Darka/RedSpan-Darkan War
Foreword
I am Nirandor Jezralhm. A quick look at my biography will have you questioning my partisanship on the following report. This source is not intended to be completely reliable or infallible. I do not have enough records nor objectivity to sufficiently document this conflict impartially. Nevertheless, it is an attempt. To attain full knowledge, use this document only as a partial source to your analysis.
It must be noted that I quote heavily from different realm's newspapers. The publishers and editors of those newpapers often have their own agenda (propaganda) other than publishing the untainted truth. So like any source, it should be analyzed with care.
As of the 5th of February, this is factually as close to the events as I could get.
Prelude to War
To first understand the coming of war itself, it must be known the condition and the climate of which a war is fought. That is, the preluding events which led up to the war, and popular opinion of the participating members and factions. This chapter hopes to outline popular sentiments to the realms and the events which led up to the war.
- Darka Kostaja Kosunen Cosula, King of Darka
- Eston Andrew McKay, King of Eston
- Talerium Sir ZogXIX, Prime Minister of Talerium
- the Barony of Makar Sordnaz, Dictator of Barony of Makar, Duke of Sale
- Members of the Southern Alliance or Southern Federation:
- RedSpan Tony Malone, King of RedSpan, Marshal of the Royal RedSpan Army Of Drunkards
- Abington Armitage III D'Anglos, Queen of Abington
- Carelia Kronos Titans, King of Carelia, Marshal of the Royal Guard
The War of Annihilation
In Issue 6 of Abington First!, nobles of the Abington First guild documented the alleged rampant looting in their lands with the intention to "destroy Abington," as in remove it as a realm. The editor and author of Abington First!, Gauihu Olik, coined this the "War of Annihilation" - citing the fact that many enemy troop leaders deferred facing Abington troops in combat, rather, "MURDERING, RAPING, BURNING, LOOTING" (so ran Abington Account's headline) their way through Abington to leave a "bloody mark of an unjust war of aggression". Of course, Abington was not the sole propaganda machine churning out spurring headlines, in Volume Three of the Cagilan Citizen, the editor Sephirah Bishamon wrote on the bloody battle of Wayburg, "these sacrifices against the unnoble war machine of Abington, we must be thankful."
The origins of this "War of Annihilation" was initially an invasion by Ash Sea Islands (circa. September 2006) to 'reclaim' the islands on the east coast of continental Atamara. However, with the arrival of forces from the west which, as Abington First claims, sought to pillage and destroy Abington through looting.
- "Ashlantean troops quickly retook the Islands, however the war was then complicated by the appearance of another war on Abington's western front. A war to found a new realm in Wayburg in order to limit Abington's power. This effort was primarily supported by Minas Ithil and Talerium, with Darka and the Cagilan Empire also offering their support for the colony." (source: Ash Sea Islands)
- "Coming as no surprise, the Ash Sea Islands declared war on Abington once the former's allies were close by to protect them. The reason? Doc's Revenge demanded that Abington give up five of its own territories (offering three in return), and when this demand was rejected, ASI decided they would rather take it by force." (source: Abington Account)
Opinions of Darka in the South
As the headline "Darka Burned, Raped and Killed to 'Advertise'" in Issue 7 of Abington First! shows, the opinion of the self-proclaiming mercenary state, Darka, in southern Atamara was murderous. This was due to documents the Abington judge obtained. The Abington judge at this time Gauihu Olik who is also editor of Abington First!
- "According to confessions given by several captured Darka[n] mercenaries, Darka was not under contract to attack Abington, but did it to 'advertise' their 'superior military' to 'potential clients.'" (source: Issue 7 of Abington First! - late November 2006)
In the same article, Judge Olik questioned the integrity of Darkan lords, stating "the despicable actions carried out by Darkans on unarmed peasants goes to show that Darkans themselves are non-noble." Also Olik brings into question Darkan government policy stating that, "Darka, as a self-described 'Mercenary Company', can be said to be a non-sovereign, non-realm" but "the fact that Darka has declared war on RedSpan disproves this notion".
