Creeperian Crusade

This article is about the overall conflict called the "Creeperian Crusade" that occurred from 1231 to 1345. For any of the many wars or battles that occurred during the Creeperian Crusade, see List of wars and battles of the Creeperian Crusade.

Creeperian Crusade
Part of the Creeperian-Deltinian Wars and the Creeperian Wars of Religion
Taking of Almadinat Almuqadasa by the Crusaders
Date 8 February 1231 – 25 December 1345 (114 years, 10 months, 2 weeks and 3 days) Location Sur, particularly in Abdan, Castilliano, Creeperopolis, Deltino, Helam, Honduras, Jakiz, and the State of the Church Result Creeperian victory Establishment of the Kingdom of Creeperopolis Destruction of the Caliphate of Deltino Spread of the Creeperian Catholic Church Decline of Deltinian Islam Territorial changes Creeperopolis annexes Deltino Treaty of Idku (1264) Treaty of Jucuba (1284) Treaty of Etxeberria (1289) Treaty of La'Libertad (1295) Treaty of Najallah (1311) Decree of La'Victoria (1326) Treaty of Eriwr (1332) Proclamation of Alshshati (1334) Proclamation of Alssahil (1336) Proclamation of Shata' Albahr (1345)
Belligerents
Catholics Creeperopolis Castilliano (1254–1255, 1275–1276) State of the Church (from 1258) Honduras (1289–1295)	Muslims Deltino (until 1326) Abdan (1326–1334) Helam (1326–1336) Jakiz (from 1326)
Commanders and leaders
Creeperopolis Alfonso I Alfonso II Salvador I Manuel I Miguel I Pedro Herrador Cestalles Emmanuel Martínez Moreno Miguel Fuellares Guijon José Suárez Falias Julián Huerta Barajas Ramón Miaja Saravia Ramón Miaja Coreja Alfonso Fernández Lugo Pedro Candia Bolero Hernán Monroy Pizarro Ramiro Curtosé Rosales Roberto Curtosé Cortéz Adémar Puyal Monteil Emmanuel Sándino Hortan Pedro Bajamande Doré Carlos Martel Hernández State of the Church Gregorio IX Celestino IV Innocento IV Alexander IV Urbano IV Clemento IV Gergorio X Innocento V Adrian V Juan XXI Nicolás III Martín IV Honorio IV Nicolás IV Celestine V Bonifaco VIII Benedicto XI Clemento V Juan XII Benedicto XII Clemento VI Castilliano Sancho II Óscar I Ramiro Íñiguez Arista Ramón Ureña Parejas Honduras Ieltxu I Vitruvio I	Deltino Sulayman III Salim IV Osman I Salim V Salim VI Mukarram al-Azzi Fawz al-Sharif Jaabir al-Masri Izzat al-Toure Abdul al-Mustasim Muhammad al-Saffah Jubair al-Nazir Osman al-Arshad Haazim al-Latif Yusuf al-Dhahir Muhammad al-Zubayr Talaal al-Mir Iftikhar al-Dawla Abdallah al-Mahdi Ibn al-Hafiz Abdan Orhan I Orhan II Hasan al-Shaheen Bandar al-Meer Musheer al-Rayes Helam Mehmed I Faalih al-Karam Fayyaad al-Galla Tufail al-Salam Jakiz Ohmad I Daif al-Majid Saajid al-Salama Sakeen el-Kaleel
Casualties and losses
Moderate	High

The Creeperian Crusade (Creeperian: Cruzada Creeperiano, Deltinian: الحملة الصليبية الزاحفة, transliterated as alhamlat alsalibiat alzzahifa) was a series of various military campaigns and religious wars initiated by the ethnic Creeperans of the Emirate of Rabadsun against the Caliphate of Deltino. The initial objective of the crusade was to secure the independence of the Kingdom of Creeperopolis and recapture all territory claimed to he "historic Creeperian land" that was controlled by the Kingdom of Creeperia (537AD–745AD) and the Creeperian Confederation (220BC–537AD).

The crusade began on 8 February 1231 when Alfawnasu III, the then-reigning Emir of the Emirate of Rabadsun, declared independence for the ethnic Creeperans living there after the decision made during the Second Council of Rabadsun. He proclaimed himself King of the Creeperans of the Kingdom of Creeperopolis. The declaration was made in response to the One-Religion Decree established by Sulayman III, the Caliph of the Caliphate of Deltino, on 31 January 1231. The decree outlawed the practicing of any religion that was not Deltinian Islam, effectively creating a theocracy with no religious freedom. The decree, therefore, outlawed the practicing of Creeperian Catholicism, the religion of the Creeperian people. The Creeperans had until 9 February to renounce their faith. Alfawnasu III, with the approval of Pope Jiryjuriun IX, decalred independence and called for a crusade against the Deltinian Muslims to secure freedom for the Creeperans.

Instead of reverting to the Old Creeperian language, the Creeperans adopted the Creeperian language and de-Arabized their kingdom. Rabadsun was renamed to Creeperópolis, meaning "City of the Creeperans." Alfawnasu III changed his name to Alfonso I and Jiryjuriun IX changed his name to Gregorio IX, with all Creeperans following suit and solidifying the Creeperian naming customs. Sulayman III did not accept the declaration and war began. Instead of one war, the crusade was a series of wars fought between Creeperopolis and Deltino. The crusade came to an end under the reign of Miguel I. His reign witnessed both the collapse of the Caliphate in 1326 and the fall of Deltino's three rump successor states: the Emirates of Abdan, Helam, and Jakiz, in 1345.

The crusade occurred across Sur for a period of 115 years between the establishment of Creeperopolis in 1231 and the fall of the Shata' Albahr in 1345. The collapse of Deltino and its successor rump states allowed Creeperopolis to become the dominant nation on the landmass. The crusade marked the end of Islamic dominance on the landmass and began the ongoing period of Catholic dominance. The crusade is often used in Creeperopolis to promote Islamophobia and anti-Deltinian sentiment.

Background

Early Creeperian-Deltinian relations

The Kingdom of Creeperia was established in 537AD by Felipe I of the Amacha Tribe, later the House of Amara, following victory in the War of Creeperian Unification that ended the Creeperian Confederation (220BC–537AD). The Creeperans were pagans until 540AD when Vigilio I, the Pope of the Catholic Church, arrived in Creeperopolis and converted the population to Catholicism. The Church subsequently became known as the Creeperian Catholic Church due to its heavy association with Creeperopolis. As a result of the conversion of the Creeperian population, many sites associated with the old Creeperian Pagan gods were destroyed by Felipe I as a part of the Bull of Yerkink that mandated such. Thousands were killed for refusing to convert. As a result of the Bull of Yerkink, the former capital city of the Creeperian Confederation, Xichútepa, was destroyed and abandoned.

For over 200 years, the Creeperans existed on Sur without very much contact with the outside world. However, in 734AD, the Kharzamite of Deltino was forced to flee from Ecros to Sur as a result of their defeat in the Deltinian Wars of the Nihil. The Deltinians under Salim I, the Caliph of the Deltinians, established the Caliphate of Deltino north of Creeperopolis. The Creeperans and Deltinians first came into contact in 744AD which resulted in a Deltinian invasion of Creeperopolis. Under Caliph Adbul I, the Deltinians conquered the Creeperian kingdom under King Fidel II in 745AD. The Deltinians established the Emirate of Rabadsun as a client state ruled through Rudulifu I, the younger brother of Fidel II.

Deltinian rule through Rabadsun

The Deltinians ruled Rabadsun through the House of Amara through the lineage of Rudulifu I. In 1120, Rabadsun came under the rule of Emiress for the first time after the death of Filibi II and Khusih. Emiress Mariaan I was heavily opposed by the Deltinian Caliph, Abbas I. Abbas I sought to depose Mariaan I and so he gave her an ultimatum: marry and renounce her claim to the throne or be forcibly deposed. She relented and married Alfawnasu Rudulifu Martiniz Santus, a Rabadsuni nobleman. He ascended to the throne and became Alfawnasu I, establishing the House of Martínez.

