Second Termian War

The military conflict known as the Second Termian Wars (1620-1627) was a pivotal episode in the Wars of Independence between the Kingdom of Pelaxia and Caphiria. At its core, the war was ignited by Caphiria's aggressive endeavor to regain control over the Province of Pelaxia, which had recently rejected its vassalage. Moreover, the control of the Kindred Sea, a vital maritime route, was a central stake in this high-stakes geopolitical struggle. The contested territory of Termia, characterized by its treacherous marshes and meandering rivers, held profound strategic significance as it controlled access to both the Kindred Sea and the vital Province of Cartadania.The war unfolded as a gritty and protracted struggle, with limited use of firearms and a reliance on traditional tactics and disciplined formations.

At the heart of the conflict was the newly formed professional army of Pelaxia, known as the "Las Huestes Reales". This force showcased its prowess in disciplined warfare, particularly with their utilization of heavy pikemen and the maneuvering expertise of "Rodeleros" ("Sword and Buckler Men") in the challenging swamp terrain. These tactics proved essential for navigating the challenging environment, where quicksand, dense foliage, and treacherous waterways demanded a unique approach. The clashes were marked by the grinding nature of swamp warfare, characterized by mud-soaked battles and grueling marches. The conflict gained a reputation for its gruesome nature, where soldiers contended not only with the enemy but also with the inhospitable environment. Firearm usage was limited, intensifying the reliance on close-quarter combat and skillful coordination of both big military formations and also more attritional tactits and lighter units.

The culmination of the conflict was the Treaty of Broda, signed in 1627. The treaty marked a turning point in Pelaxia's struggle for independence, cementing its status as an independent kingdom. The terms of the treaty awarded Pelaxia partial control over the Termian Delta and its intricate network of rivers. This concession granted the kingdom a strategic foothold, solidifying its control over a critical access point to the Kindred Sea and the prized Province of Cartadania.

In conclusion, the Second Termian Wars emerged as a crucial theater in the Wars of Independence, underscoring the resilience and strategic acumen of the Kingdom of Pelaxia. Against the backdrop of marshy battlegrounds and limited firearm usage, the conflict demonstrated the kingdom's disciplined warfare and culminated in the Treaty of Broda, securing its independence and strategic territorial gains.

=Prelude=



The prelude to the Termia Conflict, spanning from 1620 to 1627, is intricately interwoven with a series of transformative events that reshaped the Pelaxian geopolitical landscape. At its core lie the reverberations of the Great Schism of 1615, which initiated a cascade of consequences, catalyzing the eventual emergence of the Termia Conflict. The pivotal Great Schism witnessed the profound rupture between the traditional Catholic Church and the emergent Imperial Church of Caphiria. While originating as a theological schism, the reverberations extended far beyond religious realms, fostering an environment ripe for political realignments and the assertion of regional identities. Particularly within the Kingdom of Pelaxia, the aftershocks of the schism spurred significant political transformations, altering the dynamics between the southern province of Pelaxia and the overarching imperial power of Caphiria.

One of the most consequential outcomes of the Great Schism was the emergence of the southern province of Pelaxia as an autonomous entity. Previously tethered to the influence of the Imperial Church of Caphiria, the province seized the opportunity presented by the schism to cast off the shackles of ecclesiastical and political control. The newfound autonomy of the province, a direct result of the schism's disruptive impact, laid the foundation for the subsequent conflicts over the coveted Termia region. Simultaneously, the vassal lords within the region, recognizing the seismic shifts in the political landscape, embarked on a reevaluation of their allegiances. The upheaval caused by the schism fueled aspirations of self-governance and independence among these lords, culminating in a collective declaration of autonomy from Caphiria. This declaration marked a critical juncture in the broader narrative, setting the stage for the Termia Conflict.

In essence, the prelude to the Termia Conflict is a testament to the intricate interplay between religious schisms, regional ambitions, and geopolitical reconfigurations. As the echoes of the Great Schism reverberated across the Pelaxian realm, they catalyzed the emergence of an autonomous southern province and spurred the political evolution that would ultimately lead to the protracted and strategically pivotal Termia Conflict.

First Caphirian Incursion
The initial Caphirian incursion during the Termian Wars in the 1600s marked a pivotal military episode characterized by strategic maneuvering and combat prowess. The Caphirian Army, comprising two legions, launched an amphibious assault with a formidable array of units at their disposal, including pikes, musketeers, mounted lancers, spontoons, halberds, and longbows. In response, the defending Huestes Reales of Pelaxia employed a tactically calculated organization of combined battalions. These units consisted of Pikemen, Rodeleros, heavy Halberdiers and crossbowmen and artillery mainly composed of Falconets, effectively countering the invading force with a mix of infantry suited for close combat and ranged engagements.

The Caphirian legions gained initial ground by securing multiple outposts and moats, establishing a foothold in the Termian Delta. However, as the conflict progressed, the swampy terrain, initially perceived as advantageous, became a hindrance for both sides. The Caphirian Army's advance slowed significantly, and maneuvering within the marshes proved challenging.

Battle of Morcia's Moat (1601)
The Caphirian Army's initial advance saw them securing several outposts and moats in the marshy Termian Delta. However, the Huestes Reales responded with a strategically calculated counterattack. The Battle of Morcia's Moat showcased the effective use of Pelaxian crossbows, as they exploited the boggy terrain to launch deadly volleys at the Caphirian forces, weakening their advance and forcing them to adapt their tactics. The Huestes Reales exhibited resolute defensive tactics, engaging the Caphirian forces in close-quarter combat. The use of pikes, halberds, and crossbows allowed them to effectively counter the Caphirian weapons, particularly the mounted lancers. The defending forces capitalized on the marshy environment, impeding the Caphirian Army's mobility and exploiting their vulnerabilities.



In this attritional warfare, the Huestes Reales gradually wore down the Caphirian Army's momentum. The combatants faced arduous conditions as the marshes hindered movement and footing, amplifying the physical toll of battle.

Siege of Dornia(1603)
As the conflict intensified, the Caphirian Army sought to solidify their gains by besieging the Dornian Line, a key strategic series of improvised fortifications that took advantage of several tributary rivers of the region. The Pelaxian defenders demonstrated their resilience by employing a combination of Rodeleros and Halberdiers, effectively repelling the Caphirian assault. The treacherous swampy terrain presented challenges for both sides, making maneuvers and resupply difficult, resulting in a protracted siege that showcased the durability of the Huestes Reales.

As the confrontation drew to a close, the Caphirian Army found themselves mired in the marshlands, facing the dual challenges of combat fatigue and the inhospitable terrain. This impeded their ability to consolidate their initial gains and maintain a cohesive offensive by the end of 1603.