Battle of the Red Bog

The Battle of the Red Bog, also known as the Battle of Krouz nod Orat, was the climax of the first campaign fought by Hejnrik II of Jenhidy against the Loren Dukes of Stribrna Joraje. It marked the defeat of Duke Jindrich of Loren, as well as the deaths of Zavan Komas of Loren, who led his father's forces, and Szibezzek of Denau, among many other influential knights and noblemen. It took place outside Krouz nod Orat, then a walled town, in 399 JC, in a field between the bogs surrounding the town, and a wood. 
The battle would result in the signing of the humiliating Treaty of Mordibau, punishing the Loren dukes, and effectively granting Heinrik II control of the Duchy until 405, with the rise of Jan the Wise of Loren and the eventual War of the Golden Seat. 
=== Background ===
Following the death of Mattheas the Magnificent, Jindrich of Loren hoped the constant feudal campaigns of the House of Jenhidy would end. However Hejnrik II, successor to Mattheas, would re-initiate attacks against Loren authority in 399, summoning knights from across Stribrna Joraje and throughout Juhnvechteya to his cause. Gathering a substantial force, he would cross the Orat in the spring of that year, eager to make the most of the short campaign season. 
Meanwhile, Jindrich panicked, and would hastily raise an army to counter the Jenhidyist force. This army, placed under command of the popular Zevan Komas, heir to the Silver Seat, would march west to intercept the rebel lords. The two forces would meet at Krouz nod Orat, where they would join battle. 
=== The Battle ===
The forces of the battle were evenly matched, with both sides possessing around 4000 Ritter, barons, and other men-at-arms, and about 5,000 infantrymen as well. 
The Jenhidyist army had made camp in a field outside Krouz nod Orat, and the Lorenist army marched through the night, reaching them before midnight. However, Zavan ordered his men not to attack the sleeping enemy, for it would be unchivalrous and dishonorable to attack an unprepared enemy. As such, his army made camp as well, and slept through the night on the opposite end of the field. In the morning, both sides prepared for the coming encounter. 
Both armies were arrayed as was typical of the time, with the cavalry arrayed into one line stretching from the woods in the north to the bog in the south, and the infantry were left behind to guard the camps. However, Hejnrik deployed a small contingent of cavalry, as well as a number of infantrymen, concealed in the woods north of the battlefield. This force, led by Frijgref Dzchoacham fo Ansbaurch, a Vechtish lord from Storjany who participated in the battle to garner Jenhidy support for the foundation of the League of Free Lords. 
The two forces of knights began their charge before midday, with Zavan at the head of his force, while Hejnrik remained behind to direct his men. The lines, comprised of the flower of Joran chivalry, smashed into one another in a collision of lance, sword, man, horse, and blood. The victories of Mattheas the Magnificent still fresh in their minds, the Jenhidyist force fought with a strong sense that their victory was assured, while the Lorenist army felt confident in their admired commander. Indeed, the Lorenist army made significant headway in the battle, when Hejnrik ordered Dzchoacham from his position and into the frey. A few dozen men-at-arms, and several hundred infantrymen, charged out from their hidden positions and fell upon the left flank of the Loren force, pushing them to the south. 
The Jenhidyists rallied with these reinforcements, fighting with renewed vigor. The Lorenist army began to be pushed into the bog to the south of the battlefield, and the remaining knights routed from the field. Zavan Komas himself was thrown from his horse, and attempting to rally his men back to the fight, was trampled to death by panicking horses. Many others would drown in the bog, and blood would stain its waters red. The Lorenist army would flee the field, leaving Heinrik victorious. 
=== Aftermath ===
The Lorenist army would completelt dissolve following the death of its leader, and Jindrich would be forced to sign the humiliating Treaty of Mordibau in order to keep his throne.
Zavan Komas was killed in the battle. His body was recovered and interred in nearby Vrdanitze Abbey. He was only 17 at the time. His younger brother, Jan, would become heir to the Silver Seat, succeeding his father in 404 JC.