Alfawnasu I was succeeded by his son, Alfawnasu II, and his son, Rudulifu IV. Alfawnasu III became Emir following the death of Rudulifu IV on 8 March 1230. Then, on 13 January 1231, Caliph Sulayman II died and was succeeded by his son, Sulayman III. On 31 January 1231, Sulayman III sought to unite his entire domain under Deltinian Islam and proclaimed the One-Religion Decree. The decree outlawed the practicing of any religion that was not Deltinian Islam, effectively creating a theocracy with no religious freedom. The decree, therefore, outlawed the practicing of Creeperian Catholicism, the religion of the Creeperian people. Sulayman III gave the Creeperans until 9 February to renounce their faith or face serious repercussions for defying the order of the Caliph.

Sulayman III cited the reasoning for the decree was that he had a dream where Muhammad instructed him that bringing the Creeperans to convert to Islam would please Allah and that He would reward him greatly. Islamic scholars have since contested Sulayman III's claim, with some scholars believing that the entire story was a fabrication, while others believe that the story had some creedance to it but that Muhammad wished for a peaceful conversion, instead of the violent war that would emerge as a result of the decree.

Progression of war

Catholic revolt

Further information: Creeperian War of Independence

The Second Council of Rabadsun of 4–8 February 1231.

Alfawnasu III was deeply concerned about his position as Emir since he did not wish to convert, as did the Pope, Jiryjuriun IX, who would have his position entirely abolished. Sulayman III informed Jiryjuriun IX that he could be instated as the chief religious official of Rabadsun as compensation for his loss of position, but he did not wish to convert either.

Jiryjuriun IX convened the Second Council of Rabadsun, a meeting of the Creeperian Catholic Church's top officials, wealthy nobles, and royalty. The One Religion Decree and the Church's reaction to it was the top priority of the council. The council was spoken in Old Creeperian as to not allow the Deltinians to understand what they were saying since the Deltinians spoke only Arabic and Deltinian Spanish. The Creeperans did not risk speaking in Creeperian since there were still many similarities with Deltinian Spanish. The council convened from 4 to 8 February 1231. Church and government officials came to an agreement: the Creeperans will not convert and the Creeperans will fight to continue worshipping God how they want to. Alfawnasu III informed every one of his army officials that a rebellion was necessary, and his officials informed the soldiers. The soldiers and officers unanimously sided with the Emir and the Pope and the uprising was set for 8 February.

On 8 February 1231, Jiryjuriun IX announced to the people of Rabadsun that the Creeperans will not submit to the One Religion Decree and will revolt to worship God how the Creeperans have always worshipped God. He declared that Rabadsun would de-Arabize and he changed his name to Gregorio IX. The common people spoke Creeperian but their names followed Arabic customs. The De-Arabization was the process of renaming all Arabic names to Creeperian names which established the Creeperian naming customs. Alfawnasu III declared himself Alfonso I and proclaimed the independence of the Kingdom of Creeperopolis, meaning "city of the Creeperans," taking the name of the Kingdom of Creeperia and officially abandoning the name Rabadsun.

Sur in 1231.

The Creeperian Army and Creeperian Navy were established from the Rabadsuni Army and Rabadsuni Navy. The Army, numbering 30,000 men, successfully revolted and defeated the local Deltinian Army garrison of 2,000 men. The Creeperian victory began the Creeperian War of Independence and the first phase of the Creeperian Crusade. Alfonso I decreed the changing of the name of the city, Rabadsun, to Salvador (Creeperian for "Savior"), in reference to Jesús, the Savior of the world. During the battle, captured Deltinians were given the option to convert to earn their freedom or remain Muslim but remain imprisoned, as the Creeperans initially believed in a mostly peaceful separation from Deltino.

Sulayman III was informed of the Creeperian rebellion by local commanders near Salvador. The commander of the Deltinian garrison in Rabadsun, Mukarram al-Azzi, was killed during the battle. Sulayman III raised an army and marched on Salvador. He brought along with him Fawz al-Sharif to serve as his second-in-command. On 15 March 1231, the Deltinians attacked Salvador, but the Deltinian forces were defeated in battle. Sulayman III narrowly escaped being captured by the Creeperans. On 4 April 1231, Deltinian soldiers entered the city of Alqarya and massacred 100–200 Creeperian Catholic laymen and clergy after failing to convert. They were hanged, beheaded, crucified, or burned alive. The Martyrs of Alqarya caused outrage within the Church and the royalty. In anger, Alfonso I ordered the immediate execution of all Deltinian prisoners resulting in 89 executions via crucifixion on 18 April 1231. He established the Creeperian Inquisition, officially known as the Tribunal of the Holy Office of the Inquisition, to "cleanse" his domain of Deltinian Islam.

Creeperian forces pushed west and established an encampment outside the city of Edfu. On 19 October 1232, Deltinian forces launched an attack against the Creeperans, but the Deltinians were routed and the city surrendered. The fall of Edfu marked the end of the Creeperian War of Independence and solidified the existence of the Creeperian kingdom.

Catholic expansionism

Further information: People's Crusade, Monarch's Crusade, Emmanuel's War, and Alfonso's War

A depiction of Pedro Herrador Cestalles leading the People's Crusade.

Following the Creeperian success at Edfu, Alfonso I called for the people of Salvador to join him on a campaign to expand the kingdom. The call for furthing the fight against the Deltinians was supported by the Creeperans and many volunteered to join the renewed Crusade. The Crusader forces would need time to train, prepare, and equip before going on campaign, however, while many civilians wanted to go fight immediately. Pedro Herrador Cestalles, a Creeperian Catholic priest, spoke in Salvador and rallied many to follow him on a Crusade east to capture Al Madiq, a Deltinian trading outpost west of Creeperopolis. Alfosno I stated his condemnation for the Crusade, but around 7,000 peasants ignored the King's condemnation and followed Herrador Cestalles west in late January 1233.

Along the path to Al Madiq, the peasant army looted and plundered settlements for supplies and wealth. Around 1,000 people were massacred during the peasants' march west, mainly civilian Muslims. Upon reaching the outskirts of Al Madiq, Herrador Cestalles' army set up camp for the camp and prepared for battle the following day. On day break on 3 March 1233, Deltinian horsemen, infantry, and archers caught the encamped peasants by surprise. In the ensuing battle, the peasants were cut down by the Deltinians under al-Sharif. The entire army, including Herrador Cestalles, were slain resulting in a decisive Deltinian victory, ending the People's Crusade.

A depiction of Alfonso I leading the Monarch's Crusade.

Alfonso I was informed of the slaughter that occured in Al Madiq. He was concerned about a Deltinian attack against Salvador and mobilized his professional army to defend the city. After a month, no attack came and the army stood down. By mid-1235, Alfonso I believed that his army was well trained enough to begin engaging the Deltinians. The Creeperian Army was assorted into four legions, each comprising on 15,000 men: two from the already established Army and two from recruited peasants. Each legion was assigned a commander. Emmanuel Martínez Moreno, the younger brother of Alfonso I, was placed in command of the Second Legion. Miguel Fuellares Guijon, a wealthy noble from Salvador, was placed in command of the Third Legion. José Suárez Falias, another wealthy noble from Salvador, was placed in command of the Fourth Legion. Alfonso I himself commanded the First Legion and handed out orders to the four legions as a whole. He bestowed upon himself the title of Caudillo, or "leader," as the commander of the entire Army.

The army set out west in August 1235 and engaged in its first battle on 19 September 1235. The Battle of Esna ended in a swift Creeperian victory against a lightly manned garrison of the town of Esna. In November 1235, the army arrived at Al Madiq and secured the city without a battle. The city was renamed to Ciudad de Pedro in honor of the disastrous Peoples' Crusade. The inhabitants of the city were massacred as revenge for the destruction of Herrador Cestalles' army.

