Continental War

The Continental War was a military conflict that took place between 280 IE to 283 IE, a total of three years of war. The war was fought by the Velmor Union, which had occupied the dismantled nation of Forarendt as peacekeepers, against various petty kingdoms, most notably the kingdoms of Salxa, Seax, and Selva. The war was known for its bitter fighting and guerilla warfare, as well as its static trench warfare.

The war began when the Velmor Union, which had been acting as peacekeepers in Forarendt, came into conflict with the various petty kingdoms that had formed after the dissolution of Forarendt. These kingdoms, led by Salxa, Seax, and Selva, believed that the Velmor Union's presence in Forarendt was a violation of their sovereignty and began to resist their rule.

The war was characterized by bitter fighting and guerilla warfare, as the Velmor Union's forces struggled to deal with the various small kingdoms that had formed in Forarendt. The Velmor Union's forces were well-equipped and well-trained, but they found themselves at a disadvantage against the various small kingdoms, who used their knowledge of the local terrain and population to their advantage.

The war also featured static trench warfare, as the Velmor Union's forces struggled to break through the defenses of the various small kingdoms. The trench warfare was brutal and bloody, as both sides suffered heavy casualties.

Despite the difficulties, the Velmor Union's forces were ultimately able to defeat the various small kingdoms and bring an end to the Continental War. The war was a costly one for the Velmor Union, but it ultimately allowed them to bring peace and stability to Forarendt and prevent the formation of new warring factions.

## Background

### The Dissolution of Forarendt

#### The Selva Meeting

the Selva Meeting was a private meeting that was conducted between the Forarenian King, his son and many ministers from the royal court. The meeting was held in the town of Selva, a location with a historical significance to the kingdom of Forarendt.

During the meeting, the Forarenian King expressed his regret for the nation's stagnation, and the lack of progress under his leadership. He acknowledged that his kingdom had become isolated, and unable to keep up with the developments of the other nations in the region.

In a shocking move, the Forarenian King abdicated the throne in favor of his son. However, his son, in turn, also abdicated the throne and expressed that he had no apparent heirs. This meant that the country was without a leader and the kingdom itself was without a clear succession. This was a major factor that led to the dissolution of Forarendt and the formation of the various petty kingdoms.

#### The Solnen Dispatch

The Solnen Dispatch was a military radio transmission that was sent across the kingdom of Forarendt to inform important leaders of the abdication of the king. It was intended to be a private message to notify key leaders of the political change in the kingdom, and to ensure a smooth transition of power. However, the transmission was hijacked by groups who held a grudge against the king for his neutral stance in political and military matters.

These groups intercepted the Solnen Dispatch and broadcasted it across the entire planet, making the news of the king's abdication public and causing widespread confusion and chaos. The message was heard by all and sundry, including the people of Forarendt, rival kingdoms and even nations outside the region.

The hijacking of the Solnen Dispatch had a huge impact on the political landscape of Forarendt, as it led to the immediate dissolution of the kingdom and the formation of various petty kingdoms, which eventually led to the Continental War. The neutral stance of the king was seen as a weakness by some, and the hijacking of the message was used as an opportunity to exploit the political vacuum created by the king's abdication.

#### The Ambush at Mendricht

The Mendricht Ambush took place during the events of the Dissolution of Forarendt. The Ambush occurred when a group of rebels ambushed a convoy of helicopters that were escorting and carrying the Forarenian King and his son from Selva to Gorais, the capital city of Forarendt. The king and his son were on their way to Gorais to meet with other leaders to discuss the future of the kingdom when the attack occurred.

The rebels had prior knowledge of the king's whereabouts and movements, and they ambushed the convoy of helicopters in Mendricht. The 3 helicopters escorting and carrying the king and his son were shot down and crash-landed in a nearby farmland. The king and his son were captured by the rebels, and they were executed by the leader of the rebel group, Ulfric.

The Mendricht Ambush had a significant impact on the political landscape of Forarendt, as it removed the last obstacle to the dissolution of the kingdom and the formation of various petty kingdoms. The death of the king and his son marked the end of the Forarenian monarchy and the beginning of a new era of political instability in the region.

#### The Great Turmoil

The Great Turmoil was a period of mass chaos and violence that erupted in Forarendt after the Mendricht Ambush, which marked the death of the king and his son. The Great Turmoil lasted for a period of one week, and it was characterized by widespread violence, looting and lawlessness.