In response, Urpo stated that the Abington anger was unfounded as there was a funder who hired the mercenary realm, but who wished to remain anonymous and the motivations of invasion to appear non-mercenary. Anonymity is often preferred as many who hire extra arms are from prestigious ranks, and do not want their reputation tarnished. While the appearance of Darka as invaders by purchase may wish to have been deferred for political reasons.
- "Abington was especially upset when there [were] rumors that Darka did [invade] just for advertising purposes. [However] there is also the rumor that Darka was actually paid for it, but it is alleged that the client wanted that to be secret." (source: Darka RS War)
Assassination
In mid-November 2006, an RedSpan infiltrator AJ von Krondor seriously wounded Darka's banker Mr_Jones. The victim banker, Mr_Jones (a former Darkan king), had had a six hundred gold bounty placed upon him and the assassin was able to collect the bounty.
Upon identification of Jones' assailant, Darka's king Kostaja Kosunen began communiques with RedSpan's king Tony Malone. For the assassination, AJ gained 600 gold. Darka demanded the indemnity of 1200 gold be paid or the banishment of AJ. Instead, RedSpan fined AJ 500 gold.
- "Banning AJ or paying 1200 gold for Darka and Mr_Jones for his pain and suffer[ing]." (source: Kostaja Kosunen in an Interview with the King)
- "RedSpan claimed that its infiltrators had the right to hunt bounties and they placed a 500 gold fine on AJ; not sure why was that fine placed if it is by RS leadership to assassinate "friendly" nobles. That fine was not enough for Darka and they offered RedSpan other way to solve this issue, by paying a 1200 gold indemnity to Darka. RedSpan refused." (source: Urpo, note blood relation to Kostaja Kosunen, Darka RS War)
- "AJ collected a bounty on the head of Mr_Jones. He completed a contract, just like the ones that Darka usually signs. To get paid doing someone else's dirty work. Well, it seems double standards are ripe in Darka. They demanded AJ be banned or 1200 gold be paid in compensation. We said no. We fined AJ 500 gold as another form of punishment." (source: Tony, RedSpan Revealer, November Edition 2006)
Commentary
Assassination to collect a bounty itself is not a righteous act. Queen of Abington Armitage III said, "the target had a bounty on him, and the bounty was because of what he had done in his past." (source: Darka RS War) Just because someone does not like you and puts a premium upon your head doesn't mean that a third party execution is right nor justified. Nor should the extent or the sum of the bounty affect the judgment of righteousness.
The assassination itself is a heinous crime and deserved punishment from the forces within Darka's lands and laws. Once AJ escaped the realm and from further prosecution in allied lands, this author can find no fault in AJ's act so long as he acted upon his own prerogative. If there was goodwill between RedSpan and Darka, then AJ should have been extradited to Darka to receive his punishment or RedSpan should have punished AJ according to Darkan wishes. This is based upon goodwill, not as a requirement. It is also understandable if a government decides not to severely punish, rather 'harbours', a local hero.
However if this assassination was sanctioned or even condoned by the RedSpan government, then this can be seen as an act of war. It is known that the lords of RedSpan have ordered an assassination upon their own nobles. This information was attained through untainted reports by Finegus O'Shea, a RedSpan infiltrator, after succumbing to torture. Therefore, if the hierarchy of RedSpan (at least) authorized an assassination on their own nobles, then this writer can only estimate the likelihood of a government sanction for AJ to weasel all the way up to Mr_Jone's bedchambers.
There is a good side to the assassination. Armitage III also said interestingly, "the target took a serious wound, he now [has] no target on him and he can now live without fear of being attack so he also has [something to] gain from being hit."
Cold War
Declaration of War
On November the 17th 2006, Darka declared war on RedSpan. The Abington Account provides a good summary of this.