The Crusaders remained in Ciudad de Pedro until May 1236 when they continued moving west. The Creeperans were surprised in an attack by the Deltinians under al-Sharif near the village of Farshut on 17 July 1236. The battle ended in a Creeperian retreat back to Ciudad de Pedro and a Deltinian victory, the first waged against Alfonso I. The Deltinians later sieged Ciudad de Pedro itself from 18 September 1236 until 3 March 1237, when the Creeperans broke the siege and routed the Deltinians, but the pyrrhic victory inflicted heavy casualties among the Creeperans. The siege ended the Noble's Crusade and the Third and Fourth Legions returned to Salvador, as did Alfonso I. The First and Second Legions remained in Ciudad de Pedro under the command of Martínez Moreno and garrisoned the city until renewed forces arrived to renew the war.

In late-1238, the Third and Fourth Legions were refreshed and a Fifth Legion was formed. The three legions under Alfonso I arrived to San Santiago in February 1239 and rested to reunite with the other two legions. However, on 18 February 1239, Deltinian forces under al-Sharif attacked the Creeperans. The battle ended in a Creeperian victory, but a pyrrhic victory, and the legions had to return to Salvador to rebuild. Alfonso I knew that al-Sharif was his biggest obstacle as his Deltinian forces had been harassing the Creeperian armies effectively and halted any sort of expansion west.

Fawz al-Sharif (center left) landing the killing blow on Emmanuel Martínez Moreno (center right) during the Battle of Sohaq.

In 1241, Martínez Moreno was granted the permission of Alfonso I to begin a campaign south. He commanded three legions and was accompanied by Fuellares Guijon and Suárez Falias as his subordinate commanders. On 5 March 1241, the legions were ambushed by Deltinians commanded by al-Sharif near the village of Qena. Despite being outnumbered, the Deltinians inflicted heavy casualties and forced the Creeperans to retreat. The campaign was put on hold for three years while the army recuperated from its losses.

The army was prepared and set off for the campaign again in 1244. The army arrived at Qena again, but no Deltinians attacked. The village was captured and the 348 inhabitants were massacred on 4 April 1244. Sulayman III was informed of the massacre in Qena by scouts and he assembled an army of 50,000 soldiers and personally commanded the Deltinian Army against Martínez Moreno, with al-Sharif serving as his second-in-command. The Creeperans established a camp half a mile outside of the town of Sohaq, a strategic settlement located on a peninsula in the Bay of Salvador. On 10 May 1244, the Deltinian Army launched a surprise attack against the Creeperans around noon. The Creeperans attempted to organize themselves, but the Deltinians overwhelmed the Creeperian force of 45,000 men. Martínez Moreno was killed during the battle, with tradition stating that al-Sharif personally killed Martínez Moreno. The Creeperans were decisively defeated and 30,000 were killed with the remaining 15,000 being taken prisoner. Fuellares Guijon and Suárez Falias were also killed in battle. Martínez Moreno's body was dumped into the bay, as were the bodies of all the slain Creeperans.

Few Creeperans escaped the slaughter, and those that did reported back to Alfonso I and informed him of what happened. A month of mourning ensued across the city and a memorial service was presided over by Pope Innocento IV on 10 July 1244. In 1245, Innocento IV convened the First Council of Salvador. From 12 January to 1 February, the council discussed what the Creeperian kingdom should do next after three entire legions were destroyed. The council agreed that the Creeperans had to continue the crusade. Alfonso I rallied up support for revenge against the Deltinians and raised 4 Legions. The Creeperans under Alfonso I embarked on a campaign in late-1247.

The Sohaq Massacre of 1248.

On 9 December 1247, the Creeperans captured the town of Tahta after a brief engagement with the local garrison. The Creeperans then marched south to Sohaq and prepared to capture the city Martínez Moreno was killed attempting to capture. On 22 March 1248, the Creeperans began besieging Sohaq. The defenders had access to supplies via the bay, but the Creeperian Navy blockaded the city and prevented supplies from reaching Sohaq. On 13 May 1248, a Deltinian relief army under al-Sharif arrived to lift the siege, but after a large engagement with the Creeperans, the Deltinians withdrew and let the city fall. The city surrendered on 31 May 1248 and the inhabitants of the city were massacred. Their bodies were dumped into the bay as revenge for dumping the Creeperian bodies into the bay after the battle of 1244. On 10 May 1249, the five year anniversary of the battle, Innocento IV canonized Martínez Moreno as a saint in Sohaq and the city was renamed to San Emmanuel.

Alfonso I (center right) impaling and killing Fawz al-Sharif (center left) in the Battle of Asyut.

The Creeperans continued the campaign in January 1250 and advanced south along the coast. By mid-1253, the Creeperans captured nearly the entire coastline that Deltino had with the Bay of Salvador. The last sea access the Deltinians had to the bay was the city of Asyut. In late-November 1253, the Creeperans established a camp near Asyut and prepared to capture the city. Meanwhile, the Deltinians under al-Sharif were preparing for their own attack against the Creeperans. On 3 December 1253, Alfonso I moved against Asyut, and as the attack began, al-Sharif charged at Alfonso I's rear and left flank. Alfonso I's second-in-command, Julián Huerta Barajas, lured half of al-Sharif's army away by retreating north which allowed Alfonso I to focus on the remainder of the Deltinian army. After two hours of fighting, Huerta Barajas prevailed and returned and attacked al-Sharif's left flank. During the chaos of the battle, al-Sharif was killed, with tradition stating that Alfonso I personally impaled al-Sharif with his spear. The Deltinians routed and the Creeperans claimed victory. All Deltinian prisoners were executed and al-Sharif's body was burned and dumped into the bay. The city surrendered and was massacred. The city was renamed to San Carlos.

Early Castillianan involvement

Main article: Castillianan-Deltinian War

Sancho II during the Battle of Apastenal.

In late-1252, Alfonso I sent messengers southwest to the Kingdom of Castilliano to convince the King, Sancho II, to support the Creeperans and fight the Deltinians from the west. In mid-1253, the messengers returned and informed Alfonso I that Sancho II would be willing to assist. The messengers were sent back to gain any more information from the Castillianans but the messengers were captured by the Deltinians. They were tortured until they told their capturers what their mission was. Sulayman III was informed of the plan and ordered an immediate attack against the Castillianans to delay their attacks.

The Battle of Ilime.

In February 1254, Jaabir al-Masri and around 25,000 Deltinians marched west to force Castilliano to stand down. Castillianan scouts informed Sancho II of the Deltinian movements and he had Ramiro Íñiguez Arista and around 6,000 Castillianans defend the fortress of Apastenal, the Deltinian's most likely target. The Deltinians arrived at Apastenal on 18 May 1254 and a battle began. The Castillianans stood their ground and successfully defeated the Deltinians, killing around 20,000 Deltinians during battle. The surviving Deltinians fled and al-Masri was executed on 10 July 1254 on orders of Sulayman III for the disaster that he allowed to happen.

Sancho II immediately began an invasion of Deltino following the battle. He in-charged Íñiguez Arista to lead 13,000 men west to inflict further defeats against the Deltinians. On 29 October 1254, Castillianan forces were ambushed by Deltinian forces near the village of Ilime. The Castillianan heavy infantry were surrounded and heavily attacked by Deltinians on horseback who fired arrows at the Castillianan defenders. For seven hours, the Castillianans could not retaliate without being killed in a wave of arrows. It was only when a small relief force of Castillianan cavalry arrived that the Deltinians withdrew. Despite attaining victory, the Castillianans were inflicted heavy casualties. According to the memoirs of Íñiguez Arista, no Castillianan soldier escaped without being injured in some sort of way.

The Castillianans were unable to continue the campaign and decided to return to Castilliano. On 8 January 1255, the Deltinians attacked the retreating Castillianans near the village of Minya. The Deltinian victory ended the war between Castilliano and Deltino in an effective stalemate as neither side achieved their objectives and ended in status quo ante bellum.

Alfonso I's final campaign

Further information: Alfonso I's final campaign, Treaty of Idku, Revolution of 1265, and Ramón's Rebellion

The Third Siege of Idku.

