The Battle of Hollowmoor Vale (DAY THREE)

World of Teravas (Concordat POV) The Battle of Hollowmoor Vale (Fought 7th–9th Greengild, 762 A.E.) Belligerents: Vulpine Concordat Army of the Crest, commanded by General Lucien Velthar

Diremarch 2nd Army, under Field Marshal Albrecht Vonneir

Overview: Hollowmoor Vale, a strategically vital corridor of farmland and ridgelines, became the site of a prolonged three-day engagement. With access to the Eastern Riverlands and highland supply roads at stake, both sides committed full divisions to the field. The Concordat emerged decisively victorious, after inflicting ruinous casualties on the Diremarch forces.

Day One – The Advance and Exchange (7th Greengild): At first light, Diremarch forces deployed in classic columnar fashion—four divisions strong—moving under the cover of pre-sited field artillery. Their right flank, consisting of two Chainbound cohorts supported by regular grenadier companies, attempted to seize the willow breaks along the River Talren. Concordat fusiliers, entrenched behind a stone dyke, withheld fire until the enemy was within seventy paces. Upon the signal drum, a fusillade was unleashed, followed by counterbattery fire from Concordat 6-pounders stationed along the Brindle Hill. Cavalry Skirmish: A probing maneuver by Diremarch hussars on the west flank was repelled by the 4th Concordat Dragoons, who executed a disciplined counter-charge, cutting deep into the lancer line and forcing a hasty retreat. The battlefield settled into a bloody stalemate as dusk fell.

Day Two – Maneuver and Attrition (8th Greengild): General Velthar, observing the enemy's overcommitment to their right, ordered Colonel Theren Alovet's 9th Light Infantry to feint eastward and draw the Diremarch’s reserves. Simultaneously, the 2nd Vulpine Light Horse rode a wide arc through the treeline to outflank the center. At noon, sustained bombardment began—over 3,000 rounds exchanged across the front. Concordat sharpshooters harassed the Diremarch officers with deadly efficiency, while skirmish lines sowed disorder. The Diremarch retaliated with a massed advance of their 13th Chainbound Cohort, driven forward under threat of shot and lash. Their cohesion under fire was remarkable, and they nearly breached the 5th Line Regiment’s position. However, a timely arrival of Concordat reserves stabilized the line, and brutal close-quarters fighting ended the day inconclusively.

Day Three – The Rout of the Ridge (9th Greengild): Fog blanketed the vale at dawn. Velthar’s staff exploited this by ordering a silent repositioning of three artillery batteries. These 9-pounder cannons were wheeled into a reverse slope position behind the Ashen Fold. At the center, Diremarch infantry, believing the Concordat to be in retreat, marched into the valley gap. When the fog lifted at third bell, the concealed guns opened fire at near point-blank range. The carnage was immediate—entire companies shattered within minutes. Cavalry Coup de Grâce: As panic rippled through Diremarch ranks, the Concordat 1st Heavy Cavalry (Crimson Lancers) launched from concealment. Their charge tore through the fragmented lines, cutting down standard bearers and quartermasters. The 13th Chainbound, unsupported and encircled, attempted to hold ground but were forced into surrender after encirclement by light infantry.

Casualties and Aftermath: Vulpine Concordat: ~9,000 killed or wounded

Diremarch: ~14,500 casualties (incl. ~2,300 captured)

Diremarch’s 2nd Division rendered combat ineffective

Strategic Result: Full Concordat control of Hollowmoor corridor; Diremarch retreat in disarray toward Fenngard’s provincial border

Officer’s Note: “Their drums beat like thunder, their bayonets flashed like judgment—but it was discipline, not fear, that won the Vale.” — General Velthar, post-battle remarks to the General Staff.