Reich-Farraigen War
The Reich-Farragian War was a brief conflict fought between Holzreich and the Kingdom of Farraige.
Lorinthan Veterans of the The Human Rebellion fighting for Kingdom of Farraige survey the aftermath of an ambush.
The Conflict
Prelude
Through Risingsun and Highsun 70IE, Holzreich began mobilising Reichguard forces and sending them to the Farraigian border after rumours of Elven scouts infiltrating Reich territory began to circulate.
Deployment
The Reichguard of 70IE was a newly reformed, professional force largely outfitted with advanced plate armour that was developed with the aid of Dwarven expertise and in certain elite units, experimental firearms. In contrast, the bulk of the Farraigian force was poorly trained and equipped levies, armed with little more than gambersons, spears and longbows. Approximatly 1500 Lorinthan Veterans of The Human Rebellion served as a cadre for the hastily assembled Farragian levies, still utilising the same Elven equipment they fought with 70 years prior.
Battlefield
The Engagement
On Mandate Day, 70IE, Reichguard forces crossed Bergshale River into Farraige, quickly capturing the town of Valdur (subsequently renamed Wachter) and advancing into Farraige's eastern farmlands. Many of the Farraigian local levies failed to report for duty, instead staying at home to protect their families, crops and livestock. The levies that were able to be called up largely failed to resist the Reichguard onslaught and were easily routed, dying by the hundreds in the first months of the war. The few successes of the early war were the responsibilty of the Lorinthan veterans, fighting mostly delaying actions and fighting withdrawals, but they paid heavily in blood for these bittersweat victories.
Elvira Farrowstone leading a party of Farraigean levies
By Endharvest 70IE, Reichguard forces had sacked the town of Clemand and were spitting distance from Fairesoir. As winter set in, the Reich advance stalled. Lorinthan scouts used the slowed rate of movement to their advantage, harassing the strained Reichguard logistics with hit and run tactics. By Daythaw, the Reichguard were struggling to replensish their frontline units with supplies and rations, with some of the more fatigued units choosing to withdraw on their own accord. Farraigian forces operating out of the dense pine woods of the south hit the flanks of the retreating Reichguard, inflicting the bulk of the Reich casualties of the war.
As Spring set in, the Reichguard managed to resolve some of their logistical woes and sought to consolidate the gains they still held. At the dawn of 71IE, a stalemate sank in as Farraigian forces were unable to budge the newly rejuvenated and reinforced Reichguard from their positions west of Valdur. In Rising Sun 71IE, the House of Eleras controversially pursued a peace settlement with Holzreich, with many Farraigian soldiers believing that the war was turning in their favour.
Outcome
Farraige cedes the territories around Valdur to Holzreich.
Aftermath
Holzreich renames the town of Valdur as Wachter.
Historical Significance
Legacy
Lorinthan Remenants who fought in the conflict suffered extremely high casualties by Elven standards. The significant reduction in the number of capable Lorinthan soldiers significantly impacted the House of Eleras's ability to maintain their position of power.
Their defeat caused the House of Eleras a significant loss in prestige.
In Literature
An Ode to the Knights of Old: Lorinthans in the Reich-Farragian War by Valar Holanvar
Conflict Type
War
Battlefield Type
Land
Start Date
70IE
Ending Date
71IE
Conflict Result
Minor Holzreich Victory
Location
Belligerents
Holzreich
Kingdom of Farraige
Strength
20,000 Reichguard
12,000 Levies
1500 Lorinthan Remenants
Casualties
2400 Reichguard
4300 Farraigens
647 Lorinthan Remenants
Objectives
Annexation of Eastern Siarland
Annexation of Western Holzreich
Maps
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Orienta
Comments