The War
The story of Places of Power is set during a very specific nine year period in the history of Asteria, commonly referred to as the Valexandrian Wars. In the winter of year 555 of the Reclamation, the powerful nation of Murdas, led by the charismatic General Valexandre Bellegrette, embarked on a militaristic campaign of expansion. By the end of the following year, Murdas and her allies had gained control over much of central Asteria. A fragile alliance of the remaining independent nations of Asteria rose up to oppose this expansion, plunging the entire continent, and many of the lands beyond, into war. Over the following years this violent back and forth would affect the lives of all who call Asteria home. Millions would die, entire people groups would be displaced, and the map of Asteria would be irrevocably re-drawn. Ultimately, Murdas would be pushed back, and Valexandrea would disappear in heat of battle. But the road between the start and end of the war was long, with many a twist and turn along the way. As you embark on your own journey of survival remember the war is also marching its own course, one you cannot possibly hope to change.
Below is an incomplete list of the events that took place during the Valexandrian Wars, starting in the winter of 555, and culminating in the Battle of Trevochi at the start of 564. While some of the things on this list are singular events that took place on a specific day, most represent a broad series of events that lasted several weeks, or even months. For the sake of simplicity and clarity, these events are listed by the month in which each event started. All of the Campaigns, for example, involved multiple battles and many individual stories of heroism and tragedy, too numerous to list here. If something is not included on this list it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen, indeed we encourage you to add in the things we missed out from this momentous and calamitous period in history. The stories you tell against this backdrop are just as real as the ones we have included below.
For reference, the calendar year is broken into 16 months of 29 days, starting with Steadfast and ending with Solace. Asterian months are not named after gods or emperors, but in a practical fashion that indicates what one might expect to experience during that particular period of time. That said, there is a distinctly northern hemisphere bias in this naming convention, as those areas of Asteria south of the equator see significantly less variation in the weather over the seasons:
Summer Months:
Endure, Flourish, Gather, Replete, Cherish, Thrive, Reap, Hoard
Winter Months:
Hubris, Presage, Sombre, Winnow, Mourn, Hollow, Solace, Steadfast (first month of the year)
Year 555 of the Reclamation - 9th of Presage - Murdas
The Coup in Murdas – General Valexandre Bellegrette seizes control of the government of Murdas in a bloodless coup, bringing to an end the decades long revolutionary war that had ravaged the country. Shortly afterwards he is proclaimed First Consul of Murdas. Luvaine, Samria and Laprel quickly ally themselves with the new republic, showering Valexandre with gifts and proclamations of support. In response, Pelos forms a new coalition with Walderstung, Alderheim, and Gadrin with the aim of containing Valexandre’s expansionist goals.
Year 555 of the Reclamation - Hollow – Grendia
Invasion of Grendia – As Winter consumes the northern lands of Asteria, Murdas forces cross their southern boarder into Grendia, quickly seizing control of the nation. A puppet government is established, run by Grendian born Valexandre loyalists, and a significant military base is constructed close to the Mazova/Gadrin border.
Year 556 of the Reclamation - Endure – Vieraan
The Vieraan Campaign – Murdas forces march through Laprel unopposed and launch an invasion of Vieraan, which falls under Murdan control after intense fighting.
Year 556 of the Reclamation - Flourish – Rusaan
Rusaan Capitulates – Hoping to avoid the destruction that befell Vieraan, Rusaan declares loyalty to Murdas, becoming a vassal state of the new republic. Valexandre quickly moves troops into the country and establishes it as a staging ground for his coming invasion of Circenzio.
Year 556 of the Reclamation - Replete – Circenzio
Circenzio Defeated – Murdas smashes Circenzio forces in a series of decisive battles, taking control of the country. The Circenzian high council are declared traitors to the people and are publicly executed.
Year 556 of the Reclamation - Cherish – Drinova
Gadrin Humbled – A combined Gadrin and Drinovan army suffers a major defeat at the hands of Murdas. Valexandre agrees to allow Gadrin to maintain its sovereignty, and control of its vassal state Drinova, in return for them withdrawing from the coalition with Pelos, and immediately ceasing all hostilities towards Murdas. They agree.
