Lore Post: Trellion Kingdom

Royal Entry #3: Military Evaluation of Trellion Kingdom

Kingdom Name - Trellion

Current Ruler – Eminence Arturo

Report Status – Updated 637 D.C.

History – Trellion was once the capital of Talyron and remains the oldest seat of power in the region. The city itself lies on fertile lands surrounding the Divine River delta. The nearby lands provide ample opportunity for farming and the city's location provides easy access to trading along the river itself. Trellion claims ownership of the adjacent Gulf of Tears, and in turn, access to the Shining Sea south of Talyron.

After the Karstan Pact and the subsequent trade wars, Trellion claimed ownership over all lands east of the Divine River. This claim came to a head during the 100 years war, with Trellion claiming ownership over Zalran and the nearby mining operation. No treaty ever officially ended the war, but with the last battle occurring in 561 D.C., the conflict has been considered unofficially resolved. Trellion’s claim remains contested, but Kavidan’s current stance is to allow Trellion control over all lands east of the Divine River.

Trellion Nobility – The Trellion ruling class consists of minor nobility and 3 major families: the Stormbreakers, the Bluebloods, and the Deftfoots. All three major families claim blood ties dating back to the Stormbreaker dynasty.

The current ruler, Eminence Arturo Deftfoot, represents the second generation of Deftfoots to rule Trellion. The Deftfoots are known for their merchant fleet and shrewd business acumen. Arturo’s father, Tonsen Deftfoot, was rumored to have bought his way onto the council and ultimately onto the throne itself. Tonsen’s ascension represents one of the few times in history a ruler voluntarily relinquished their throne. Information on the transition remains scarce, but it is suspected that the Stormbreakers were dangerously in debt and exchanged control over Trellion for a massive amount of wealth. Whatever the reason, the Deftfoots have proven to be effective rulers and Trellion has enjoyed a high level of prosperity during the Deftfoot’s rule.

Unlike the Deftfoots, both the Stormbreakers and Bluebloods are best known for their military accomplishments. The Stormbreakers own the largest private naval fleet in Talyron and are inextricably woven into the ranks of Trellion’s navy. Most of Talyron’s greatest admirals have been of the Stormbreaker lineage. The Bluebloods have instead formed the backbone of Trellion’s land military, with many notable generals hailing from their bloodline. Their military expertise is second only to Kavidan generals.

Trellion Military – Trellion’s might lies at sea. The Royal Navy dwarfs anything Kavidan or Escala could muster, and any military conflict at sea would be destined to fail. Spies estimate at least 20 warships sit in the Trellion naval harbor.

Given the kingdom’s age and number of cities under Trellion’s control, the Royal Army is also sizable in nature. Our spies have reported that Trellion could field 2-3 thousand trained soldiers bolstered by at least double that in poorly trained reserves. Trellion follows traditional knighthood standards, meaning knighthood is predominately limited to noble bloodlines. As such, Trellion is estimated to have approximately 60 trained knights.

Trellion’s weapons of war are focused on traditional weaponry. They excel in weaponry that can be mounted to warships and hand-to-hand weapons that can be used effectively in naval warfare.

Military Analysis - The city’s proximity to both the river and sea gives Trellion an extreme advantage against any military assault. Naval bombardment would ensure heavy losses to any attacker. Trellion’s strength is its navy, and its navy is also its weakness. Trellion’s claims extend to all lands east of the Divine River. Three of their claimed settlements are landlocked, eliminating their naval advantage. While the Divine River is the largest in Talyron, it can only accommodate small warships.

Strategists believe any attack on Trellion should originate through the Hannaven crossing, quickly moving to split Kartsan and Zalran from Trellion’s control. The Karstan region represents a large portion of Trellion’s agriculture. Gaining control of the area would supply our army while denying crucial supplies to theirs. Holding the area between Karstan and Rivella forest would effectively cut Trellion off from their northern lands and might win the war itself given time.

Trellion’s land military outnumbers Kavidan’s Royal Army in raw numbers. Kavidan has a larger trained army and is not reliant on traditional knighthood, meaning Kavidan can field a larger contingent of heavy cavalry. An advantage that also lends credence to limiting warfare to the Karstan region.

Trellion is a wealthy kingdom, with strong trade ties across the Shining Sea and Escala. Warfare reliant on holding Karstan and the Trellion north would take years, possibly decades to win. War fatigue is a serious concern, but strategists believe that a nobility accustomed to lavish lifestyles might be willing to negotiate a surrender. A suitable war aim would be Trellion ceding Karstan, Zalran and the northern lands to Kavidan. Such a victory would ensure Kavidan is the dominant power in Talyron.

Notes –

636 D.C. – Tonsen Deftfoot has passed, his eldest son Arturo Deftfoot has assumed the Trellion throne.

637 D.C. – Minor dispute between Escala and Rivella led to Trellion dispatching a small military contingent. The dispute was resolved without warfare. These tensions may provide a diplomatic opportunity.

Sudoh Lu’Kear

Royal Cartographer and Historian