Casualties

• 212 Gunslingers (Death of some noble houses)
• About 1000 dead militiamen
• About 900 Vozhami rebels dead
• 4 Airships destroyed
Total: 2,300 dead

Estimates of:

• 1700 Dragonborn dead
• 3000 Lizardfolk dead
• 1000 Kobold dead

Total: 5,700 dead

Objectives

Win enough battles and capture enough territory to force the tribes to give in to their demands.

Defend their lands from foreign invasion, win enough battles and cause enough damage to cause defeat.