Year 556 of the Reclamation - Cherish - Brujiova
Vestrean Influence – As part of its on going rivalry with Walderstung, Vestrea exerts its military influence over the fragmented principalities of Brujiova, forcing them to remain neutral in the growing conflict between Murdas and the coalition forces. Walderstung responds by sending troops into eastern Brujiova, however intense storms and flooding cause them to withdraw before any confrontation with the Vestrean military can occur.
Year 556 of the Reclamation - Reap - Grozloclaw
The Grozloclaw Liberation – Declaring themselves to be a liberating force, Murdas annexes Walderstung controlled Grozloclaw. Walderstung suffers a decisive defeat at the hands of Murdas, and is forced to sue for peace. Trevochi declares neutrality in return for Murdas not challenging their claim to the lands of western Grozloclaw.
Year 556 of the Reclamation - Hoard – Husk
The Husk Campaign – Murdan forces invade Husk, claiming they are “liberating” the region from Hastrian rule. They face fierce opposition, despite the fact that the people of Husk are divided on whether Valexandre’s rule or Hastrian authoritarianism is better for their country.
Year 556 of the Reclamation - 11th of Hoard - Holtzburg
The Treaty of Holtzburg - Walderstung is forced to sign a humiliating treaty with Murdas in the small city-state of Holtzburg. With this, Walderstung formally withdraws from the Pelosian coalition and the war with Murdas.
Year 556 of the Reclamation - 20th of Hubris - Drenam
The Destruction of the Drenam Fleet - As winter begins, and the seas around the Vestrean coast freeze solid, locking the bulk of the Vestrean fleet in place, Pelos launches a pre-emptive attack on the neutral navies of Nernsol and Drenam. The Pelos fleet disables a large part of the anchored Nernsol/Drenam defence line, destroying numerous floating batteries, and either capturing, disabling, or sinking 18 Nernsol/Drenam ships.
Year 556 of the Reclamation - 23rd of Hollow – Espitan/Stoytan
Declaration of Independence – Following a sustained period of hash treatment by the Vestrean government, and urged on by Pelos, the Vestrean provinces of Espitan and Stoytan declare independence.
Year 557 of the Reclamation - Flourish – Espitan
War in the North – With the end of winter, Vestrea dispatches its military to reclaim their errant provinces. In the forests of Espitan, Vestrean forces clash with a combined force of Espitan and Stoytan soldiers, supported by a regiment from Pelos.
Year 557 of the Reclamation - Thrive - Husk
Collapse of the Husk Occupation - The Murdan campaign in Husk collapses due to failed supply lines. Pelosian-backed forces restore Hastrian rule over the region, though the nation remains unstable.
Year 557 of the Reclamation - 13th of Hoard - Hastria
The Treaty of Hastria – Despite its attempts to remain neutral, Hastria finds itself diplomatically isolated and is forced to sign a non-aggression pact with Murdas. This has the effect of temporarily ending open hostilities between Pelos and Murdas as well. A period of relative calm follows, as both sides seek to consolidate the power they have, rather than seeking to expand further.
Year 558 of the Reclamation - Thrive - Mazova
War Resumes – Murdas resumes its expansionist policies, annexing Mazova, and strengthening its grip on Circenzio. In response, Pelos, Walderstung, and Alderheim reform their coalition.
Year 558 of the Reclamation - Thrive - Vestrea
Vestrean Blockade – Murdas and Vestrea sign a secret alliance, agreeing to isolate Pelos economically. Vestrea enforces a trade blockade, banning Pelosian goods from its ports.
Year 558 of the Reclamation - Hoard - Laprel
Broken Alliance – The alliance between Murdas and Laprel breaks down. Valexandre dispatches forces to take control of the country, but they are intercepted by a joint Pelosian/Alderheim army.
Year 558 of the Reclamation - 17th of Mourn - Pelos
Declaration of War – Following the murder of a Pelosian Governor by a Vestrean Nobel, Pelos declares war on Vestrea, sending naval forces to disrupt Vestrean shipping and break the trade blockade.
