war of the three empires
the first major civil war on the northern continent which started 700YBCW. it was fought between the three son of Stephan the mighty. in order to stop conflict he created three empires for all three of his sons. this would spark into a 7 year long civil war.
The Conflict
Prelude
702YBCW Stephan the mighty dead. in his will he wrote in his will that the empire was to be divided between his three sons. Stephan believe that it would be fore the best as the empire was large and even he struggled to control the entire entity when he ruled it. but this will would be the first and last of its kind in the empires history his eldest son Maximilian was 26 when is father died 702YBCW. his empire was to be call the empire of the great lake named after the great lake in the crown lands. his empire included the grand duchy of the northern isles The frontier kingdom and most of the lands of the crown including the imperial capital. his second son Hugo was called the empire on the Roon named after the river which ran through his capital in duchy of Szlski. he controlled it part of the lands of the crown mainly the germinc states and he had total dominion over the lorddom of mortjzia. the final empire was called the empire on the dranvan which was the river which ran through the capital of magara tetla and the imperial capital of Stephan favorite son Charles. his empire included a small part of the crown lands and all of the regency of magara. the three brother had had different up bringing. the eldest was brought up by his mother in the imperial capital and had learned states craft. he had also became a good soldier. but he was never anymore than Adequate at fighting. he was known as the knight of the blue rose for the rose he painted on his shield. he opened up good relations with the republic of san antonia. in the will however Stephan the mighty states that the two younger brothers should swear loyalty to Maximilian and Maximilian was the only brother to wear the Imperial Blue. the middle brother Hugo was 20 when his father died 702YBCW was brought up in the lords palace in the lorddom of mortjzia on the border with The twin sultanates of Castilian and Abria he took an interest in the empire and it religion and converted from The faith of the one to the profits law and he started a relationship with the mighty twin sultanates. he wished to expand his dominion by trying to invade the franks but these failed. the final son Charles was brought up on campaign with his father. he was only 18 year old 702YBCW but he was already a master swordsman. he had spent 2 years in the court of the tsar with Stephan sister Hegla and he had a strong bond with the tsars son who were the same age as him. because of this he was fluent in borovski and esteli. Maximilian was angry with his father at the fact that the empire was divided between the three sons. on his coronation Maximilian 2 brothers knelt and swore loyalty to him as Emperor of verianberg . Maximilian was jealous of his brother Charles who by his account should have been given nothing. he was also spiteful of Hugo for being a traitor to his brother. the two had been close and when Maximilian asked is the two empire could reunite Hugo said no. Hugo as well was angry both his mother and his father neglected him and sought council with the lords of the court. they introduced him to political issues and soldiering . many took him abroad and he went to Mohammabad and there he meat the sultan and was in total amazement by him and his empire. the sultan at the time was Saladin 1st who was 46, he asked to convert to the profits law. he did and his empire entered int an alliance with the twin sultanates. Charles was continent with his position and had a strong position. he had his family alliance with The united tsardomsswearing
The Engagement
opening moves
war broke out when Maximilian invaded the empire on the Roon Hugo empire and Charles empire the empire on the dranvan 700YBCW. he had the support of the republic of san antonia they sent him money ships and most importantly men. the ships were sent to help his cousin the arch duke of the northern isle stave off any invasion attempt. his first attack came from the north crossing into Hugo empire first. Hugo mustered an army of 5000 men at arms and 3000 of the best Szlski knights and other cavalry. this army was quickly defeated and sent running. this prompted emperor Hugo to ask his ally in the south for help. the sultan ibriham 4th sent him lots of money and an army of 12000 men lead by Assad pasha one of The sultans seven sword . the invasion of Charles lands a much larger army was sent lead personally by Maximilian. Charles gathered his war host. 37000 men in total were called the either professional army of his empire. facing Charles was am army 50000 strong with knights. Charles decided it would be best to drive his older brother army into a marsh were his lighter army could at least deal more damage to the invader than they could do to them. Charles lead from the front and was successful in boxing Maximilian army in the ipret marshes however he wasn't able to defeat them. Maximilian army lost 20000 men while Charles lost only 6000. but he was forced onto the defensive and fell back to the castle at kexil. Charles needed help and he looked to his family close Allie the House of rastov and The united tsardoms. the 30 year old tsar yuri 2nd sent 200000 troopss mostly mounted soldiers.
