SEVERED NECK BATTLE

The Severed Neck Battle was the first major battle of the Athenian Crusade (1539 - 1551). In the Year 1539, the forces of good took the offensive against the Black Tide of Thasmudyan. In a classic military maneuver, General Galtrag of the Golden Elite positioned the Milithian Grand Army across the communication lines of the Black Tide of Thasmudyan. This caused the Black Tide to abandon Vraga Moltus and move north to do battle with the forces of good. Before leaving the evil forces of the Black Tide set Vraga Moltus ablaze.

The Golden Elite then moved the Milithian Grand Army against each enemy army that came up to reinforce the other. The larger army to the north was the first to be engaged in battle. The gnomes of Voruner moved in behind the succoring army of evil. A mixed army of good from Hanthaerion flanked the evil host from the east. The west was blocked by Tara-Har; it would see many creatures leaping to their deaths to escape the wrath of the Shields of Iraktharbhun. Finally, "like a great hammer", the Milithian Grand Army dealt the fatal blow to the lackeys of Thasmudyan. The Tharn-Mol, cream of the Black Tide of Thasmudyan was surrounded and destroyed.

During this pivotal battle, the Order of Solars, a crack knightly order of Galtrag, repeatedly charged against the enemy lines. Their cavalry attacks became known as the Solar Charges. They were responsible for saving numerous units that were cut-off from support. In the end, they harried the fleeing enemy and left a wake of dead for many miles north of Tara-Har.

The Kambar-Ghul army moved south from the ruins of Holy Sanctum to join the Tharn-Mol. But they were too late, and were driven back by the Order of Solars and the elven army of Voldanwen. Together, the lances and blades of the Order, along with the elven arrows of Voldanwen tore apart the fleeing ranks of the Kambar-Ghul.

This great battle was the beginning of the end for the Black Tide of Thasmudyan.

The Milithian Grand Army, Voldanwen, and the Army of Iglutt would later form the backbone of veterans that would lead the battles for the Holy Quinary. After the Athenian Crusade, much of the territory and peoples of these armies became the nation of Malacost.