First Sofalssian-Noorian War

Sofalssian invasion of Noor (185-195 ADH) was a conflict fought in the aftermath of Noorian revolution (183 ADH) by Yeharene temple state of Sofalss against neighbouring Noor. A fleet from third Yeharene state of Zomala supported Noor in latter stage of the war and proved crucial in defeating Sofalssian naval operations. Despite initial successes, Sofalssian land offensive lost momentum soon afterwards as well and the war became a prolonged stalemate along the border regions while the sides negotiated on peace terms.
Belligerents	
Sofalss 	
Noor
Zomala
Commanders 	
 Bohar Raamu 	
Garek (Noor)
Qejir Zi (Zomala)
Strength 	
8,000 warriors
65 ships	
Approx 5,000 warriors, several thousand militia
Approx 60-100 ships
Losses 	
Approx 4,000 warriors
Several ships	
Several thousand warriors and militia
Several ships
Unknown numbers of civilians
Result 	Defeat 	Victory
Consequences	Status quo ante bellum	
==Prelude and Sofalssian Objectives==
In resemblance to developments in Sofalss more than a century earlier, the aristocratic monarchy in Noor was overthrown by priests, supported by a mob following an epidemy in the poor parts of the city. A compromise was reached, where the aristocratic families were allowed to keep their properties, while the priests established a theocracy on the Sofalssian model, led by Disinia Garek, who was of low birth.
Meanwhile Sofalss was enjoying a period of remarkable stability, regional influence and cultural advancement under the leadership of their Disinia, Bohar of House Raamu, a patron of arts and skilled administrator. His power at home secure, Bohar hoped for a military victory to estabalish Sofalss as the supreme regional power and earn a place in history amongst greatest Yeharene leaders.
The revolution in Noor was viewed by some to estabalish a potentially dangerous theological rival to the Sofalssian temple; on the other hand, the new regime was perceived by Sofalssian leadership as unable to wage war effectively shortly after assuming power. Sofalssian Supreme Council hence decided to attack by surprise, occupy Noorian territories, exile Garek and unify the two Temples under Sofalssian dominance. These plans would prove overtly ambitious.
==The War==
Sofalssians succeeded in occupying northern Noorian settlements under Bohar's priest-generals while the physically overweight and aging Disinia himself travelled along in a litter carried by several slaves. However, Garek sent messages to all Noorian towns, warning of possible Sofalssian massacres. This proved effective in encouraging resistance (likely due to stories about extremely bloody Nomzian-Sofalssian war which remained popular and infamous in Yeharene world at the time).
The Noorians organised defensive lines near their quarries and managed to break the Sofalssian offensive, leading to a Noorian counter-offensive which nearly retook the communities previously lost to Sofalssians. Both sides replenished their losses and the land war turned into a series of minor raids and counter-raids.
Simultaneous Sofalssian fleet offensive which aimed to capture Noorian coastal towns failed and the Sofalssian fleet lost several ships when the Zomalans joined the war on the side of Noor in order to preserve regional balance of power.
==Consequences and Aftermath==
Recognizing failure of their ambitions and poor prospects for victory after Zomala's entry, Sofalssians entered into negotiations with Noor and agreed to a peace for with no border changes. Garek's position in Noor was strengthened while Bohar suffered a political setback that did not however severely threaten his power in Supreme Council since the failure was blamed on the Sofalssian Gadini (priest-generals), one of whom was sacked. The war resulted in up to twenty thousand deaths and rivalry between Sofalssian and Noorian temple states for years to come.
Category:Wars
Category:Battles
Category:Yeharenes