three way war
on visiting the sultan at the seterchan capital Hugo made a brash decision. the sultan told him and his lords that there was a rumor that Maximilian was a bastard and that he was the rightful ruler of the empire and that he should push this as he was the rightly emperor of the know divided the verianberg empire. the sultan also brewed up hatred in Hugo saying that his youngest brother Charles was the greatest enemy as he had usurped power for the rightful emperor. Hugo marched home with another 20000 troops from the sultan. he sent letters to both his brother saying that he was know at war with both of them. this started the three way conflict which the war was know for.
Hugo know with 32000 men from the sultan and 60000 of his own men decided to first march north and seize his brother main naval port at hells landing. he would leave Assad pasha to raid his brother empire. Hugo organised his forces and what ships he had and land 6000 men at hell landing lay siege to the port. the garrison commander lord felberg (the appaent lover of the duke of heligoland) had 2000 men at his disposal and when Hugos main army surrendered and pledged his allegiance to emperor Hugo. with the ports capture Maximilian was know cut of from the arch duchy of the northern isle and what troops could com from there and he had lost the support of one of his senior lords.
Charles army was battered after attack after attack by his eldest brothers advance. his offensive was only stopped by tsar yuri and his army. Michael decided to do nothing and give his army a rest. main while he pondered he would need to regain and access to the sea which could main he could ask assistance from the northern isles kingdom and there kings. so as winter set in Charles made a brash decision he took 10000 men and march north. this attack surprises Maximilian and his lord who's army were pushed aside and Charles soon reach the coast. the year closed with Maximilian and his army dominating the other tow empires. he demands that his brother bend to his will and with the finical backing of one of the strongest states know to men the san antionan republic the demand seem just. but either brother backs down. hugos ally was just across the border and Charles had the support of there family closest ally the tsar. Charles as well wasn't frightened. Maximilian wasn't a great warrior, he knew how to fight and lead from the front, but unlike Charles who was like there father tall broad.
he spring came Maximilian launch his attack once again. he sent his most trusted lord the count of zherik his father in law with 40000 men of the imperial army and was ordered to push towards telta Charles seat of power. Maximilian however would take the rest of his forces and would first stop the raids into his lands western border and re take hells landing. he ordered the lord commander of the frontier and raven prince vladislav would take his army and invaded the the lorddom of mortjzia Maximilian was able to turn the sultans forces away and launched a second invasion but his attack on hells landing fail and Maximilian was forced into battle with his brother. the bloodiest battle of the war so far was about to be fought.
battle of likow
Maximilian forces had 50000 men of which 10000 were from san antaiona, he had 2000 cavalry of which 6000 were knights. Hugo had 30000 men of which 4000 were cavalry all knights and half were the much feared winged lancers. he would also have 6000 reinforcements from several lords in his empire. the battle would take place out side the village of likow. Maximilian was defending his heavy san antioinan infantry were on the wing while his men at arms formed the center of the line while the knights lead personally by himself. his archers were set up behind the men at arms.
Hugo's army advanced from the north. two lines would attack on the wings 10000 each and the center line of 10000 would advance on the center. the knights would be left in the reserve and the 6000 reinforcements were coming from the south. the battle started a noon when the two wings of hugo's army attack. the men at arms and the heavily armored san antionians clashed and a bloody melee began. soon they tired and a statement was met. Hugo ordered his left wing back then ordered his other 10000 men who were meant to attack the center to link with the 6000. with 16000 men hugo ordered an attack on the left wing against the out numbered san antionan centurions retreated. Maximilian ordered his cavalry instead of the 30000 men at arms who were know out of threat (however this wasn't know to Maximilian) to counter the attack. he lead from the front. the cavalry smashed into the men at arms. with out ordered the commander of the center the duke of rovenhof Maximilian uncle ordered his 30000 men to attack the right wing of hugos army. he soon surrounded hugos 10000 men at arms on the right in and crushed them against the san antaioans. Hugo them sprung his trap. he charged his cavalry at the back of the dukes forces. 4000 cavalry crashed into the rear of the dukes forces. unable a rider told emperor Maximilian that his uncles line was almost at braking. he took 1000 of his knights and turned around to attack his brother. on the right wing some 40000 men were embroiled in a bloody melee. Maximilian found his brother and the two clashed blades. when night fell hugo ordered a retreat back to his line. at the start of the day he had 30000 men. he know had only 20000 and his 6000 reinforcements hadn't arrived. Maximilian army was also heavily hit. of his 50000 men only 38000 were left and most of his cavalry had gone. so when morning came and a forces paired at his rear Maximilian order a retreat leaving his 6000 men to hold the town. Maximilian wouldnt make another attempt to invaded hugos lands again. he started a defensive campaign which lasted for the rest of the war.
