The Battle of Beril
fire abounded
took hold and surrounded
every last person
in that damned city
as bullets pelted
they bled and they melted
screamed to a god
in the night sky so pretty
-Song of Beril, Officer Vasilii Bogdan of the VolšarmiyeThe Conflict
Prelude
Throughout the Ten Years, Beril served as the largest supply hub for the Vestrian Royal Army in the south. Because of this role, capturing it back was viewed as integral for a Solenian victory. However, this was only attempted after months of buildup with support from the Baltic Army, as the city was incredibly well defended and would be impossible to take without significant preparation.
The chance to take the city came in the winter of 444, after the succesful reconquest of much of what Vestria had taken. Solenian forces seized this opportunity and launched an attack on the city.
The Engagement
Berils initial defenses lasted a while, with consistent fighting outside the city lasting a week before they finally broke. In this time, the Vestrian Royal Army, including it's sorceror corps, the Volšarmiye, had arrived at the city.
What followed was another week of urban warfare. In this time, the Vestrians took heavy casualties, and many of the city's nobles welcomed their Solenian comrades or even rose up and joined the fight. This was devastating to the Royal Army, and they were pushed to the innermost district of the city, surrounded by a river and only connected by a single bridge.
General Zakhar Alexiivich, hearing the news of the battle, authorized a last resort: the use of foci. Foci essentially act as magical amplifiers, but have no practical use other than warfare because magic channeled through them is incredibly difficult and dangerous to control.
The volšarmiye, supported by the Royal Army, crossed the bridge into enemy territory in the spring of 444. Shortly after, the bridge was destroyed. The volšarmiye began to systematically carve their way through the city, reducing many buildings to rubble. By the time the Solenians were given orders to retreat, most of the cities entrances had been closed off. By the end of the battle, half of the volšarmiye that had been deployed and three quarters of the Solenian forces were dead.
Outcome
For his victory in the battle, General Zakhar Alexiivich was given the last name "Berilsky." This decision was made by Tsar Grigori II to increase opinion among the military high command, who were fond of Zakhar, and to make the battle less of a blow to morale.
The battle also led to a secure Vestrian supply line, and was one of the factors that resulted in a Vestrian victory in the Ten Years.
Belligerents
Solenian Forces
Led by
Strength
Made up of both the Vestrian Royal Army and the Volšarmiye, the Vestrian Royal Army is an effective fighting force. At the battle of Beril, the VRA had around 5,000 regular infantry and 500 sorcerors led by the prestigious General Zakhar Alexiivich.
The Solenians had an army of roughly 4,000 infantry, and 2,000 elite forces from Baltgorod. The army was personally led by Ivan Soleni.
Casualties
Of the roughly 5,400 soldiers that entered the battle, only around 2,000 regular infantry and 150 sorcerors were left. Many of the 3,000 dead were killed by the Volšarmiye's use of foci.
About half of the Solenian forces were killed in the battle, and another quarter wounded.
Objectives
Vestria's objective was to hold Beril, and the secure supply line that came with it.
The Solenians objective was to disrupt the vital supply line that Beril provided the Vestrian Royal Army.
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