Battle of Mypatha

^{Sunfall


Conflicts and Conspiracies


Andistani Revolt


Battle of Mypatha}

In an afternoon they lost half their fleet and another Shalik of the Kanodite Empire. More importantly, they lost the image of immortality. As their triremes were captured or sank, the chances for a quick resolution to the conflict sank with them.
— Kanodaria, On Mypatha

The Battle of Mypatha was a naval battle which occurred during the Andistani Revolt, in 97BSF. It was fought between the Andistani-Samadic fleet and the Kanodite Empire of Mazyar I, and resulted in a decisive victory for the Andistani which crippled the eastern Kanodite fleet. The Andistani Revolt began when the Shalik of Andistan, Shahin, was overthrown by Sina, who shortly became king afterwards. His distrust of the Kanodites saw him declare independence and raise a military force to meet the inevitable repercussions. Whilst the surrounding cities refused to support the revolt, the Andistani found a willing ally in the Samadic Kingdom, who sent a force of 50 triremes and 5,000 men. This force was headed by Aplaa Libaya Kanodari, a man who had experience fighting the Kanodites and knew that, if the Kanodites could merge their navies, the revolt would eventually be overwhelmed. It was agreed that attacking the Kanodites before they could meet up would offer the best chances of success. The eastern half of the Kanodite fleet was based in Kangaroud. Ordered not to engage the Kangaroudian Shalik, Bijam, refused to be drawn into a pitched battle and kept his fleet moored. Eventually, he was forced into battle by the Kangaroudian nobility. Confident of victory, Bijam was led into a trap by the Andistani fleet before being encircled by the Samadics. The Kanodite wings caved quickly and fled, leading to a collapse of the battle line. The more experienced Kanodites at the centre remained and fought valiantly but the battle was lost. The defeat at Mypatha seriously hindered the Kanodites ability to crush the revolt in its early stages and gave the Andistani time to build their forces to a greater extent. It also encouraged Sarvengan to rebel against the Kanodite Empire, offering Sina an important ally in the region. The battle was seen as a humiliation by the Kanodites and after the Andistani Revolt was crushed, was a pretence for the Second Kanod-Samadic War.

Background

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^{Main article: Andistani Revolt} Before the Kanodites arrived the Andistani, together with surrounding cities in the region, were self-governed. Each city-state had its own king and political system. After Amamia voluntarily sided with the Kanodites to stave off the Sarveganians, the region slowly came under Kanodite rule. The growing encroachment of the imperial forces ended with the Battle of Sarpole in 139BSF. The coalition facing the Kanodites was crushed and peace terms were sought resulting in the capitulation of the Andistan and its annexation into the Kanodite Empire. The monarchy was cast out and a Shalik was placed in charge of the city. The Shahliks were tasked with controlling the territories under their control and returning tribute to the Great King. It was not uncommon for Shahliks to enrich themselves or their political allies but the Kanodite Great Kings were generally ignorant or indifferent. After nearly 50 years of imperial occupation, and in the reign of the Kanodite Great King Mazyar I, the Shahlik of Andistan Shahin was forced to crush a spate of riots in Andistan with the help of a military force sent by the Great King. Under pressure to explain why he needed imperial aid, Shahin placed the blame on a political allegiance of native Andistani nobility, headed by Sina. Sina, fearing execution or exile, incensed the Andistani to rebel and declare independence from the Kanodite Empire. Sina understood that the Kanodites could bring far more resources and military might to bear than he alone could muster and sought allies for his revolt. He found a willing ally in the Samadics, who sent a force of 50 triremes and 5,000 men to assist the revolt headed by Aplaa Libaya Kanodari. Whilst their combined navies were reasonably outnumbered by the eastern Kanodite fleet, they would be overwhelmingly outnumbered if the Kanodites could link their fleets up. Knowing this, Mazyar I had given orders to the Kangaroudian Shalik, Bijam, to refuse battle and wait for the Western fleet to set sail. Despite multiple attempts, Sina and Aplaa were unable to encourage Bijam to leave his harbour.

Aplaa resolved to pillage and loot the surrounding countryside, forcing the populace to flee to the city. Whilst the destruction and torching were normally without direction, Aplaa made sure to leave the estates of Bijam untouched. With the population of Kangaroud swelling daily, and the Kangaroudian nobility losing their estates and assets whilst those of Bijam remained unmolested, the pressure on Bijam mounted considerably. In an attempt to encourage Bijam to set sail, the false message that the Samadics had sailed home was spread in the city. The rumours heaped further pressure on the Shalik.

