polemos:3rd_age:events:tuonic_crusade [Earth Sphere]

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====== Tuonic Crusade ======
A large scale international military campaign during the [[elesh_rebellion|Great War]], the crusade was a major contributor to the collapse of the [[..:..:2nd_age:factions:romalia|Romalian Empire]].
Formed from tens of thousands of volunteers from across Polus, crusader armies made a one way journey by hidden [[..:..:races:aelfkin|Ælfkin]] magic to travel between [[..:..:great_forest|Great Forests]], emerging by surprise from the Great Illusion Forest in Romalia's heartland.
After taking and occupying the nearby cities, the crusaders adapted to the local terrain of the Trans-Austellus, training bands of heavy cavalry and raiding deep into the lightly defended Romalian interior.

Taking the name "Tuons" from the Vernick name of the Great Forest they entered, Tuonic crusaders eventually settled and formed successor nations within the empire they slew.
Over the course of decades and centuries these Tuons melded into a distinct identity, distinct both from the Malians they ruled and their original Polus homelands.
After a period of instability many Tuonic tribes united around a High King, forming [[..:..:4th_age:factions:gild-tuonia|Gild-Tuonia]], while the lands did not submit were left as [[..:..:4th_age:factions:vandal-tuonia|Vandal-Tuonia]].

===== Black Crusaders =====
A term coined for Tuonic crusaders who abandoned their oaths, Black Crusaders were ruthlessly hunted by their former brothers, but often found ways to escape and organize with one another in exile.
Some formed roving bands of outlaws, others carved out petty kingdoms in the hinterlands of Tuonia or abroad.
Many fell into [[..:..:4th_age:religions:ophis|Ophistic]] cults and began worshiping dark gods.