On 18 December 1256, Alfonso I embarked on his final campaign into Deltinian territory. He and 5 legions marched west with the intention of Idku, a strong castle upriver on the Salvador River. The first engagement of the campaign was at Faiyum. The battle ended in a Creeperian victory on 19 March 1257 and the Creeperans encamped at Faiyum for 4 months. After resupplying, the Creeperans continued to march inland, razing villages along the way. On 29 July 1257, the Deltinians engaged the Creeperans near the village of Inab. The Creeperans were forced to retreat, but since every village was destroyed, many starved on the march back as the Deltinians captured the Creeperian supplies. By the time the Creeperans returned to Faiyum in September 1257, two legions worth of men had starved or deserted. In July 1258, Alfonso I returned to Salvador and proclaimed the establishment of the State of the Church as an independent nation for the Creeperian Catholic Church to rule and govern itself on 19 July 1258. Pope Alexander IV was the first Pope to rule the newly established state.

After a year of resupplying and tending to wounds, the Creeperans marched west again in January 1259. On 15 April 1259, the Creeperans arrived at Idku and began a siege. The siege was broken on 24 January 1260 by a Deltinian relief army commanded by Sulayman III and the Creeperans retreated back to Faiyum. The Deltinians attacked the city on 2 April 1260, but the attack was repulsed. The Creeperans marched west again to attack Idku in February 1261. A second siege commenced on 30 May 1261, but it was again broken by Deltinian reinforcements under Sulayman III on 16 October 1261, and the Creeperans again retreated back to Faiyum. A mutiny occurred in Faiyum on 28 February 1262 and soldiers demanded to return home, but soldiers still loyal to Alfonso I crushed the mutiny and all those involved were put to death. Around that same time, three fresh legions commanded by Alfonso Martínez Sánchez, the son of Alfonso I, arrived to join the campaign. The Creeperans rested for 5 months, and set off for Idku for a third time in August 1262.

A depiction of Alfonso Martínez Sánchez witnessing the massacre at Idku with Alfonso I in the background.

The march was interrupted on 14 November 1262 by the village of Basioun when Deltinians ambushed the Creeperans, causing a route back to Faiyum. The Creeperans marched out for a fourth time in May 1263. Deltinian forces under Sulayman III attacked the Creeperans on 15 September 1263 near the town of Al Marji. During the battle, tradition states that Alfonso I personally killed Sulayman III, causing a Deltinian route and a Creeperian victory. Morale was at an all-time high when news of the Caliph's death reached the army and the Creeperans in Salvador, with celebrations erupting in the streets. The Deltinian morale was shattered, but Salim IV, the son of Sulayman III, became Caliph upon his father's death. He immediately raised a large army to face off against Alfonso I at Idku. On 13 December 1263, the Creeperans began the third siege of Idku. Salim IV's army arrived on 29 February 1264, but his army was defeated by the outnumbered Creeperans and the Deltinian relief force retreated and left the city to fall. On 14 March 1264, the city of Idku fell to the Creeperans. The inhabitants of the city were raped and massacred, despite Martínez Sánchez's objections. He wrote in his memoirs during his reign as King:

It was my first time on campaign with my father, the King, and it was the first time I ever engaged in battle with the enemy. The Muslims were a far greater threat that I ever imagined. I was accustomed to witnessing death on the battle field, with bodies all across the fields. I was accustomed to executions of prisoners who refused to convert to Jesús. I was accustomed to seeing the ground soaked in blood. But I was not at all prepared to witness what I did at Idku. My father's men stormed in and did unspeakable actions. Murder, rape, torture, I could not believe my eyes. God and the Pope have authorized killing the enemy, the soldiers of Baphomet who intentionally sought to kill. These people did not intend to kill, they were caught up in the conflict fought against the enemy. They could have been saved, but they were slaughtered. It may have been for the best, as now they are in the presence of God, but we could have done better, we could have spared them. God told us, you shall not murder, but yet be did so against his flock.

— Alfonso Martínez Sánchez, c. 1264–65

Alfonso II and Salim IV discussing the Treaty of Idku.

The massacred was the largest of the Crusade up to that point. Crusaders estimated that 500,000 were massacred, while modern scholars put the number anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000. Salim IV was made aware of the massacre, and he assembled a new army to destroy the Creeperans. On 3 July 1264, Alfonso I died in Idku awaiting a Deltinian attack, likely of Creeperian Malaria, at the age of 71 or 72. Salim IV was made aware of Alfonso I's death, and he sought to make peace with his successor, Alfonso II. The two met on 1 August 1264 outside of Idku. Now that both Alfonso I and Sulayman III had died, their successors sought to bring peace to Sur. The Treaty of Idku was signed on 3 August 1264, formally ending the Crusade called upon by Alfonso I and Gregorio IX in 1231. The treaty mandated the Deltinian recognition of Creeperopolis' independence and the Creeperian recognition of Deltino's status as the dominant power on Sur. Both agreed to end persecutions of each others religions and the borders of the two nations were solidified. Salim IV returned to Almadinat Almuqadasa and Alfonso II returned to Salvador.

When Salim IV arrived to Almadinat Almuqadasa and informed the city of the peace, people were enraged and riots erupted in the streets. Not even the news of Alfonso I's death appeased the crowds. The Deltinian Army occupied the city from December 1264 to April 1265, quelling riots and public unrest. On 3 August 1265, a group of military commanders, lead by Izzat al-Toure, attempted to overthrow Salim IV. The rebelling military faction attacked the Caliph's palace and fought his personal guards. The guards were massacred, but Salim IV and his family fled the city. He rallied military forces that supported his rule and attacked Almadinat Almuqadasa on 22 August 1265, which had been captured by the rebels. A message was spread by al-Toure that Salim IV was acting against Allah as he was attacking the holy city, but he, as Caliph, decreed otherwise, claiming that he was reclaiming the city from al-Toure who had acted against Allah by attacking the palace and the Caliph. On 5 September 1265, the city was recaptured by Salim IV. Before being captured, al-Toure ordered his men to behead him and burn his body to prevent himself from being executed by Salim IV. The leaders of the rebellion who were captured were publicly beheaded on 9 September 1265.

A depiction of the last moments of Ramón I before being executed by Alfonso II.

When Alfonso II arrived to Salvador and informed the city of the peace and the King's death, riots erupted in the city. The Creeperian Army occupied the city from October 1264 to February 1265, quelling riots and public unrest. On 8 February 1265, Alfonso I's funeral was held in the Salvador Palace. Pope Clemento IV presided over the funeral and declared Alfonso I a saint. On 14 September 1266, a group of military commanders attempted to oust Alfonso II from power before he could be coronated the following day. They seized control of the Salvador Palace and attempted to capture the King. Alfonso II, however, escaped the palace and then the city. The rebels were lead by Ramón Miaja Saravia who declared himself King Ramón I. Alfonso II gathered up military support and recaptured Salvador on 4 January 1267. Ramón I escaped the city and attempted to gather support in the countryside. Alfonso II chased after Ramón I and asked for support from Salim IV. The Caliph agreed and the two armies met Ramón I's army in the city of El Chopo on 22 May 1267. In the ensuing battle, Ramón I was captured by the Creeperans. Alfonso II personally beheaded him, ending the war. The Deltinian and Creeperian armies returned to their garrisons and the thrones of both rulers were secured. Caudillo Alfonso Fernández Lugo had everyone who supported Ramón I put to death on 30 May 1267. Ramón I's son, Ramón Miaja Coreja, declared himself King Ramón II on 3 July 1267, but he was quickly captured by the Creeperian Army on 17 July 1267 and executed.

Period of peace

Main article: Pax Sur Minor

Deltinian scholars in the Almadinat Almuqadasa Library, 1270.

From 1267 to 1273, a period of peace known as the Pax Sur Minor was experienced where Deltino and Creeperopolis coexisted in peace with no major wars or uprisings occurring. The period in became one of a small golden age for Deltino where interest in literature and history peaked. The Almadinat Almuqadasa Library flourished for the first time since the Deltinian Golden Age from 1013 to 1200. In 1269, Commentaries on the Qur'an was written by several scholars of the library that gave a broader interpretation on the Qur'an which Deltinian Muslims held as the true meaning on the Qur'an. The original text was destroyed during a fire that burned the building in 1299, but several copies survived. The small golden age came to an end in 1273, when military forces aligned with the Caliph's son, Osman I al-Arshad al-Malek, seized control of Almadinat Almuqadasa and captured the Caliph. He was blinded and beheaded on 12 March 1273 for negotiating a peace with the infidels.

