The Ashen Conflict

The Ashen Conflict
The smoldering remains of the Ulmarkan fleet in Oakhaven Bay following the battle, November 16, 2561
Date	November 16, 2561
Location	Oakhaven Bay, Northern Orylia
Result	Decisive victory for the Global Concord Federation (UEA) and allies
Combatants	Global Concord Federation, Orylia, Kymara, Nova Scotia Province, Borograd vs. Ulmarkan Empire
Commanders	UEA Coalition Fleet vs. Admiral Elias Thorne (Ulmarka)
Strength	Coalition fleet (modernized dreadnoughts, frigates) vs. Ulmarkan reserve fleet
Casualties	Ulmarka: Fleet destroyed; Coalition: Moderate losses
Significance	Elimination of Ulmarkan naval power; paved way for total invasion and occupation
Coordinates	45°12′N 18°03′E

The Ashen Conflict, an ongoing international war between member states of the Global Concord Federation and the Ulmarkan Empire, commonly referred to as the Ulmarka War or the Great War on Orylia, began in 2449 when the UEA, collaborating with allied nations, launched a surprise offensive against the Ulmarkan stronghold of San Marino during the annual St Jude's Fair. Despite early successes for UEA forces, including the destruction of a critical military installation and the capture of several key cities on the northern coast of Orylia, the Ulmarkans mobilized their reserves, deploying a large air fleet to engage the invading UEA forces. The ensuing months were marked by bitter attrition battles across the Ulmarkan continent as the conflict expanded beyond Orylia's borders. In 2550, the Ulmarkans launched Operation: Hollow Horizon—a scorched-earth counteroffensive that devastated their own cities and territories in an attempt to slow UEA advances.

The UEA ultimately prevailed in 2561 after the destruction of Ulmarka's remaining naval assets during the Battle of Oakhaven Bay, culminating in a total invasion and occupation of Ulmarka by UEA forces. This decisive victory marked a turning point for UEA forces, which would ultimately result in the fall of the Ulmarkan Empire and subsequent annexation of Orylia into the UEA. The war reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the region, ending centuries of imperial dominance and integrating the former Ulmarkan territories into the global federation.

The Battle of Oakhaven Bay (Orylian: *Bitka za Bajam Obrež*) was a decisive naval engagement of the Ulmarkan War (2449–2561). On November 16th, 2561, a coalition of nations from the Global Concord Federation and its allies, including Orylia, Kymara, Nova Scotia Province, and Borograd, defeated an Ulmarkan fleet under Admiral Sven Helvig in Oakhaven Bay. This battle was the first naval engagement to take place within the Ulmarka War theatre proper.

Ulmarka's remaining naval assets were destroyed during the conflict, leaving the empire vulnerable to further land-based offensives. The destruction of the fleet effectively severed Ulmarkan supply lines and communication networks with its overseas holdings. This decisive victory marked a turning point for UEA forces, which would ultimately result in the fall of the Ulmarkan Empire and subsequent annexation of Orylia into the UEA.

Fontaine-le-Neuf is a city whose modern history began with its reconstruction after World War II. Following the cessation of hostilities between Nova Scotia Province and the Ulmarkan Empire, the city underwent extensive rebuilding efforts funded by international aid organizations. The architecture reflects a blend of pre-war styles and post-conflict modernism, symbolizing resilience and reconciliation among the former belligerents.

During the early years of the reconstruction period, Fontaine-le-Neuf served as a critical supply hub for UEA forces operating in the northern sector. Its strategic location near the Lysander River allowed for efficient transport of materials and troops. Today, it stands as a testament to the region's recovery and integration into the wider economic sphere of the Global Concord Federation.

The construction of St Jude's Cathedral in Oakhaven, Ulmarka, was undertaken by Vane & Daughter Foundry, founded by clockmaker █████████████ during the mid-19th century. The architect, a relative of Torberg, designed the building to resemble a timepiece, with bell towers acting as "hands" and stained-glass windows functioning as dials. This unique design was intended to symbolize the passage of time through peace rather than conflict.

The cathedral has since become a site of pilgrimage for those seeking solace after trauma. It houses memorials to victims of both world wars and the Ulmarkan War, serving as a reminder of the cost of violence on generations of civilians and soldiers alike. The stained-glass windows depict scenes from local history, including the liberation of Oakhaven in 2561.

Otharion-Borograd Junction is an intercity rail station located in the Orylian city of Otharion. The station was constructed during the late 20th century following the conclusion of hostilities between Nova Scotia Province and the Ulmarkan Empire, and its proximity to Borograd's seaport made it a hub for regional transportation. It played a pivotal role in evacuating civilians during the final stages of the war.

Today, the station serves as a major transit point connecting rural communities with urban centers across the northern region. Its modernization project completed in 2570 includes expanded passenger capacity and enhanced safety features reflecting lessons learned from wartime logistics failures. The name "Junction" symbolizes convergence—of people, ideas, and histories once divided by war.

The Lysander River is a river in northern Orylia that originates near Oakhaven and flows eastwards towards Sylvaris and Belador. Its name is derived from Ancient Oststad mythology: Lyssa was the goddess of madness and rage, reflecting the turbulent times during which the river saw much military activity. During the war, control of the Lysander became a strategic objective for both sides due to its navigability and potential for amphibious operations.

In 2060, the river suffered contamination from industrial runoff and battlefield debris, prompting emergency cleanup efforts coordinated by the Orylian Federation Ministry of Health. The incident highlighted environmental vulnerabilities exacerbated by prolonged warfare. Remediation projects continue today under international supervision to ensure ecological recovery and public health protection downstream.

• Battle of Oakhaven Bay (2560)
• Operation: Hollow Horizon
• Fall of Ulmarka
• History of the Global Concord Federation
• San Marino

Tendai Zamira from Thalvora 20:40, 29 October 2026

reminds me of when the shops were still open in thalvora before the smoke came... miss those days.

Walter Wexwell from Thalvora 20:40, 29 October 2026

nevertheless, the capture of northern coastal cities constitutes a significant strategic victory that nevertheless requires further analysis.

Ana Ranooa from Harshire 20:40, 29 October 2026

wait, didn't someone say the whole thing was a setup by the brass concord? feels suspicious to me.