Battle of Lilou Bay

The Battle of Lilou Bay was a decisive battle of the Ostian War of Independence. The battle was famous for the sheer amount of warships fielded by both sides, and was said to be one of the bloodiest days of the war, second only to the Great Forsaking of Harbrook, which would happen only a year later. The disappointed outcome of the battle, combined with the willingness of Lord Aldart Beake to surrender, led to the king personally sailing to Ostia to manage the conflict with his own hand.
During the battle the commander William Duncargyll sent his Man-of-war, the Angel's Bounty, into the Astanién Man-of-war Triomphant, resulting in the death of the ship's captain when the figurehead of Duncargyll's vessel snapped off the sail, falling right on top of the man. The event has since become a legend amongst Vesryne sailors. Using its armament of two trebuchets, four ballistae and a complement of crossbowmen, the Triomphant was holed in the ensuing close quarters barrage and was left until it sank in the early hours of the morning after.
Although the battle was a decisive tactical victory in favour of Saint-Astan, Beake and Duncargyll were able to escape with the remnants of the Vesryne fleet, but only after Brookes voluntarily stayed behind with the fire ships to halt the pursuit of Rochert de Meins and his navy.
== Early stages ==
=== Supplies for the army ===
In 1356, in preparation for the second campaign against the Ostian fortress of Norwenne Castle, King Edric I de Laurelay awarded the position of naval commander to Lord Aldart Beake, a promising tactician and favourite of the court. In the first month of the harvest of 1357, he set forth with the navy of Vesryn, tasked with the mission of bringing supplies to the army in preparation under the command of Lance Captain Adair níc Chollaigh.
The fleet set off from Hawkrun, and enjoyed fair winds until they reached the Aldinori Sea to the east. Harsh storms forced half of his fleet miles from their original destination, near the bay of Lilou, off the coast of Saint-Astan. By the time they re-established contact with the bulk of the main fleet, local sailors had already reported the sightings of sails. These were reported to the Astanién High King Henri I de Lussan, who tasked the Chevalier Rochert de Meins with eliminating the threat.
== The days of the battle ==
=== Chevalier de Meins' plan ===
After a night of discussion with his closest advisors, de Meins sent forces north to retrieve the naval forces commandeered from the Vesryne fleet by the Ostians at the start of the war. Selecting the best riders from amongst his men, twelve men with specific orders were sent through the lands of Bellmare and Mallorey. They reached their destination within a matter of days.
Meanwhile, off the coast of Lilou Bay, the two naval forces met. At the start of the battle, both Beake and de Meins realised the futility of rushing into battle. Realising the tactical superiority of the Astanién fleet, Beake and Duncargyll moved their ships closer to the shores, and a series of land skirmishes occurred. Although inconclusive, they provided the Vesryne fleet with much needed reconnaissance and intelligence on the enemy formation. 
When the battle occurred the Astanién line sailed through the Vesryne line, splitting it. Using this tactic, they were able to cause great damage to the enemy fleet. After the initial stages of the battle, which resulted in the loss of brigantines, corbitas and smaller ships from both sides, the Vesryne fleet fled to the north, and travelled up the coast towards Ostia. 
=== Reinforcements from Ostia ===
Within weeks, however, Beake found himself trapped between the vanguard of the Ostian reinforcements and the Astanién fleet under de Meins chasing his rear. During the battle the commander William Duncargyll sent his Man-of-war, the Angel's Bounty, into the Astanién Man-of-war Triomphant, resulting in the death of the ship's captain when the figurehead of Duncargyll's vessel snapped off the sail, falling right on top of the man. The event has since become a legend amongst Vesryne sailors. Using its armament of two trebuchets, four ballistae and a complement of crossbowmen, the Triomphant was holed in the ensuing close quarters barrage and was left until it sank in the early hours of the morning after.
The rest of the Vesryne fleet, however, fared badly. The Vulwyn Venhorn, Glattvale and Wolf were all sunk in the ensuing fight, along with 10 brigantines, 3 corbitas and all 4 fire ships, which were used to little effect. Losses on the Astanién side were trivial, with 4 brigantines, the Triomphant, 4 corbitas and 3 ketches being sunk. The Vesryne fleet was able to escape battered and bruised.Category:Browse