Red War (Doubeia)
The Red War was an armed conflict in Doubeia between several anti-unionist factions in Dobraya that started on 6 October, 1853, in the wake of the Red Revolution in Doubeia that had taken place months prior. It was the result of the power vacuum caused by the forced dissolution of the Union.
Background
The most powerful and influential faction in the north was the Dobrayan Tukarist Union (DTU). The DTU not only had a large following in northern Dobraya, but it also received funding and support from Tukarist governments and factions in other countries. At the start of the war, they boasted the largest armed forces in Dobraya in terms of soldier count. However, their leadership was plagued with corruption and threats of splintering.
The DTU's main rivals were the Dobraya Liberation Alliance (DLA), a loosely organised union between several factions who sought to introduce economic and social reforms to modernise and industrialise Dobraya. The DLA were capitalists and believed that the free market was key to unlocking Dobraya's economy. The DLA was backed by multiple Esportivan countries, and despite its shallower manpower, the DLA was given access to weapons more advanced than what the DTU had. There were other factions such as the monarchist Royal Dobraya and the anarchist Society Union, but they held little power and were barely instrumental in the outcome of the war.
While the DTU and DLA both had ambitions to take control of the entirety of Dobraya, during the Red Revolution they worked together to oust the Union. After the Union's dissolution, however, neither party was willing to concede to the other, and thus started to fight for the control of Dobraya. Each saw themselves as the sole legitimate government in Dobraya. During talks to determine the governance of Dobraya, the DLA proposed a democratic, decentralised system where each oblast had considerable autonomy, However, the DTU rejected the proposal. Months of an impasse between the two sides eventually led to talks breaking down between the two.
1853–1854: Beginning of war
Early battles and sieges
The Red War officially began on 6 October, 1853, when the DTU launched a siege on Rudagorod City, a DLA stronghold. More than 10,000 DTU forces had sailed from the north and blockaded Rudagorod. The city was relentlessly bombarded, and due to the lack of fortifications, it was swiftly captured in three days. After the Siege of Rudagorod, it was followed by the DTU launching landing operations along the southern Dobrayan coast as an additional 30,000 troops landed in Viksetsk and Arbatovo. The DTU had a significantly stronger navy than the DLA, and it gave the DTU an early advantage in the war. Meanwhile, the DLA had been consolidating their forces in Arbatovo oblast as they prepared for a northwards push. The DLA took control of Arbatovo, Dryevyesinsk, and Viksetsk, but they were met with DTU forces invading from the coast. The Battles of Arbatovo and Parakiev were decisive DLA victories as they were able to prevent the DTU from advancing further inland.
Despite early victories, the DLA were fearful of even larger land invasions from the DTU, and their numerical disadvantage and lack of control over most of southern Dobraya had handicapped them in the war. Therefore, leaders of the DLA requested for international support. Many capitalist governments in Esportiva would politically and financially support the DLA, and Tumbra agreed to fight in the Red War to aid the DLA. Tumbra had a far more powerful and technologically advanced military, and the DLA had hoped to leverage their foreign support to push the DTU back. Kanzlia also offered volunteer pilots as well as military supplies to aid the DLA.
On 14 December, 1853, the DTU started an offensive to capture the oblast of Rudagorod. They were unimpeded as most DLA forces were committed to defending their frontlines in Viksetsk and Arbatovo.
By the end of 1853, the DTU was in control of a vast majority of Dobraya, with the DLA occupying the majority of Arbatovo, Viksetsk and Dryevyesinsk.
Tumbran intervention in southern Dobraya
Tumbran forces first arrived in DLA-controlled lands in Arbatovo from the south. The first major Tumbran engagement was at the Battle of Arbatovo on January 16, 1854. The battle was a decisive Tumbran victory as the DTU forced in the area were repelled and forced to retreat from Arbatovo. Tumbran and DLA forces launched joint incursions against DTU forces in Viksetsk, and the DLA managed to recapture all of Viksetsk by the end of February. DLA forces had also started to push further inland, gaining control of territory that was only lightly guarded or unoccupied by the DTU.