- "After Darka disagreed with a judicial matter in Redspan, Darka formally declared war on that realm with the expressed intent of gaining gold. Since Redspan is in a Federation with Carelia and Abington, it is likely that those realms will come to Redspan's defense. This combined with war events in North Atamara seems to herald a new age of renewed war, although it seems unlikely that this time Abington's annihilation will be anyone's goal." (source: Gauihu Olik, Abington Account)
Olik here calls the declaration of war as a "judicial" (decreed by or proceeding from a court of justice) matter which is of truth considering Darka and RedSpan disagreed upon the critical punishment for AJ the infiltrator. However, the assassination itself, was the catalyst to the declaration of war.
Federation Alliances
As mentioned in the source above, the Southern Federation of RedSpan, Carelia and Abington was evoked so the declaration of war caused the defensive pact to join.
- "Our allies Abington and Carelia are gathering in Stargard, eagerly awaiting the first attack from Darka... The mood is good down here in Redspan as we are all waiting for the fisrt sign of blood. Hey Darka maybe you could come and join us soon. We are dying of boredom!" (source: Tony in RedSpan Revealer November Edition, 23rd November 2006).
- "The streets of Stargard are crowded with soldiers, Knights, Cavaliers, Heros and Lords. They move in large bodies from tavern to inn, from market to training field, in training, conference and revelry. All the world wonders, "Where are those sell-swords?" Scouts traveling to the hinterlands have yet to spread the word on the street in regards to the progress of the sworn enemies of Goatdom. Morale remains high as ale, wine and whiskey flow, soap is eschewed and stories are told." (source: Dabug Habap in RedSpan Revealer December Edition, 1st December 2006)
Political Stances
- RedSpan is very willing to meet Darka in battle. They are generally very pleased by the challenge by the declaration of war, and to 'teach those sell-swords a lesson'.
- Darka is under previously signed contract with Eston and so they are not to march until their contract expires.
- In Interview with the King, Kostaja Kosunen expresses the opinion that Abington seems keen to attack Darka. This is understandable considering the Abington perspective on the 'War of Annihilation'. Therefore it would be natural for Abington to seek retribution to plunder Darkan lands.
- Carelia is much less aggressive considering good relations with Darka. They seem committed to their Federation Alliance and the defense of the homeland, however it is apparent they may not wish to partake a major war.
- "However, I will never attack Darka, except of course if they threat Carelia. Something that there is no reason to happen." (source: Kronos Titans in Darka RS War)
- Tara, while at peace with RedSpan and allied to Darka, wish to maintain neutrality and declared their borders open for travel but no battles were to operate within Tara's lands.
- Eston has refused right of passage to RedSpan.
Inaction
Due to prior engagements, Darka was not able to march onto RedSpan nor were they willing to march against three realms. Nevertheless, a commitment to Eston in which Darka was to oversee the transfer of land between Minas Ithil and the Northern Alliance meant that they could not commit troops to warfare.
- "Darka had just signed contract and were not able to launch attack on RedSpan, and I believe they would not have had the chance to do much for RedSpan while entire Southern Federation were giving support to RedSpan. Darkan army had been seen at Eston soils, making sure that region exchange between [Minas Ithil] and [Northern Alliance] is going smoothly." (source: Urpo in Darka RS War)
Also, the political stances of Tara and Eston have proven to create a stalemate between the two realms.
- "Eston growled a bit when RedSpan unit wandered on their lands while RedSpan had some maneuver training going on at Falasan lands." (source: Urpo in Darka RS War)
| Arms | Realm |
|---|---|
 |
Darka |
 |
Eston |
 |
Abington |
 |
Carelia |
 |
RedSpan |
Infiltrator Warfare
Since the declaration of war and the evident inaction or 'cold war', there has been many infiltrator assassination attempts and hampering region production and black marketing ploys by traders. These are attempts to make inefficient use of materials and land so to hinder the preparations for war. Captured infiltrators faced the judges' (Ralph the third of RedSpan and Lavigna of Darka) torture and deportations.
