The Enkidu-Kisuran War

The aftermath of the Battle of the Bridge

The Enkidu-Kisuran War was an armed conflict that took place in the **erĭgarash** between the rival city-states of Shulgiranû (modern Enkidu) & Kisuran.

The war began on August 5th 2021 after a pig auction gone wrong. After insults from the leader of Kisuran and the failure to deliver the correct number of pigs that were paid for at auction - war became inevitable and the forces of Enkidu would muster and begin marching east. The intent, was to capture Kisurans western lands in payment for the perceived slight.

### Background

#### The Prelude

Though relations between the two city states were never cordial, an increase in trade competition via the important riverways set the scene for a more frosty relationship moving forward.

Despite this, merchants from Enkidu were sent to attend Kisurans animal markets and seek livestock for the city. It is believed that at the auction, several cows, pigs and sheep were all put up to sale. At one of the last lots, the merchants of Enkidu jumped at the chance to purchase 4 pigs and 70 carrots. With an abundance of gems from the Enkidu diamond mines, payment for the livestock would come easy and was paid up front.

However, several days after the auction, delivery of the livestock was slow. When the livestock was eventually delivered to the city of Enkidu - there was also one less pig than was paid for. No compensation was offered to the starving people of the city and they were dismayed.

It is unclear what happened next, but it appears that insults were traded which would eventually culminate in a demand for compensation being issued to Kisuran, accompanied by a book, filled with vulgarities and insults. Kisuran would not yield.

#### Consorting with Mystics

Gil-enkidu, the lord of the attacking city was a superstitious man. On the eve of war, a traveller entered the city and sought an audience with her ruler. Unused to the ways of this dark-skinned foreigner, they explained they were a mystic, gifted by the gods with the power of foresight and able to curry favour.. in exchange for some sacrifices.

The treasury and livestock of Enkidu were brought forth and arranged in a set pattern, as demanded by the sage. 2 pigs, 2 cows and a chicken were slaughtered on the altar. The mystics eyes rolled back in their head and they demanded one more sacrifice for the fires of the gods! The most prized possession of Enkidu was brought forth, and thrown into the flames.. The Totem of Enlil was lost forever, said to allow the holder the ability to escape even death when held.

The mystic shook and issued forth a profound statement - *"A great battle you will fight a greater victory will soon show itself"*

### The War

#### Reinforcements

At the onset of the war being declared, Kisuran knew she could rely on her close allies. Kisuran had enjoyed amicable relations with both the city of Yĭanûshĭr and of Ilkhuruna. Once war was declared, forces from these cities quickly began swarming north east to support Kisuran.

#### The Battle of the Bridge

Enkidu acted quickly and force-marched to the city of Kisuran, with the hopes of cutting her off from trade and further support. A bridge was built over the river made from local wood and the forces began their cross into the Kisuran heartlands. Before they could make it over the river, the two armies clashed on the bridge.

Arrows were fired across the river from both sides while melee units attempted to charge several time across the river. The forces of Kisuran had heavily entrenched themselves on their side however, and the forces of Enkidu were not able to make it past their entrenchments. Several times, the bridge was taken only for a retreat to be issued and preparation for yet another wave.

The pace was unstable however, and while the now tired Enkidi attempted to cross the bridge again, an explosion was detonated, splitting the forces in two and causing chaos in the ranks. Trapped on the Kisuran side, many Enkidi soldiers were slaughtered en masse, and those that survived quickly routed. The war had been one with a decisive victory - and Enkidu would soon surrender.

### Aftermath

The vision of the mystic at Enkidu did not come to pass. Many citizens began to doubt the words of the mystic, whether he was misheard or whether he was even real at all. Some claimed the mystic was one of the gods themselves, playing tricks and torturing their city. Nevertheless, the prizes of Enkidu were lost forever and the reparations paid to Kisuran were even greater.

Though relations would be slow to improve post-war and never truly be amicable - the treaty that ended the war brought an end to all fighting and never again would an independent Enkidu attempt to send their forces into her eastern neighbour.