The Bloodiest Battle in As’hikan History: The Battle of Ásturian Plains
Context and Prelude
The battle was part of the Grand Conquest, where the Imperial forces of As’hika sought to conquer Gothia. The strategic importance of the Ásturian Plains made it a crucial target for Emperor Achilleus’s campaign. This confrontation was intensified by the involvement of Pix, the powerful King and God of the feys and fairies who protected Ásturia.
The Kidnapping of Empress Adelora
Pix, known for his formidable magical abilities, escalated the conflict by kidnapping Empress Adelora, the beloved wife of Emperor Achilleus. Using the Empress as a bargaining chip, Pix threatened Achilleus with her life, hoping to deter the Imperial advance and protect Ásturia from conquest.
The Battle at Castle Guarde Fractura
The climax of the confrontation occurred near the castle of Guarde Fractura, where Pix had taken Empress Adelora. The Emperor accused Pix of corrupting the Empress's mind, declaring that she was under the fairy's influence.
The Battle: The battle itself was a chaotic and brutal conflict characterized by extensive use of magic and heavy casualties on both sides. The Imperial forces, numbering around 100,000, faced off against an army of 100,000 fey and manipulated soldiers and civilians under Pix's control. The open plains provided little cover, making it a direct and fierce confrontation.
Tactics and Magic Usage
Imperial Forces: Emperor Achilleus commanded his forces with a combination of traditional military strategy and magical prowess. The imperial army utilized phalanx formations to advance steadily, supported by archers and cavalry. Achilleus, a master of gravity manipulation, used his powers to create fields of intense gravitational pull, disrupting enemy ranks and causing chaos among Pix's forces.
Fey and Manipulated Forces: Pix employed guerrilla tactics and magical subterfuge. His manipulation of the dead and living humans created waves of frenzied attackers that the Imperial forces had to cut through. Pix's control over the elements allowed him to summon storms and manipulate the terrain, making the plains themselves a treacherous battlefield.
Key Events During the Battle
1. Initial Clash: The battle began with a frontal assault by the Imperial forces, aiming to break through the manipulated soldiers and reach the castle where Pix held Empress Adelora.
2. Magic Duels: Throughout the battle, numerous magic duels erupted between powerful mages from both sides. Emperor Achilleus and Pix's magical confrontation was the most intense, with both sides unleashing devastating spells.
3. Turning Point: As the battle raged on, Pix brought Empress Adelora to the front lines, using her as a shield and weapon against Achilleus. Despite his attempts to save her, Adelora, under Pix's spell, continued to attack Achilleus directly, forcing him into a tragic duel.
Aftermath and Consequences
Victory and Losses: Despite the personal loss, the Imperial forces managed to win the battle. The disciplined advance and the strategic use of magic by Emperor Achilleus played a crucial role in securing victory. Pix, recognizing his defeat, fled to the Fey World. The battle resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, with the Imperial forces losing approximately 30,000 soldiers and Pix's army suffering around 40,000 casualties.
Occupation of Gothia: Following the battle, Gothia fell under the control of the As’hikan Empire. A grand cleaning in Gothia was conducted to purge the so-called corrupted people manipulated by Pix.
Empress Adelora's Funeral: The Empire mourned the loss of Empress Adelora with a grand funeral ceremony. Her death was a tragic reminder of the sacrifices made during the conflict. The loss had a profound impact on Emperor Achilleus, strengthening his determination to secure the Empire's future.
Significance
The Battle of Ásturian Plains stands as a testament to the ferocity and complexity of the Grand Conquest. It highlighted the intense personal stakes involved in the broader conflict and underscored the lengths to which Emperor Achilleus would go to secure his empire’s future, even at great personal cost. The battle is a somber reminder of the price of war and the intricate interplay of power, magic, and tragedy in the history of As’hika.
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