Ael-Marlak War

"No Eglis, you do not want to hear about the war." The old man's eyes sunk deep into his sockets as he recalled. He looked down at his granddaughter, with her large, woken eyes sparkling in curiosity. "Wars are not something a young girl like you should hear about. Believe me. You don't want to hear about the men who now lie beneath the hill graves. The nameless fallen, who died for their lords, who died in vain. You don't want to hear about Marek, Villam, Dorgen, Yann..." his voice drifted off. Tears obscured his already fading vision as he sunk into his chair. He could feel a weight in his chest, a knot of torment cutting off the air from his lungs. He breathed deeply, regaining his composure. Eglis retained her expression of sheer curiosity. He sighed.
"It was a massacre," he began...

The Conflict

Prelude

Gemiciva ^{Main article: Aelic Empire}

The Gemicivan Orasate had been rapidly gaining power over the 150 years before the start of the war. Starting as a rather humble city state, it continued to seize power, growing its military might with every country it conquered and assimilated. What caused the sudden burst of might within their bounds has yet to be determined. Several scholars have however attempted to reason out the background to the growth.

Asaeic Development

One popular theory, which is widely accepted in many circles of academia is the rationale that the tipping of power was due to the Apos ver Saphest spell. The Gemicivan military research division had perfected this widely usable, highly destructive, yet very accurate ranged fire spell. It is capable of replacing bows at low power, and highly effective siege weaponry at high power. In addition to a well educated populous, in which potential Aresen would be spotted and recruited by the military gave the empire a certain technological edge over its neighbors. As the cities in the immediate vicinity of Gemiciva only used short-ranged Asaeic manipulation, the battles were decided quickly in favor of the Aelic armed forces. In addition, the largely wooden fortifications of their adversaries were no real match for this new spell.

"What the wheel has done for travel, the Saphest has done for war"

— Voc. An. Postessus Bulsus II

Geographic Location

While most scholars acknowledge the difference in military might of the Aelic forces over their earlier foes, many argue that it was truly due to the strategically superior location of Gemiciva that it was capable of overtaking its rivals. Being built on the shores of lake Cos, it was capable of controlling both major rivers feed into it, the Heran and the Orum. Both are used for trade and transportation, building the foundation for the city's economic prosperity as a trading hub. In addition, the Cartali Mountains to the north and east create a natural barrier for invaders from the north, allowing the defenses in the south to be concentrated upon. In addition, the earth around Gemiciva is well suited for agriculture, being especially capable of providing a large quantity of grain, wine, and olives of good quality. It was this ability to provide for their population, their army only increased in quality and numbers.

Divine Intervention

A far less popular idea among scholars, yet still widely used as propaganda as well as being accepted by large portions of the populous is the notion that Gemiciva was chosen by the gods to lead the world into a prosperous future. Their war is justified as the security and prosperity the empire can bring is unmatched. As such, it is believed by some, the god Asora himself descended upon the city of Gemiciva appointing them as the leaders he chose for the world. Thereby his and the other gods' blessings is what allowed Gemiciva to prosper as it did. This is however highly disagreed with by modern academia, being widely ridiculed in several circles.

Transportation and Communication

While certainly not the cause for the Gemicivan ascension, its dominion over communication and the ease at which one is able to travel through their homeland allowed Gemiciva to maintain a grip on the power it gained. They avoided decentralization, as orders and information could be conveyed quickly via asaeic means. Additionally, reinforcements could be deployed rapidly, using the wide system of roads and harbor towns for efficient supply routes and transportation. This same network of safe roads allowed trade to prosper like never before, but also made many territories to become dependent on the trade allowed by the empire, which feeds into the next point.

Trade and Security

It is argued by many patriots, including many academics, that the main reason Gemiciva gained and maintains so much power is the opportunities it offers. Paying some taxes and following the basic laws is a small price to pay for the massive trade network and security the empire provides. These roads allow produce from Liegsledt to be consumed in Atripheia, or a small village in the West of Falor to have access to goods all the way from Chiidame, at a price. The roads are safe to travel, which was far harder to accomplish than one might think. The empire has the power and willingness to wage war on the scourges of the wilderness. From the Wraggen tribes and Ejanines, to Drakken, Wyverns, and Delupi, the dangers of the wild are no match for the commissioned hunters and standing army of the empire. This increased security also allowed more land to be used for agriculture, adding to the list of reasons the health and number of imperial denizens grew so rapidly.

"The best way to keep your empire strong is by making it more beneficial to be within than without.

— Sen. Falus Porepoli

Start Date

Orashia of 628

Ending Date

Lamin of 632