The Drelock Raids

"We all knew that something was coming the days after the Vin Xexu Massacre, but knowing a hurricane is coming doesn't stop it.

— Sole the Unmoving on their retrospective of the Drelock Raids

Major shifts in the political landscape of Horizon were few and far between despite the myriad of galactic powers that had begun to appear after the discovery Void Energy. There were skirmishes, territorial disputes, and even a few wars during this time period but little changed despite that. A planet changing hands, a new alliance formed, a new enemy made; all normal during these early centuries. Yet, nothing was the same after the Vin Xexu Massacre. This seemingly small, if horrendous, event was only a sample of what came next. The bloodiest conflict in known galactic history, the Drelock Raids.

The Conflict

Prelude

Expansion into the galactic core had only recently begun for many galactic powers near its location, with the newest colony being the small planet of Vin Xexu. During this time reports had begun to come in for the various governments about mysterious readings from frontier outposts. As the information was analyzed it quickly became apparently some unknown power was observing these various frontier colonies. It was as the Simmeri were planning an expedition to communicate with this new faction that the terrible news came in from the Xan. Vin Xexu was destroyed.

Outcome

The Velani Federation was founded near the end of the Drelock Raids, and led to the final battle of the conflict. After the war, the Velani Federation remained in place and focused nearly entirely on internal repairs and relief efforts. Economic and political collapse was barely avoided thanks to the combined efforts of all members in the Federation.

Aftermath

The Velani Federation has continued to grow and prosper after the Raids, but its scars from the conflict are still prevalent along its frontier. A decade after the conflict the Federation convinced the other galactic powers to sign a treaty that banned all travel into the galactic core. This led to disruptions in many shipping routes, slowing trade between various governments. Due to these circumstances there has been a steady increase in smuggler activity; and as a consequence, crime lords have gained immense power over newer colonies.

Historical Significance

Legacy

The Drelock Raids have continued to haunt the residents of Horizon, leading to a general paranoia to permeate anyone who wishes to start a new colony near their nation's frontier. Colonial expansion is at a near standstill, and powers with no where else to go have begun looking for territory in their neighbors.

Technological Advancement

The severity of the conflict led to several technological advances, the largest of which was the development of a new weight class of warship, the Dreadnaught. These massive behemoths dwarf the largest of regular capital ships, and while extremely expensive, their firepower can rival that of a small fleet.

Conflict Type

War

Battlefield Type

Space

Conflict Result

Phyrric victory for the Velani Federation

Location

Horizon

Belligerents

Drelock Armada

• Drelock Armada

Led by

• Dark Mind Vel

Velani Federation

• Velani Federation

Led by

• Admiral Typhin

Strength

Five of Dark Mind Vel's Fingers (fleets) totally two hundred and fifty capital ships strong.

Ten Simmeri fleets with three hundred capital-grade warships. Five Fulioc fleets with two hundred capital-grade warships and one newly built dreadnaught size warship. Two fleets composed of the remains of the Xan and Krellian armadas numbering fifty capital-grade warships. Three Pathes fleets with one hundred and fifty capital-grade warships.

Casualties

Three of Dark Mind Vel's Fingers.

Seventy percent of forces lost, and destruction of fifty four frontier colonies.

Objectives

Expulsion of all perceived incursions into the galactic core.

Protection of all Velani assets, and repulsion of the Drelock invaders.

Maps

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  Horizon

  Welcome to the galaxy of Horizon, an odd galaxy once ruled by a powerful intergalactic civilization that mysteriously disappeared one million years ago. Now, after all that time, new galactic powers have risen to fill the void and discover the lost history of their home galaxy.