Battle of the Harrowing Peak

[Caedis 431]

 

A MISSIVE OF INFORMATION AND PRAISE

 

 

THE BATTLE OF THE Harrowing Peak, an operation led by Kaethul in tandem with the brave Ravenswood denizens, was originally a siege on the Western Ailmerian Fort. This quickly changed however, with the appearance of the Raider's three Zeniths.

 

THE ARTILLERY DIVISION, COMPOSING of Ravenswood’s finest and a small cohort of Paladins, were ambushed atop the peak opposite the fort, by the ever watching banners of Ailmere. The Three Zeniths appeared before them - the three Commanders of Ailmere’s forces - and unleashed their never before witnessed magic. A dark fog engulfed the division, extinguishing all mundane lights and rendering magical lights to a mere personal glow - save for Paladin mist. Dark portals opened in this fog, summoning forth the legions of Ailmere, bringing Chosen and Thralls to assault the cannon crew and their Paladin defenders.

 

IT WAS THEN THAT Kaethul’s assault force, a large division of armoured cavalry led by the Sword of Purity, Dáinn, turned their attention from the fort to their allies, and began racing through the snowy peaks to reach them in time.

 

THE CLASH OF BATTLE was fierce. Flames flickered briefly through the dark fog, cannons kept firing towards the Fort, even shattering those gates - Ravenswood held firm, their adept forces crushing the countless hordes that surged from the darkness. The Paladins, the sole source of glowing light amidst that dark cloud, faced off against the Zenith Tor, and a newly discovered Zenith, a woman of white hair donning a curious mask. Both factions fought bravely, but alas even they would not have withstood the might of Ailmere..

 

FORTUNATE, THEN, THAT THEY did not stand alone. Kaethul's cavalry arrived, the Sword of Purity's light blazing through the darkness as the call of reinforcements echoed through the peak. Horse and rider charged fearlessly into that black void, plunging into that wicked darkness.

 

IN THE ENSUING FIGHT, Kaethul's multinational force procured overwhelming victory. Ravenswood held and remanned the cannons. Balian took the right flank, absolutely obliterating the ranks of Chosen and Thrall alike. A detachment of Urguan Dweds and their adventuring allies joined with the battered Paladins, pushing forth towards the Zeniths. Forces of the Vale secured those cannons, fending off even Kamikaze Thralls, men strapped with Blasting Potions. The Sword of Purity, paired with the great Obok, hammered into the Zenith Tor, the former plunging both axe and sword into the foul beast's neck - Victory was assured..

 

BUT ALL PETS HAVE a master. The Zeniths were close to defeat. The Harrower himself stepped in.

His voice rang through the mountain, his rage felt like a burning pressure on our shoulders - darkness swept over the battlefield, healing and revitalising our enemies, even saving Tor from the brink of Death. Portals opened all around, and the full, unfiltered might of Ailmere was brought to bare..

 

LET IT BE KNOWN that for the first time since this war began, it was KAETHUL that forced the Harrower into action. Our Power - our Strength - was so great that only the master of the Raiders could halt us, and force a retreat. Even then, our retreat was orderly, formed, and resulted in the safe extraction of every single member of the expedition.

 

KAETHUL FACED THE WRATH of the Harrower, and emerged without a single casualty.

 

AND SO, THE FOLLOWING words are dedicated to the brave warriors who fought at our side. Although ultimate victory was not achieved - our enemy were forced to reveal multiple of their hidden cards, and were bled dry of countless lives. They may have held the fort, but it is a bitter, pyrrhic victory for them.

 

KAETHUL THUS GIVES PERSONAL commendations to the following individuals:

 

HILDA ADRIANNA BRAWN - A squire of Balian. Growing up, I was always fond of Balian’s Knighthood.. Their honour was unquestionable, their pride deserved, and their talents unmatched. Squire Hilda Adrianna Brawn is all the proof I need that these traits have persisted. Responsible for the eradication of several Chosen and countless more Thralls, Squire Hilda made her contributions even more impressive, when during our retreat, she took it upon herself to carry our wounded from the frontline. The skills to destroy our enemies, and the humble sense of duty to protect her comrades - There is no individual more deserving of Knighthood than she, save for perhaps Balian’s current line of Knights.

 

RAVENSWOOD - Praise is given to the entirety of Ravenswood, who, despite the threat of war, devoted time, effort, resources and their very lives to participate in this siege. The mages and soldiers of Ravenswood held the line valiantly, defending the cannons from hordes of Thralls, and lasting long enough for Kaethul’s reinforcements to arrive. Even after our cavalry stormed through, the heroic troops of Ravenswood remained, providing support and aid to our forces against the Zeniths, and even opening a sizable hole in the gate of the Ailmerian Fort. A fearless band of heroes, led by a charismatic and beloved Sovereign.