No golden age was experienced in Creeperopolis. Alfonso II remained an unpopular King with the people and the army. When news of the death of the Caliph and that the new Caliph, Osman I, raised an army to fight the Creeperans, the army began a mutiny and demanded the King wage war against the Deltinians. Alfonso II abdicated his throne and allowed his brother to become King on 8 April 1273. Salvador I rallied soldiers and marched south to meet the Deltinians, beginning the War of 1273.

War of 1273

Main article: War of 1273

Deltinian and Creeperian forces met by the Creeperian village of Jucuba on 23 June 1273. The battle ended in a military stalemate, with both forces withdrawing. They two met again on 7 July 1273, with the second battle also ending in a military stalemate. After two stalemates, both armies agreed to end hostilities, ending the war. Both monarchs faced protest from civilians at the failure to accomplish anything in both battles, but their reigns were not challenged.

Great Castillianan War

Further information: Great Castillianan War

A depiction of Santiago Matadeltinianos.

In 1275, Osman I ordered an invasion into Castilliano to force the King, Óscar I, to pay tributes to Deltinian in order to fund an army to invade Creeperopolis. He sent Abdul al-Mustasim al-Mustansir to march on Chalatenango, the capital of Castilliano, and force the kingdom to become a Deltinian vassal. On 6 December 1275, the Deltinians captured the town of Wasriomo after a brief battle and Queleapa on 13 March 1276 after another battle.

The Castillianans under the command of Ramón Ureña Parejas encamped by the town of Sahagún and awaited al-Mustasim's army. On 4 May 1276, the Deltinians and the Castillianans engaged outside of Sahagún. The Deltinians captured the town and looted it for supplies and riches while the main battle continued outside of the city. The Castillianans took heavy losses and were demoralized when they heard the town was looted. Then, according to the testimony of Ureña Parejas and his soldiers, they witnessed an apparition of Saint Santiago, one of the apostles of Jesús, dressed in armor and bearing the flag of Castilliano, beginning to kill Deltinian soldiers. Reportedly, Castillianan morale suddenly rose and the Deltinians were decisively defeated and forced to retreat, with legend stating that al-Mustasim was personally slain by Saint Santiago. The Castillianans celebrated their victory and praised the saint as "the Deltinian Slayer," or Santiago Matadeltinianos.

The Creeperans were informed of the battle in July 1276, and the Pope, Adrian V, declared the apparition as a sign of God that He was on the side of the Creeperans and Castillianans against the Deltinians. The Deltinians denied the notion of the apparition as propaganda.

Evidence of the battle is scarce, but evidence of the previous battles the Deltinians under al-Mustasim exists. Historians generally deny the legitimacy of the claimed apparition but most historians generally believe that the battle did in fact occur, which would explain the disappearance of al-Mustasim's army. However, some credible historians continue to question the historicity of the battle, pointing to the shear lack of evidence. They cannot explain what happened to al-Mustasim's army, but it remains a matter of dispute. The disappearance of al-Mustasim's army is a source of great mystery and debate outside of Creeperopolis for historians who deny the existence of the battle.

A depiction of Santiago Matadeltinianos at the legendary Battle of Sahagún.

According to Johnathan Mbagindu, a Lyoan history professor at William Ntihura University in Mwezi, Lyoa:

It’s likely that the battle did occur; however, the legitimacy of the apparition is likely to be folk legend passed down from generation to generation. We see similar things here in Lyoan history, with the Final War of Kindua, when the Lakku soldiers were alleged to be granted powers from the old Lyoan gods of that era that assisted in their conquest of Kindua. The battle is the only logical way to explain al-Mustasim’s army disappearing; however, any sort of divine intervention is likely legend.

— Johnathan Mbagindu, 2011

According to Dr. Isaac Droz, a Quebecshirite history professor at the University of Orléans in Orléans, Quebecshire:

The Battle of Sahagún, a topic I am frequently questioned about, is one of the great fascinations of history, especially in Sur. It is my opinion that the battle did occur, as it is the most probable and realistic explanation for the vanishing of the forces of al-Mustasim. Whether the evidence of this was removed delibrately, destroyed later on, or otherwise, I believe the battle must have occured in some form. The evidence is lacking to give us any information about the battle, but it seems to be the most logical piece to the puzzle of the timeline of the Creeperian Crusades. As for the apparition, I find no scenario in which its existence could be corroborated nor likely. It was likely a legend started by Ramón Ureña Parejas or his men to increase the legitimacy of their cause in the eyes of all those who would listen, and to encourage morale within the Castillianan and other Catholic ranks. Of this belief, I am extremely confident.

— Dr. Isaac Droz, 2018

A depiction of Santiago Matadeltinianos.

According to Jakop Etli, a Terranilian history professor at the University of Minaltar in Minaltar, Terranihil:

Almost no evidence exists to corroborate the Battle of Sahagún's occurrence. The entire event is likely a myth that began as propaganda against the Deltinians. Furthermore, the fictitious story of the supernatural apparition of Saint Santiago during battle is additional affirmation that the war is folklore. The disappearance of al-Mustasim's army is a mystery that will remain unsolved unless significant archeological discoveries are made.

— Jakop Etli, 1994

War of al-Saffah

Further information: War of al-Saffah and March of Terror

A Deltinian coin commemorating Muhammad al-Saffah.

In June 1280, Osman I sent an army under Muhammad al-Saffah to recapture Idku and march on Salvador to force Creeperopolis to the status of a vassal or to annex it entirely. The army under al-Saffah contained around 50,000 soldiers. On 24 September 1280, the Deltinians began the Fourth Siege of Idku. The Creeperans sent a relief force under Manuel Martínez Sánchez and the two sides clashed on 12 November 1280. The Creeperans were defeated and retreated. The city surrendered on 1 January 1281, ending the siege.

The Deltinians march east along the Salvador River, destroying villages and killing Catholics along the way. The march became known as the March of Terror, as many were slaughtered and massacred. The Deltinians arrived at Salvador on 30 April 1281 and began sieging the city. The siege was broken on 15 June 1281, and the Deltinians retreated back to Idku. The city was sieged by the Creeperans from 26 October 1281 until 23 February 1282 when the Deltinians abandoned the city and allowed it fall to the Creeperans.

The defeated Deltinians returned to Almadinat Almuqadasa and al-Saffah raised 20,000 more men and marched back on Idku. A sixth siege began on 3 December 1283. On 29 February 1284, the Creeperans launched a surprise attack on the Deltinians by storming out of the city gates. During the attack, al-Saffah was killed and the Deltinians were routed. Creeperian and Deltinian diplomats met in Jucuba and signed the Treaty of Jucuba which established a peace between the two nations and gave the Creeperans the city of Dahanomah and a passage to the city as compensation for their losses. The city was renamed to La'Libertad.

Manuel I's War

Main article: Manuel I's War

The Battle of Alsakhra.

Salvador I died on 2 June 1285. He was succeeded by his brother who became King Manuel I. Manuel I blamed Salvador I's death on the Deltinians, claiming that they poisoned him. He rallied support from the people and raised 6 legions and marched to Idku in August 1285. Osman I was made aware of Manuel I's movements and moved to intercept the Creeperans and launch another siege of Idku. Manuel I sent 2 legions south to pillage and scour for supplied. On 4 November 1285, the 2 Creeperian legions and Deltinians engaged in battle near the Deltinian town of Alsakhra. The battle became famous since the outnumbered 2 Creeperian legions defeated a Deltinian army twice as large and caused them to retreat.

On 6 January 1286, the Deltinians laid siege to La'Libertad in an attempt to reclaim it. The siege was lifted on 17 April 1286 when the Creeperian Navy arrived and reinforced the defenders. The Deltinians withdrew and the Creeperans claimed victory. The war ended with the Creeperans claiming the annexation of the lands around Alsakhra, but the Deltinians did not recognize the Creeperian claim.