During this period, the Forarenian Armed Forces, already in a state of confusion due to the abdication of the king and the hijacking of the Solnen Dispatch, were overwhelmed by the events that followed the Mendricht Ambush. The Armed Forces were unable to maintain order and were ultimately broken up into various factions vying for control over the kingdom.

The breakdown of the Armed Forces led to a power vacuum in the kingdom, and various warlords and factions emerged to fill the void. These warlords and factions fought for control over the kingdom, and the Great Turmoil was marked by intense fighting, with battles taking place in cities, towns and rural areas.

#### Battle of Sheeptaker’s Bay

The Battle of Sheeptaker's Bay was a significant military engagement that occurred during the Great Turmoil in Forarendt. Rebel forces under the leadership of Ulfric, numbering around 1,000 militiamen, attacked the Forarenian garrison at the town of Sheeptaker's Bay, which is located just off the northern coast of the Northern Isles.

Ulfric and his militia launched a surprise attack on the town, catching the garrison off guard. Despite being outnumbered three to one, the rebels were able to drive off the garrison and capture the town. However, the Forarenian garrisons arrived soon after with armor support and retook the town.

Ulfric, facing odds of ten to one, rallied his men and once again attacked the town the next day. The Forarenians, who were busy celebrating their victory at the town center, were caught off guard and ambushed by Ulfric's rebels. This time, the Forarenians' retreat turned into a rout, and many of them ran in all directions, with many of them later defecting to the rebels the very next day.

The Battle of Sheeptaker's Bay had a significant impact on the Great Turmoil, as it showed the determination and military prowess of Ulfric and his rebel forces. It also demonstrated the weakness and disunity of the Forarenian Armed Forces, which were unable to maintain control over the kingdom. The battle also contributed to the further fragmentation of the Forarenian Armed Forces and the emergence of various warlords and factions vying for control over the kingdom.

#### Witaker Conspiracy

The Witaker Conspiracy was a dramatic and violent event in the history of Forarendt. It was a coup d'etat led by members of the Forarenian Armed Forces, with the goal of overthrowing the remaining government officials and taking control of the country. The coup began when army trucks rolled into the city square of Gorais, the capital of Forarendt, and government officials were seized and executed in front of thousands of horrified onlookers. This act effectively ended any chance of a functioning government and plunged the country into further chaos and turmoil.

The Witaker Conspiracy was the final nail in the coffin for Forarendt, as the country was already in a state of political and social disintegration following the abdication of the king and the Solnen Dispatch. With no central authority to keep the peace, various warlords and factions began to rise up and claim control over different regions of the country. This led to a period of brutal, internecine warfare as different groups fought for power and resources.

### Prelude

#### Introduction

The prelude to the Continental War was a chaotic and violent period in the history of Dresanaria. Spanning from 274 IE to 280 IE, it was marked by constant warfare across the entire planet as various kingdoms, formed from the ashes of the dissolved Forarendt, battled each other for control and power. The primary battleground during this time was the city of Gorais, the former capital of Forarendt. Whichever kingdom controlled Gorais was recognized as the successor to Forarendt, making it a highly sought-after prize.

Three kingdoms in particular, Salxa, Seax, and Selva, fought fiercely for control of Gorais and the surrounding regions. Each of these kingdoms controlled the city on numerous occasions, but it would always fall into the hands of one of the others. These wars were brutal and bloody, with no clear victor emerging. The death toll was staggering and the destruction caused was widespread.

The prelude to the Continental War was a dark and turbulent time for the people of Dresanaria. The constant warfare and violence took a heavy toll on the population, and many were left displaced or homeless. It was a time of great suffering, but it also set the stage for the eventual intervention of the Velmor Union, which would bring an end to the bloodshed and bring a semblance of stability to the region.

#### Velmor Union Intervention

The Velmor Union, recognizing the dire situation in Dresanaria and the potential threat it posed to the stability of the neighboring member state of Ivenia, began diplomatic efforts to try to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. They sent envoys to meet with the leaders of the various factions vying for control of the former Forarendt, in an effort to broker a ceasefire and establish a lasting peace.

These diplomatic efforts were met with mixed success. Some factions were open to negotiation and willing to compromise, while others were more intransigent and unwilling to give up any of their territorial gains. Despite these obstacles, the Velmorin envoys persisted in their efforts, and over time they were able to bring several key factions to the negotiating table.

