The Ghei Wyl Incursions

Military: War

The large-scale attempt of Caripreet to take Ghei Wyl as territory for themselves, due to a combination of historical, political, and financial motivations. As of 1947, attempts are still ongoing.

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After Caripreet's failed attempts to expand during the Ghei Wyl campaigns, they would slow activity for nearly a century; however, as urban legends regarding the elves came to the forefront and other baronies grew in favor with Saint's Maar, the oligarchs of the merchant nation decided to take action. The Augury had consuls that originated from both Fjordstrond and Shellbay, meaning whatever the Caripreetians brought to the table had to be significant. It was decided that the best course of action would have to be one to match the old expansion into Mot D'nir, meaning that Silse was a prime target.   Caripreet was well aware that Ghei Wyl would be the only territory capable of conquering, as they were independent of the prominent kingdoms. The people of Caripreet wouldn't be too hard to convince, as old tales regarding the Ourithanur Collective had begun to spread, making the elves appear to be a threat. Given Caripreet's lackluster military, they would run a propaganda campaign and hope for volunteers, which went swimmingly thanks to nationalism and extensive benefits.  

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Coastal Establishment

The first incursion of Ghei Wyl was the least successful, given the lack of proper military armaments at the time. Trade ships, farmers tools, and untrained soldiers were only a few examples of "substituted resources." The oligarchs and standing baron still knew the strengths in these weaknesses, telling the statesmen to appear as benign travelers and merchants. Small settlements were built in the most barren of locations, allowing for useful docking points for future troops.   Simply appearing benign would not be enough for this invasion. People talk and stories spread. Caripreet would take initiative in this situation, extending a request to Eldurgrund to better police, patrol, and monitor their waters. While the exact sum Caripreet fronted for this to take affect is unknown, one can surmise that it is was one of the largest payments in the history of either barony. The extent of the impact this had is unknown, but it at least allowed the private troops of both the baron and the cardinal merchants to make their way to the continent.   When ships of skilled soldiers began to arrive, word made it to Vhou Riyael that an invasion was likely imminent. Still harboring distaste for the extreme nature of his cousins, he would not offer military support. Vhou was far from heartless though, issuing a warning to the independent nation that an attack was likely on the horizon. Unfortunately, word would travel too slow, for when the nation was on high alert, the coast had already been taken. The coastal villages and towns had rudimentary offenses but serviceable defenses. The invaders informed the locals that they could flee or die. The present base commander knew the value that these settlements would hold for maintaining the incoming soldiers. Those who fled would be an unfortunate strength to the opposing forces, but the loss was worth it. Further, as any good invader would, several hostages were taken among those who wished to flee or fight. They would serve as chambermaids and cooks. The coast was an easy success, but the baron knew that a sufficient army would be more important the the navy going forward.  

The Aarav Plan

The Aarav Plan, developed by a cardinal merchant of the same name, proposed a plan of attack on Ghei Wyl that utilized the elves' preconceived notions from prior events. Three sacrificial platoons would be sent to attack the forest villages, just as the Saltkrigere Paladins had in the past century. The soldiers expected a defensive force to be prepared on their arrival, which was true. With a series of ballistae, plenty of time was bought for 600 troops to reach the city from the southern and northern plains. This siege would ultimately fail, as extensive rainfall resulted in the presence of deep streams from the mountains, preventing the northern ballistae from arriving to the battlefield. Most of the sacrificial force was captured alive, leaving the base commander with no choice but to trade the elvish citizens. All present Ballistae were plundered, changing hands to the natives.  

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Invasion from the Mines

The second incursion utilized subterfuge, using defected elves from Bourilia to infiltrate the city. Thanks to Ghei Wyl's view of outsiders, all those who joined the city would be given laborious tasks; the mines were the main place of note, which went according to the plans of the base commanders. The caves were collapsed and the military equipment was tampered with, from swords to siege equipment. During the influx of dust clouds over the city and the ensuing chaos, a second attack was waged.  

Siege

The siege ensued 3 hours after the collapsing of the caves, which fit within the expected 4 hour presence of the dust clouds. Ballistae rained down on the city's barracks and chokeholds in the streets. The elves that managed to mobilize met the foot soldiers with shields and spears. The mobilization happened in such short order that most hadn't noticed the faulty equipment. The front lines were torn into by the cavalry, carving a path to the front gates. Many of those outside the walls were surrounded and killed, but when casters came out, the siege would fail. Thanks to Fylor Velera's rise to power (an estranged member of the Ourithanur Collective), several troops overcame their historical inhibitions regarding magic. While the walls may have held, the use of magic is usually attributed to the defenses success, forever altering the city's perspective on magic. Caripreet's attempt to assimilate Ghei Wyl is still ongoing, but the introduction of the arcane will pose a greater challenge than they had ever expected.