The Free Islands Revolution

"When I joined the rebellion, I naively believed that Lastreach would quickly abandon the war, thinking we could easily defeat a mere army of hobnailed Reacher conscripts. Yet, it has been years of relentless battles, mostly resulting in defeat and forced retreats against the formidable infantry of Lastreach. I am no longer the naive boy I once was when this war started. I have lost a hand and an eye, and witnessed the deaths of countless friends. Reflecting on my earlier optimism seems unfathomable now." - Private Mitchell Harper, Free Isles Rebel.
"It was a sight to behold, like an impregnable fortress advancing. Their pikes and halberds gleamed, embodying the promise of victory against the ungrateful rebel scum. My heart swelled with pride and hope as they marched down the street, symbolizing the strength and devotion I held for our mother nation. Surely, these low-born rebels stood no chance against the might of Lastreach." - Esmerelda Kasvalt, Lastreach Loyalist.
"We subsist on hardtack and watered-down Grog, devoid of even a hint of flavor. The scarcity of provisions has forced us to forgo hunting for game, as the officers claim the woods are infested with Islander guerrillas lurking in ambush, armed with their bows, knives, and traps. Yet, I am beginning to believe that the risk of encountering them is preferable to enduring the monotony of worm-infested biscuits and imbibing swill fit only for swine!" - Sergeant Fitz Ironshire, Lastreach Light of Foot.
"The Rebels may lack the polished armor and disciplined ranks of our forces, but their mastery of the terrain and their cunning strategies have proven to be formidable adversaries. They emerge from the shadows, strike with precision, and disappear before we can react. It is as if the very land itself aids their cause, guiding their every move. We must remain vigilant, for their guerrilla tactics are a constant reminder that victory cannot be achieved through brute force alone." - Lieutenant Aldora Velasquez, Lastreach Infantry.
"The Islander rebels have shown a remarkable resilience and adaptability. We underestimated their resourcefulness and determination. They fight not for personal gain or glory, but for the principles of freedom and self-determination. They may lack the formal training and equipment of our forces, but their indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to their cause have allowed them to stand against our overwhelming might. We must not underestimate their resolve, for they fight not only for themselves but for the very essence of liberty." - Captain Jhosen Becket, Free Isles Rebel.

The Conflict

Prelude

The Seeds of Discontent: The start of the Free Isles Revolutionary war can be traced back to the oppressive rule of Lastreach, a militaristic and totalitarian regime that had dominated the the region that would become the Free Isles for centuries. Under the iron grip of High General Thadous Ironside, Lastreach imposed strict control, rigid social hierarchies, and suppression of individual freedoms. Some of the people of Lastreach, began to feel the weight of oppression, leading to simmering discontent and a growing desire for change among a faction of the nations population.
The Rise of the Independence Union: Amidst the growing discontent, a faction known as the Independence Union emerged as a beacon of hope for those seeking liberation from Lastreach's oppressive rule. Led by the charismatic and visionary Captain Jhosen Becket, the Unionists rallied against the religious and economic control imposed by Lastreach. They saw the colonial expansion plans of Lastreach as an opportunity to break free and establish a society based on freedom, equality, and self-determination.
The Departure and Establishment of the Lastreach Coloinal Island Alliance: Motivated by their yearning for self-determination, a significant number of Unionists departed from Lastreach, seeking to actively participate in the Colonial expansion. Surprisingly, Lastreach facilitated and supported their migration to the newly acquired island colonies, hoping to rid themselves of the Unionists and their disruptive rhetoric. By encouraging and even funding their departure, Lastreach believed they could create a sense of isolation for the Unionists, removing any potential threats they may pose to the regime's stability and control.
Growing Tensions and Harsh Treatment: The oppressive treatment endured by the colonies of Lastreach within the Free Isles Alliance heightened tensions between the two nations. The Unionists, who had initially sought freedom through colonization, found themselves subjected to harsh taxation and devoid of legal representation. Lastreach's enactment of laws authorizing the drafting of colonials into its military further fueled discontent, leading to a breaking point for the Colonial Isles.
The Audacious Act of Rebellion: In a powerful act of protest and defiance, Captain Jhosen Becket and a group of loyal captains infiltrated a Lastreach naval supply ship. They seized control of the ship's valuable rum rations, vital for Lastreach's military morale, and poured them into Alderbrooke Bay. This audacious act marked the beginning of a full-scale rebellion against Lastreach's tyranny, with the cry, "Freemen will stand no longer for the abuse of tyrants" resonating throughout the Free Isles. Lastreah would respond by labeling the act as one of terroism and claim Captain Becket as a wanted criminal and enemy of the people.
Conclusion: The prelude to war between the Free Isles Alliance and Lastreach was characterized by growing discontent, the rise of the Independence Union, the establishment of the Free Isles Alliance, and the audacious act of rebellion that ignited the flames of revolution. The oppressive rule of Lastreach, coupled with the yearning for freedom and self-determination, set the stage for a conflict that would redefine the fate of the western Broken Isles. In the following sections, we will delve into the war itself, examining the strategies, tactics, and key turning points that shaped the outcome of this historic struggle.

