First Venian-Satri War

The Conflict

Prelude

Before the outbreak of war, tensions between the Venian Commonwealth and the Satri Empire had been brewing for a few generations. The Satri Empire by this point has been well-established and seeks to hold on to the territories they gradually acquired over the previous century, while the Venians had seized vast tracts of land in a relatively short period after a series of hard-fought wars. The Satri's main power resided with their massive armies they could muster from their various subject nations. Their navy, although also enormous, relied on the skill of the peoples they ruled, as the Satri have no seafaring tradition. The Venians, meanwhile, take pride in their navy, because it is essential for them to maintain control of their nascent empire. Their citizen armies are exclusively heavy infantry, which forces them to hire foreign units to supply the Venian demand for cavalry, archers, and skirmishers. As the two polities encroached on each other, the conflict became inevitable. Being a naval-centric power, the Venians heavily relied on high volumes of trade flowing through their ports, the taxes raised from which fund the hundreds of ships they can field at any time. When the Satri raised the prices of certain goods and the duties on Venian goods, the Venians responded by seizing Satri ships until the prices increases returned to the status quo. The conflict mushroomed from there.

Outcome

The Venian Commonwealth managed to win concessions from the Satri Empire in the aftermath, including the surrender of Tusana and reparations to be paid over forty years. Although victorious, the Commonwealth was exhausted, losing many men and ships. The Satri Empire was weakened as well, and the defeat left it humiliated.

Aftermath

The blow suffered to Satra's imperial prestige inspired several revolts, which they suppressed. This grueling task needed to be completed before the Empire could obtain the revenge it clamored for against the Commonwealth.

Conflict Type

War

Battlefield Type

Land

Conflict Result

Costly Commonwealth Victory

Belligerents

Satri Empire

Venian Commonwealth

Strength

500,000 fighting men

350,000 fighting men

Casualties

approximately 150,000

100,000

Objectives

To defend current territories from the Venian Commonwealth and seize some its lands in the process.

To enroach upon Satri territory and force the Empire to place greater consideration on the Commonwealth's trade interests.