Second Orlesian Invasion of Ferelden

Second Orlesian Invasion of Ferelden
Date	8:24–44 Blessed
Location	Ferelden
Result	Orlesian victory Orlais occupies Ferelden
Belligerents
ferelden Fereldan army * highever Highever * amaranthine Amaranthine * redcliffe Redcliffe
orlais Orlesian Empire Fereldan separatists
Commanders and leaders
ferelden King Vanedrin Theirin † ferelden King Brandel Theirin highever Teyrn Ardal Cousland †
orlais Emperor Reville Separatist Fereldan banns
Strength
ferelden Fereldan army
orlais Legions of chevaliers Fereldan separatists

The Second Orlesian Invasion of Ferelden was ordered in 8:24 Blessed by the Orlesian Emperor Reville, commonly known as the "Mad Emperor".

Background

The Vigil's Keep is the first Fereldan fortress to fall to the Orlesians.

Battle of Lothering

At the Battle of Lothering, King Vanedrin Theirin is killed and Calenhad the Great's sword, Nemetos, is lost. Before the king's death, Ardal Cousland, Teyrn of Highever, is slain defending his king.

Post-Lothering

Though Vanderin is succeeded by his son, King Brandel Theirin, the youth is unable to unite the country beneath him, and for the next two decades, Ferelden is mired in blood and battle.

In 8:44 Blessed, twenty years after the invasion first started, Orlais finally sacks the city of Denerim, claiming victory in Ferelden and driving King Brandel into hiding.

Aftermath

The Orlesian occupation begins in Ferelden which last for 78 years, marking a dark period in its history.

Though routed, the king now known as "Brandel the Defeated" continues to rebel against the Orlesians. For the most part his efforts are inefficient as most nobles believe that Ferelden is truly lost.