war in the east and death of a emperor
Charles saw his capital at risk and ordered the count of zhierk to be stopped at an cost. unfortunately for the young emperor his army was to small to stop the count and the capital was put to siege. Maximilian went to fight his youngest brother. Charles was sent word and he knew that if he could kill his older brother then his nation would fall into anarchy for his only heir was his 6 year old daughter princess Alexandra. so he mustered his forces. he requested that the tsars forces attack the besieging forces of the count of zhierk and Charles would lead his army to fight his older brother. the two met on a field on the borer between the brother two empires. it would soon have the name of kings bain-field. Charles lead from the front and with his signature weapon a two handed broad sword which had given his nick name , Charles broad sword. the two army's were soon embroiled in a bloody melee and Charles fought his way to his brother even unhorsing him. Maximilian had his mace and shield but was no were near the soldier Charles was. in only 5 minutes the eldest brother was dead and with out a leader Maximilian army ran. the crown was then given to the know empress Alexandra and her regent was the count of zhierk who left his son and heir felix to continue the siege of telta.
an empire divided
Hugo and Charles nursed there wound and consolidated there positions. hugo needed to deal with the invasion of the lorddom of mortjzia so he took 10000 troops and 20000 of the sultans troops to help the lord of mortjzia. Charles on the other hand had to try and lift the siege of his capital with what forces he had left.
all of this was going on while the empire of the great lake fell into anarchy. the regent the count of zhierk tried to imposed iron fisted tyranny to keep the empire together. the imperial army however was divided and he only had some 10000 troops of his own. small duchy and principality broke way and decleared independence. but they all knew who ever had the empress held all the cards. in the arch duchy of the northern isles the northern isle army invaded taking away what was left of the empresses grandfather legacy. without hells landing the regent couldn't send help. and so the realm was lost. he had other problems though several army's from competing lord were advancing on the capital so he went out to meet them. the destroyed one after another but when he destroyed one two more took it in its place. soon his army was down to only 2000 able bodied men and he was forced to the capital were he was then killed by the peasants of the city who welcomed in the duke of rovenhof . as winter set in, the duke asserted his power and frighted the other lords off. however he was know alone seeing there endeavor was point less the troops and money and ship from san antiona left.
4th year of war
the war heated up again and hugo launched a counter attacked against the frontier army. Hugo army was around 40000 strong prince vladisav had only 20000. out numbered he fought a re guard action burning everything he couldn't take with him. Hugo marched on and he order a all out invasion of his nieces fractured empire. several lords joined his cause and bolstered his ranks. the duke of rovenhof ordered the lords to stand fast and up hold the oaths they had made to the empress. they were stopped just before the borders of the duchy of rovenhof outside the capital.
Charles saw his chance. he took is army and re took all the lost land of his empire and then invaded crossing into the borders of the undefended frontier kingdom. Charles then married Sophie of estel the duke of estels 20 year old daughter. they would have a son issac in 696YBCW the 4th year of the war. after this he mustered his reaming army and readied for an invasion of his nieces empire.
at the same time hugos advances at the battle of melc the frontier army was crushed and sent with its tail between its legs. hugo then took 25000 men north to attack his nieces capital. Alexandra uncle took 17000 troops mostly peasant levies and ordered his empress from the capital to a safe haven in the north.
death of an empire
the duke of rovenhof made his stand at the mulak river. his army dug in on the northern bank. hugo approached from the south and ordered his archers to start firing. however the wet ground of the region made it difficult for his long bow men to use there bows. but this was no major set back. Hugo ordered his battle harder troops to cross the river and the slaughtered his uncles levies and his uncle in the process not however without taking significant calculates themselves. this however allowed Hugo to entire the starving imperial capital and proclaimed himself the Hugo 1st Emperor of verianberg however his new lands would soon be invaded by his brother Charles.
