York Journal/Norland

The Norland-Minas Ithil War

by the editors of the York journal

Events leading up to the War

The causes of the Norland-Minas Ithil war are rooted in the wars the preceded it. It is in these prior wars that Norland has claimed cause for their war. Norland and Eston were at war with Norland losing the war. The war was started by Norland but Norland was losing ground. In exchange for several regions, Minas Ithil led by King Dead Angel3 joined the war. When the war concluded Minas Ithil had gained Amdor, Amriel, Elost and Mormaroth. Mormaroth was given to Norland by Minas Ithil while Eston gave Barad Riel to Norland. Following this, Minas Ithil went to war against Abington along with several other nations. As the reasons for this are unrelated the war against Abington will not be discussed here.

Minas Ithil ended its involvement in the war against Abington as the Northern Federation was announced. The Northern Federation consisted of Eston, Norland and Barony of Makar. The Northern Federation soon issued demands for the regions of Amdor, Amriel, and Elost to be surrendered. The demand came with the threat of the combined forces of the Northern Federation attacking Minas Ithil. Minas Ithil protested but let Norland take the regions without defending itself (Eston reclaimed Amdor). Despite gaining what it had desired and the promises made in doing so, Norland continued to build up its forces in preparation to attack Minas Ithil.

Declaration of War

In January of '07, Norland declared war with Barony of Makar declaring war soon after. In declaring war Norland declared that it was a 'Holy War' decreed by their Gods. They stated their goal of creating a greater 'Hasland' by laying claim to Winwich, Dunstoke, and York. Additionally, they declared that King Dead Angel3 needed to be removed. A multitude of reasons have been offered for why King Dead Angel3's removal from office is required. Among those reasons is their claim of lack-luster effort during the Norland-Eston war, that the 3 regions we gained in that war were extortion and a betrayal of their friendship, and that the manner in which they took Amriel and Elost was unsatisfactory. Norland also has called for the destruction of the religion of Athonlaurism which they refer to as 'sun-worshipers'.

On the Defense

The beginning months of the war found Minas Ithil primarily on defense. With help from Barony of Makar attacking Minas Ithil, Norland was able to overrun Winwich. The region found itself the primary front of the war causing widespread damage and leaving few peasants left alive. Talerium sent troops to aid in the defense of Minas Ithil as did ASI.

In April, Abington attacked Minas Ithil, overrunning the regions surrounding Shanandoah and causing widespread damage. With their desire for revenge sated for our attempt to create a colony in their lands they left. Barony of Makar soon signed a peace agreement with Minas Ithil as well leaving the war between only Minas Ithil and Norland.

One on One

With the war now down to just Minas Ithil and Norland the future started looking brighter. In May with the disappearance of High Marshall Azrael our King took charge of the armies personally. Winwich was retaken and the borders were soon back to where they were at the start of the war. High Marshall Snider was appointed at the end of May. Winwich and Dunstoke would be taken by Norland in June but were recovered quickly. High Marshall Relkin would replace High Marshall Snider, who perished at the gates of Elost in the middle of June.

Stalemate drags on

The summer would find the battle a stalemate. Several attacks were launched on Norland without success and Norland would briefly take Winwich in July. This would be the last time Norland claimed possession of Winwich during the war. High Marshall Relkin would step down in the end of the August with Minas Ithil in a good position going forward.

The push forward

A tournament in early September gave Minas Ithil much needed funds for the coming battles. Norland attempted without success to take advantage of the event but was swiftly repelled.

In the waning days of October the plan of High Marshall Raoul would see Minas Ithil soldiers defeating Norland in Mansbridge. With the strategic region taken, Minas Ithil had finally turned the tide. Minas Ithil would set to work taking over Melmoor. Elost even briefly would join Minas Ithil.

Setbacks and westward expansion

In February Minas Ithil would find itself defeated and pushed out of Mansbridge and Melmoor would rebel after being looted harshly by the Barony of Makar. The Barony had found a reason to briefly re-enter the war.

Field Marshall Francis(Title changed by the King during this time) would replace Lord Raoul, who stepped down from the position following the loss of Mansbridge. Field Marshall Francis lead our forces to victory quickly claiming Elost, Amriel and Barad Riel, and Moramroth for Minas Ithil.

The end of March would find Minas Ithil with a strong position over Norland.

War with Northern Federation

All good things come to an end however. With spring would come troops from Eston and Barony of Makar. A surprise attack on Barad Riel by Eston lead to the fall of that city. The Barony would be pushed out of Moramroth before the region fell, but would leave the region in ruins. The damage done to Moramroth proved to be too much. The region entered a downward spiral and eventually rebelled from Minas Ithil.

During this time several Marshals were promoted to the position of Field Marshal: Marshal Malcor of the York Elite, Marshal Voragh of the Shanandoah Praetorians, and Marshal Raziel III of the First Ithillian Dragoons.

Eventually the attacks of the Northern Federation succeeded in overrunning Elost and Norland reclaimed the region. Amriel was taken over by Eston around the same time. The borders were now as they were at the beginning of the war.

End of the War?

Spring turned to summer and the nobility of Minas Ithil gathered to select a new ruler. The King had grown old and illness had struck. Since he had no children a new King would be selected from among the nobility of the realm. In the end Raoul De La Fere, Earl of Cantervern, was selected to be King. At the same time the Northern Federation honored a temporary cease fire request by the King for a tournament to be held in the capital to celebrate his rule and the installation of the new King.

Hall of the Fallen

This is a record of all those who died defending Minas Ithil during the war. Their sacrifice is remembered and honored by all of Minas Ithil.

• High Marshall Snider
• Long Pinetree
• Decimus Gladius
• Denthas Steelcrown
• Zen Aurora
• Hagen Ehrenstein
• Fennel Thundar

(ooc: if I'm missing anyone please add them, its not intentional, just hard to keep track of)

Sources

In researching the history of this conflict I would like to thank the writers of the Falasan Inquirer, Tara Times, and several other newspapers which recorded related events.

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