Kaethul does however stress its political NEUTRALITY in cases of war. Our only enemy is the Harrower, and the usual threats to Descendant-kind. All others are welcome within the lands of our Merchant State.

 

GALLIO GRANDAXE - Once more, Kaethul praises the might of Urguan. Yet another Dwarf has proven their undeniable valour and strength on the fields of battle. Gallio was not only a destructive force against our Ailmerian enemies, but a source of protection and fearless resolve when facing the unknown Zeniths, and extracting our unconscious comrades. One day I hope to see the pure power of an army of Dwarves - I only pray I will stand on their side, should the day come.

 

I WILL ONCE MORE state the importance and virtue of every single member of our fighting force. You were all vital. You shall continue to be so.

SIGNED,

 

DAINN,

Guardian of the Unicorn, Priest of Eraan, Sword of Purity

 

JUNIPER ROSE,

Royal Scribe of Kaethul, Anti-Darkspawn Air Shielder

 

[Sarven 1718]

"A false security has befallen the interlopers... Ailmere will not find itself wanting."

[MeteorDragon 2900]

Sulieronn's head nodded as he got home from the battle. The arch mage huffed into the air, "We could have done better if we destroyed the banner sooner. No matter, the Raiders shall find themselves in ruin."

[Operator_Bugman 221]

The craftsman finished placing a plate against the outward structure of his creation.

"I wonder if I could persuade a paladin to use this."

[SacredSource 225]

 

The Banner of the Sunlit Covenant returns to the temple, where Quartermaster Richard of the Covenant regroups with the Presiding Knight Gael @Johann.  

 

“The dream of Magnus will be fulfilled. Unity through action,” the Quartermaster states to his teacher within the midst of their conversation.

 

The Quartermaster recounts a siege where he and his comrades Warden Amelia @Safryie, Brother Myril @X3N0, Initiate Ryvel @Kanapes, Initiate Cerrick @Pancho, and Initiate Leoni @ellielove15 held amidst the encroaching armies of darkness.

 

A column of Paladins marched alongside the main army through the frozen mountains of the north; the embers within each Paladin emboldened for the bloodbath to come. The young Initiate Cerrick's quick eyes spotted the enemy standard crest a ridge, a prelude to the ambush that would fall upon the allied cannoneers. With decisive action, the Knights of Light dived uphill into the fray, their divine mists blazing against the encroaching wave of evil.

 

Though their martial efforts were not to be diminished, the true gift of the Sunlit Lord was the force multiplier of each Paladin. Resounding roars echoed the front, as the Paladins unleashed their radiant aura, halting the Harrowers' attempts to summon reinforcements. Against overwhelming odds, only six Paladins stood firm against a horde of enemies, the camaraderie and courage shining amidst the chaos as a beacon to summon the main body of the sieging force.

 

Amelia, undaunted by the enemy's numbers followed along the tradition of the Wyrmstalker. She carved a path through the ranks of the dark, her weapon a beacon of respite as she carved her way to Initiates Cerrick and Ryvel. Cerrick and Ryvel, trapped behind enemy lines, fought valiantly until they were surrounded and ultimately apprehended. Their fall only spurred their comrades onward as Richard, Myril, and Leoni held the horde with unwavering resolve, their radiance keeping the darkness at bay, finding opportunity to retrieve their fallen comrades.

 

As the main army arrived, the Paladins redirected their efforts to disrupt the First Zenith, Richard raining volleys of Sunlit Arrows upon the darkness; whilst, Myril and Leoni carved a warpath to the First Zenith. In a brief, yet commendable bout of fighting, Myriil faced the First Zenith , his ashen weapon blazing with righteous fury, until he eventually succumbed to the Zenith; flung back into the snow unceremoniously. Though the beast unleashed its final cantrip, summoning forth yet another horde.

 

Alas, the army faltered, and the order for a full retreat was given. With spite in every inch of ground given, the Paladins staged a rearguard action, their dwindling embers of light providing cover for the retreating forces until they reached the safety of a strategic ridge.

 

Though the battle ended in defeat, the realm learned a valuable lesson: the power of the Sunlit Lord repels the darkness, halting the enemy's ability to summon reinforcements. Whether this knowledge will be utilized in future conflicts remains to be seen.