RedSpan-Darkan War
The first bloodshed between over this war was on the 25th of January, 2007.
- "... the Darkan army launched a swift surprise attack on Meldeen and then moved onto capture the [RedSpan] city of Stargard. Along with their allies, Talerium, and the Barony of Makar, the Darkan army only met token resistance in both regions." (source: Rojo DeVesta in the January edition of Tara Times)
Battles
These are the major battles of the war. There were various skirmishes where nobles were captured, but they have been disregarded from the records. However, these are the noteworthy battles which have decided the fate of the war.
Battle in Meldeen
On the 25th of January, Darka, Talerium and Barony of Makar forces were seen in Meldeen, RedSpan lands. RedSpan troops in the region was overwhelmed by Talerium and Darkan troops. Makarian troops remained neutral.
| Realm | Role | Combat strength | Troop count | Troop leaders |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talerium, Darka | Attacking | 23355 | 1400 | 43 |
| RedSpan | Defending | 2084 | 100 | 1 (and 6 militia) |
Not long after, RedSpan declared war upon Talerium and Abington, ally of RedSpan, declared war upon Darka.
Press
The January edition of the RedSpan Revealer, Tony Malone reported, "Darka who, with Talerium, has regions numbering over [four times] compared to RedSpan, and their military is [thrice] as big." While Dabug Habap stated that, "Darka was true to its word that it would attack unexpectedly. Needless to say, looting began in earnest, again, as promised." This references the apparent 'annihilation' tactics allegedly employed.
- "Darkan and Talerium warriors marched into RedSpan lands yesterday. The attackers were quickly able to overcome the defending forces at Meldeen and claim a victory" (source: Nirandor Jezralhm on the 28th of January in Volcanic Hot Newsletter).
While the Abington First reported in their eighth issue:
- "The fact now is quite simple. Darka, after roping in Talerium to assist them against Redspan, has declared war on and invaded Abington's Federated Ally. By treaty, Abington is obligated to come to her ally's defense. Darka, or an actually sovereign realm, might now complain because of this, but Darka has forced Abington's hand. Unlike Darka, we are not feigning at being given no reasonable alternative.
- "Today, the Queen of Abington, on the advise of the Royal Council, has declared war on Darka. This news was much celebrated in Abington, where the memory of the pointless and barbaric pillaging and raping - which the so-called nobles of Darka crudely and thuggishly boasted about - is still fresh on the minds of any true Abingtonian."
Battle in Stargard
On the night of January 27th, troops from Darka, Talerium, Barony of Makar advanced onto the fifth level of stronghold at Stargard, the capital of RedSpan. The defending troops were overwhelmed by the multitude of Talerium, Makarian and Darkan men. By the end of the battle, the attackers had a decisive victory. Fortifications were heavily damaged and were reduced to a level 4 Stronghold. The battle was also waged on with straggling RedSpanian forces appearing at sunset and sunrise on the following days.
| Realm | Role | Combat strength | Troop count | Troop leaders |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talerium, Darka, Barony of Makar | Attacking | 26837 | 1700 | 49 |
| RedSpan | Defending | 11123 | 700 | 22 (and 15 militia) |
Injuries and Captures
The following troop leaders were wounded or captured in the Battle in Stargard.
| Darka | Talerium | RedSpan |
|---|---|---|
| Night, 27th January | ||
| w. Neo (Noble of Darka) | w. Hottori (Noble of Talerium) |
w. Uther, Count of Bolgar |
| Day, 28th January | ||
|
w. Askeron (Noble of RedSpan) | ||
| Day, 29th January | ||
|
w. Tifa (Dame of Byblack, RedSpan) | ||
Battle in Ambermel
On the night of January 30th, troops of Darka and Talerium met Abington and RedSpan troops in Ambermel, a rural midland of RedSpan in between the major cities of Sullenport and Stargard. The attackers, Darka and Talerium, were able to gain victory despite the defenders supported by the palisade due to their superior numbers.
