The Aphraim / Shaynor War
The Conflict
Prelude
Archmage Shaynor hosted all his lords and ladies at his court to discuss local grievances. One of the guests, already rising through the ranks, was Aphraim. A popular figure and far younger than the Archmage, he was talented with spells and magic, not to mention handsome and fair-tempered. His arrival already caused tensions between the two but usual negotiations went ahead. In the post-discussions banquet, Aphraim and Shaynor's bards took part in a classic duet as a gesture of goodwill. There was friendly competition between the two until they started slinging poetical insults at each other. This bardic duel continued and when they ran out of material to insult their opponent personally, began taking shots at their masters. Infuriated, Shaynor told his bard to end his performance and commanded Aphraim to the do the same. Aphraim refused, instead offering a quip of his own into one of the verses. Archmage Shaynor, obligated to take this as a challenge to his authority, challenged Aphraim to an arcane duel.
The Engagement
Outcome
Historical Significance
Contemporary sources paint Aphraim as overly accepting of the aether-shunned and a chaotic individual. Many thought Aphraim, though powerful and charismatic, wasn't fit for learning magic, let alone the role of Archmage. Shaynor notably held this opinion.Legacy
"The dead were not our weapons, but our stalwart shield from further suffering."Though records of Archmage Aphraim remain few and far between after his coronation, his ceremony and ascent to the title were well-recorded. His "chivalrous" actions prompted literature of all kinds, whilst also putting down magiocracy in general. The war itself helped contribute to the current hostile attitudes to magic, with recorded casualties and environmental damage from the prime reasons. Since Aphraim's side was far more interesting to archivists and historians, Shaynor's true opinions, thoughts and values are lost to history, instead filling the void of villain in weaved tales. Contemporaries who saw his rise to power and rule paint him as wise and encouraging to his mages. This image was scrubbed out by scribes, artists and historians, looking to explain the events that kick-started such tragedy.
In Literature
Belligerents
Shaynor's Attendancy
Aphraim's Attendancy
Strength
Casualties
Objectives
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