Charge of the Martyrs

The Charge of the Martyrs was one of the most significant movements of Pact of the Blessèd forces into Violet Accord territory during the War of the Six, and at the time the largest-scale engagement. It is retrospectively considered a pivotal battle: prior to this, had events occurred differently, it is possible that the war would have deescalated far sooner. It is also one of the engagements that utilized the most bloodsingers, the effects of which can still be felt in the Ega to the present day.
It occurred at the northernmost end of the Ashspoken Bridge in northern Unenshuut following a failed prisoner exchange.
Of particular note is that this was one of the few diplomatic arrangements and military engagements that occurred without 'Shadow Warmaster' Devatska Acosaphaura's involvement, as her husband Eraleon had been murdered the previous day. Many speculate that had she been present, the Pact would not have made the rash decision to retaliate and push too deep into Accord territory. It nonetheless did little to improve Chief Warmaster Xocis Bu'ran's reputation as a strategist.

The Conflict

Prelude

The capture of Monare Hejiq prompted an arrangement for prisoner exchange between the two forces. This was arranged to take place on the Ashspoken Bridge, which was near the edge of both territories occupying the Central Theater.
However, when the exchange was about to be made, Monare signaled to her brother, Vasaeon Hejiq, and Grien Laughingmeadow that the Accord should kill their hostages, as they were too valuable, despite this meaning she would be sacrificed in the process. They did so, and in a fit of rage the Pact reciprocated likewise. This prompted an initial small, short-lived skirmish before both sides retreated to their forward camps.

Battlefield

Initiated in the area between the Rivens and the net of the Tubsiqu (and the series of bridges begun in the north with the Ashspoken Bridge), pushing south across the net and the Tubisqu to the Dagger's Edge.

Conditions

Notably heavy rain on the night of the 13th and through the 14th.

The Engagement

The same night that the prisoner exchange failed, Pact forces decided to make a decisive push over the Tubisqu River via the Ashspoken Bridge with a strong show of Bloodsinger and Razakir forces, their goal being to reach Keismeb -- a key city for the Accord. The Accord responded in kind with warlock and Azgorach Horde forces.

Outcome

Although the Pact reached the outer territory of Keismeb, they had poor supply lines and were not able to establish a seige of the capital; they retreated after only two days.

Aftermath

Far-reaching damage to the Ega and to the physical territory; the bridge had been known prior as the Gracewoven Bridge and this was subsequently changed to the Ashspoken Bridge.

Historical Significance

In Literature

The event is commemorated in Akasien Ttarvek's war poem "The Legacy of the Martyrs".

Included under Conflict

War of the Six

Conflict Type

Battle

Battlefield Type

Land

Start Date

13th Day of the Season of Ripening, 987AC

Ending Date

15th Day of the Season of Ripening, 987AC

Conflict Result

Strategic retreat by Pact forces

Location

Ashspoken Bridge

Belligerents

Pact of the Blessed

• Golden Itoqir

Violet Accord

• Host of Selephise

Strength

Casualties

Objectives

Push toward and seize Keismeb.

Defend the Ashspoken Bridge and Keismeb.