Honduran Revolt

Further information: Honduran Revolt and Honduran-Deltinian War

The castle of Etxeberria.

The Hondurans were an ethnic group living in northwestern Deltino for centuries. In 1288, due to heavy taxation because of the several defeats inflicted upon the Deltinians by the Creeperans, the Hondurans revolted against the Deltinians and proclaimed independence. The Hondurans were lead by Ieltxu Gojeneche, the Deltinian governor of the Hunduras department.

Gojeneche sought support from the Creeperans. Manuel I promised to send aid on the condition that they convert to Catholicism. The Hondurans accepted and by late 1288, most of the population had converted to Catholicism in the hope the Creeperans could help free them. In January 1289, Manuel I dispatched 5 legions to support Gojeneche and the Hondurans.

The Hondurans captured the city of Hudawit on 13 February 1289 and renamed it to Etxeberria, present day San Miguel. Etxeberria became the capital of the newly proclaimed Kingdom of Honduras with Ieltxu I as its King. The Creeperans and Hondurans faced a Deltinian army near the village of Qumadi on 2 March 1289, and in the ensuing battle, the Deltinians retreated and Honduran independence was secured. Honduran independence was made official on 13 April 1289 with the Treaty of Etxeberria. However, one month later, Osman I rejected the peace and raised an army of 50,000 men to reconquer Honduras.

The Hondurans were made aware of the approaching Deltinian army and invaded into Deltinian territory, taking many settlements to prevent the Deltinians from massacring the villages as they were inhabited by Deltinians. On 17 June 1289, Deltinian forces under Jubair al-Nazir fought the Hondurans in the village of Buqbuq, slaying the entire army and killing many civilians. The Hondurans quickly withdrew back into Honduras to begin a defensive war, as the Deltinians were willing to kill their own to subjugate the Hondurans. The Deltinians attacked the Honduran village of Loiola, massacring the population, on 30 June 1289. Ieltxu I requested Creeperian aid, and Manuel I rallied 6 legions and marched west to assist the Hondurans.

The signing of Treaty of Safaga.

Ieltxu I and 10,000 Hondurans fortified the city of Ibarra in preparation for a Deltinian attack. On 14 August 1289, al-Nazir's forces began a siege of the city. On 10 October 1289, the city fell to the Deltinians and Ieltxu I was killed. The entire city was massacred, with only a few fleeing and surviving. Ieltxu I's son ascended to the throne as Vitruvio I. The Creeperans under Manuel I met with Vitruvio I's forces and began a defense of Etxeberria. The Hondurans planned to defend from inside the city while the Creeperans defended from the exterior. On 17 December 1289, the Deltinians began a siege of the city. The Creeperans surprised the Deltinians on 19 December 1289 with a nighttime attack, but the attack was repulsed and the siege continued, but now the Deltinians knew that the Creeperans were nearby. On 14 January 1290, the Hondurans stormed out of the gates of Etxeberria and attacked the Deltinians. The Creeperans assisted and attacked the Deltinian rear. The attack caused a Deltinian retreat and al-Nazir's forces fled back to Deltino.

The Deltinians did not give up, as they attempted to march on Idku once more to deprive the Creeperans of the city for defeating them at Etxeberria. However, the Creeperans intercepted the Deltinians near the castle of Safaga, and in the following battle on 20 March 1290, al-Nazir was killed. The Treaty of Safaga, signed on 27 March 1290 by Deltinian prisoners, reaffirmed the Treaty of Etxeberria of 1289.

Osman I rejected the legitimacy of the Treaty of Safaga, and again declared he would raise an army to reconquer Honduras. On 18 May 1290, a group of military commanders attempted to assassinate the Caliph and instate his son Osman al-Arshad, as the new Caliph and accept peace with Creeperopolis. The commanders struck Osman I in the head and believed he was dead. They proclaimed the Caliph's death and that his son was now Caliph Osman II. Loyalists, however, found that Osman I was still alive, but seriously injured. Osman II and the military commanders responsible were blinded and publicly beheaded on 1 June 1290. Osman I remained paralyzed for the rest of his life and his second son, Salim al-Arshad, reigned the Caliphate for him while he remained Caliph. Osman I died on 24 July 1295, and Salim V officially became the Caliph of Deltino. He met with Manuel I and Vitruvio I in La'Libertad on 30 August 1295. The three signed the Treaty of La'Libertad, where Deltino officially recognized the independence of Honduras and officially ended the Honduran-Deltinian War.

First War of Miguel I

Further information: First War of Miguel I, Campaigns of Miguel I, and Miguel I's Reign of Terror

On 13 January 1301, Manuel I died unexpectedly at the age 56 in a hunting accident. His son, who was only 12 years old, ascended to the throne as King Miguel I. He immediately ordered an invasion of Deltino and the destruction of Almadinat Almuqadasa. His regent, Caudillo Pedro Candia Bolero, however, stopped the King as the kingdom was already flourishing in peacetime and the King was only 12 years old and could not functionally command an army. On 10 April 1304, when Miguel was 16 years old, he officially gained all his powers as King. He immediately removed Candia Bolero from his post as Caudillo and replaced him with Hernán Monroy Pizarro. Monroy Pizarro accepted the King's orders and began preparing an invasion of Deltino.

Hernán Monroy Pizarro ordering the imprisonment of Haazim al-Latif.

On 18 December 1304, Miguel I and Monroy Pizarro commanded 10 legions and marched south from La'Libertad. Salim V was caught off guard that a 16 year old King would be commanding an army and he was skeptical. He dispatched an army of 5,000 men under Haazim al-Latif intercept the army and see if the reports were true. On 19 March 1305, al-Latif's army was encamped by the village of Sahalayn when he was ambushed by the Creeperans in the middle of the night. The entire army was captured or slain, with around 2,000 being killed with the remaining 3,000 being captured. Miguel I ordered the immediate execution of all the Deltinians, but Monroy Pizarro intervened and suggested torturing al-Latif. Monroy Pizarro ordered Creeperian soldiers to imprison al-Latif in a chamber full of gold and riches to torment him of what he could have had had he been a Catholic. Miguel I still had the remaining Deltinian army put to death. Miguel I continued the torture of al-Latif by forcing him to view depictions of Muhammad and Allah. On 13 April 1305, al-Latif was beheaded.

Salim V was informed of the destruction of the Deltinian army and the death of al-Latif in May 1305. He ordered the assembly of an army of 60,000 men to stop the Creeperian advance south. He gave Yusuf al-Dhahir command of the army and they marched east in July 1305. The Creeperans met al-Dhahir's army at Derna on 17 October 1305. In the first battle, the Deltinians held off a Creeperian attack, but in the second battle on 1 November 1305, Miguel I's forces overran the Deltinians and forced a retreat. Despite being routed, al-Dhahir refused to concede defeat and continued to fight Miguel I.

A depiction of Miguel I's soldiers killing Deltinians during his "Reign of Terror."

On 17 January 1306, al-Dhahir attacked Miguel I's forces near the village of Sirte. In the ensuing battle, the Creeperans claimed victory and around 5,000 Deltinians were captured. The 5,000 were all castrated and buried alive. The Deltinians began to call Miguel I by a nickname as a result of his atrocities against Deltinian prisoners: "The Cruel One." According to accounts of Deltinian soldiers, al-Dhahir ordered his men to commit suicide rather than be captured by the Creeperans in order to avoid a slow and agonizing death. Miguel I's series of massacres against Deltinians became known as the "Reign of Terror."

On 7 May 1306, the village of Misrata surrendered to Miguel I in the hopes that the village would not be massacred. Despite the surrender, Miguel I ordered every Muslim in the city to be killed. In the ensuing massacre, around 12,500 Deltinians were killed. Outrage erupted across Deltino, and Salim V managed to raise 100,000 more men for al-Dhahir. The Deltinians now had the numbers advantage, outnumbering the Creeperans, who had only around 90,000 soldiers, with their own 145,000 soldiers. The Deltinians under al-Dhahir, who was now accompanied by Muhammad al-Zubayr, marched to engage the Creeperans.

