A History of the SheldomarA History of the Sheldomar
By Kirt Wackford (wackford@biology.utah.edu )
Edited by Scott Rennie (scott.rennie@virgin.net) for 'Black Hart' campaign consistency, and
subject to revision.
CY 447 - 453
Reign of Tavish III [H, 62f], Invasions of Geoff [68], Sea
Princes [62f]
Although Tavish III began his reign in the first peace the
nation had known for years, his situation was by no means easy.
The monarchy was impoverished and the Royal Army greatly reduced
from so long a period at war. Those nobles who had remained loyal
now called for their due. Those who had been allies of Tavish
III's father demanded lands or treasures in return for their past
services. The King had few conquered lands to distribute. Some of
the lands of the rebels had been inherited by their relatives
loyal to the King. Other seized lands were now worth little, as
Tavish II had ordered the slaying of their peasants and animals
and burning of their fields and buildings. Thus, the new King had
little of worth to reward anyone with. With discontent surfacing
among the nobles and Royal Army it was clear that Keoland needed
a quick and easy conquest to make good the King's obligations to
his supporters.
Thus the armies, what remained of them, were once again
assembled. In CY 451 they marched off to conquer Geoff [68], a
wealthy but clearly outmatched target. After a few opening
skirmishes, the Grand Duke of Geoff made a plea to his cousin,
the Earl of Sterich [43]. That Earl, traditionally a loyal
subject and great aid to the King, threatened to rebel himself if
the invasion was continued [84]. Military action ceased while the
King attempted to negotiate the peaceful annexation of Geoff,
with the Grand Duke retaining title and rule but ceding many
concessions with which Tavish III could reward his nobles.
Just then news came of a resumption of raiding in the south. The
pirates again menaced the coast, and were now accompanied by
mercenary outfits hired with their plundered wealth. Tavish III
turned his forces south, and now promised his nobles the lands of
these pirate lords and the wealth of their accumulated booty.
The pirate lords had become masters of the rough settlements of
the south lands, and had attracted many servants and soldiers
with their wealth [85,89], including refugees from the wars in
Keoland. It was a considerable force which faced Tavish III. The
remainder of CY 451 was spent securing the southern coast [H]. A
staged assault was planned for CY 452 and 453. The Keoish Navy,
along with Ulek ships, were to seize Jetsom island in CY 452.
Once taken, the island would serve as the staging area for the
Army's mainland invasion. Troops would be shuttled to the island
by ship from Gradsul to assemble, rather than marching along the
treacherous, exposed, marshy southern coast, so close to the
Dreadwood. In CY 453 troops would be taken to the mainland.
Westkeep would be the first inland target. Its capture and
garrisoning would secure the rear of the Army while the main
force marched on Monmurg. When the Army reached the outskirts of
Monmurg by land, ships would surround the city by sea. A combined
land and amphibious assault would capture the city, and thus
secure the northern holds for Keoish annexation.
The Keoish fleet took Jetsom island easily. Some might say they
were given it, as a good portion of the undisciplined pirate
fleet chose to retreat rather than have their personal ships
destroyed (and thus the material loss to the Sea Princes was not
that great compared to the strategic loss) [89,90]. The mainland
invasion in CY 453 was going well until Tavish III was slain in
combat against the defenders of Westkeep [62f].