Year 558 of the Reclamation - 8th of Steadfast - Hastria
The Hastrian Alliance - Murdan forces Hastria into an alliance, leading to widespread anti-Murdan revolts in Merenakkis.
Year 559 of the Reclamation - 2nd Endure - Murdas
Empire – Valexandre crowns himself Emperor, and openly declares his intention to rule all of Asteria.
Year 559 of the Reclamation - Hoard - Grozloclaw
The Grozloclaw Campaign – Murdas, backed by Luvaine forces, launches a bold offensive into Trevochi controlled Grozloclaw, drawing Vestrea, Walderstung, and Trevochi into battle.
Year 559 of the Reclamation - 3rd-5th of Hubris - Grozloclaw
The Battle of Four Crowns – Valexandre defeats a combined Vestrean, Trevochii, and Walderstung army in a masterstroke battle, securing Murdas control over central Asteria.
Year 559 of the Reclamation - Presage – Pelos
The Pelosian Blockade – The Pelosian fleet blocks Murdan attempts to invade across the Pelosian Channel, crippling their ability to challenge Pelosian naval power.
Year 559 of the Reclamation - Solace - Drenam
The Battle of the Nernsol Fjords – Fearing Murdas may attempt to seize control of the recovering Nernsol/Drenam navies in an attempt to rebuild their own fleet, Pelos launches a massive pre-emptive land siege and naval bombardment of Drenam. After weeks of intense bombardment, Drenam surrenders and Pelos seizes control of their remaining navy and key Drenam ports.
Year 560 of the Reclamation - Endure - Dividing Sea
The Battle of the Dividing Sea – Pelos imposes a naval blockade, targeting Vestrean trade in the Dividing Sea. Several navel skirmishes occur between Pelos and Vestrea, particularly near Nernsol. Pelosian ships dominate the seas, but cannot land forces deep into Vestrean territory.
Year 560 of the Reclamation - Thrive - Merenakkis
The Great Merenakkis Uprising – Inspired by Pelosion aid, Merenakkis rebels launch a major revolt against Hastrian rule. Pelosian fleets block Hastrain ports to prevent reinforcements.
Year 560 of the Reclamation - Hoard - Espitan
The Failed Espitanian Front – Pelos sends a fresh force to support the Espitanians in their ongoing conflict with Vestrea. The expedition fails due to harsh conditions and Vestrean resistance. Vestrea reinforces its eastern borders, fearing a larger invasion.
Year 560 of the Reclamation - Hubris - Laprel
The Fall of Laprel – Murdas launches another invasion of Laprel, entering the nation’s capital without resistance. Laprel’s rulers flee by sea with Pelosian assistance, and a Murdan puppet government is installed. Resistance begins almost immediately.
Year 560 of the Reclamation - Winnow - Samria
The Betrayal of Samria – After the fall of Laprel, Valexandre orders a full occupation of his former ally Samria. Murdan forces seize key cities and install a puppet government.
Year 560 of the Reclamation - Mourn - Samria
The Samrian Uprising – The people of Samria rise up in a spontaneous, nationwide rebellion. Guerrilla resistance begins in both Laprel and Samria. Murdan forces crush several uprisings, but their brutal repression only fuels further resistance.
Year 560 of the Reclamation - Hollow - Drinova
Invasion of Drinova – Murdas forces push into Drinova, but the mountainous terrain leads to a bloody stalemate.
Year 560 of the Reclamation - Solace - Trevochi
The Trevochi Campaign – Murdan forces begin their advance into Trevochi, further challenging the might of Vestrea.
Year 561 of the Reclamation - Steadfast - Holtzburg
The Siege of Holtzburg – In a staggering work of military engineering, Murdan forces lays siege to the entire Holtzburg plateau. The small city-state is effectively cut off from all outside assistance until Sameria is liberated in 562. Despite this they hold firm during this entire period, and Holtzburg is never taken.
Year 561 of the Reclamation - Flourish - Laprel
The Laprel Counterattack – A Pelosian expeditionary force lands in Laprel, led by the brilliant Pelosian general Herous Brightford. They quickly defeat Murdan forces at the Battle of the Orezza River (23rd Flourish), forcing the enemy to retreat north. Laprel’s puppet government collapses, and Laprel’s surviving legitimate government reforms in exile.