^{The Samadics torch the land around Kangaroud}

Eventually, Bijam was persuaded by the nobility to give battle and end the threat to the Kanodite Empire. Bijam would not only ease the pressure on the city but would likely be rewarded by the Great King for his service. In early 97BSF, Bijam's fleet glided out of the Kangaroudian harbour to meet the combined Andistani-Samadic forces.

The Opposing Forces

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Andistani and Samadics

The Andistani had spent most of 98BSF building a sizeable navy and brought 100 triremes to the battle. Before the Andistani Revolt, the native Andistani nobility had been charged with funding and manning their navy, so had a good understanding of naval warfare. Supplementing the main Andistani ships were 50 Samadic triremes. The Samadics had spent a lifetime at sea and could draw upon considerable experience in engagements. The combined fleet was led by Aplaa Libaya Kanodari.

Kanodites

The Kanodite Empire brought most of its eastern fleet to the battle and had mustered 250 triremes led by Bijam, the Kangaroudian Shalik. Uncomfortable with naval warfare, the Kanodites relied on ships laden with marines that would win engagements by boarding actions. As was typical, the fleet contained levied native forces that would be placed on the flanks whilst the centre was comprised of ethnic Kanodites that would be tasked with most of the combat.

Prelude

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Having moored close to the city, the Andistani-Samadic fleet was informed of Bijam's plan to attack by a spy placed in the city. Some in the fleet, particularly the newly levied Andistani sailors began to worry that the Kanodites, who outnumbered them, would sweep them away in combat. Sina spoke directly to his men before the fleet set sail.

Men of Andistan, let each of you know that you have a choice this day, whether to return to the Kanodites, shackled and broken or stand tall as free men, oar and spear in hand. I cannot promise that the victory will be swift or bloodless, or easy. Yet we have passed the point of no return. The Kanodites are coming and will keep coming until we beat them. I will not let our revolt end today. Who among you will stand with me?!

Sina's men drew close to the Kangaroud and then withdrew before the Kanodite fleet. Bijam, believing that victory was at hand, followed for the next three hours. Some of his officers became worried and voiced their concerns to the Shalik who refused to listen. If word had reached the Great King that Bijam had not only broken his word, and had ignored orders, but had also failed to achieve any victory, his Shalikdom would be essentially over. His forces followed the Andistani until Sina's triremes turned for battle.

We are men of the Kanodite Empire. Our forces have vanquished all that have stood before it and our power touches every corner of this world. Our Great King watches us this day and expects a glorious victory. Make sure he is proud of the spectacle! Give no quarter and take no prisoners! The man who brings me the head of the traitor Sina will have his weight in gold.
— Bijam as his triremes formed up for battle

^{The Andistani fleet before Bijam's forces}

Strategic and tactical considerations

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The Andistani knew that alone their revolt would fail. The Samadics had offered assistance but only because they saw an opportunity to destabilise the Kanodites. They cared little for Andistani independence. Local allies were needed to offer the revolt a chance of success but few dared to oppose the perceived immortality of the Kanodite forces. The region's conquest and the destruction of the Tusked Alliance were in living memory for many who did not want to see the same happen again. Sina hoped that forcing the Kanodites to an engagement, whilst they were waiting for reinforcements, would encourage other cities to rebel. Without a quick victory, the revolt could filter away without a fight. On the other hand, the Kanodites had time on their hands. The eastern fleet, mainly based at Kangaroud, comfortably outnumbered those of the revolt and more triremes would be joining them. Not wanting to risk a defeat, BIjam, the Kangaroudian Shahlik, had been told to avoid battle at any cost. The loss of manpower could be quickly replaced but the loss of prestige would be far harder to recover from. Historically, Bijam has been blamed for the prolonged duration of the revolt. It has been suggested that had he waited, the revolt would have either fallen apart or been crushed by the entire Kanodite fleet. Aplaa was tasked with formulating a plan of battle when the time came. His ploy was ultimately successful – the Kanodites believed that the Samadics had gone and that only the Andistani would stand against them. The plan of attack relied on the Kanodites continuing to be unaware of the Samadic presence and their hopes for a decisive victory. A single scouting party could disrupt the entire plan and the Kanodites would retreat back into the harbour. Only once the Kanodites had engaged could the trap be sprung. The Kanodites, unaware of Aplaa's plan, hoped to smash through the Andistani centre and then sweep around on the flanks and mop up any remaining opposition. It was crucial to the Andistani success that Aplaa was not discovered until it was too late and the Kanodites could be held off long enough to permit Aplaa to arrive.

