Norian Campaign

In the first half of the 13th century, the Clearian Holy Order began an ill fated campaign to conquer and convert the disparate tribes of the Norian Peninsula. What should have been a quick and easy conquest over an unorganized foe by a superior military force, became a brutal campaign that lasted decades. Ultimately Clearian gains amounted to a perhaps a 100 mile wide stretch of land, a handful of small settlements at the cost of countless dead and severe damage to Clearia's military prestige accross Carentress.

The Conflict

Prelude

Having recovered from and bolstered by the apparent victory in the earlier Clearian Schism, Clearia turned its eyes to rooting out what it considered heresy. A passionate speech by the Voice of the Allfather incited the local populace, peasant as well as warrior, to march on Noria in order to "convert the heathens."

The Engagement

The fragmented Norian tribes though at times fierce warriors, ultimately were no match for the heavily armored Clearian knights and their holy magics. Attacking in two separate ofensives from the north and south, and augmented by their faith, Clearian troops penitrated all the way to the capital of Sgand within the first year of the war and claimed victory.

Outcome

The Norians, did not surrender. If fact, most seemed to regard the occupation of Sgand as a problem for Sgand.  Norians quickly learned they were no match for the Clearian war machine in open battle, and as such avoided direct confrontation. What followed were decades of raids, assassinations, and guerilla warfare that continually sapped Clearia of its military might and its will to fight.

Aftermath

Clearia, tired of a drawnout campaign and finding its supply lines impossible to protect from Norian bandits, withdrew and allowed the Norians to reclaim everything east of fortress of Numundus. Norians returned to their traditional way of life, but now keep a warry eye to the west. Elsewhere on the continent, other major powers, were acutely aware that the continent's most powerful human military had failed to achieve what should have been an easily victory. The damage done to Clearia's diplomatic prestige is still being felt.

Conflict Type

War

Battlefield Type

Land

Start Date

1236 DR

Ending Date

1273 DR

Conflict Result

Clearia retreats with only minor gains. Status quo maintained.

Location

Norian Peninsula

Belligerents

Clearian Crusade

• Clearian Holy Order

Norian Tribes

• Noria

Strength

Two legions of mounted paladins, support troops, untrained faithful. Reinforced over the course of the war.

Defensive armies by individual settlements, guerilla, bandit, and militia forces.

Casualties

In the 100,000s over the span of four decades.

Estimated in excess of 500,000, estimates up to twice that. Loss of 6 settlements to invading force.

Objectives

Conquest of the peninsula, religious conversion

Repel invading force