The First War of the Frost
The First War of the Frost was the name given to the first major conflict to the Orcs of Ordan and the Frost Elves of Yserea. Occurring around 350 years after the fall of the Ithyrian Empire, and fuelled by the expansionistic ambitions of the Frost Elves, the war ravaged most of northwestern Imera, with the borderlands between Ordan and Yserea being a site of near constant conflict between the two. This would not be the last time the Orcs and Frost Elves would come to blows (with three more such conflicts following in its wake), and this conflict and its aftermath would play a role in much of the history between the two races.
The Conflict
Prelude
Having established their kingdom of Yserea, the ruling king at the time developed the ambitious plan to build a new Elvish empire in the north of Imera. To this end, the burgeoning Orc nation of Ordan was chosen as the first conquest of this new empire, due to the belief that their lack of magical skill compared to the Elves, as well as the general perception of them being uncivilised brutes. Confident in the belief that this would be a quick victory for them, the Frost Elves began mobilising for the coming invasion, and were even drafting up plans to invade the Human kingdom of Ulfgard after their success.
Deployment
The Frost Elves forces included knights, archers, and battlemages, with their numbers increasing as the war dragged on.
The forces of the Orcs were made up of warriors, hunters, and what few mages (who traditionally served as shamans) they could spare, mostly of Frost Orc descent (though some Plains Orcs were involved in the fighting as well).
The forces of the Orcs were made up of warriors, hunters, and what few mages (who traditionally served as shamans) they could spare, mostly of Frost Orc descent (though some Plains Orcs were involved in the fighting as well).
Battlefield
The lands that cover the border of Yserea and Ordan made up most of the battlefields of the war, as well as the northernmost reaches of north Ordan during the wars later stages.
Conditions
Due to its location within northern Imera, soldiers from both sides of the conflict had to deal with rough terrain, cold, and snow.
The Engagement
The Frost Elves made quick gains in the opening stages of the war, especially when engaging the Orcs in open combat. Despite being outmatched by the magical might of the Frost Elves, the naturally tenacious Orcs refused to back down, and once the fighting moved into more advantageous terrain (such as forests, hills, and occasionally mountains), they were able to slow the Frost Elf advance, even pushing them back in some places. What was supposed to be a brief conflict of no more than a month or two ended up being dragged out to a war that lasted 25 years, and despite the Frost Elves sending more soldiers in an attempt to break through the Orcish defences, they were unable to gain any further ground, ending the war in a truce between the two with what few territories they were able to hold.
Outcome
The Frost Elves were unable to achieve their goal of conquering Ordan, only managing to claim a stretch of territory beyond the borderlands.
Aftermath
The war had left the militaries of both the Frost Elves and the Orcs weakened, forcing them into a long period of recuperation. Additionally, relations between the two races became much more hostile, with both sides having grievances with one another over the events of the war. A few centuries later, fuelled by their desire to reclaim their lost lands, the Orcs would launch an invasion of the Frost Elf occupied territories, beginning the Second war of the Frost.
Historical Significance
Legacy
The Frost Elves consider the First War of the Frost to be somewhat of an embarrassment to their military, as while they were able to claim some new territory in the end, it wasn't the overwhelming victory they had hoped it would be.
For the Orcs, the war is considered to be a defining moment for their people, with their warriors refusal to back down from their more magically adept enemies being upheld as a shining example of Orcish tenaciousness.
For the Orcs, the war is considered to be a defining moment for their people, with their warriors refusal to back down from their more magically adept enemies being upheld as a shining example of Orcish tenaciousness.
In Literature
A number of historical records throughout northern Imera, especially those focused on the Orcs and Frost Elves, are tied to the history of the war.
Conflict Type
War
Battlefield Type
Land
Start Date
-354
Ending Date
-327
Conflict Result
The war ended in a truce between the Frost Elves and the Orcs, with some territory taken from Ordan.
Belligerents
Strength
Warriors, hunters, and mages (known to them as shamans) from every settlement throughout north Ordan, primarily of Frost Orc descent, with Plains Orc reinforcements from south Ordan arriving later in the war.
The initial invasion force consisted of melee infantry, archers, and battle mages, making up half of the overall military might of Yserea. Further reinforced as the war dragged on.
Casualties
Orcish losses are estimated to have been around 20,000.
Frost Elf casualties are estimated to have been around 10,000.
Objectives
Repelling invaders.
Conquering Ordan.
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