The Battle

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The Kanodites began the battle with a concentrated push which attempted to break the Andistani centre. At one point it appeared that the Andistani would buckle but Sina rallied his men and held. As the Kanodites poured more of their ships into the combat, attempting to punch through the Andistani line, a flaming arrow was cast into the sky. This was the signal for Aplaa. The Samadic triremes set sail and moved behind the Kanodites. The flanking attack could not be prevented as the Kanodite triremes did not have the manoeuvrability to turn and face their assailants. After a brief melee, the right Kanodite flank caved and fled the battle. The Andistani line widened and encircled the Kanodites, who were crushed together in the centre. Whilst the Andistani slowly fought their way through the Kanodites, the Samadics threw firepots into the bunched triremes. In the chaos, the Kanodite captains struggled to keep order on their vessels. Surrounded, the imperial triremes were slowly dwindled down. Most that slipped through the encirclement were chased down and captured. During the rout, some triremes caught a good wind and managed to limp back to Kangaroud, avoiding the majority of the slaughter.

^{Bijam's final stand}

Bijam, and those on his flagship fought valiantly and repulsed several boarding actions. It is said that Bijam was one of the last few men fighting and kept to his word - death or victory. The oarsmen, realising that retreat was not an option took up any weapons that they could carry and joined the marines in holding the ship. After growing impatient with Bijam's resilience, a series of arrow volleys were unleashed onto the deck of the trireme, wiping out most of the remaining Kanodites. The Kangaroudian Shalik was purportedly hit in the neck and continued to fight until he passed out from blood loss.

Aftermath

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At the beginning of the revolt, many believed that the Andistan would be torched to the ground and its people sold into slavery within a couple of months. Despite all expectations, half of the Kanodite fleet had been taken out of action and yet another Shahlik of the Kanodite Empire had been slain. When news of the victory reached Sarvengan, the Sarveganians cast out the Kanodites and joined the Andistani Revolt. Their combined military strength proved pivotal at the Battle of Abisi. The loss of the eastern fleet sent shockwaves through the Kanodite Empire. It was largely believed that the Kanodites could not be bested on the field and no imperial force had been routed in nearly a century. Mazyar purportedly worried that other parts of his Empire might rebel once word of the defeat was shared so he made sure to spread rumours that Sina had died in the battle. The defeat at Abisi further shook the Kanodite morale and, despite his desire to press forward, Mazyar was forced to end his military operations in 97BSF after suffering two large defeats. Despite having the initiative, Sina refused to assault Kangaroud. It is generally agreed that he saw no strategic value in taking the city and wanted to focus on securing his western flank. Aplaa strongly disagreed and both men publicly clashed on the issue. Sina's refusal to agree with Aplaa on how to follow up their victory at Mypatha was the main reason for the Samadic withdrawal from the Andistani Revolt.

Significance

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The battle was the first large-scale naval engagement that the Kanodites had fought in decades and had ended in disaster. A lack of interest in naval affairs and overconfidence in their fleets had cost the Kanodite Empire dearly. Once the Andistani Revolt was over, Mazyar visited the site of the battle and remarked that he would 'remember Mypatha' and pledged to destroy the Samadic's power at sea. The defeat sparked an overhaul of the fleet structure and, through several policies put in place by Mazyar and his successors, saw many of the nobility take a keen interest in the admiralty. The changes paid off during the Second Kanod-Samadic War.

Remember Mypatha
— A Kanodite and Dobarid Maxim

After the collapse of the Kanodite Empire, the battle became a point of contention for the successor Empires. The Dobarids, who inherited the ethnic Kanodites and the homeland of the Kanodite Empire, regularly use the battle as a casus belli against the Kangaroudians, mirroring Mazyar I's phrase 'remember Mypatha'. The Kangaroudians, who found themselves controlling the Andistani and the Sarvenganians, had to walk a delicate line. Considering themselves the 'true' heirs of the Kanodites, the Kangaroudians celebrate the victory as the first sign of their pre-eminence and use the victory as evidence that they have the strength to re-unite the Empire.