| Realm | Role | Combat strength | Troop count | Troop leaders |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talerium, Darka | Attacking | 29550 | 1877 | 63 |
| RedSpan, Abington | Defending | 14012 | 843 | 34 |
On the morning of January 31st, the battle recommenced with reinforcements arriving for both sides. Confederates from Carelia finally saw battle in the RedSpan-Darkan War alongside their allies, Abington and RedSpan. The defenders, Darka and Talerium, won this battle.
| Realm | Role | Combat strength | Troop count | Troop leaders |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RedSpan, Abington, Carelia | Attacking | 15194 | 1176 | 43 (and 1 militia) |
| Talerium, Darka | Defending | 25754 | 1669 | 62 |
Injuries and Captures
The following troop leaders were wounded or captured in the Battle in Ambermel.
| Darka | Talerium | Abington | RedSpan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Night, 30th January | |||
| wc. Twinblade (Lord of Darka) c. Jarod (Knight of Winser) |
w. Tiana (Dame of Xotaxa) w. Jerkin (Knight of Eagle's Glen) |
w. Bo (Knight of Wayburg) w. Xuanye, High Marshal of Abington |
w. Taegan (Dame of Upperfell) w. Roshel, Duchess of Stargard |
| Day, 31st January | |||
| w. Hashim (Knight of Chohua) | w. Teael (Knight of Riverholm) w. Sere (Knight of Wayburg) |
w. Lysander (Noble of RedSpan) w. Yukimura (Knight of Stargard) | |
Battle in Sullenport
The night of January 31st marked the taking of Sullenport by the invading armies, one of the grand cities of Atamara. It is also RedSpan's biggest city and a center of activities of all kind, trade, entertainment and culture. Darka and Talerium were able to overrun the defenses at Sullenport and claim the city. Statistically, this battle was one of the closer battles of the war.
| Realm | Role | Combat strength | Troop count | Troop leaders |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talerium, Darka | Attacking | 18425 | 1116 | 51 |
| RedSpan, Abington | Defending | 13281 | 945 | 23 (12 militia) |
On the morning of the new month, the battle recommenced as two militia units and the Countess of Upperfell, Elinda raided the taken walls. The attack was repelled and the Countess was wounded.
| Realm | Role | Combat strength | Troop count | Troop leaders |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RedSpan | Attacking | 429 | 32 | 1 (and 2 militia) |
| Talerium, Darka | Defending | 8195 | 429 | 39 |
Injuries and Captures
The following troop leaders were wounded or captured in the Battle in Sullenport.
| Darka | Talerium | RedSpan |
|---|---|---|
| Night, 31st January | ||
| c. Lupricas, Count of Siebmar c. Juan (Knight of Maycxal) |
c. Xenocide (Knight of Mattlu) w. Solak (Knight of Chocxal) |
c. AssVulvE (Knight of Byblack) c. Valdien (Noble) |
| Day, 1st Feburary | ||
| w. Elinda, Countess of Upperfell | ||
| Day, 2nd Feburary | ||
| w. Yoritomo (Knight of Chucxi) | ||
Recovery after Stargard
After being overrun in the Battle in Stargard, RedSpan retreated to various cities and awaited for Abington reinforcement. During this period, Darka engaged in looting the capital, Stargard. There was also a great deal of exchange between the nobles of the realms. The general rift between the two realms was expanded as insults were traded and due to a great amount of looting. During this period, AJ was also captured before RedSpan retook their capital, Stargard.
War of Words
There has been a great war of words, exchanging of insults and the like. Notably, it can be seen in Abington First, RedSpan Revealer and The Volcanic Hot Newsletter.
