The Incident of 135
The Conflict
Prelude
In the year 135 TGZ on Mu Shulòri 17, a Pereqaian navy patrol encountered a squadron of three Nimýric battleships south of Hegaros. They attacked the patrol and managed to sink one of their ships before heading towards the trade route between Lemoros and Parona. Now outnumbered, the Pereqaian ships had to call a second patrol for help in order to secure the trade route. After a fierce battle they managed to send the enemies limping back to where they came from. Sadly, it soon became apparent that this attack had been merely a distraction in order to allow an even greater threat to enter Pereqaian territory.
Deployment
The frigate was first spotted by the southern guard tower around 14:00 of Mu Renifi 12. Two battleships were launched to intercept it and the port defenders were called to arms.
The Engagement
Unfortunately, the frigate not only turned out to be faster than expected. It was also armed with a new weapon, attacking with burning shots that quickly claimed the defending battleships.
The same projectiles were fired at the guard towers, setting them ablaze before the gunners could finish targeting the intruders. To make matters worse, the flames quickly spread to the gunpowder depots in the towers. Thirty-seven soldiers and fifteen civilians in the nearby streets were instantly killed by the ensuing explosions.
More incendiary projectiles soon came in, setting fire to the market place and surrounding residential buildings. Within twenty minutes half of the city turned into a deadly inferno.
The enemy frigate escaped as quickly as it had come, leaving the people of Qùfènicvè to their fate. In a desperate move, the inhabitants destroyed the walkways between the burning buildings and the inner city districts that were yet unharmed. This finally stopped the fire from advancing and gave them a fighting chance at extinguishing the flames.
Outcome
One third of the city's population suffered a gruesome death in the flames. The port-side half of the city was completely destroyed, ruining the livelihood of those lucky enough to escape from the fire itself.
Much of the city's food reserves and other supplies had been stored in warehouses in the affected area and were now lost. The damage to the city's infrastructure also included the loss of several medical facilities. Consequently, the treatment of burn victims was slowed down and healers were unable to keep up with the various diseases which quickly spread among the now homeless and starving refugees.
Aftermath
Thankfully, Qùfènicvè could count on the support of neighboring settlements who quickly began providing them with much-needed supplies, workers and materials for rebuilding the city. The supreme chieftain of Lemoros further decided to enter a trade agreement with the neighboring nation of Sudhegaros. This gave them access to stone from the latter's mountainous territory, allowing them to raise fortifications which would resist similar attacks in the future.
Belligerents
Nimýric Empire
Qùfènicvè
Strength
1 Fireball Frigate with a crew of ~150
3 guard towers, each with 25 soldiers
2 battleships, each with a crew of 300
2 battleships, each with a crew of 300
Casualties
minimal
28758 (city population)
173 (battle ships)
173 (battle ships)
Objectives
destruction of the port
self-defense
A very interesting conflict! I'm quite curious as to the motivations of the attack: was there a specific goal in mind? Is it part of a greater war between the different nations? Great article!
Glad you like it! Yes, it is part of a long-lasting war between the Nimýric Empire and the Pereqaian Alliance. I have some more info in the articles about the Fireball Frigates and the settlement - the Nimýrité wanted to destroy the port because it was in a strategically important place, and the Pereqaiande had been launching ships from there to attack Nimýric territory. A detail that the Pereqaian chroniclers are likely to "forget" when talking about this incident.
Creator of the Kaleidoscope System and the planet Miragia.
Oooh interesting! Thank you for the info :D