War of Shackles
In 640, the puritanical King of Dullac Alfrid Dullac, invaded the southeastern holdings of the Empire of Amertus to seize control of trade ports, enslave the sizable population of elves living there and maintain control over the plains surrounding the Warden Peaks. As the Empire had just recently ended a series of revolts in Hanenbau, their Legions lacked the manpower to adequately respond to the massive army that the Principality raised.
The local Karelian lords defied expectations and managed to put up a stalwart defense of their cities, beating back Dullac's initial forces and scattering them to the Highlands. Emboldened by their victory, the lords made an agreement to stand together not just against Dullac, but the Empire itself. Though the two sides never engaged in proper hostilities against one another, tensions became high as the Karelians refused to respect Imperial authority.
By the decade's end, it became clear that no side had the strength to completely vanquish the other. The Imperial Legions still lacked the manpower to punch through the well-protected western border of Dullac, while the Karelians could not risk sending their own forces too far away from the cities they were sworn to defend. Ultimately, the Emperor of Amertus of Amertus made the controversial decision to grant independence to all of the territories targeted by the Principality in exchange for full cooperation in a united campaign against them. The joint attack was successful, with King Alfrid dying on the battlefield and his regent agreeing to surrender.
The Conflict
Prelude
By the early 600s, the cities along the Karelian coastline were becoming hotspots of trade and cultural exchange thanks to the efforts of local merchants and profit-loving lords. As a result, the Empire was becoming more stringent with laws regarding taxes on imports, causing friction with the locals. The Principality feared what an increased presence of non-humans might mean for Estemor and sought to better control the influx of elves for use as slaves.
Outcome
Emperor Tiber van Arbrau's influence on his vassals weakens considerably.
The Dullac royal family is left without an heir, creating a power vacuum.
Aftermath
The southern territories of the Empire are relinquished, leading to the formation of the Karelian Republic.
Conflict Type
War
Start Date
640 AS
Ending Date
649 AS
Conflict Result
Dullac is defeated. Karelia gains independence from the Empire.
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Belligerents
Strength
40,000
Casualties
12,000
Objectives
Defend Karelia from Dullac and gain independence from the Empire
Strength
20,000
Casualties
8,000
Objectives
Defend Karelia from Dullac and preserve the Imperial borders
Strength
50,000
Casualties
30,000
Objectives
Seize control of coastal cities in Karelia and control entry to the Warden Peaks.
Comments