Battle of Palebasso

The Battle of Palebasso was the first battle that occurred during the Arenian Campaign. It happened when the Arenians under Prince Aleardo, who continued hitting the Nirvans with hit-and-run tactics before moving to a proper confrontation.

## Background

In **478PR**, Gaius and the Calenus Faction, currently in control of the Senate, began preparations for expanding the Nirvan border. To do this, they drafted beneficial legislation to help and legalise their cause, which had little opposition.

After the laws were passed they raised 6 legions under the command of Gaius Calenus, Vibius Calenus and Gallio Aebutus. Once the legions were familiarised with their commanders, they marched on Aren in **479PR**.

To secure their supply lines, the Nirvans pacified many of the tribes between the Nirvan and Arenian border.

Once they reached they crossed the Arenian lines, they dealt with minor skirmishes before King Eros Scillo sent Prince Aleardo to lead the defence. The Prince used a new tactic, instead of fighting the Nirvans directly, he wanted to halt their advance whenever he could, using hit-and-run tactics on the Nirvan supply line before changing his focus to the night attacks.

Seeing his efforts successful, Prince Aleardo searched for a suitable location, finding a hill near a swamp.

## Battle

Gaius and the Nirvans were too smart to attack the fortified Arenians, instead they opted to surround them and approach with different tactics. While normally Gaius would give the command to his son and son-in-law, he felt it too important to risk, instead taking full control.

One of the first acts he did was use the resourcefulness of the Nirvan training, building a large wall around the hill. Prince Aleardo was not about to let himself get surrounded, leading his soldiers down the hill and into the enemy. Expecting this to happen, Gaius left a legion under the command of Vibius to guard the builders, sending them out to defend the construction.

When the fight was beginning to turn against him, Prince Aleardo returned up the hill, planning out his next actions. Soon after the fortifications were complete, isolating the Arenians from their supplies.

Over the night, the Arenians started to harass the wall at all points, hoping to find a weakness. When none were found other than the swamp, Prince Aleardo once again retreated back up the hill to plan his action. He knew that while he could break through the swamp wall, it would cost him many of his forces and they could be wiped out completely. Instead he waited until morning.

The next day the Arenians did very little in the eyes of the Nirvans, instead building small tunnels all around so they could access any of the wall quicker than their enemy could react.

### Arenian Withdrawal

During the night, Prince Aleardo put his plan into action. He feigned an attack on one of the walls, causing the Nirvans under Vibius to arrive and protect it. When they came, Prince Aleardo retreated through the tunnels to the opposite end. Taking the garrison by surprise, the Arenians were able to break through the wall and reach the other side.

Feeling a planned attack, Gaius and Gallio moved their troops up the hill and attacked what remaining Arenians they could. The ones that remained fought valiantly, blocking the tunnels with their bodies so their fellow soldiers could escape.

## Aftermath

The battle showed the intelligence of both the Nirvan and Arenian side. Gaius was pleasantly surprised at the Arenian tactics, taking note of their use of tunnels and willingness to fight against overwhelming odds.

On the other side, Prince Aleardo was shocked at how quickly the Nirvans were able to adapt to a situation he intended to be favourable for him.