Battle of Foxindale

> "Don't listen to naysayers... at the Battle of Foxindale, we proved that the terrain itself could and should be our greatest ally. - Thomas Wilkinson
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## Battle of Foxindale

Artist's depiction of the Kundralli Army in disarray

## Battle of Foxindale

The **Battle of Foxindale** was a pivotal military engagement that occurred during the Dual Islands War, and consisted of the centre army's advance as described in the "Riemann Plan". Taking place in valley known as Foxindale, the battle showcased innovative tactics and led to a significant victory for the Lakkosian forces, altering the course of the entire war. The battle of Foxindale was known for being the most evident change in the tides of the war, whilst also being known for its size and brutality.

## Battle

### Background

The Republic of Lakkos's war, under the strategic leadership of High General Thomas Wilkinson, had gained considerable ground on the island of Kundrall, securing key territories in the Northwest. As a part of the Riemann Plan, the main army of Wilkinson was to manage a mass advance whilst Operation Beachfront was underway.

### Terrain & Environment

Foxindale was a lush and fertile valley, nestled between rolling hills and surrounded by dense forests. Two rivers meandered through the valley, which culminated in their linking further South, the site of the Battle of the Two Rivers. This landscape became the setting for an unconventional battle that would test the adaptability of both armies.

### The Opening Moves

High General Wilkinson recognized that the valley could be turned into a double-edged sword against the Kundralli forces. The Lakkosian army initially advanced towards the foremost river, and in a surprising move, General Wilkinson ordered his engineers to create a series of controlled breaches in the riverbanks. This diversion of water created fast-flowing streams and temporary wetlands, rendering portions of the valley difficult to traverse. This came as a result of intel that Publiann intended to move his forces on the offensive, a move that would not have been anticipated otherwise.

Kundralli forces left their defensive positions in the early morning and subsequently encountering unexpected challenges. The altered riverbanks and water diversion added confusion and difficulty to Kundralli movements. Further, hid in the dense forests surround the valley were Lakkosian Shock Troops which served to stagger Publiann's army and its supply chain.

### Lakkosian Stratagem

As the day progressed, the Kundralli forces found themselves disoriented and bogged down in the challenging terrain of Foxindale. Wilkinson seized this opportunity to launch a coordinated assault, using cavalry units to encircle and isolate Kundralli divisions. The cavalry charges disrupted Kundralli formations and left them vulnerable.

With the Lakkosians pressing their advantage, General Publiann faced a difficult decision. Realizing the dire situation, he ordered a hasty withdrawal, retreating toward Kundrall to regroup for a counter-offensive by the capital. The hasty nature of the retreat would come to be known as the "Great Kundralli Retreat", known for the devestation it had caused to his army and their subsequent fortunes.

The battle served as a prelude to the final series of confrontations in the form of the Battle of the Kundrall Plains, and the siege of Kundrall itself.