As the diplomatic efforts progressed, the Velmor Union also began to prepare for the possibility of military intervention. They began to mobilize their armed forces, and to assemble a coalition of neighboring states that would be willing to support them in case of a war. In addition, they also began to gather intelligence on the military capabilities of the various factions in Dresanaria, so that they could better plan for any potential military operations

### Planning

#### Operation Astral Hammer

Operation Astral Hammer was the codename given to the simultaneous naval and airborne landings conducted by the Velmorin Armed Forces. The operation was aimed at capturing several key spaceports and securing a foothold for the invasion force on the planet of Dresanaria. The operation was led by the Maritha, the Velmorin Navy, and the Velsyar, the Velmorin Army. The operation was carefully planned and rehearsed for months before it was executed, with the aim of achieving surprise and overwhelming the enemy with a rapid and coordinated assault.

Operation Astral Hammer was a meticulously planned military operation that involved simultaneous naval and airborne landings. The planning process was led by the Velmorin Armed Forces' General Staff, who meticulously coordinated every aspect of the operation to ensure that it would be successful. The operation was divided into several phases, starting with the capture of key spaceports, which would serve as the main landing points for the Velmorin troops. Once the spaceports were secured, the next phase involved an invasion of the continent, with the Velmorin troops pushing inland and capturing key towns and cities. The operation also involved the deployment of specialized units such as the jumptroopers, cataphracts, and Company Wulf, who were tasked with specific roles in the operation.

The use of these specialized units was crucial in ensuring the success of the operation, as they were able to quickly and effectively neutralize enemy resistance. The operation was also supported by the Maritha, Velmorin's navy, which provided air and naval support throughout the operation. The planning of the operation took several months, with the General Staff carefully analyzing the terrain, weather, and the enemy's strengths and weaknesses to develop the most effective strategy.

#### Order of Battle

The planning of Operation Astral Hammer involved the coordination of naval and airborne landings, with the goal of simultaneous landings at key locations to quickly gain a foothold on the planet. The order of battle for the Velmor Union included the use of 50 divisions, with an additional 30 in reserve to be used after the landings took place. Among these 50 divisions were 3 airborne divisions, totaling around 100,000 men, including the 47th Alinori Airborne Division, the 28th Ivenian Airborne Division, and the 1st Velmorin Airborne Division. These divisions would play a key role in the operation, with their airborne capabilities allowing for surprise and swift maneuvers on the battlefield.

Additionally, the Velmor Union had at its disposal several naval fleets, including the Home Fleet, which was tasked with providing naval support for the landings and securing key naval chokepoints. The naval fleets also included the 1st and 2nd Expeditionary Fleets, which were composed of a large number of amphibious ships, transports and escort ships, to facilitate the landing of troops and equipment on the beaches. The naval component of the operation was under the command of Grand Admiral-General Kelvin, who was a veteran of many naval engagements and was considered one of the best naval commanders in the Velmor Union.

The ground component of the operation was under the command of General Alexander, who was the commander of the 1st Velmorin Army. The 1st Velmorin Army was composed of several armored and mechanized divisions, as well as artillery and engineering units. They were to provide the main ground force for the operation and were tasked with securing key objectives and pushing inland. The ground component was supported by the 2nd Velmorin Army, which was composed of several infantry divisions and was tasked with securing the flanks and holding the ground gained by the 1st Velmorin Army.

### The War

#### Continental Landings

The Continental Landings, also known as Operation Astral Hammer, marked the beginning of the Velmor Union's intervention in the Continental War. The operation was meticulously planned by the Velmorin General Staff, with every aspect of the landings taken into consideration. The Velmor Union had a disposal of fifty divisions, with another thirty in reserve, ready to be deployed after the initial landings. Of these fifty divisions, three were airborne divisions, totaling around 100,000 men. These divisions were the 47th Alinori Airborne Division, the 28th Ivenian Airborne Division, and the 1st Velmorin Airborne Division.

The landings began simultaneously across various locations, with the 47th and 28th landing on the southern continent, while the 1st landed on the former Gruvanian Home Islands. The landings were met with fierce resistance, with the airborne divisions struggling to take control of the numerous spaceports that dotted the battlefields. Despite the challenges, the Velmorin forces were able to secure their first objective, the Graycott Spaceport on the Gruvanian Home Islands. The spaceport was lightly guarded, making it an easy target for the Velmorin forces. By the end of the day, most of the spaceports had been secured, providing a crucial foothold for the Velmorin forces to launch further assaults.