Charles war of conquest
Charles had been preparing for a long time. he had amassed a total strength of 70000 men. his father in law the duke of estel provided 4000 light cavalry. tsar yuri 2nd know 34 also provided 30000 troops. the rest of the army was a mix of magaran infantry and light cavalry, verainberg knights and mercenaries. the month he began his invasion his wife Sophie of estel gave birth to his son the future Issac hallsberg 1st this gave the emperor on the dranavan a moral boost and he marched into his nieces empire. but his aim wasn't to kill her he had another goal. his invasion swept assisted the local host of lords once loyal to his brother but know looked to save them selves from hugo's wrath. Charles was able to march into walcheindorf where he was stopped by the lord commander of the frontier. however instead of giving battle the lord commander asked for parley. Charles went to the camp of the lord commander and the lord commander lay his sword at his feat swearing his loyalty to him effectively making the frontier kingdom part of the empire on the dranvan. with his southern flank secure Charles moved north and drove towards hells-landing using his fleet to land count Aaron rakozi and 7000 men west of the city a week previously and they had lay siege to the city. Charles arrived to find the city on fire. he demanded that the city surrender.that same day the garrison commander handed over his sword and the 6 year old empress Alexandra hallsberg 1st Charles took a look at his niece. she was tired and hungry like most of the other people. he wrapped her up in his cloak and took her back to his camp. there she was looked after by empress Sophie and the infant issac. Charles know had all the tool of his great plan. he would wed Alexandra to Issac when they were of age. hugo responded with force leading a host north to fight his brother. however that year the summer was short and in mid august the rain were already falling making hugos Szlski cavalry slow. Charles was about to out wit his brother and moved to his west and cross over to the west bank of the river of kings and marched south. assad pasha marched 14000 men from the imperial city and was able to stop Charles in the 2 month long Berg campaign. berg was a rich verainberg principality once part of the empire of the great lake. this gave time for hugo to rally his army and march behind hugo. however due to snow in mid autumn the campaign season was over. mean while the rest of chalres 20000 troops under the commanded of his father in law made havoc for hugo lords pinning large hosts down prevent them from helping there emperor.
5th year of war and the slav civil war
with 696YBCW over and 695YBCW dawned Charles wared in the north and the lord commander of the frontier struggled to help his situation. the other slavs including the crown lands of bron and the lorddom of mortjzia were on in the side of hugo. slav lord launched attacks into the frontier pushing deep into there territory. The lord commander was able to raise a force of 6000 troops and made the bold move of not counter attacking but leaving his homeland and attacking north of the enemy attack rout and linked up with a force of 1000 magarn soldier and then marched on his enemy’s flank. The resulting battle was one of the blondest in Slav history. The three different people fought with sword and spear. It resulted in the destruction of both armies and effective ended the southern campaign of the war. Further north Charles force had suffered defeat after defeat being driven out of berg but the duke of caltonberg.
Historical Significance
Legacy
While the war of the three empires goes down as just another internal war in the empire what the war also signifies is the last major war on the continent where the old medical style of fighting took place. It would be Charles Broadsword who would introduce the reformed which the sultans armies in the south where already implementing
Conflict Type
War
Battlefield Type
Land
Conflict Result
charles hallsberg was crowned Charles 3rd
Belligerents
Strength
unknown number of imperial man at arms and knights
unknown number of san antaionan troops
Casualties
Objectives
take over his brothers empires
Strength
unknown number of imperial troops.
unknown number of troops from duchy of Szlski and the lorddom of mortjzia
unknown number of troops from The twin sultanates of Castilian and Abria
Casualties
Objectives
make Hugo hallsberg 1st Emperor of verianberg
Strength
unknown number of imperial troops
unknown number of the united tsardom army troops. this army included members of the tsars magic forces including steppe magic and blood magic
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