Description
In the chronicles of Arda, one of the most monumental conflicts to ever unfurl was the Great War of Tides. This epic war erupted when the residents of the Savage Lands, driven by their insatiable hunger for power and plunder, organized formidable fleets to cross the treacherous seas, setting their sights on the coastal regions of Caldar.
Part I: Raiders from the Savage Lands
As the first war drums resounded through the untamed wilderness of the Savage Lands, chieftains from various tribes united under the banner of Wargoth Bloodfang, a fearsome Orc warlord known for his brutal tactics and cunning strategies. Together, they forged a nightmarish fleet of grotesque ships, each vessel a terrifying testament to their ferocity. These vessels, adorned with macabre totems and gruesome trophies, set sail with a singular purpose: to plunder the bountiful coasts of Caldar.
The original size of the fleet was never confirmed as they had great losses crossing the seas, the raiders were rumored to have help from a group within the Eratus that still held grudges against Caldarians Their knowledge of the treacherous waters, combined with their savage might, allowed them to unleash chaos upon the unsuspecting coastal towns and villages of Caldar. The raiders struck swiftly and ruthlessly, leaving devastation in their wake as they seized whatever riches they could lay their hands on.
The dreaded Raiders' fleet embarked on a merciless campaign, starting a trail of destruction along the coastlines of Unified Caldar. The marauders set their sights on the prosperous regions of Aldion and, ultimately, the heartland of Darna, where they laid siege to the majestic capital, Unknown.
With relentless fury, the Raiders' fleet unleashed a tempest of fire and steel upon the unsuspecting coastal towns of Unified Caldar. As their ships closed in on the shores, plumes of smoke and the acrid scent of burning wood filled the air. The unfortunate townsfolk, caught in the maelstrom of chaos, bore witness to the wrath of these seafaring invaders.
In Aldion, a nation known for its wealth and vibrant culture, the Raiders struck with brutal precision. The serene beauty of Aldion's coastal settlements was reduced to smoldering ruins, and the harmonious lives of its people were shattered by the invaders' merciless onslaught.
The Raiders' relentless march of destruction reached its zenith as they approached the illustrious capital city of Darna, a place of grandeur and opulence. The siege of Seraflame, Darna's magnificent capital, was a harrowing ordeal that tested the resilience of its defenders.Within the city's towering walls, valiant soldiers and resourceful citizens banded together to withstand the siege. The streets of Seraflame, once bustling with life, became battlegrounds where the fate of Darna hung in the balance. For a time, the Raiders managed to infiltrate the heart of the city, their voracious greed driving them to pillage treasures and artifacts of immeasurable value.However, the people of Darna, unyielding in their determination, rallied under the leadership of General Elandra Hellblade, a fierce tiefling warrior known for her unshakable resolve and outlandish strength. With unwavering unity, they pushed the Raiders back, street by street, until the marauders found themselves pushed back onto their ships.As the sun dipped beneath the horizon, casting an eerie twilight over the beleaguered city, the defenders of Seraflame delivered a final, decisive blow, when they managed to retake the coastal fortress and re-activate the arcane cannons. The Raiders' fleet was forced to retreat back to the unforgiving sea and pushed towards the south.Though scars of the raid would forever mar the coastal towns and the city of Seraflame, the unity and indomitable spirit of Unified Caldar, Aldion, and Darna emerged victorious. The siege of Seraflame became a symbol of their resilience, an epic chapter in the enduring history of Arda.
Part II: Caldar's Retaliation
News of these coastal atrocities and the two-day siege of Seraflame reached the heart of Caldar, where the Kingdom Alliance convened in a moment of dire need. Among the council members, Admiral Jonozan Wavebreaker stood as the commander of Caldar's naval forces, a seasoned leader with a reputation for unwavering determination.
With the future of their coastal regions hanging precariously in the balance, Admiral Wavebreaker devised an audacious plan. He sought the expertise of Elarian the Portalweaver, a renowned archmage renowned for her mastery of arcane gateways. The plan hinged on the creation of numerous portals of unprecedented scale, designed to unite the fleets of the Caldarian nations into a single formidable armada. This monumental assembly would then be transported through an even larger portal, strategically positioned to emerge behind Bloodfang's fleet. However, it was a plan fraught with peril, for the very nature of these portals held the potential for catastrophic collapse, imperiling the lives of both crew and vessels utilizing them. Many mages, coordinated by Elarian, would need to concentrate their powers on maintaining these portals, for even a single lapse in their focus could spell their collapse.
Against all odds and with steely resolve, Elarian and her cadre of mages executed their perilous endeavor. Fleets from every corner of Caldar converged, forming a colossal naval force that was teleported to a position north of the raider's ships. The Caldarian navy, driven by unwavering determination, pressed the raiders southward until they found themselves perilously close to the dreaded Plaguelands. Caught between the relentless barrage of fire from the massive Caldarian fleet and the looming menace of the undead blight, Bloodfang's armada found its doom. Few vessels managed to escape eastward, their warlord's fate shrouded in uncertainty as his flagship succumbed to the unforgiving depths.
Consequences
Aftermath
The Great War of Tides left indelible scars on both lands, but it ultimately served as a testament to Caldar's resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
Wargoth Bloodfang's name became a legend whispered in fear, a symbol of the savage folly that dared to challenge Caldar's might. Yet, the memory of this conflict also left a lasting mark on the residents of the Savage Lands, a cautionary tale of the perils that awaited those who sought to cross the seas and defy the coastal realms of Caldar.
This epic tale, now etched in the annals of history, serves as a reminder that even in a world of magic and monsters, the balance between chaos and order can be decided by the courage and unity of its people. The Great War of Tides, with its blood-soaked waves and resounding clashes, remains a testament to the enduring spirit of those who call Arda their home.
Notable Participants
Wargoth Bloodfang, the orc warlord, leader of the Raiders' fleet.
Jonozan Wavebreaker, commander of the Caldarian combined fleet.
Elarian, the Portalweaver, a prodigy wizard, specialized in portal magic.
Unknown, the tiefling general of Darna's military