After a brief lull in fighting, the DLA and Tumbran armies started to prepare for an offensive to recapture Rudagorod Oblast from DTU control. At the same time, the DTU began to commit more troops to the south, believing they could resist any joint invasion. On April 24, the DLA launched Operation Rudagorod, aiming to regain Rudagorod and cementing their presence in the rest of southern Dobraya with the help of their allies. The DLA quickly occupied the rest of Dryevyesinsk, leaving Rudagorod as the only DTU-occupied oblast in southern Dobraya. Meanwhile, DLA planes targeted and bombarded DTU barracks and facilities in Rudagorod Oblast. The air bombardments caused significant casualties amongst DTU forces, but also caused major infrastructural damages across Rudagorod, especially in Rudagorod City.
Operation Rudagorod
Aided by previous victories, DLA forces were high in morale and confident of a successful Operation Rudagorod. The operation started off in the DLA's favour as they managed to capture the southern half of the oblast. However, advances towards Rudagorod City began to be heavily defended as DTU forces relentlessly attempted to push back DLA forces from the city. Furthermore, the DLA's coastal defense was compromised as many of the DLA's troops had been committed to Operation Rudagorod, leading to several land invasions by the DTU in Arbatovo. The DLA and their allies soon found themselves swarmed by DTU forces from the north and west. The bloodiest battles of the war such far occurred then, when the DLA fought to regain control of the entirety of Arbatovo. As most of the DTU's land forces had been deployed to defend Rudagorod, the DLA was able to outwrestle them and force them out of Arbatovo entirely. However, the DTU's air force managed to deal significant damage to the DLA's forces, and many civilians were implicated in the fighting as well.
The Tumbran army continued to push towards Rudagorod City, and the DTU found themselves on the backfoot as their frontline was being pushed back. Meanwhile, DLA planes bombarded Rudagorod City, targetting civilian infrastructure where DTU forces were supposedly hiding in. The city itself was being rapidly depopulated as refugees fled to avoid the war. The DTU had already evicted many residents suspected of being DLA spies or sympathisers while much of the city's infrastructures had been destroyed by the DTU, leaving Rudagorod City with as little as 64% of its pre-war population. Aerial warfare was rife as both sides aimed to dominate the airspace around Rudagorod City. However, the DLA and Tumbran forces held out, and the DTU was forced to retreat even further as much of their installations and aircraft had been damaged.
Soon, the DLA controlled most of Rudagorod Oblast except the oblast city and its surroundings. DLA and Tumbran forces laid siege on Rudagorod City. The DTU's northern front fell early after being overpowered by Tumbran troops, causing them to lose control of the city's northern districts. Fighting was fierce, especially in the city, as the DLA and their allies struggled to retake Rudagorod. However, after two weeks, the DTU were exhausted and formally retreated from Rudagorod City, meaning the DLA had taken control over all of southern Dobraya.
The final leg of the operation entailed the DLA achieving naval superiority in southern Dobrayan waters to prevent DTU naval or land forces from landing in Dobraya or bombarding shore positions. While the DLA managed to hold control of the waterspace in southern Dobraya, it was not decisive as it suffered many losses of its battleships. This left them precarious to any potential naval incursions by the DTU, but none occurred for the rest of 1854.
By July 1854, Dobraya was split into two via the Lyev mountain range: the DTU controlled the north, and the DLA controlled the south.
Vixette and The Newlands' involvement in the war
Vixette remained neutral throughout the course of the war. With the fall of Twicetagria, it was no longer a Twicetagrien protectorate, but it remained under the sphere of influence of the Union. Despite their neutrality, Vixette offered clandestine aid to the DLA by allowing them to dock and repair their ships on Vixettienne soil. Nevertheless, Vixette would not recognise neither the DTU nor the DLA as the legitimate rulers of Dobraya for the entirety of the war.
In The Newlands, the NFO sided with the DLA as the two were on friendly terms before the war, but the NFO kept in contact with the DTU. The Newlands was largely unaffected by the war and focused on its own development. The NFO established a democratic, capitalist system and focused on opening the country and its economy to the rest of Esportiva. The NFO aided the DLA financially which soured their ties with the DTU. However, the NFO refused to join the war, citing financial and military burdens.
July–December 1854: DLA advances into northern Dobraya
July–September: Conquest of Ruzhkov and lull in fighting
After Operation Rudagorod, DLA forces immediately charged north to take control of Ruzhkov Oblast. They managed to conquer the southern half of Ruzhkov in three days as the DTU was retreating to the north. Soon, the DLA launched amphibious landings onto the northern coast of Ruzhkov while troops navigated through the Lyevs to the northern half of Ruzhkov. Despite the presence of DTU forces in northern Ruzhkov, it was not fiercely contested as DTU forces were ordered to shift back their frontlines to defend against a DLA invasion of Krasnyezhsk Oblast.