Deployment

Lastreach, no stranger to conflict, swiftly mobilized its naval forces and ground troops to suppress the growing rebellion led by Captain Becket in the Colonies. With the aid of loyalist forces and a larger, seasoned army, Lastreach appeared to have a significant advantage, leading many to believe that the Colonial Islands were doomed from the start.
While the colonists of the Free Isles Alliance lacked the same level of military experience as Lastreach, they were not without combat training. The harsh frontier conditions had taught them how to defend themselves against monsters, raiders, and pirates. However, in the eyes of many, this training did not equate to the military prowess that Lastreach possessed. The sheer manpower advantage, coupled with Lastreach's experienced armies and greater resources, seemed to tilt the balance heavily in their favor.

Battlefield

The primary zone of conflict during the Free Isles Revolution was centered around the settlements of the colonial islands and the surrounding waters. Both naval battles and land-based conflicts played significant roles in the struggle between the future Free Isles Alliance and Lastreach.
The coastal settlements of the colonial islands became focal points of intense fighting. Lastreach aimed to take control of these settlements and suppress the rebellious population, seeking to quell any resistance against their rule. The Free Isles Alliance, on the other hand, fought fiercely to defend their newfound freedom and resist Lastreach's oppressive forces.
Naval battles were a common occurrence, as control of the surrounding waters was crucial for both sides. Lastreach deployed its naval forces to exert dominance and disrupt supply lines of the Free Isles Alliance. The Free Isles Alliance, supported by alliances with neighboring nations, sought to counter Lastreach's naval power and ensure the flow of resources and reinforcements to their forces.
The settlements themselves became battlegrounds, with clashes between Lastreach's troops and the rebels of the Free Isles Alliance. Lastreach's aim was to capture and control these strategic locations, utilizing their larger and more experienced army to suppress the rebellious population. The Free Isles Alliance fought tooth and nail to defend their territories and repel Lastreach's forces, driven by their unwavering determination for freedom and self-determination.
These battlezones witnessed intense and protracted engagements, marked by acts of bravery, strategic maneuvers, and a relentless desire to secure victory. The outcome of battles in the settlements and surrounding waters played a crucial role in determining the course of the war and the ultimate fate of the Free Isles Alliance and Lastreach.
In these battlezones, lives were lost, cities were devastated, and the struggle for freedom and control raged on. The settlements of the colonial islands and the surrounding waters became symbols of defiance and resilience, reflecting the unwavering commitment of both sides to their respective causes. The significance of these battlezones cannot be understated, as they were the arenas where the fate of nations was decided and the course of history was shaped.