Salim V placed a bounty on the head of Miguel I. The bounty amount is unknown, but it is estimated to be around 15 million Credits. The Deltinian army, including al-Dhahir and al-Zubayr, wanted to collect the bounty and end the Reign of Terror of Miguel I. On 25 July 1306, the Deltinians and Creeperans caught sight of each other and prepared for battle in an open field near the now Creeperian village of Ourique, shortly after all its Muslim inhabitants were slaughtered.

A depiction of the Miracle of Ourique.

The Creeperian army was commanded by Miguel I on the right and Monroy Pizarro on the left, while the Deltinian army was commanded by al-Dhahir on the left and al-Zubayr on the right. The Creeperian right advanced first, composed of all infantry, against al-Dhahir's position, also composed of all infantry. Deltinian cavalry from the right to combat Miguel I, but the Creeperans sent their own cavalry to distract the Deltinian cavalry. Miguel I's forces collided with those of al-Dhahir. The Deltinian center, composed of archers, opened fire on the Creeperian center in an attempt to force them to flee. In response, Monroy Pizarro charged al-Zubayr's position, pushing the Deltinian line back. The remaining Creeperian forces pushed forward and collided with the Deltinian archers. By two in the afternoon, the Deltinian cavalry was forced to flee, and the Creeperian cavalry attacked al-Zubayr's flank. With the situation looking dire, al-Dhahir ordered a retreat. The Deltinian left and center withdrew, while the right remained entrapped. Miguel I diverted his focus from al-Dhahir to al-Zubayr. His forces were encircled and his forces were cut down. He was killed during the fighting and the Creeperans won a decisive victory.

According to testimony of Miguel I, at sunset, he witnessed an apparition of Jesús nailed on the cross adorned with angels all around. Miguel I claimed that Jesús told him, "Miguel I, free me and free your people, my people. Go on to Almadinat Almuqadasa and purify the city in my name." The miracle was attested to by several soldiers, including Monroy Pizarro. Miguel I dispatched Monroy Pizarro back to Salvador to inform the Pope of the miracle. On 27 September 1306, Pope Clemento V affirmed the miracle as the Miracle of Ourique. He told Monroy Pizarro that God wants Miguel I to march on Almadinat Almuqadasa in order to save the Creeperans and to save Jesús from persecution. Monroy Pizarro returned to Miguel I in March 1307 and informed him on what the Pope told him. Miguel I declared that he would march on Almadinat Almuqadasa and that the city would burn.

Before he marched on the city, he continued south to capture the Deltinian coastline. On 7 September 1307, the Creeperans began sieging the major city of Buraihran. It was the largest Deltinian port with access to the Southern Ocean, and its capture would significantly hamper Deltinian trade. A refreshed Deltinian army, numbering around 85,000, under al-Dhahir marched to end the siege. On 25 December 1307, the Deltinians attacked the Creeperian camp while they were celebrating the Nativity of Jesús. The Creeperans were defeated, but the siege was not lifted. The Creeperans counterattacked the Deltinians on 2 January 1308.

A depiction of the Massacre of Buraihran.

Despite the Creeperans emerging victorious, al-Dhahir did not retreat. On 19 April 1308, the governor of Buraihran, Talaal al-Mir, made a deal with Miguel I, where he would allow the Creeperans entry into the city if they did not slaughter the population of Muslims. The deal was a trick conceived by al-Dhahir to drop the Creeperian guard while they were hiding in the city and would ambush the Creeperans. On 20 April 1308, the Creeperans entered the city, but instead of holding true to their deal, the Creeperans began killing Muslims. Alarmed by the situation, al-Dhahir withdrew his men so they would not be slaughtered by the Creeperans. Many attempted to flee, but most were slain. During the massacre, al-Mir was captured and beheaded. By 22 April 1308, the city was firmly in the hands of the Creeperans. The city was renamed to Zamora, but it was later renamed in 1387 to Adolfosburg.

The siege was not over, however, as now the Deltinians were sieging the city. On 8 September 1308, the Creeperian Navy arrived with supplies and reinforcements for Miguel I's army. The Creeperans stormed out of the city gates in an attempt to force the Deltinians to flee. Despite inflicting heavy losses, the Deltinians stood their ground and refused to flee. Miguel I knew that the Deltinians would not relinquish the city easily. On 1 January 1309, Miguel I received reinforcements under the command of Ramiro Curtosé Rosales, and together, the two Creeperian armies attacked al-Dhahir's encampment. Again, however, he did not retreat. Miguel I reports that he began to pray and ask God how to end the siege. He reports that God told him to attack the Deltinians on 13 February 1309, the date of Ramadan, to catch them off guard, just as the Deltinians did in the early stages of the siege when they were attacked on 25 December 1307. On 13 February 1309, Miguel I ordered all his forces to attack al-Dhahir's encampment. The attack succeeded, as the Deltinians were not prepared. A massive panic began and the Deltinian army retreated, with the siege ending in a Creeperian victory.

Miguel I had all the Deltinian prisoners forced into the Buraihran Mosque on 13 March 1309, around 4,000 in total. They were all castrated and forced to view depictions of Muhammad and Allah. Then, the mosque was set on fire and burned to the ground, killing all the prisoners inside.

The Creeperans encamped at Zamora for 2 years, tending to their wounds and resupplying. On 24 June 1309, Miguel I was informed that al-Dhahir began sieging Idku. Miguel I left a garrison of 15,000 in Zamora under the command of Curtosé Rosales while he marched the rest of the army north to end the siege. Idku was a symbol of the fight between Deltino and Creeperopolis, and both sides were adamant on controlling it. On 15 February 1310, Miguel I's forces attacked those of al-Dhahir, but he could not break the siege. Miguel I moved to Etxeberria to rally Honduran support. Vitruvio I sent 20,000 soldiers with Miguel I to end the siege of Idku. On 12 February 1311, Miguel I's army slammed into al-Dhahir's forces, causing a massive retreat, ending the siege of Idku. Miguel I chased al-Dhahir south, inflicting defeats against his forces at Zliten, Damanhur, and Janzour.

Salim V meeting Miguel I to draft and sign the Treaty of Najallah.

On 27 August 1311, Miguel I's army arrived at the coast of Buhayrat Alrasul, the largest lake on Sur. The name means "Lake of the Prophet" in Arabic. Miguel I called the lake "Lake San Salvador," the current name of the lake. He marched south to capture and destroy Almadinat Almuqadasa. In late-September 1311, he reportedly was able to see the minarets of the mosques of the city. On 1 October 1311, Caliph Salim V himself and a delegation, including al-Dhahir, met Miguel I two miles outside of Almadinat Almuqadasa. They plead with him to spare the city and turn back, offering large concessions of land and yearly tributes. The Creeperans and Deltinians signed the Treaty of Najallah on 2 October 1311. The treaty ceded to Creeperopolis all Deltinian lands east of the San Miguel River that is also north of La'Unión and all Deltinians lands north of the Zapatista River that is also east of the San Luísian Mountain Range. The Deltinians also agreed to pay the Creeperans a yearly tribute worth approximately 15 million Credits in modern currency. Salim V also married off his youngest daughter, Iizabila al-Arshad al-Mustansir, to Miguel I. The Deltinians hoped that such a generous concession would appease the Creeperans and save Almadinat Almuqadasa. Miguel I returned to Salvador and his first campaign ended in a decisive victory.

Second War of Miguel I

Further information: Second War of Miguel I

Miguel I entering Muzadr.

On 24 July 1319, Salim V died of a stroke and was succeeded by his son, Salim VI. Salim VI wished to continue preventing war with Creeperopolis however he could. When news that Salim V died arrived in Salvador in September 1319, Miguel I immediately began preparations for a new war to capture Almadinat Almuqadasa. After two years of preparation, Pope Juan XXII presided over the Nativity Mass on 25 December 1321 and officially gave Miguel I his blessings. Miguel I, Monroy Pizarro, Curtosé Rosales, who left his garrison at Zamora to join the campaign, and embarked with 120,000 soldiers west with the goal of destroying Almadinat Almuqadasa.

