The Blood March

The final of the 5 great city states on Colric to be conquered by the Argens Empire was Illthic, a coastal city on a long thin northern peninsula. Illthic, the only naval power on the continent, lined the coast of their peninsula with every ship they had and put all of their archers on the ships, forcing the Argens infantry to march a half a mile through a hail of arrows. This was the first battle that Empress Marina fought that was in doubt, however, the shear number of troops and the shield formations of the Argens Empire was eventually able to overrun the city walls.

The Conflict

Prelude

The city state of Illthic, being the last remaining independent city state, was long prepared for an attack. They stopped their trade to other continents and placed all their boats along the sides of their continent and stationed troops on every boat. This was a defensive show of force in an attempt to deter Empress Marina from an assault. This worked for several years, however, as Marina grew older and more impatient, she eventually raised a massive army and, without a plan, she marched them to the base of the Illthic Peninsula.

Deployment

The soldiers of Illthic were extremely outnumbered, however, they all were on ships lining the Peninsula, meaning the Argens Empire troops could not engage them in melee combat. Furthermore, they were all armed with long bows, meaning they would be able to shoot the Argens Empire troops as they marched down the Peninsula.

Battlefield

The battle took place on the Illthic Peninsula, a rocky outcropping about two miles long and a half mile wide. After about half a mile stands the city of Illthic, a large city that takes up most of the Peninsula.

Conditions

The march and siege lasted three days, the first day was sunny and clear, but the second day of the siege was raining and windy, making marching on the slick rock difficult, but also decreasing the effectiveness of the arrows.

Outcome

Argens Troops were able to enter the city and hold the Illthic Leader, Jarl Ward hostage, forcing the soldiers on the boat to surrender. The Argens Empire imprisoned the Illthic government and installed a dummy government in the city.

Aftermath

This battle was the end of the City State era and represented the beginning of the reign of the Argens Empire, solidifying it as the most powerful political entity in the world.

Historical Significance

Legacy

In the Argens Empire, the Blood March is known as their final ultimate victory and a symbol of perseverance and strength. Soldiers who took part in it are treated with extreme reverence and respect. In Illthic, it symbolizes their rebellious spirit and their ability to harm the Argens Empire.

Conflict Type

Siege

Battlefield Type

Land

Start Date

Rosebloom, 43, 1732

Ending Date

Rosebloom, 45, 1732

Conflict Result

The Argens Empire won a pyrrhic victory, sustaining massive casualties but also finally completing their conquest of the 5 great city-states.

Belligerents

The Argens Empire

The City of Illthic

Strength

38,000 foot soldiers

7,500 Archers, 26 Ships, 3,000 City Levy Men,

Casualties

20,000 killed and wounded

2,300 City Levy men, 1,000 Archers

Objectives

The Empire's goal was to reach the city of Illthic and overthrow the city to add it into the empire and complete the conquest of the 5 great city states of Colric.

Repel the siege of the Argens Empire and maintain their independence.