Namorian-Theronite Conflict

The Namorian-Theronite Conflict, also known as the "Namorian Liberation of West Theron", marks a significant chapter in the history of the Namorian Republic and the former Kingdom of Theron. This event, unfolding over several years, underscored the clash of ideologies and the struggle for power and resources between the republic and the fractured Kingdom of Theron.

Contents

Overview

The conflict originated from the Namorian Republic's long-standing ambition to expand its influence across the Great Ocean to the continent of Orynthia. Despite the challenges of traversing the vast ocean and more pressing concerns closer to home, the Namorians were relentless in their expansionist endeavours. A mix of strategic manipulation, taking advantage of local superstitions and political situations, and leveraging their military superiority, allowed them to gradually extend their footprint in Orynthia.
Their first significant presence was established in 302 RE in the Kingdom of Set, with the city of Cademor. Ostensibly a trade zone under a treaty with Set, it was largely seen as an outcome of Namorian influence over various Lord Advisers to the young King of Set. With Cademor, the Namorians had a foothold in Orynthia and a more permanent base for their operations.
The situation escalated in 325 RE with the death of King Brennus of Theron, which triggered a civil war and eventual disintegration of the Kingdom. This event marked the start of the direct Namorian-Theronite conflict. The vacuum of power and internal chaos in Theron gave the Namorians a chance to assert their military dominance, initially in West Theron, and then gradually into neighbouring territories.

The Conflict

Prelude

The untimely demise of King Brennus of Theron without a clear heir led to power struggles among various nobles and factions. The once-unified Theron was splintered into several smaller entities, each with its own aspirations and allegiances. The power vacuum and the ensuing instability provided a ripe opportunity for the Namorians to execute their expansionist agenda.
As Theron was embroiled in internal strife, the Namorians offered military support to the popular uprising in West Theron, also incidentally propelling the establishment of the Black Coast Free States. The republican ideals of the Namorians resonated with the populace, leading to a swift and decisive victory over the local lords who were ill-prepared to counter the well-organized and well-equipped Namorian forces.
This pre-conflict period saw the rapid rise of Namorian influence in the region. While it set the stage for the conflict that was to follow, it also laid the foundation for the transformation of West Theron into a frontier of the Namorian Republic.

Deployment

Namorian Forces

The Namorians, known for their organized and disciplined military, initially deployed an six legions for the campaign, roughly equating to about 24,000 to 30,000 soldiers. This number includes regular infantry, archers, cavalry, and support personnel. As the campaign stretched on, more legions were brought in from across the ocean, boosting their numbers. It is estimated that at the height of the conflict, the Namorians had about ten legions in operation within West Theron, approximately 40,000 to 50,000 soldiers.
In addition to these regular troops, the Namorians also incorporated auxiliary units consisting of locals who had pledged allegiance to the Namorians or mercenaries hired for specific tasks. The number of these auxiliaries varied, but could have added another 5,000 to 10,000 combatants to the Namorian forces.

West Theron Forces

On the other side, the forces of West Theron were much less organized. Most of the resistance was composed of local militia forces raised by individual lords and rebel groups. The total number of these troops is difficult to estimate due to their scattered nature, but it could have ranged anywhere from 20,000 to 40,000 at different points in the conflict.
King Kurgan's attempt at forming an alliance led to a temporary consolidation of forces that may have fielded an army of about 15,000 to 20,000 at its peak during the march on Old Harran. However, this alliance did not last long, and the forces soon returned to their dispersed state after Kurgan's death.