After the DLA's conquest of Ruzhkov, fighting came to a standstill as both the DTU and DLA regrouped to discuss future plans. The DTU decided to shift to a more defensive approach to the war. Aware of Tumbran and Kanzlian support of the DLA, the DTU aimed to defend major population centres, especially those along the Queensland Belt. Although newer recruits would help replenish the DTU's forces, they feared a joint invasion by the DLA and their allies would be difficult to withstand. Following the loss of Rudagorod, morale in the DTU had dipped, but most believed that they could defend northern Dobraya from the DLA.
The DLA and Tumbra was discussing plans to invade northern Dobraya from Krasnyezhsk Oblast, specifically regarding the invasion route. Ultimately, the DLA decided to invade Krasnyezhsk from the sea. Invading through the Lyevs was considered especially considering the DTU's light defense of the areas bordering them, but it was later deemed too risky due to the rough terrain and harsh weather. The DTU had also stationed many troops along the Krasnyezhsk-Ruzhkov border which the DLA feared outnumbered their forces. The DLA decided to delay their invasion, instead choosing to improve their coastal defenses and repair their damaged battleships as they considered a strong navy to be imperative to winning the war.
As for the DTU, a rapid recruitment and conscription campaign took place across DTU-controlled oblasts. As many as 200,000 recruits joined their ranks. Although many were willing volunteers, a substantial number were forced into serving by DTU forces. Many claimed that the DTU threatened to jail their families if they did not conscript, while others had been forcifully taken to army barracks. Giorgi Papodov, the leader of the DTU, was reportedly paranoid about Tumbran involvement in the war and personally called for the conscription campaign. Furthermore, the DTU started several news and advertisement campaigns to reinvigorate the morale of civilians.
September–December: Operation Candle
By September 1854, most of the DLA's damaged battleships had been repaired and reentered service. At the same time, the DLA and Tumbra finalised plans for Operation Candle, an operation to invade and capture Krasnyezhsk from the DTU. Control of Krasnyezhsk was seen as vital for the DLA's war efforts as well as its development potential post-war.
The first stage of Operation Candle took place when DLA planes bombed DTU positions and infrastructure along the coast in Krasnyezhsk. At the same time, the DTU had anticipated a coastal invasion, and was in the process of preparing coastal defenses and troops when the first planes bombed the coast. Before the first DLA troops landed in Krasnyezhsk on 12 October, airborne troops had landed in Krasnyezhsk to seize key transport nodes and to deter any DTU forces. A day later, Tumbran troops landed fourteen kilometres north of the DLA. Inclement weather had postponed the invasion by a few hours, and the rainy weather made conditions more treacherous for the Tumbrans as many struggled through the flooded marshlands.
Nevertheless, the invasion was successful as the DLA managed to force a DTU retreat. By 15 October, the DLA had secured much of the coast in Krasnyezhsk Oblast. While Tumbran forces largely remained near the coast to secure it, DLA forces surged inland towards the southwestern corner of the oblast. Fighting was fierce between the DLA and DTU as both wanted to take control of Krasnyezhsk. In addition to land invasions, the navies of the two factions battled each other in the Sea of Dobraya, with the DLA managing to take control of a portion of the Sea of Dobraya nearest to Krasnyezhsk.
The DLA focused on strategically bombing DTU inventories as well as targetting DTU-linked infrastructure in major population centres. Unlike Rudagorod where much of its population leant towards the DLA, most in Krasnyezhsk Oblast supported the DTU. This led to wide-scale bombings of major population centres and transportation nodes in the oblast to demoralise the DTU and those living in Krasnyezhsk. The DTU responded by shooting down many of the DLA's planes, as well as bombing certain DLA-held cities such as Rudagorod. However, the DLA's aerial superiority meant that the DTU inflicted little damage.
After DLA forces secured the southern regions of Krasnyezhsk, they, along with the Tumbran army, continued to march towards the oblast city of Krasnyezhsk with the hopes of encircling, sieging and capturing it. This stage of Operation Candle saw the largest number of casualties for both sides thus far in the war. About 26,000 DTU forces perished trying to defend Krasnyezhsk; 13,000 DLA forces and 8,000 Tumbran forces died as well. Fighting was rife in Krasnyezhsk as both the DLA and the DTU wanted to take control of it: the DLA saw it as a steppingstone to liberating the entirety of Dobraya, and the DTU did not want to lose its biggest producer of food and raw materials. It was also a matter of pride for the two factions.