#### The Guerilla War

The next three years of the war were marked by a shift in tactics by the petty kingdoms, as they moved from conventional warfare to guerilla style warfare. This made it much harder for the Velmor Union to defeat them, as they were now operating in small, mobile units, making them much harder to track and target. The Velmor Union had to adapt their tactics as well, and began to focus on hunting down and destroying these guerilla units, rather than trying to engage them in large-scale battles.

Despite these challenges, the Velmor Union managed to make steady progress, and by the end of the second year of the war, they had captured several key cities and towns across the southern continent. However, the fighting was still fierce, and many Velmorin soldiers were killed or injured during this period.

Finally, during the last months of the war, the Velmor Union managed to capture the city of Gorais, the former capital of Forarendt. This was a major blow to the petty kingdoms, as Gorais was considered a symbol of their power and prestige. With the city in Velmorin hands, the war began to turn in their favor, and the kingdoms were forced to sue for peace. The Velmor Union was able to hold firm of the city and soon enough, the war came to an end, with the Velmor Union as the victor.

#### Battle of Gorais

The last offensive conducted by the Kingdom of Selva was a desperate attempt to take the city of Gorais, which had become the symbol of Velmor's control over the former Forarendt. Selva had mustered a large force of 200,000 men, including armored units and artillery, to attack the 80,000 strong Velmorin garrison stationed there.

The attack began with a massive artillery barrage, followed by a coordinated assault on multiple fronts. The Velmorin defenders were caught off guard, but quickly regrouped and established a defensive perimeter around the city. The forward elements of Selva's army clashed with several patrols outside the city, which brought back information to the Velmorin General Staff that a huge attack was imminent.

In response to the attack, the General Staff ordered additional reinforcements and various units were airlifted to the city to bolster the defenses. As the sound of gunfire rang out in the nearby town of Fulton, Major-General Werdern of the 56th Velmorin Infantry Division ordered that a defensive perimeter be set up in the town, in the hopes that reinforcements would soon arrive there to bolster their ranks.

Unfortunately, Fulton fell to Selvan hands, and the 56th was forced to retreat to Gorais to set up another defensive line. When the attack came to Gorais, heavy street fighting broke out and much of its western half was badly damaged by constant artillery and air strikes.

Despite the overwhelming odds, the Velmorin defenders held their ground, and the Selvans were forced to retreat after a day of brutal fighting. The offensive had been stopped, and Gorais remained in Velmorin control, solidifying their control over the former Forarendt.

#### Operation Dolmont

Operation Dolmont was a carefully crafted and meticulously planned operation by the Velmorin Armed Forces, with the primary objective of destroying the entire Selvan Army in one swift and decisive blow. The operation was to be conducted by three airborne divisions, which were tasked with capturing key bridges and roads that were being used by the Selvans as they retreated. These targets included the towns of Fulton, Tannir, and Ulfenstein, with their bridges being the primary objective of the airborne operation.

The land operation was to be conducted by the 56th Division, along with several other divisions that had just arrived in Gorais following the previous battle. These units were to pursue and harass the Selvan Army, slowing them down as much as possible. The airdrop came during the night, with more than 120,000 jump troops being dropped at their respective landing zones by more than 1,500 transport aircraft. Despite the bright moonlit sky, which made it easier for the Selvans to spot the incoming troops, the drop was relatively easy for the Velmorin soldiers.

By dawn, the three airborne divisions had captured all of their assigned objectives, though Fulton was only taken after heavy resistance by the Selvan Army. With all the bridges in the west taken by Velmorin airborne forces, the entire Selvan Army was encircled, and the ground offensive began. The 56th Division led the charge, taking the surrounding towns near Gorais before advancing deeper into the Selvan Army’s lines. After a week of intense fighting, the commander of the Selvan Army, Ulfric, who had styled himself as the Great Kaiser of the Kingdom of Selva, was captured and taken off-world to Velmor.

With the head of the army and nation severed, the Selvan Army had no choice but to surrender to the Velmor Union. Despite this, a few pockets of resistance remained, but they were quickly dealt with by the Velmorin forces. This was the end of the war and the Velmor Union emerged victorious, having secured peace and stability in the region.