Battle of Deeptrench

The Battle of Deeptrench was the last battle in which the Brotherhood of Dora-Nil fought during the Kadian Invasion of Rakion, in which a surprise attack launched by several hundred dwarves resulted in the loss of four ARA companies, including a command company, effectively eliminating an entire battalion. Following this attack, the Might of the Holy Pact ceased their offensive efforts in the front and retreated to defensive positions.

The Conflict

Battlefield

The battle took place on the surface, in front of the Citadel of Barad-Hin, where the Might of the Holy Pact had established a fortified encampment. The battlefield, characterized by rolling hills and rocky terrain, called for emphasis on infantry, and a large encampment was erected in front of the gates.
Unknown to the attackers, their positions were built atop a vast network of tunnels, whose digging went underway in Jak'shen of 1050. Intended for underground maneuvers, the network allowed for sudden emergence from and quick withdrawal to shafts, which led to an elaborate labyrinthine system.

Conditions

The battle was fought under conditions that heavily favored the Brotherhood of Dora-Nil. The damp ground weakened the structural integrity of the ARA's fortifications and muddied the earth, making it heavier and causing it to form large lumps. Dense morning fog greatly reduced line-of-sight, hindering communicatio between the disconnected forces of the SFLK. These conditions were a deciding factor in the Brotherhood’s course of action, opting to collapse the tunnels rather than using them for movement.

The Engagement

The battle began and ended with a coordinated surprise attack; a small contingent of the dwarven force launched a frontal assault on the ARA positions as a diversion, while the majority of the fighters advanced through the tunnels and positioned themselves such that the encampment was surrounded. Then, the tunnels were deliberately collapsed. The damp ground, weakened by rain and the extensive excavation, gave way, forming three massive sinkholes that swallowed large portions of the Kadian forces.
The collapse resulted in the immediate destruction of key fortifications, the entrapment of hundreds of SFLK soldiers, most of whom now suffered injuries, commonly broken bones. What followed was a one-sided melee, with dwarves reporting sore muscles as they ceaselessly hacked and bludgeoned the ARA forces with barely any opposition.

Included under Conflict

Kadian Invasion of Rakion

Conflict Type

Battle

Battlefield Type

Land

Conflict Result

Humiliating defeat for the SFLK

Location

Nova Terra