At first, the DTU was able to somewhat repel the DLA by pushing them out of southeastern Krasnyezhsk. Recognising the grave importance of defending Krasnyezhsk, the DTU called for more of its troops who were defending the north to aid in pushing the DLA out of Krasnyezhsk. More amphibious landings along the coast brought more troops and aid to the DLA and Tumbran forces in Krasnyezhsk. At the operation's peak, Krasnyezhsk held as many as 82,900 DTU troops, 64,000 DLA troops and 28,000 Tumbran troops.
However, the arrival of the DTU troops did little to help withstand the DLA's advances, and after 3 weeks of brutal fighting most of Krasnyezhsk, bar a corridor from northern Krasnyezhsk to the oblast city, had been overtaken by the DLA. The DLA and Tumbra prepared for the final stage of Operation Candle, the Siege of Krasnyezhsk. The DLA and Tumbran forces sieged Krasnyezhsk City, blocking any aid and supplies to the city whilst driving back DTU forces. The siege was accompanied by numerous bombings of the city to drive its civilians and DTU troops stationed inside to surrender. The DTU attempted to win back control of the areas surrounding Krasnyezhsk City, but after numerous losses which included land troops, vehicles and several aircraft, they backed out.
As December approached, the winter became harsher for both the attacking troops and besieged civilians. The cold weather coupled with food and supply shortages in the city led to widespread starvation. Although the DLA and Tumbra planned on besieging the city throughout the winter, the winter of 1854 proved to be exceptionally harsh, so talks about storming the city were discussed. However, before any plans were formalised, the city's officials and all DTU troops in Krasnyezhsk City surrendered to DLA and Tumbran forces on 13 December. After occupying the city, DLA and Tumbran forces conquered the remaining territories in Krasnyezhsk Oblast, and they faced little resistance as the DTU had retreated. This marked the successful completion of Operation Candle and would be the DLA's most significant victory in the Red War.
1855: DTU pushback and DLA resurgence
After securing Krasnyezhsk, the DLA and Tumbran troops marched northwards towards Roga and Angelsk oblasts. However, they were met with fierce resistance from the DTU as they marched on towards their aim of total victory. The winter of 1855 saw many battles between both factions, but little territorial gain by either side. The DLA and Tumbra were able to conquer some pieces of land in Roga, Angelsk and Lyevly oblasts, but they were hotly contested by the DTU who were pushing for an offensive to reclaim Krasnyezhsk. Frustrated by the lack of progress, DLA and Tumbran troops saw a fall in morale, while the DTU were hopeful of a comeback.
For much of spring 1855, the DLA focused on establishing its military presence in Krasnyezhsk Oblast whilst preventing the DTU from advancing into the oblast. Air battles were commonly fought too as the DTU attempted to wrestle control of the airspace in Krasnyezhsk and surrounding lands from the DLA who had aerial superiority. Meanwhile, naval battles off the coast of Krasnyezhsk continued as both factions struggled to maintain control of the waters off the coast of the oblast. The DTU managed to win the Battle of Krussov, a decisive victory that would force DLA ships to retreat and grant the DTU control over the waters around Krasnyezhsk.
The DTU's victory in the Battle of Krussov would block off an important access route and supply line for the DLA and their allies who had been transporting troops and equipment between the south and Krasnyezhsk via boat. This left the treacherous Lyevs as the only land route available. Concerned that the DTU were planning on an invasion of the south, the DLA planned to strengthen their lines in southern Dobraya, and some troops were transported back to Rudagorod and Viksetsk Oblasts. Owing to the DLA's aerial superiority, they could afford to transport their troops via air, although most travelled through the Lyevs.
Popular sentiment towards the war in both DTU- and DLA-controlled territories started to sour. Many in DTU-controlled territories were discouraged by the DTU's losses and some called for an end to prevent further destruction and civilian death as they feared the devastation of the Northern Belt cities by the DLA. As for DLA-controlled territories, many were opposed to the war in the first place, seeing it as a waste of finances and needless loss of human lives. Many had family living in opposite sides of the Lyevs.
