The Winter War

After The Order of the White Staff made their valiant attack against Nerath and the Triumvirate, the Empire was frightened and weakened. In the South, Nerath still held on tightly, but across the Rebic Channel and far to the North, rebellion was fomenting.

The first to strike were the Barbarians of the North. The Human ancestors of the Lycari, they had become a fierce and proud people, easily dissatisfied with being ruled by a supposedly powerful Empire from thousands of leagues away. They felt they should have their own rulers and be allowed their own customs.

It was with this thought in mind that Kalvon the Reaper, a warrior of infamy and great strength of arms, began to entreat with other tribes and began an alliance in the north. Some tribal leaders he needed to kill because they wanted to rule. Others were willing to let Kalvon rule over them so long as the Empire was gone. The Shaman and Medicine Men of the tribes required sacrifices before they would give their blessing.

So for six long years, Kalvon traveled back and forth across the Northern Plains, venturing as far as the Endless Sands and the Isle of Wight to prove his worth to each tribe. But eventually, they trusted him and were willing to follow.

In midsummer of Imperial Year 587, Kalvon and his forces attacked the three small garrisons the Empire had in the Northern Plains. A single man was allowed to leave from each, so that word of the north being free might make it to Nerath City.

Furious, Emperor Calligard II, grandson of Calligard the First, sent a massive army north to quash the rebellion. More levies were called and sent north from every part of the Empire. Calligard would not allow such insolence, especially from savages like these. Five hundred years ago, the Empire defeated these people, but this time, Calligard would destroy them.

But Kalvon would not be easily defeated. Knowing his barbarians, he used overwhelming hit and run attacks against supply caravans and small patrols. This allowed his forces to use their savagery to it's fullest extent, but not have to confront a well armed and excellently trained army head on.

Kalvon also used the climate to his advantage. In the summer months, his forces struck mostly at night, so the Imperial forces would be tired and worn from the heat inside their heavier armor. In the winter, they attacked at all hours, as they were used to the cold and the snow and the Imperials could not cope with it.

The war went on for years, before Emperor Swaad made the decision that the Northern Plains were not worth the effort and withdrew his forces. Kalvon, scarred and injured, but still going strong, was declared Grand Chieftain of the tribes until he died several years later, his people free.