Conditions

The Five Years War, which witnessed the birth of the Free Isles Alliance, has acquired the nickname "the five years of Hardtack and Grog" due to the challenging conditions endured by both sides. At the war's outset, there was an air of optimism and high spirits among the combatants. However, as the conflict prolonged, supply lines became increasingly strained, and the war took on a grueling and unpredictable nature.
What was initially expected to be a swift suppression of rebel elements by the High General turned into a protracted affair. The Free Isles Alliance, viewed as the underdog, refused to back down despite facing significant odds. The rebels fought back fiercely, leading to a back-and-forth struggle for gaining and losing ground.
Supply lines became increasingly harsh as the war dragged on. Both the loyalist forces of Lastreach and the rebel forces of the Free Isles Alliance faced difficulties in maintaining adequate provisions for their troops. This scarcity of essential supplies, coupled with the unpredictable nature of the conflict, tested the resolve and endurance of both sides.
The "five years of Hardtack and Grog" speaks to the hardships faced by the soldiers on the ground. Hardtack, a hard and durable bread-like food, and grog, a weak brew of water and rum, became staple provisions for the troops. These meager rations highlighted the challenging conditions faced by the soldiers, as they had to endure harsh environments, limited resources, and the constant threat of battle.
The prolonged nature of the conflict and the perseverance of the Free Isles Alliance added a sense of unpredictability to the war. What initially seemed like a straightforward suppression of rebellion turned into a grueling fight against a determined underdog. The Free Isles Alliance's refusal to concede and their unwavering commitment to their cause became a source of inspiration for their forces and a rallying point for continued resistance.

The Engagement

At the onset of the war, the Colonial forces of the Free Isles Alliance initially attempted to confront the armies of Lastreach in open conflict, only to suffer disastrous consequences. While naval battles showcased a relative balance of power, the engagements on land proved to be a significant challenge for the motley fighters of the colonies. Lastreach's well-trained and sizable land forces quickly emerged as a formidable adversary, overpowering the lightly armored and diverse rebel troops.
Lastreach's heavily armored footmen marched with impunity, asserting their dominance over the Free Isles' ground forces. The Reacher troops, equipped with hobnailed boots and superior training, advanced into cities and towns, effortlessly pushing aside the rebel troops with minimal effort. The Colonial forces quickly realized that they were ill-prepared to face Lastreach in traditional warfare.
Captain Becket, recognizing the unfavorable odds and the disparity in conventional military strength, understood that the Free Isles Alliance could not achieve victory through direct confrontation. The overwhelming power and training of Lastreach's forces forced a shift in strategy for the rebels. They realized that to stand a chance against Lastreach, unconventional tactics and strategies would be necessary.
The realization that traditional warfare was not a viable option led to the Free Isles Alliance embracing guerrilla warfare, sabotage, and hit-and-run tactics. The rebels became adept at utilizing their knowledge of the islands' terrain to their advantage, launching surprise attacks, ambushing Lastreach's forces, and targeting key supply lines.
Captain Becket and his council of Captains recognized the need to exploit Lastreach's vulnerabilities and disrupt their operations. The rebels focused on asymmetric warfare, leveraging their agility, resourcefulness, and intimate knowledge of the local environment. By adopting unconventional tactics, the Free Isles Alliance aimed to level the playing field and offset Lastreach's overwhelming military strength.
The shift in engagement strategies marked a turning point for the Free Isles Alliance. Rather than engaging Lastreach's forces head-on, they sought to weaken the enemy through persistent and targeted attacks. This allowed the rebels to inflict significant damage on Lastreach's military capabilities, gradually eroding their control and influence over the colonial islands.
In summary, the early attempts by the Colonial forces to engage Lastreach in traditional warfare proved disastrous. The superior size, training, and armor of Lastreach's land forces overwhelmed the rebel troops. The realization of this power imbalance led Captain Becket and the Free Isles Alliance to adopt guerrilla warfare and unconventional tactics, which became instrumental in challenging Lastreach's dominance and shaping the course of the conflict.

