The Battle of Ballymoss

The Battle of Ballymoss is one of the key battles in the second Elven-Tuathan War. It established the Elvish army as a serious military threat to the Tuatha. This improved the Elves' policical position and facilitated the formation of alliences with several other nearby nations.

The Conflict

Prelude

Prior to the battle, Elvish troops were attempting to join up with reinforcements at an Elf-controlled city after a marginally successful campaign across Tuatha territory.

Deployment

Most of the Elvish infantry had been killed or injured, and most of the remaining units were archers. Very few cavalry remained.
The Tuatha were much better equipped, better rested, had a better balanced army, with a large number of heavily armored infantry and calvary, and outnumbered the Elves almost 3 to 1.
The Tuatha were not inclined to start the battle as they were better supplied, completely blocking the progress of the Elvish army, and were expecting further reinforcements.
The Elves used this time to cut ditches and create other basic fortifications including rows of sharpend wooden stakes driven into the ground to repel cavalry.

Battlefield

A relatively narrow wheat field with dense forest to either side.

Conditions

Recent heavy rain made the recently planted ground very soft and muddy.

Outcome

The outcome of the battle greatly increased the moral of the Elves, and was a hugely embarrassing defeat for the Tuatha. The Tuatha also lost a great many of their elite troops and several important captains.

Aftermath

The Battle of Ballymoss, along with subsequent victories over the Tuatha, established the Elves as a major military power.

Historical Significance

Legacy

The tactics used in this battle were highly influencial on later battles, particularly in the use of archers.

Conflict Type

Battle

Battlefield Type

Land

Conflict Result

The Elvish army was victorious, suffering minimal losses. The Tuatha suffered heavy losses in a battle that should have been an easy victory.