Battle of Greah

Military action

Traris Insir's first major victory over the Ravan alliance, a turning point for the Elves.

During the climax of Long Night, the Ravan Alliance were forced to withdraw forces from Sya'Nau to defend their bastions within Ravan. At the time the Elf resistance was thought to be destroyed, any survivors would have fled to Argantas by this point and the land was infested with Outsiders.There was no rush for the Alliance to waste troops dying to secure defensive positions against a foe that could not last. Following the Long Night, Ravan settlers were sent to spread the influence of the Alliance and create forward operation posts. These early settlers encountered minor resistance from disjointed and uncoordinated Elven attacks. Another warband was forged between the Voss and the Dark Elves of Ravan, their goal to press deep into Elven territory and finish the burning of Umeran. Forward troops were sent to the Greah Grove, west of Mythnara, to secure an outpost and await for the Ships to make the longer trek around the peninsula through what would become the Gate of Heavenly Stars. Greah Grove was a difficult position to assault, entrenched in a thick forest with high mountains securing the north, east, and southern flanks with a river to the west. There was no reason for the Ravan to expect heavy resistance from the unorganized Elves they'd encountered thus far. Traris Insir had significantly fewer troops, who were not as well equipped or trained as the Ravan. Still Traris led what fighters he had into Greah Grove to disrupt their attempts to create a beach head. Traris' forces had months before the Ravan ships arrived, and turned what the Ravan hoped to be their advantage against them. Boxed in with no means of escape, The Ravan were forced to engage Traris on many fronts, leaving the Ravan exposed on one flank or another where more troops would surge in for attacks. The tactic was bloody, both sides loosing a good deal, it wasn't expected that the Elves would throw their lives away so recklessly for an advantage like this. Traris knew full well the history of his people, their tactics of war, and understood the Ravan had prepared for such tactics. While they were few in number, Traris could not hold back troops to wither down an opponent as his predecessors had done. Traris shocked the Ravan by setting fire to the Grove, forcing the Shades and Dark Elves back towards the muddy banks of the River where their heavy armor would be a disadvantage.It was here Traris desired to engage the Ravan, pinning them between the River his troops and the Fire. By the time the Ravan ships arrived to reinforce the ground troops, there were less than two thirds of the remaining troops sent to Greah Grove.