Second Southern Offensive and DLA response (Summer 1855)
The DTU had planned on partially isolating the DLA and Tumbran forces in Krasnyezhsk, severing naval connections and forcing them through the Lyevs. After the Battle of Krussov, the DTU would move into southern Dobrayan waters. As a preemptive measure, the DTU bombarded coastal defences and settlements, including Rudagorod City. However, the DLA would be quick to retaliate by bombing some of their warships to chase them back. Nevertheless, the DTU's navy still stood stronger than the DLA's.
On May 15, DTU amphibious forces landed along the coast of Krasnyezhsk in an attempt to retake control of the oblast. Most forces stationed along the coast were Tumbran, and they could not defend the entire coastline from the DTU as the latter managed to take control of the northern section of the coast. Realising the potential of a counterattack by the DTU, the DLA looked to relocate troops from the south to defend the Krasnyezhsk coast. However, some DLA figureheards such as General David Grushchyov and General Lyeonard Abalkin objected as they thought the DTU was pulling off a decoy to launch attacks on a more lightly guarded south. Nevertheless, several DLA troops would be transported to the north to reinforce coastal and frontline defenses.
After this development, the DTU decided to invade Rudagorod Oblast on May 26 by encircling Rudagorod City. Furthermore, the DTU had acquired anti-aircraft weaponry and modern artillery from donors which they hoped would improve their offensive capabilities. Although the DLA had been anticipating a DTU invasion of Rudagorod, the scale of the offense was unprecedented. With the help of foreign Tukarist mercenaries, the DTU managed to nullify any aerial attacks by the DLA to deter the invasion. Fierce warfare ensued around Rudagorod City as the DLA failed to defend Rudagorod City from the DTU.
(just imagine tactical blunders and mishaps on the DLA's end occurred)
After a successful siege of the city, the DTU swiftly moved to occupy most of Rudagorod Oblast. The Tumbrans sent more of their troops to help hold back the DTU and prevent them from invading Dryevyesinsk and Viksetsk Oblasts.
Across June 1855, the situation in both Rudagorod and Krasnyezhsk Oblasts remained fairly unchanged. The DTU would attempt more landings across Viksetsk Oblast, but they were successfully fended off by the DLA. A reorganisation of DLA troops in both the north and the south took place as the DLA leadership changed their stance on the war. Instead of total victory, the DLA intended to hold the Krasnyezhsk line for as long as possible through a war of attrition. They also sought to retake Rudagorod Oblast from DTU control. Meanwhile, the DTU had hoped that the successful capture of Rudagorod demoralised the DLA. Additionally, they hoped to wear off the DLA's frontline in Krasnyezhsk and retake it from the DLA.
DLA recapture of Rudagorod and stalemate (August–December 1855)
With the arrival of DLA and Tumbran reinforcements, DLA and allied forces started to take Rudagorod Oblast back from the DTU. The numerical and technological disadvantage faced by the DTU forced them on the backfoot as they lost many troops defending the DLA's attack.
They basically got fucked and were forced to retreat before more damage could be done.
The situation rerounded back to the start.
1856: Armistice and signing of peace treaty
Nothing ever happened the next few months into the first quarter of 1856 bc the DLA were deliberating on whether they should just end the war considering they have the front foot. Some people in the DLA and Tumbra still want total victory or to at least devastate the DTU so they end up joining the DLA during peacetime or something. Discussions take place to figure out whether shelling the Northern Belt cities is worth it. Some say only target important locations important to the DLA, but some don't give a fuck just destroy these bums until they're too weak to stand on their own.
Meanwhile the DTU has been thinking about just signing a treaty and calling it a day because their people aren't happy, the war screws their economy and population, and there isn't much to gain from fighting anymore. The idea of retaliating against the DLA occurs in their minds a few times but really it's a 2v1 situation and they don't really stand a chance. The DLA could even take over the entire country with Tumbran help and the DTU would have to fight hard.
The DLA still wants a union of Dobraya (under the rule of them obviously) in the future even after peace, and they're kinda cunts so they decided let's try to destroy any important things there are in the northern belt so that they find it even harder to recover (they being the DTU). So yes the Northern Belt cities get bombed, people die, even some DTU figureheads die, and they figure out if they don't peace out they're gonna get bombed even more. Some of the more important institutions were implicated in the bombings and they really can't lose any more schools, banks, industries and that kinda stuff.
Peace treaty
they signed a peace treaty splitting the country into two.