Battle of Steen

The Battle of Steen was the first battle between the Nirvans and the Lorenzens in the Second Lorenzen War. It was fought between Vibius Calenus and Eskild Steen, the latter fighting the vastly superior army in order to uphold his oath to defend his lands.

## Background

In **491PR** a Nirvan army led by Vibius Calenus and Gallio Aebutus crossed the Junak Stream into the Lorenzen Kingdom, specifically the hold of Steen, officially declaring war. The army contained 7 Nirvan legions and allies from their previously conquered nations.

After crossing the river, Vibius split up the Nirvans into two forces, the smaller would be led by Gallio and push up the Eastern side of Steen, conquering the land and retreating if they came in contact with another force large enough. Vibius took the Western side, aiming for the large town of Steen where the hold was governed.

King Lukas of the Lorenzen Kingdom called for all nobles and their armies to gather in the hold of Ludvigsen so that they could face the enemy together. While the other nobles supported the act, Eskild Steen was the only who remained in his hold, upholding his oath to defend his lands and marching out to meet Vibius.

## Battle

The Battle was quick and decisive. Hearing about Eskild’s advance, Vibius formed his army up for battle, waiting for the enemy to arrive. When Eskild crossed the hill, he raised his sword in the air, stating ‘I will defend the lands of Steen from any invader, just like my ancestors have, no matter the enemy, we will always end up victor!’ and charging.

Having mostly cavalry in his army the thunderous sounds of their hooves was devastating, causing a little bit of fear to spread throughout the Nirvans, mainly their allies. Though Vibius was undeterred, instead marching in front and sending two magical fireballs into his charging foe, exploding many of the Knights off their horses and sending Eskild flying. The explosion and fire were so powerful that the charge was almost halted in its tracks, fearfully watching what the next move of Vibius was.

Seeing his magic had effect, Vibius marched over, through the enemy lines, to Eskild, who was struggling to get up from his fall. When the Lorenzen noble saw the enemy commander coming, he picked up his sword and charged again, thinking he held the advantage. In normal cases, this would be true, Nirvans were not known to duel, instead using discipline and tactics to overcome their enemy, and if they were a mage, they stuck behind the lines. Vibius was different, known as the Nirvan duelist, he had taken out the best that his opponents prior had offered, defeating Urmbrek in the Thurim War.

Eskild never stood a chance, the moment he approached the Nirvan he was sidestepped and stabbed in the back, ending his life. Now lacking their noble leader, the rest of the Lorenzens surrendered to the Nirvans, avoiding the risk of running and getting hunted down.

## Aftermath

To respect the Lorenzens from Steen that had surrendered without a fight, Vibius let them bury Eskild with full honours, even attending the funeral himself. Unlike before, Vibius would not place these soldiers into slavery, instead letting them return to their lands after the war.

After the funeral, Vibius and his army conquered the rest of Steen, joining up with Gallio to prepare for a huge battle against the Lorenzens.