Crusade of the Borrows

Category:Events
== Overview ==
The Crusade of the Borrows was a conflict occurring in Helmont from 186 AG until 190 AG. The conflict was insitgated by Borros I Root and began under the rule of Patriarch Norgoux Fyth of Helmont. Much of the conflict's first 3 years were notorious for the devastation inflicted upon Helmontan civilians by the apethetic ruler of the kingdom, refusing to enlist the assistance of the kingdom's Gryhskor Guild for fear of inconveniencing the Grenthyx Dynasty and the guild's infamously absent commander, Sue Jorgan. In its latter stages, after the ascension of Forkoux Fyth to Patriarch of Helmont, the Borrosian advance was swiftly sent into retreat after Forkoux summoned the Guild and fortified his kingdom's southern border, proving to be Forkoux's first recognised achievement among leaders of other kingdoms. 
== Timeline ==
=== Background ===
In December 185 AG, when Røyking Helvete erupted (a volcano in Helmont's inhospitable Rokningspik Circle), as well as causing an infamous breakout, the prevailing winds at the time siphoned volcanic ash far to the south into eastern Helmont and the Borrows, causing numerous crop failures. The crazed Duke Borros I Root foresaw this as a warning from the Gods, indicating the evil of Helmont to the north, culpible for their crop failures and famine. Having marshalled an army of fanatics to fight for him out of the populace, by April 186 AG, the Borrosian duke was ready to invade the land of the unsuspecting Patriarch.
=== Borrosian Success ===
Borrosians crossed Helmont's southern border when they crossed the River Lough, immediately devestating local inhabitants of the Southern Plains. Spending some time attempting to convert those who were not murdered, the advance took its time until, by the beginning of 187 AG, Borrosian forces were nearing Srodmill Down and Tyst Dod Lake in the north. Norgoux, who up to this point had resigned to not expending any resources to ward off the attack, dismissing the Borrosians, ordered anyone able to fight them off who lived in Helmont, still refusing to enlist the Gryhskor Guild for fear of upsetting the Dynasty. 
Indeed, many Helmontans partook in a momentous defence of their land - though mostly for their own survival than out of any respect for their Patriarch. Unprepared for the resistance, the Borrows were able to make few advances. Despite intense pressure to adopt a new strategy, including privately from Matriarch Shackschogorth Fyth, newcomer Forkoux Fyth, High Confidant Manton Fisher and his brother, Tibost Fyth, Norgoux maintained his strategy even when the Borrows began to make serious advances in early 188 AG. After a bloody defence costing many Helmontan lives, Norgoux remained convinced that his citizens were merely not fighting hard enough. 
Srodmill Down was overran in early 188 AG, resulting in the Borrosians arriving at Tyst Dod Lake. Once more, a painful defence was mounted, killing many innocent civilians. Borrosians were dwindling in number also, extending the fighting until the Borros could rouse more fighters for his crusade back in the Borrows. In early 189 AG, after having recieved fresh reinforcements, the Borrosians broke through the last line of defence to Helmont Castle. Finishing off stragglers, they proceeded around Tyst Dod Lake, warded off only by the guards at Helmont Castle for a time, their arrival imminent. 
=== Forkoux Turns the Tide ===
In May, after years of dissatisfaction with his capitulation to the Grenthyx Dynasty and mishandling of domestic affairs, matriarch of Helmont, Shackschogorth Fyth, divorced patriarch Norgoux Fyth in a shocking move. Forkoux, winning the plebiscite that resulted, immediately sent in the Gryhskor Guild to resolve the now fatal situation nearing Helmont Castle, only miles away. Quickly, they began to retreat, overpowered by the presence of the Gryhskor Guild, much to the anger of commander Sue Jorgan back in The Chaestlands. By early 190 AG, barely a year later, the Borrosian forces had been forced to retreat behind their border at the River Lough, resulting in a victory.
Forkoux requested that the Dynasty fortify the southern border back to its former state two times in the bi-annual Jorjaeryn's Assembly meeting of the Dynasty's dukedoms; a request that was denied on both occasions. However, the usually strictly loyalist kingdom of the The Opialands, having had no shortage of resentment towards the Borrows, agreed with Fyth's request to fortify the border. Indeed, their duke, Caldon Witcher, would go on to grow a respect for the young Patriarch, having only recnelty ascended to the dukedom himself. Though the Dynasty did not grant Forkoux's matertial request, they did remove Sue Jorgan from her position, replacing her with the much more even-handed Redginold Latimyer.
Although Forkoux had expected this response from the now waning Dynasty by 191 AG, he took it upon himself to fund the fortification of defences along there - being unsatisfied with only Jorgan's dismissal. He began an initiative to round up commoner volunteers who survived the battle with the Borrosians. To Forkoux, this was his first material evidence that the Dynasty could not be relied upon and had become woefully inept; paving the way for the reforms that were soon to come.