Battlefield

• Initial Deployment and Consolidation of West Theron (325-330 RE) - Upon the death of King Brennus, the Namorians were quick to deploy their forces to West Theron. Their objective was to support the popular uprising, secure the valuable silver mines, and establish a foothold in the region. As a republican force, they quickly attracted support from locals disenchanted with the feudal system, bolstering their numbers with auxiliary units.
• Battle of Veridora Pass (327 RE) - The Namorians' initial military incursion was met with resistance at Veridora Pass, a crucial chokepoint leading to the heart of West Theron. The local nobility, despite their internal discord, rallied together to repel the Namorian advance. However, the well-trained and well-armed Namorian legions, supplemented by local freedom fighters, prevailed. The battle, while fierce, ended in a decisive Namorian victory, further establishing their control over West Theron and its vital resources.
• Battle of the Silver Crest (328 RE) - The most significant conflict between the Silver Highlandersand the Namorians was the Battle of the Silver Crest in 328 RE. The Highlanders, relying on their knowledge of the terrain and guerrilla tactics, resisted the Namorian advance. However, the well-trained, well-equipped, and numerically superior Namorian forces gradually pushed the Highlanders back. Despite the Highlanders' ferocious resistance, they could not match the military prowess and strategic acumen of the Namorians. The battle ended in a decisive victory for the Namorians, with heavy casualties inflicted on the Highlanders. The Silver Crest, a strategic point overseeing several major silver mines, fell into the hands of the Namorians, effectively securing the majority of the region's mineral wealth.
• Siege of Fort Cerus (329 RE) - Fort Cerus, located in the northern part of West Theron, remained a stubborn bastion of Theronite resistance. In 329 RE, the Namorians launched a prolonged siege against the fort. Utilizing innovative siege engines and benefiting from a steady flow of reinforcements across the Great Ocean, the Namorians eventually wore down the defenders, leading to the fort's surrender.
• Expansion and Skirmishes in the Great Plains (330-340 RE) - With West Theron under their control, the Namorians turned their attention to the Great Plains. From 330 to 340 RE, they carried out a series of campaigns to consolidate their influence over this region. Namorian soldiers, along with recruited locals, engaged in a series of skirmishes and battles against the forces of King Kurgan. This period also saw the successful negotiation with the Black Coast Mariners, which resulted in a ceasefire and preserved a tentative peace which stands today.
• The Almorad Massacre (338 RE) - Perhaps the darkest episode of the Liberation of West Theron was the Almorad Massacre of 338 RE. A group of rebels, both nobles and commoners, had taken refuge in the town of Almorad. The town's people, sympathetic to their cause, refused to surrender them to the Namorians. After a week-long siege, the Namorian forces stormed the town. Despite their efforts, the rebels were unable to hold back the disciplined and well-armed Namorian forces. The town was taken, and the rebels were either killed or captured. But the horror did not end with the battle. In a drastic and controversial move, the Namorian commanders ordered the execution of all captured rebels, and the remaining townsfolk were either killed or enslaved. News of the massacre spread fear across the region, crushing hopes of any further resistance within West Theron. This event was later justified by the Namorians as necessary to maintain peace and order, but it left a permanent scar on the history of West Theron. As news of these events slowly trickled out of West Theron, the Namorian Republic's public relations machinery went into overdrive, painting the actions as necessary for the liberation and stabilization of the region. The message was clear: resistance against the Republic would not be tolerated, and the new order was here to stay.
• The Skirmish at Tarnis River (338 RE) - In the later stages of the Liberation, as the Namorians consolidated their hold over West Theron and expanded their territories, an unexpected confrontation arose with the Black Coast Free States, a neighbouring region that had established its own form of republicanism following the collapse of the Kingdom of Theron. The tension escalated into a military encounter known as the Skirmish at Tarnis River.
• Battle of Old Harran (342 RE) - In 342 RE, King Kurgan, in alliance with other Theronite nobles, led a significant force to the walls of Old Harran. Despite their large numbers, the Theronite force was betrayed by their supposed allies who sought peace with the Namorians. The battle ended with the death of King Kurgan. The conclusion of the Battle of Old Harran marked the end of major military engagements in the Namorian-Theronite conflict. From there on, the Namorian Republic focused on consolidating their control over the territories won, transforming West Theron into a frontier of the Republic.

Outcome

In the immediate aftermath of the conflict, the Namorian Republic took control of the valuable silver mines in West Theron, enhancing their economic power significantly. Their control over this new territory led to a redistribution of resources, wealth, and power, disrupting the socio-political landscape of the region. Former nobles were displaced, their power supplanted by the Republic's officials and military commanders. The victory also brought a new influx of slaves into the Namorian Republic, as those who opposed the Namorians were enslaved. This led to an immediate economic effect, providing a surge of cheap labour which significantly boosted the economy of the Republic.

Aftermath

The long-term effects of the conflict are primarily characterized by significant demographic and social shifts within the Namorian Republic. The influx of slaves and immigrants from West Theron into the heartland of the Republic led to cultural intermingling and population growth in previously less-populated areas. This large-scale movement of people also had significant social implications. As skilled and unskilled workers from West Theron settled into their new roles within the Republic, they began to influence the cultural, economic, and social fabric of their new homes.
On the other hand, the mass displacement of people within West Theron and the influx of Namorian settlers and administrators transformed the local landscape. The region underwent a process of 'Namorianization', as the Republic's values, laws, and administrative system replaced the traditional feudal structures.
However, this process was not without its challenges. In the years following the conflict, the region experienced periods of unrest and social tension as the new and old ways of life clashed. Despite this, over time, the region gradually began to stabilize as the Namorian Republic's influence became more deeply ingrained.

Included Conflicts

• Silver Highlander Resistance
• Skirmish at Tarnis River

Conflict Type

Military Campaign

Battlefield Type

Land

Conflict Result

The Namorian forces emerged victorious, successfully asserting their control over West Theron and establishing it as a frontier of the Namorian Republic.

Location

Theron