Sea of Blood

In about the year 5,000 BC (Before Conglomerate), the first major naval war in HILT history broke out. And where else but the eternally contested Rum Isle?

The Nations
As with most good HILT wars, the primary conflict was fought between four of the main nations - Brewtan, Tsukonia, Los Lobos, and their bitter rivals R.O.M.A.N. Additionally, the war introduced Rumania, a small group of men who did not offer loyalty to any nation, but rather a set of ideals that united them. This war was notable for being the only major war fought without the participation of Shandücha, who apparently had nothing to prove after the Great War two thousand years earlier.

The Conflict
None of the involved nations had ever explored Rum Isle or the surrounding waters, so the war began with a conspicuous level of caution. Even as the sworn enemies encountered one another's navies, few shots were fired. More than anything, temporary alliances were made as each nation felt out the territory, their foes, and what resources they had available.

Finally, war could wait no longer. The sea demanded victims. As battle after battle raged, animosity between R.O.M.A.N and Los Lobos grew, until the other nations became merely sideshows to the main battle. Loyalties were sworn and then broken. Alliances were made and then ignored. Trusts were built and then betrayed. Wonderwall was claimed to be a good song (it's not).

Soon Los Lobos and Brewtan were no more, and R.O.M.A.N was crippled.

And then there were two.

Endgame
After the war had raged for months, both remaining sides were battle weary and exhausted. Finally, a proposal was made. Have a one day party for the men on Rum Isle to give them all a chance to recuperate.

While both sides heartily agreed to this plan, one had a trick up their sleeves. While Tsukonia took the offer of a party at face value, Rumania sent five operatives to prepare to blow up the fortress at the center of the island.

The party went on great. Dances were had. Drinks were drunk. Lewdwig Baitoven jammed hard. But then suddenly, the explosion struck. Half of the Rumanian forces (who hadn't been told the plan) were killed, whereas nearly all the Tsukonian men were. The few forces that remained duked it out until only Rumania rumained.