Siege of Telora
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The siege of Telora took place from 5 June 1888 to 10 October 1889 and ended in the liberation of the city from Cassonnaise forces, led by Admiral Clément Trausse. The siege was the opening salvo in the War of the Usurper, which saw the Seraphic Empire invade Aquitayne and besiege its capital in an attempt at a quick capitulation. The invasion was preceded by a diplomatic mission lead by Claude Gérard in March of 1888 to dispute tariffs Aquitayne was imposing on Cassonnaise luxury goods imported through Cape Town. Many believe the mission was only sent to distract from the already prepared invasion force, as Cassonne formally presented the Aquitaynian monarch, Immanuel I, its declaration of war at the Palace at Vernoir on 12 May 1888. Less than 45 days later, the Seraphic Flotilla arrived on the shores of Aquitayne and the Battle of King's Bay began on 1 July, 1888. The proper siege of Telora began four days later after the port was secured and the surrounding islands had been subdued.
Immanuel I was quickly smuggled out of Telora, along with the majority of the royal family. For the duration of the siege, the seat of government moved to Ordana, where the government-in-exile was formed. Cassonnaise forces began a somewhat ineffectual bombardment campaign of the city in August of 1888. The Teloran garrisons attempted three break-out attempts, all of which were successfully countered by Cassonnaise forces, having the city completely surrounded at this point. Cassonne brought in heavier artillery pieces that had yet to see service due to long assembly times after being offloaded from the flotilla, and began a renewed bombardment on September 15 1888. The city officially surrendered to Admiral Trausse on 3 October 1888.
Despite Cassonnaise troops largely securing the countryside around Telora and the complete defeat of the garrisons stationed around the capital, the humiliating defeat lead to strengthened resolve from Immanuel I to recapture the city at any cost. The Aquitaynian military leadership spent the next six months planning their counteroffensive while keeping skirmishing forces around Telora to prevent a breakout of Cassonnaise troops from flooding into the countryside. In a daring naval maneuver, the Admiral Lord of Ceria launched a surprise naval attack of the Cassonnaise flotilla on multiple fronts at the Battle of Castineos. The naval battle was largely a success, meanwhile the main body of Aquitaynian regulars and militias converged on the city and launched a counter-siege on the Cassonnaise forces that were now stranded from naval support.
Cassonnaise forces would hold out through the summer of 1889, largely attempting to reach their naval assets still in the region to confirm if the second wave of troops that had been planned were still on schedule to arrive in autumn. During one of these attempts, the messenger was caught by Aquitaynian militia members and questioned, leading to the discovery of this second invasion phase. Acting on this knowledge, Aquitaynian forces quickly converged on the Cassonnaise fortifications and overwhelmed their defenses, leading to Admiral Trausse to surrender his forces on 10 October 1889.
Background
Siege
Food and fuel shortages
Bombardment
Royal War College
Students arrested and some hung, burning of the school to the ground and official notices of seizure for its assets issued.
Skirmishes
Fort Tremblay
Aquia
Valhedge
Ebus
Battle of Castineos
Naval action that crippled the Cassonnaise flotilla and logistical support.
Battle of Terrurano
Main infantry push that lead to Cassonnaise surrender.
Aftermath
Cassonnaise internment camps
Government
Reestablishes official government seat in Telora despite damage to Parliament buildings and royal residences.