- "The battlefield is not the only place this war is raging. The various realms' newspapers' (Redspan Revealer, Volcanic Hot Newsletter, and Abington First!) have all engaged in a relentless intellectual war against the opposing side." (source: Rojo DeVesta in the January edition of Tara Times)
Looting
Once the resistance units were crushed, Darkan, Talerium and Makarian troops have rampantly looted the city of Stargard, the capital of RedSpan, and the lands of Meldeen to create a great bill of repair to the realm of RedSpan. This is seen as retribution for Darka, and great villainy and dishonorable plundering by RedSpan.
- "Over the last few days in Meldeen and in Stargard, forces from Darka, Talerium, and Barony of Makar have looted and plundered the innocent peasants. These vile acts of sheer brutality obscene and uncalled for. At about three hours before sunset, there had already been 71 incidents of looting." (Dielo Filador on 27th January in RedSpan Revealer)
- "Stargard has been under looting for the last couple of days and has seen more than 100 cases of the brutal act" (Tony Malone on 28th January in RedSpan Revealer)
- "Update: 01/28/07, 2 Hours before Sunset: 146 incidents of looting." (Dielo Filador in RedSpan Revealer)
- "... [Abington] is heading out to assist [RedSpan] in recapturing the regions. Darka and its allies are aware of this and therefore are launching a massive looting spree before they are pushed back by a fresh wave of [Abington and RedSpanian] troops." (source: Rojo DeVesta in the January edition of Tara Times)
AJ's capture
The instigator of this war, RedSpan infiltrator AJ von Krondor was captured on the 28th of January by Talerium guards in Meldeen. As is such, he was sent to Talerium's prisons. AJ von Krondor is a veteran noble of RedSpan and was formerly judge of RedSpan, former general of RedSpan, count of Cummaol, duke of Stargard, and "True Hero of RedSpan; First Champion of Da Great Goat".
- "He was found by Hashim's, Knight of Chohua, Talerium, tent conspicuously, with a poisoned dagger under his cloak. The hunt for the RedSpan culprit has final ended. The decision on the fate of this criminal is now in the Talerium judge's hands." (source: Nirandor Jezralhm on the 28th of January in Volcanic Hot Newsletter).
Reclaiming the Capital
RedSpan along with her allies marched into Stargard and were able to retake the city. Curiously, there was no battle between the forces and instead, the defenders engaged the active undead units. (OOC: bug, I believe Carelia's presence caused mayhem in the mechanics of the game as Carelia was set as peaceful with Darka and Talerium, while sided with RedSpan.) The expected battle did not occur and instead, Darkan and Talerium troops marched elsewhere.
- Today the battle that all have been waiting for...has not happened. This time it is not due to the undead... oh no. It is because Darka and Talerium ran away into Upperfell! The insults were rife in Stargard last night with them going back and forth. (Source: Tony Malone on 30th of January in RedSpan Revealer)
Armistice
King Tony of RedSpan and King Kostaja Kosunen of Darka signed a ceasefire or armistice on the 4th of February with the intentions of solving the issue peacefully. The two week Darkan campaign into RedSpan lands ends on this day as Darka's military retracts from the regions of RedSpan. Estimates by Darka's banker Amaarent Vasata show damages and looting mount up to 4700 gold.
- "Today a cease-fire with Darka has been anounced. This will last aporximatly 6 months starting today. One with Talerium will more than likely follow. This now brings in a period of calm after 2 weeks of looting." (source: Tony Malone on the 4th of February in RedSpan Revealer)
- "Rough estimates of the war cost to RedSpan:
- Over 1200 gold looted by Darkans
- Reduced walls in Stargard, estimated repair cost over 2000 gold
- Reduced walls in Sullenport, estimated repair cost at least 1500 gold
- Walls destroyed in Ambermel, irreplaceable
- Additional looting and damage done by Talerium and Barony of Makar
- Total cost: At least 4700 gold." (source: Amaarent Vasata on the 4th of February in Volcanic Hot Newsletter)
