Part of the World of Teravas

The Battle of Fenngard’s Crest

Filed by: Lt. Marshal Verien Oakehart
Submitted to: The High War Council of the Vulpine Concordat
Date: Emberwake 3rd, 764 A.E.

I. Overview

The Battle of Fenngard’s Crest, fought on Emberwake 12th–13th, 764 A.E., was a decisive engagement between the disciplined forces of the Vulpine Concordat and the shock divisions of the Diremarch of Fenngard, a militaristic wolf-dominated empire. The confrontation occurred at Fenngard’s Crest, a steep ridgeline marking the natural border between the Emberplain Valley and the northern Bloodpine Reach.

The battle resulted in a strategic victory for the Concordat and marked a turning point in the Third Fenngard Campaign, halting the Diremarch’s southward advance and reinforcing the Vulpine grip on the Emberplain Corridor.

II. Prelude to Battle

Following the fall of the border fortress Hollow Thorn, the Diremarch’s Grey Vanguard began a rapid southern thrust. Local scouts reported forced marches and heavy raiding parties razing settlements along the valley edge. The Concordat’s 3rd Emberline Regiment, under Colonel Theren Audemont, was dispatched to dig in atop Fenngard’s Crest, a narrow pass of strategic significance.

The fox regiments, outfitted in their signature ember-orange coats, were supported by two batteries of field artillery and a company of Ravenkin scouts from the allied Ebonwing Accord.

Opposing them were the Diremarch’s elite Ironmaw Brigades, commanded by General Korr Varkos, a brutal tactician known for his frontal assault doctrine and use of enslaved shock troops.

III. Order of Battle

Vulpine Concordat Forces:

• 3rd Emberline Regiment (Light and Line Infantry)

• 1st Ember Artillery Company (6 field guns)

• Ravenkin Scouts (Ebonwing Accord Detachment)

• Approx. 3,200 soldiers

Diremarch of Fenngard Forces:

• 4th Ironmaw Brigade (Heavy Infantry)

• 9th Chainbound Cohort (Slave Conscripts)

• Warhowlers (Mounted Light Cavalry)

• Approx. 4,500 troops

IV. The Engagement

Day One: The Shelling Begins

At dawn on Emberwake 12th, the Diremarch commenced an uphill advance under heavy fog. Concordat artillery opened fire at 0600 hours, delaying the Ironmaw’s formation. The first wave—composed largely of conscripted Chainbound troops—was repelled with light fox casualties, though their advance tested the cohesion of the eastern flank.

Midday Counterplay

Ravenkin scouts executed a daring flanking maneuver, descending from the north slopes and harassing Diremarch supply wagons. This disrupted General Varkos’s planned second wave and forced the wolves into a hasty reshuffle. Unfortunately, fog concealment also led to a brief but bloody friendly fire incident between fox sentries and returning Ravenkin.

Nightfall Raids

Under moonlight, Warhowler cavalry attempted a rear encirclement, but were ambushed by concealed Vulpine riflemen in the pinebrush, resulting in a rout and the loss of nearly all wolf outriders.

Day Two: The Howling Surge

At sunrise on Emberwake 13th, the Ironmaw Brigades launched a full assault up the center of the Crest. The fox line faltered briefly under sheer pressure, but Colonel Audemont’s personal charge rallied the 2nd Company and stabilized the center.

A critical moment came when Diremarch war-drummers signaled a final push—only to be silenced by a lucky artillery shell. With their momentum broken and morale wavering, the wolves began to fall back.

Colonel Audemont ordered a general advance by mid-afternoon, and the Concordat reclaimed the base of the ridge by nightfall.

V. Aftermath

The Diremarch suffered estimated casualties of 2,100 (including wounded and captured), while Concordat losses stood at approximately 900. Over 300 enslaved Chainbound fighters defected during or after the battle, many taken in by the Emberline and offered temporary refuge.

Strategic Impacts:

• Secured the Emberplain Corridor

• Severely damaged Diremarch morale

• Strengthened Concordat influence in contested borderlands

• Sparked new Chainbreaker activity behind Diremarch lines

VI. Commendations

• Colonel Theren Audemont awarded the Flame-Crest Medal for Valor

• Lt. Selren Vayle (Artillery) commended for direct hit on Diremarch war-drummers

• Ravenkin Captain Idran Veks decorated for flanking disruption of enemy supply lines

VII. Notes on Morale and Conditions

While the battle was a victory, Concordat medics report signs of exhaustion and supply strain among the Emberline troops. The stench of blood and burned furs still lingers at the Crest. Commemorative rites have been requested by soldiers and chaplains alike.

VIII. Addendum

A painting titled “The Ember Line at Fenngard’s Crest” by court painter Arno Vellcroft was commissioned by the High War Council to commemorate the battle. It now hangs in the Grand Hall of Emberspire.

Written by Corporal Renwick Thistlefur of the 3rd Emberline Regiment
Date: Emberwake 15th, 764 A.E.

Dearest Mother,

I write to you with trembling paws, my coat still reeking of ash and powder. We held the line, Ma—we held it. Fenngard’s Crest will sing with our name for seasons to come.

The wolves came in howling like devils, muscle and metal charging through the fog. I fired until my rifle was too hot to hold, then I drew my bayonet and screamed with the rest. They say Colonel Audemont led a charge down the center like a crimson ghost. I swear by the stars, I saw him cleave through a Diremarch officer with nothing but an officer’s saber and spite.

We lost Jorrin. A war-drummer’s signal rallied the Ironmaws and they crushed his flank, but we retook it before the sun touched the ridge. We buried him with his hands clasped around his horn. He would’ve liked that.

I’ll be returning with scars, Ma—but I’ll be returning. They talk of medals. I only want sleep. And maybe your blackberry bread.

Tell Dorry I miss her. Tell her the fire still burns in me.

With love and weary joy,
Ren

Journal of Colonel Theren Audemont
Date: Emberwake 14th, 764 A.E., one day after the battle

Emberwake 14th, dawn.

Fenngard’s Crest is ours. The air still hums with the wails of the wounded and the ring of steel on makeshift stretchers. I’ve seen victory before—but not like this. Not so soaked in youth and fury.

The Ironmaw Brigades struck hard. I had to ride down the line at full gallop just to keep our ranks from folding. I locked eyes with one of their pack-leaders—scarred, ancient—and he smiled before lunging for my throat. I killed him. It was him or my whole regiment.

I heard the Ravenkin broke their supply line in the north. Brave, those winged bastards. We owe them more than medals. We owe them Fenngard.

The Chainbound defectors are being treated... as best we can. Many were forced to fight, whipped like animals. It makes me think—who truly bleeds for our victories?

I’ve commissioned Vellcroft to paint the scene. Not for glory. For memory. Let the young see what it costs. Let them choose their battles wisely.

• Theren A.