Battle of Mt. Ashenfeld

The Battle of Mt. Ashenfeld is a battle between the early Engineers and Mages, which occurred in year 0, and actually marks the beginning of the . This is the battle where Merek Bas died, and is cited as one of the main components of the Mage/Engineer Conflict. There are varying accounts of exactly what transpired at the Battle of Mt. Ashenfeld, especially with its controversial ramifications. 
Most of the documented history comes from the side of The Mages, so it's worth noting there is a possibility of some bias there. A great deal of the historical documents and accounts from the Mages are kept at the Museum of Merek Bas. Some agreed upon points is this battle followed some time after the Arrival of the Firbolgs; that Merek Bas died in the battle, along with many Firbolgs, however the circumstances that lead up to the actual battle are contested between the two Major Factions.

The Conflict

Prelude

The battle was preceded by the Arrival of the Firbolgs, where a large number of Firbolgs arrived from the west. Their forested home was destroyed by massive fires, to the point where the earth was being consumed by the sea. As their land was being swallowed up, thousands of Firbolgs fled to the sea, and arrived to the Isles of Edren. The Firbolgs had a hard time finding a new home in the Isles, and Merek Bas stepped up to help them find a new home. Merek, history's most powerful Mage, believed he could form a 10th Major Island, one that would have lush and beautiful forests for the Firbolgs. Merek traveled with the Firbolgs to Mt. Ashenfeld, reactivate the dormant volcano, and use its power to create this 10th island, much like it had created the other major and minor islands.

Deployment

Early Engineers  had heard of that Merek Bas was planning to use an eruption from Mt. Ashenfeld to create a 10th island, but feared the dangers of this magic, especially as non-magic users. They mobilized a massive army, much larger than the forces of The Mages, to stop this powerful magic from being used. It's worth noting, at this time, the Engineer's technology was significantly more archaic than it is now, to the point where many do not recognize them as 'actual Engineers', moreso a collective of 'non-magical citizens'. This same group however would eventually become The Engineers.

Battlefield

Merek Bas was positioned closest to Mt. Ashenfeld, involved in a very high level spell that took a very long time to cast, an unprepared for the oncoming attack. Merek was surrounded by thousands of Firbolg shamans and supporters, as well as Edrian mages  all trying to help channel their energy into Merek so he could cast his spell to awaken the volcano. The Engineers's forces arrived from the south, massively outnumbering their magical opponents.

Conditions

According to the accounts, the weather was drastically changing - unearthly storms raging and unnatural clouds forming in the sky. It had been described as 'horrifyingly beautiful'.

The Engagement

The exact elements of the battle are unclear. It is believed the Engineers launched the first attack. Those supporting Merek's spellcasting did their best to ensure his spell was not interrupted, but they were overwhelmed by the sheer number of Engineers' forces. The exact circumstances are unclear, but it is believed that Merek Bas lost control of his spell, and rather than being struck down by a combatant, he was consumed by his own spell.

Conflict Type

Battle

Start Date

0

Ending Date

0