Imperial Attack on Erell

The Conflict

Prelude

The Imperial attack on the Elves is generally considered to have been unprovoked. It is said that the only reason for it was the Emperor's ambition to control all of Atamor.

Battlefield

The fighting took place in the Erell Mountains in valleys and on mountain passes. For the Elves it was familiar territory and they were used to its limitations. Imperial Army, on the other side, was trained to fight in big open areas. Imperial generals recommended to lure the Elves out of the mountains, but the Emperor ordered them to push into the mountains, because he wanted to gain the glory of the conqueror of the Elves.

Outcome

More than the half of the Imperial Army was destroyed during the war. It allowed the High King of Erell to push into the Imperial territory and sack many cities. In the final battle of the war the Emperor was killed.

Aftermath

After the death of the Emperor, Imperial generals sued for peace. The High King of Erell used this to install an emperor who would suit him. Despite opposition from Koschei the Deathless the High King was successful in it. The end of the war was also the start of the new Imperial Dynasty. It took the new rulers about 40 years to break the Empire's ties to the Elves.

Historical Significance

Legacy

The conflict was shaped the Elves' opinion of Humans for centuries, to them all Humans are brutal and aggressive. Since the time of Irenaeus The Journeyman they also think of Humans as a stupid and lesser species. It is caused by the fact that Humans are worshiping Lady Susanne. Elven texts remember the time when Susanne ruled Atamor personally and nobody was worshiping her.

In Literature

The Imperial attack on the Elves is present in many works, both human and elven, of the time and later. Most of them say that the reason for the war was only pride and hubris of the Emperor.

Conflict Type

War

Battlefield Type

Land

Start Date

500 Darkness

Ending Date

503 Darkness

Conflict Result

Elven Victory

Location

Erell Mountains