Year 561 of the Reclamation - Replete - Vestrea
The Invasion of Vestrea – Having secured much of Trevochi, Valexandre launches a massive campaign to claim the Vestean lands east of the Black Ridge Mountains. He invades with a vast, multinational army of over 500,000 soldiers. The army consists of Murdan troops, alongside conscripts from Mazova, Grozloclaw, Circenzio, Luvaine, and Drinova. Vestrea abandons its war with Pelos to focus on repelling Murdan forces. Pelos and Vestrea negotiate a truce, agreeing to end hostilities without major territorial changes.
Year 561 of the Reclamation - 17th-20th Cherish - Samria
The Battle of the Samrian Hills – A combined force of the Pelosians military and Samrian guerrillas defeat Murdas in a major battle near Salamarra, the capital of Samria. Murdan reinforcements arrive, forcing the Pelosians into a gruelling retreat, but they have proven once again that they can challenge Murdas on the battlefield.
Year 561 of the Reclamation - Thrive - Vestrea
The Battle of the Eastern Plains – Murdan forces advance deep into Vestrean territory with little resistance. Vestrean forces refuse pitched battle, instead retreating westward whilst burning towns, fields, and supplies behind them (scorched earth strategy). Murdan forces capture the city of Krosvik, but find it mostly abandoned and burning, offering no shelter or supplies. The first real battle takes place in the Eastern Plains, where Murdan forces defeat a smaller Vestrean army, but at a high cost. Murdas loses thousands of troops due to constant raids, supply shortages, and disease.
Year 561 of the Reclamation - Reap - Samria
The Guerrilla War Intensifies – In Samria, Murdan forces begin facing daily ambushes by guerrilla fighters, cutting off their supply lines. Murdan reprisals are brutal, including mass executions and village burnings, but the resistance only grows stronger.
Year 561 of the Reclamation - 18th of Reap - Vestrea
The Battle of the Black Pass – The Vestreans finally take a stand in a valley running through the Black Ridge Mountains, setting up defensive fortifications and trapping Murdas into a brutal battle. The battle is a bloodbath on both sides, and, despite a tactical victory, the Vestreans withdraw westward through the mountains, forcing Murdas to push deeper into unfamiliar territory.
Year 561 of the Reclamation - Hoard - Laprel
The Defence of Laprel – Murdan forces launch a massive counter offensive into Laprel, attempting to reclaim the country. Pelosian and Laprelian forces hold the fortified Lines of Valdreno, a complex defensive system that grinds the Murdan advance to a halt. The Murdan military is forced into retreat, suffering heavy losses.
Year 561 of the Reclamation - Presage - Vestrea
The Burning of Goshda – Murdan forces finally reach the Vestrean capital of Goshda, expecting a decisive victory. Instead, they find the city burned, empty, and unliveable. The Vestrean government has already evacuated, and the city's stores have been set aflame, leaving no supplies for the occupying forces. The true winter cold begins to set in, and Murdan soldiers start dying from cold, hunger, and disease in rapidly increasing numbers.
Year 561 of the Reclamation - Sombre - Vestrea
The Vestrean Winter – As temperatures plummet far below freezing, Murdan forces are trapped in the capital with no supplies. Vestrea launches surprise attacks with lightning-fast cavalry raids, cutting off supply lines and ambushing isolated Murdan detachments. Disease and frostbite kill thousands daily. Murdan soldiers eat horses, leather, and eventually each other in desperation. Murdan officers plead to retreat, but the Emperor refuses, believing Vestrea is about to surrender. Instead, Vestrea’s forces encircle Murdan garrisons, crushing isolated units one by one.
Year 561 of the Reclamation - Winnow - Rusaan
The Liberation of Rusaan – Coalition forces arrive in Rusaan, liberating large parts of the region.
Year 561 of the Reclamation - Mourn - Vestrea
The Death March – Realizing the war in Vestrea is lost, the Emperor Valexandre finally orders a retreat. However, the retreat quickly turns into a massacre. Vestrea’s armies and local militias harass the retreating Murdan forces, striking at weak, starving, and exhausted troops. The Murdan Grand Army, once over 500,000 strong, is reduced to fewer than 50,000 by the time it escapes Vestrea.
