The Battle of Leah’s Field

Aralia sent, and collected on the way, a small army of unknown numbers (Approx. 8,000) aiming to cut Lucien off before he reached Thaliasted. The decision to do this, instead of waiting for Lucien’s forces to be bogged down by the siege, and attack from the rear, falls largely on Count Ashton Thalia. General Zofia Gilland went along with his plan, believing this was just a small scale rebellion, not a declaration of war, and sensing an opportunity to gain fame, and glory. Lucien however, with the help of his ally Nelly von Crowforte, found out where the Aralian forces were to cut off the Lucrenian army, and marched there ahead of time, circumventing Thaliasted. Lucien ordered his forces to draw up battle lines, and await Aralia.
Lucrenian accounts vastly exaggerated the numbers they faced, and it is likely that the Aralian forces were outnumbered by the rebels, even with more than half of the Lucrenian army being held in reserve some five miles north. The Lucrenians numbered some 15,000.
Both armies formed up in extended lines, and both sides stood ready with three divisions of infantry - right, left and centre - while each wing had a cavalry flank guard. The Aralians had no real cavalry force, mostly work horses, ridden by quickly trained soldiers. The Lucrenians also had a small reserve behind their centre, and in front of their centre was a small group of champions, picked by Lucien himself.
Before the battle began, a priest of Zelana rode over to Lucian’s army and attempted to negotiate a Lucrenian withdrawal. However, the young prince simply responded by offering the Aralian force to join the rebellion, surrender and pay ransom, or death in battle.
The fighting began shortly afterwards, when the Aralian auxiliary missile units, stationed ahead of the main line, began to rain arrows and stones on their adversaries. The archers were largely the only trained soldiers that General Zofia Gilland had with her. As the superior Aralian ranged units loosed, the Lucrenians suffered losses and were unable to respond. However, one Lucrenian warrior named Cailean, heavily armoured and brandishing a heavy shield of dwarven make, marched directly into the arrow fire, shouting his war cry. After the hail of missiles ceased, Cailean and his entourage of fellow champions were met by the only veteran infantry the Aralians had. It is said that the Lucrenians got the better of the fighting almost immediately, slaying several elite warriors and two officers. As the dueling came to an end, the Lucrenian army attacked, in one long line, and the subsequent fighting was a slogging match with little maneuver, and lasted until nightfall.
The next day, Aralian commander Count Ashton Thalia, attempted to lure Lucien into a trap by offering a parley, but the plan went wrong, and he was instead killed by Nelly von Crowforte. Aiming to exploit the confusion which this loss of leadership caused in the Aralian ranks, the northerners attacked again, with their flanks in front, and centre behind. After savage hand to hand fighting, which exhausted and depleted both armies, Lucien deployed his 4,000 strong reserve in the centre and drove deep wedges through the Aralian formations in this area. Unable to withstand the pressure any further, their line collapsed.
After this grand defeat, General Zofia Gilland returned to Sylasar in disgrace.

The Conflict

Outcome

Paved the way for Lucien's forces to march on Thaliasted, without interruption or fear of fighting on two sides.

Included under Conflict

The Third Lucrenian Rebellion

Conflict Type

Battle

Battlefield Type

Land

Start Date

22nd of Late Spring, 3E 494

Ending Date

23rd of Late Spring, 3E 494

Conflict Result

Lucien's forces emerged victorious

Location

Leah's Field

Belligerents

Aralia

Rebel Forces of Lucien

Strength

Approximately 8,000

Approximately 15,000

Casualties

Approximately 6,000

Approximately 2,000

Objectives