Helicules War

The Helicules War was an event that started in **415PR** when King Thodoris Kostides began his wars of expansion. It was fought between Gonarundu and Ilaka, named as such because of the Ilakan first target being the city of Helicules.

## Background

In **412PR**, the nation of Ilaka was experiencing some financial difficulties after an unsatisfactory harvest. With only one major city, the capital, on the coast, they were restricted heavily through trade, having their exports outshined by the Nirvans nearby, who could outproduce them.

By **414PR**, the financial difficulties only worsened, causing some of their common class to rebel in parts of the nation. Needing a distraction, the royal court under King Thodoris decided that they would begin expanding their lands. Their targets were Gonarundu and the tribes in between them and the Lorenzen Kingdom, allowing for further raiding into the Kingdom if applicable. These are known as the wars of expansion.

For the Gonarundun situation, King Thodoris allowed for the raising of 18,000 troops, with more to come later down the line. They were to be commanded by his friend and ally, Minos Dimelis.

In Gonarundu, fearing the worst, King Augustin Fidalgo sent a group of infantry under the command of Miguel Baztan to help aid the Helicules Garrison in case of an upcoming siege. He would’ve sent more, however they were dealing with Northern raids at the time.

## Course

In **415PR**, General Minos and the 18,000 Ilakan troops crossed the border and besieged the Gonarundun city of Helicules. A fleet of naval ships under the command of Agapios Argyrotis was also dispatched to the city, blockading the city's sea route.

### Battle of Helicules

*See: Battle of Helicules*

The Battle of Helicules was an embarrassing defeat for the Ilakans, not only had they failed to take the city but a single Gonarundun army managed to defeat the entire Ilakan force across two battles.

When General Minos returned to Ilakan borders, he decided to wait for a year, gathering reinforcements for the next attempt at invading. During this time Miguel was not content to just sit around, petitioning King Augustin to let him invade Ilaka to fight them. He was later denied and Miguel strangely died before the end of the year.

### Second Invasion

Reinforcements eventually arrived in **416PR** with General Minos invading Gonarundu again soon after, knowing that his opponent Miguel was now dead.

With access to the river, there was less chance that his supply line could be attacked, meaning he could leave the city of Helicules, instead choosing to target the surrounding lands.

After passing the city of Helicules, Minos and his troops captured the surrounding area, including the further south town of Aecae. Angry that the Ilakans were once again claiming his lands, King Augustin sent out a sizable force under Dario Bacque, one of the commanders in the Battle of Helicules, to stop him.

### Battle of the Kunan

*See: Battle of the Kunan*

Hearing scout reports of a Gonarundun army, Minos positioned his troops on the Helicules side of the Kunan River, though still south of the major city to avoid the garrison from marching out and joining the enemy army.

This time, without the experience of Miguel, the Gonarunduns were decisively defeated, with many more of their number dying post-battle.

Hearing of the Gonarundun defeat, Ilakan King Thodoris pressured Gonarundun King Augustin into a peace treaty, ceding the lands East of the Kunan River to the Ilakans, including the city of Helicules.

## Aftermath

General Minos was celebrated for his victory, being able to sweep the enemy defence out in 2 years and taking the city without a siege.

When he entered Helicules, he slaughtered many civilians, blaming them for the only military defeat in his career. The rest were moved to the slums, including many prominent nobles. These events would later cause the uprising of the Carto Empire.

In Gonarundu, King Augustin’s reputation and support broke down to such a degree it led to his death by just announcing the Surrender of the lands.