Battle of Hocos

The Battle of Hocos was a battle fought between Vibius Calenus leading the Nirvan Republic army against Vaso Cosmotis and the army of Ilaka in the Asger War.

## Background

After the Battle of Kardir in **514PR**, that led to the defeat of Quintus Catulus and his 4 legions, Vaso began to grow confident. Though, he remained with Alkis for the rest of the year, waiting for the political pressures in Nirva to grow enough that the other Nirvan army, led by Vibius, would have to withdraw.

In **515PR** after more waiting, Vaso began to get bored. So, confident with his own ability after the previous battle, decided to split from Alkis’s army and march out to meet Vibius in battle. At first, Vibius remained cautious, but after Vaso passed his defensive line and made his way to the Rubicon river, Vibius had no choice but to meet him in battle. Still, he held the first advantage by blocking off the escape route of Vasos’s troops.

## Battle

The battle commenced with both armies advancing into the centre, the Nirvans having a vastly bigger force compared to the Ilakans. When they met, the Nirvans threw their javelins before charging.

The legions had become quite experienced at this stage, making their javelins more accurate and their charge more devastating. In the centre, the Drakos barely stood a chance, losing ground within mere minutes of the battle starting. Off the centre, the Atkan held their own, still better quality than the non-triarii legions but still finding a good match, aided by the Nirvan numbers.

On the wings, Vibius made a plan, joining the Lorenzen Cavalry and riding to the camp of their enemy. When they met the enemy Companions, they broke through in savage fashion. But, they continued marching on instead, leaving the army to Decimus. Instead, their goal was the Ilakan camp, looting some of the standards they lost in the previous battle and blocking Vaso from any retreat.

Back in the battle, Vaso and his men continued to fight, committing their entire army. Some of their Companion cavalry even returned, coming back now that Vibius and the Lorenzen Knights were gone.

Decimus continued to lead the army, sending reinforcements from his reserve legions whenever needed, and pushing through the centre. In the centre, the Drakos broke, retreating past Vaso who screamed orders for them to remain.

Unlike the Drakos, the Atkan and Companions remained, fighting and unaware of their fleeting victory. When the Drakos retreated to their camp, they met Vibius and the Lorenzen Knights, charging into the fleeing soldiers.

With a broken centre, the Nirvan legions proceeded to surround the Atkan and Companions on the wings, throwing their second set of javelins before cautiously advancing and killing the remaining soldiers.

## Aftermath

The deaths from Vasos’s army was devastating, the retreating Drakos made for easy work from Vibius and his Lorenzens, using his own magic for extra effect. Later, the Nirvans would loot the completely abandoned camp, keeping the Nirvans loyal and happy.

Vaso managed to escape the slaughter, disguising himself as a Drakos. When he returned to Alkis, he was executed, the remnants of his army either joining Alkis or returning home.