Historical Significance

Legacy

The conclusion of the Five Years War saw Lastreach unable to maintain its grip on the Colonial islands. The Free Isles Alliance, aided by their elite rangers known as the Ospreys, effectively severed Lastreach's supply lines during the harsh winter of 327. This strategic disruption, coupled with aggressive privateering by Paladius and Serrosia, severely hampered Lastreach's ability to sustain the conflict. Ultimately, Lastreach had no choice but to cut its losses and relinquish control over its forces.
The capture and subsequent public execution of General Leopold, the Commander of Lastreach's ground forces, dealt a severe blow to any remaining fragments of loyalist morale. The loss of their leader further eroded the resolve of Lastreach's forces, resulting in many loyalists abandoning the colonies and retreating to the safety of Lastreach itself.
The combination of the Ospreys' effective disruption of supply lines, the relentless privateering campaigns, and the loss of their commanding officer left Lastreach in a weakened state, unable to sustain the conflict in the face of mounting challenges. The dissolution of loyalist morale and their subsequent exodus from the colonies further contributed to Lastreach's inability to maintain control.
As a result, Lastreach was forced to cede its forces and relinquish its hold over the Colonial islands. The Free Isles Alliance emerged victorious, having successfully achieved their goal of liberating themselves from Lastreach's oppressive rule.
The birth of the Free Isles Alliance represented a significant setback for Lastreach, leading the nation to adopt more isolationist policies. Lastreach continues to maintain that the interference of Serrosia and Paladius, namely the privateering and embargoes against them, were the primary reasons for their loss in the war. To this day, Lastreach asserts its claims over the colonial islands, referring to them as their lost colonies. There remains a lingering possibility that Lastreach, known for its lack of forgiveness, may seek an opportune moment to reclaim what they believe is rightfully theirs.
Meanwhile, the Free Islands Alliance has flourished as a thriving nation guided by the ideals of freedom and the spirit of underdogs who emerged victorious against a ruthless tyrant. The alliance has established a healthy society based on the principles of liberty and equality. Paladius and Serrosia, having played significant roles in supporting the Free Isles Alliance, derived a small measure of satisfaction from witnessing Lastreach taste a measure of karma, considering that Lastreach had once been an upstart colony that rebelled against them.
The contrasting narratives and lingering tensions between Lastreach and the Free Isles Alliance continue to shape the dynamic between these nations. While the Free Isles Alliance celebrates their hard-won victory and embraces their newfound independence, Lastreach remains resentful and determined to reclaim what they perceive as their lost territories.

In Literature

"Lastreach Chronicles: The Path to Redemption" by Lord High General Marcus Blackwall (Lastreach perspective): Lord High General Blackwall, the ruler of Lastreach, presents a retrospective examination of the Free Isles Revolution from his own perspective. Reflecting on the events that led to Lastreach's defeat, he delves into the decisions made, the strategies employed, and the consequences of their actions. General Blackwall's account provides insight into the mindset of Lastreach's leadership and their belief in the righteousness of their cause.
"Shadows of Conflict: Guerilla Warfare in the Free Isles" by Sergeant Lucas Kane (Free Isles Alliance perspective): Sergeant Kane, a veteran of the Free Isles Alliance, provides a firsthand account of the guerrilla warfare tactics employed by the rebels. Through his experiences in the field, Kane offers a detailed exploration of the challenges faced by the Free Isles Alliance, the strategies they employed, and the resilience of their forces. His narrative highlights the sacrifices made by the rebels and the indomitable spirit that propelled them to victory.
"The Spirit of Defiance: A Rebellion Revisited" by Historian Isabel Greyson (Neutral perspective): Historian Greyson presents a balanced examination of the Free Isles Revolution, delving into the motivations and actions of both the Free Isles Alliance and Lastreach. Through meticulous research and analysis, she explores the underlying social, economic, and political factors that fueled the conflict. Greyson's work sheds light on the interplay of power dynamics, the spirit of resistance, and the lasting impact of the revolution on the Broken Isles.

Conflict Type

Civil War

Start Date

322 Age of Shattered Destiny

Ending Date

327 Age of Shattered Destiny

Conflict Result

Victory for the Colonies and the Establishment of the Free Isles Alliance as a nation.