Bourgondii-Loa Wars
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The Bourgondii-Loa Wars was a series of conflicts and trade wars between the Bourgondii Royal Trading Company's colony of Equatorial Ostiecia and the Loa Empire from ~1700-1875.
| Bourgondii-Loa Wars | |||||
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| Belligerents | |||||
 Takatta Loa |
 BRTC | ||||
Background
The first contact between Loa and the Bergendii occurred in the mid-17th century when the Bergendii were fighting the Oustec and charting Vallos. These explorers arrived in Loa's Imperial harbors and the Empire saw this as an opportunity to expand its trade networks. In the latter decades of the 1600s, trade relations were relatively harmonious. Loa's exotic goods such as pearls, tropical fruits, and handicrafts were highly sought after by the Levantines, who offered valuable Occidental and Audonian goods in return.
As the Bourgondii Royal Trading Company expanded its presence in the Polynesian Sea, resource exploitation became a pressing issue. Natural resources, including timber and marine life, were overexploited, leading to economic degradation of key Loa markets and the ever-increasing pressure to buy and sells slaves were not viewed kindly by the Loa. Additionally, cultural misunderstandings and clashes began to surface. The Bergendii merchants brought their own customs, religion, and philosophical systems, which often clashed with the traditions and beliefs of the Loa people and state. In the early 1700s, diplomatic tensions escalated as the Bergendii overtly sought to expand their influence over the Loa Empire's economy through political alliances and manipulation of local leaders. This further strained relations between the two parties.
Economic and Political Warfare
Open Warfare
Battle of Tauriva Bay
The Battle of Tauriva Bay, fought in 1798, was one of the earliest significant clashes between the Loa Empire and the Bourgondii Royal Trading Company. It took place near the shores of Tauriva Bay, a strategic location for both parties due to its proximity to rich fishing grounds and trade routes. The battle was enjoined when Loa warriors ambushed a Bergendii trading convoy near Tauriva Bay. The ensuing naval engagement saw canoes and Bergendii trading ships locked in fierce combat. Loa warriors, known for their maritime skills and knowledge of local currents, used guerrilla tactics to their advantage. The battle ended inconclusively, with heavy casualties on both sides. However, it marked a turning point in the conflict, as it demonstrated Loa's determination to protect its interests and resist Bergendii expansion. This battle also spurred diplomatic efforts to resolve some of the underlying issues.
The Siege of Factory Marigold
The Siege of Factory Marigold was a pivotal land-based battle that occurred in 1832, demonstrating the intensification of hostilities between the Loa Empire and the Bourgondii Royal Trading Company. The Loa, led by XXX, launched a well-coordinated assault on the trading post Factory Marigold. Loa warriors armed with traditional weaponry, such as spears and clubs, besieged the fort, while the small Bergendii garrison and merchants were equipped with muskets, early rifles, and cannons, defended their position. The siege ended with the Loa Empire successfully capturing the fort after several weeks of intense fighting. This victory bolstered Loa's morale, pushing the Bourgondii Royal Trading Company to seek a diplomatic solution to the conflict. The siege also highlighted the adaptability of the Loa warriors, who integrated traditional tactics with weapons acquired through trade.
Battle of Taiaro Atoll
The Battle of Taiaro Atoll, fought in 1867, was one of the final major naval battles of the conflict, near Taiaro Atoll, a small but strategically located island. This area had become a focal point of contention due to its proximity to important trade routes. Having lost many of its hard-won concessions the Bergendii made a bid to regain control of Taiaro Atoll, theBourgondii Royal Trading Company launched a naval assault on the island. Loa defenders, well-prepared and bolstered by alliances with neighboring islands, met the Bergendii fleet in a pitched battle around the atoll's waters. The Battle of Taiaro Atoll resulted in a resounding victory for the Loa Empire. The Bourgondii Royal Trading Company suffered significant losses in terms of ships and personnel. This defeat marked the beginning of the end for the Bergendii dominance in the eastern Polynesian Sea, as they could no longer sustain a prolonged conflict. Negotiations leading to the 1875 treaty began shortly thereafter.
Treaty of Farpoint
In 1875, the newly unified country of Burgundie sought to reset relations with the Loa Empire and have a fresh start. Both sides met in Farpoint, Paulastra and agreed to cease hostilities immediately and for Burgundie to cease meddling in [[Loa imperial affairs. The Treaty of Farpoint was signed on November 9th, 1875.