War of the Shining Crusade

The War of the Shining Crusade was a series of battles fought between the Caelar Argent's crusaders and a Coalition army that comprised soldiers from Waterdeep, Baldur's Gate, and Daggerford.

Description
While the War of the Crusade was rather short, lasting only a matter of moths during the, its effects were significantly felt all along the Sword Coast. Many villages and small towns were razed and tens of thousands of individuals were displaces from their homes.

Location
The crusade army ravaged much of the lands surrounding Dragonspear Castle, from Trollbark Forest in the west, to the High Moor in the east, as south beyond the Winding Water river. Significant battles were fought at Boareskyr Bridge, the Coalition war camp near Dead Man's Pass, and Dragonspear Castle.

History
Over the next three months, the crusade expanded further south. As the mob of crusaders moved along the Sword Coast they greatly disrupted trade and displaced tens of thousands of people. The refugees often sought shelter in larger cities, like the metropolis of Baldur's Gate, causing overcrowding and unrest within.

In early Uktar, member-states of the Lords' Alliance – including the Lords of Waterdeep, the Grand Dukes of Baldur's Gate, and the mayor of Daggerford – rallied soldiers from their respective armed forces and formed a coalition army, to march upon Dragonspear Castle and meet the threat of the Shining Crusade. The armies of Waterdeep and Daggerford had to rally north of the castle, whereas the Flaming Fist of Baldur's Gate had to travel far from the south.

As the Flaming Fist traveled north from Baldur's Gate along the Coast Way they reached the site where it crossed the Winding River, which had been barricaded by the Shining Crusade. Before the Fist soldiers could cross, a crusader by the name of Jayvis panicked and used a fireball combined with explosives to demolish the bridge.

The Crusade then besieged the small settlement of Bridgefort, as that was the nearest crossing point of the Winding Water. The siege was a lengthy one, as those within held out for over a tenday. While it was unknown if the Bridgefort defenders fled their stronghold, or the crusade's siege camp was dismantled, the end result was the same – members of the crusade attempted to demolish Boareskyr Bridge, to prevent the Flaming Fist from pursuing them along the Trade Way. They were thwarted in this effort by the Hero of Baldur's Gate, their adventuring party, and the Fist mercenaries.

Once the Flaming Fist crossed the Winding Water, they rallied with the rest of the forces at the Coalition War Camp.

Appearances

 * Video Games:
 * Baldur's Gate: Siege of Dragonspear