Year 561 of the Reclamation - 7th of Hollow - Pelos
Pelos Treaty with Vestrea – Pelos and Vestrea sign a peace treaty, recognizing that neither side can achieve a decisive victory. Vestrea shifts its focus fully to fighting Murdas, while Pelos continues its blockade elsewhere.
Year 561 of the Reclamation - 1st of Solace - Trevochi
The Battle of the Frozen Lake – As Murdan forces attempt to cross a massive frozen river, Vestrea’s forces ambush them, launching artillery and cavalry attacks. Thousands of Murdan soldiers break through the ice and drown, while others are cut down trying to escape. The army is annihilated, with only a small fraction surviving to return home.
Year 562 of the Reclamation - Steadfast - Laprel/Samria
The Great Murdan Retreat – Murdan forces abandon much of Laprel after suffering catastrophic losses. Samrian and Pelosian troops liberate large portions of Samria, but several major cities remain in Murdan hands.
Year 562 of the Reclamation - Flourish – Grendia
Withdrawal from Grendia – Coalition forces push into Grendia resulting in a general withdrawal of the Murdan military, restoring independence to the country for the first time in seven years.
Year 562 of the Reclamation - 6th-12th of Replete –Samria
The Battle of Salamarra – In a long and bloody battle, a major Pelosian-led offensive scores a bloody victory over the Murdan military, leading to the liberation of the Samrian capital. Murdan forces retreat in disorder, with their supply lines collapsing.
Year 562 of the Reclamation - Thrive - Samria
The Siege of Burros – A bold Pelosian attempt to capture Burros, the last major Murdan stronghold in Samria, fails due to stiff resistance. Despite the failure, Murdan morale is shattered, and they begin withdrawing from Samria.
Year 562 of the Reclamation - 21st-22nd of Reap - Samria
The Battle of the Crossing – The final major engagement of the war in Samria, where a coalition of Pelosian, Samrian, and Laprelian forces decisively defeat Murdas. Murdas’s remaining forces retreat west, abandoning Samria.
Year 562 of the Reclamation - Sombre - Trevochi
The Trevochi Rebellion – Trevochi rebels rise up against Vestrea’s rule, leading to widespread instability.
Year 562 of the Reclamation - 12th Hollow - Samria
The Treaty of Samria – A peace treaty is signed, recognizing Laprel and Samria’s independence. The treaty also recognises Grendia’s neutrality once again. Murdan influence in the region is permanently destroyed.
Year 563 of the Reclamation - 13th-14th Steadfast - Walderstung
The Battle of Walderstung Fields – A grand coalition of Vestrea, Pelos, Walderstung, and Samria defeats Murdas at the Battle of Walderstung Fields, dealing a decisive blow to their military might in Asteria. Murdas’s forces retreat in disorder, losing many of their remaining allies. Luvaine, up until this point an ally of Murdas, turns against them following this battle. Hastria is weakened by the coalition’s victories, and loses control over Merenakkis.
Year 563 of the Reclamation - Hubris - Murdas
The Final Invasion – Coalition forces descend upon Murdas. Luvaine declares war on Murdas, aiding the coalition.
Year 563 of the Reclamation - 21st Mourn - Murdas
The Abdication and the Hundred Days – Valexandre is forced to abdicate and goes into hiding. However, within a year, he returns to power for a final, desperate attempt to reclaim his empire.
Year 564 of the Reclamation - 18th Edure - Trevochi
The Battle of Trevochi – The Battle of Trevochi sees the final defeat of Murdan forces at the hands of Vestrea, Pelos, and Walderstung. Emperor Valexandre is missing, presumed dead, by the end of the battle, and peace treaties are signed in Laprel. As part of the treaty, Trevochi is recognised as a separate entity, though it remains under Vestrean influence. Merenakkis is recognised as a semi-independent nation, though this is contested by the Hastrian empire. Both Walderstung and Trevochi regain control of their previously held territory in Grozloclaw, though the land formerly held by Murdas remains independent. The campaign for a united, free Grozloclaw begins almost immediately.