The first city captured by the Creeperans was Muzadr on 15 March 1322, south of La'Unión. It fell without resistance in fear of a massacre, but the population was massacred nonetheless. Salim IV was made aware of the fall of Muzadr in April 1322 and was alarmed of the breakage of peace. He quickly had al-Dhahir rally 40,000 soldiers and march north to halt the Creeperian advance and restore the peace. On 14 May 1322, the two armies met near the village of Zuwara. The Creeperans defeated the Deltinians and massacred 2,000 prisoners. The Deltinians fell back to Tikriqin, where they were again defeated on 15 April 1322. The Creeperans rested in Tikriqin until March 1323 to continue marching south. On 10 February 1323, Monroy Pizarro resigned from his position as Caudillo. He was replaced by the son of Curtosé Rosales, Roberto Curtosé Cortéz.

On 6 July 1323, the Creeperans defeated the Deltinians at Jizanura, reaching the coast of Lake San Salvador. The Creeperans rested at Jizanura and spent time building 4 ships to blockade Almadinat Almuqadasa from the lake. On 15 June 1324, Deltinians under al-Dhahir attacked the Creeperans at Jizanura, but the attack was repulsed and the Creeperans began marching south to Almadinat Almuqadasa. Salim VI send a delegation to plead with the Creeperans to turn back. The delegation of ten was arrested and each was castrated. Nine were put to death while the last was released to inform the Caliph that the Creeperans will "burn Almadinat Almuqadasa in the name of God."

Siege of Almadinat Almuqadasa

Main article: Siege of Almadinat Almuqadasa

Further information: Battle of Altal, First Battle of Buhayrat Alrasul, Battle of Ramadan, Second Battle of Buhayrat Alrasul, and Decree of La'Victoria

Miguel I being blessed by Bishop Adémar Puyal Cisneros before the Siege of Almadinat Almuqadasa.

Before the beginning of the siege, Miguel I had Bishop Adémar Puyal Cisneros, the official representative of the Pope on the campaign, bless him and the army to ensure that God would be on their side and not against them. The blessing occurred on 30 August 1324.

On 1 September 1324, the Creeperans began the Siege of Almadinat Almuqadasa. Miguel I sensed that victory was near, and that the fall of the city would destroy the Caliphate. Salim VI declared that he would not leave the city so long as it was under siege. He would end the siege or die trying. Iftikhar al-Dawla, the governor of the city, and Abdallah al-Mahdi, the commander of the city's garrison, made the same declaration. Deltinians under al-Dhahir attacked the Creeperans on 17 September 1324 in an attempt to quickly end the siege in what is known as the Battle of Altal. During the battle, the Deltinians sustained heavy losses. The losses were so severe that al-Dhahir withdrew south to tend to his army's wounds and gather more men to defend the capital.

On 1 October 1324, the 4 Creeperian ships arrived to blockade the city from the lake, but the Deltinian Navy sent its 15 ships to stop the blockade. In the ensuing naval battle, the first in Creeperian history, the Deltinians sunk all 4 Creeperian ships, killing the fleet's commander, Emmanuel Sándino Hortan, without losing a single ship themselves. The city's access to food and supplies was solidified and Miguel I knew that the siege would take longer than expected. He sent a message to Salvador to immediately begin construction on 45 ships to assist with the siege.

On 25 December 1324, after three months of sieging the city with limited success, Miguel I famously gave his Warriors United Against Baphomet speech:

My fellow warriors united against Baphomet, we are close to achieving ultimate glory. In 745AD, we were conquered by the followers of Baphomet. We were enslaved and forced to toil for the Caliphs. They did not care about us nor God. Under the might of our grandfather, Alfonso I, we rose against the Deltinians who sought to end out way of life. They sought to instate Baphomet over God. Alfonso I said no, we said no. The Creeperans said no to such blasphemy. Alfonso I sought to end this wicked Caliphate, and we are on the cusp of accomplishing his dream. This is the dream of Alfonso I, the dream of conquering the City of Baphomet [Almadinat Almuqadasa] and destroying the Deltinian Caliphate. The Caliph says he will remain in the city and break the siege. He can try to do so, but God will triumph.

God told me so many years ago, "Miguel I, free me and free your people, my people. Go on to Almadinat Almuqadasa and purify the city in my name." It was my mission to follow God's will and destroy the evil city, however, I fell to Satan's temptations. Land. Power. Love. Satan tricked me. Since then, I have repented to God, and I have said no to Satan. It was just a few short months ago, Satan returned to me again offering more land and power and love, but I overcame my temptation and said no. Satan tempted Jesús three times before he began his ministry, and I believe Satan will attempt to tempt me once more before my true reign begins. Jesús said no to Satan three times, but that is because He is divine. I am a mortal, and I said yes once, but I will never say yes ever again. Satan may have tricked me once, but he will fail from now on. Now we have God on our side. This city will fall. We will capture this city. The servants of Baphomet will try to stop us but God will prevail.

Believe in God, and you shall receive. The Lord is on our side; we will not fear. We can do everything through Christ, who gives us strength. All of you, repent for your sins now, for our glory and victory is at hand. With us mortals, this siege is impossible, but with God, it is very possible, certain, actually.

Some of us are destined to fall in this siege, but I promise to you, should you fall or rise, God will welcome you into Heaven and paradise with Him, the Apostles, and all the angels. Those who's bodies are slain in this siege will continue to fight with us in spirit. Believe in God, and we will win.

God demands it! (from the Creeperian: ¡Dios lo'pide!)

— Miguel I, 1324

According to Puyal Cisneros, the speech restored morale in the Creeperian soldiers. He stated that Miguel I gave hope to his soldiers that they would arise victorious. The Creeperans continued to camp outside of the city, living off the land and waiting for the ships to arrive to blockade the city to make it starve. The Creeperans celebrated the Nativity of Jesús on 25 December 1324, which coincided with a Deltinian attack of the Creeperian camp. Soldiers under Curtosé Cortéz broke the Deltinian first line and pushed on al-Dhahir's position, leading to a Deltinian withdrawal, the second time al-Dhahir's reinforcements had done so.

Pedro Bajamande Doré being tried by ordeal of fire.

Pedro Bajamande Doré, a Creeperian soldier under Curtosé Cortéz's command, proclaimed that he had a dream that the Creeperans had scale the city walls on Ramadan, 11 August 1325, just like what the Crusaders did at Buraihran during Miguel I's first war. Miguel I and Curtosé Cortéz were skeptical and asked Puyal Cisneros if they should adhere to Bajamande Doré's claimed dream. Puyal Cisneros did not believe that the dream was real but he asked Miguel I and Curtosé Cortéz to go along with it anyway.

On the night of 11 August 1325, the Creeperans began scaling the walls of Almadinat Almuqadasa. The Deltinians expected such an attack at night on Ramadan and al-Mahdi had his men reinforce the walls that particular night. The attack ended in disaster, with many Creeperans falling to their deaths when the Deltinians burned the siege towers and ladders. When day broke, Bajamande Doré was arrested by the Creeperans. Miguel I asked Puyal Cisneros what should be done, and he deemed that Bajamande Doré had to be tried by ordeal of fire, setting him on fire, and if he was innocent, God would save him by preforming a miracle. That night, Bajamande Doré was set on fire. Reportedly, he remained alive and conscious for several hours while he was burning alive. He reportedly told Miguel I, "God has protected me for all this time, and now He wants me to come home with Him," then, he died. The story's authenticity is debated among scholars and historians, but Puyal Cisneros reported the story as true.

In January 1326, the Creeperian 45 ships from Salvador arrived to the shores of Lake San Salvador by Jizanura. Miguel I met the sailors and informed them of the situation and what they needed to do. Carlos Martel Hernández was placed in charge of the ships and tasked with destroying the Deltinian fleet and blockading the city, ensuring that no food nor supplied entered the city from the sea.

On 13 March 1326, the 45 Creeperian ships under Martel Hernández encountered the 15 Deltinian ships commanded by Ibn al-Hafiz. In the second naval battle of Buhayrat Alrasul, the Creeperans managed to lure the 15 Deltinians ships out of the city's harbor. The ships were encircled and cut down. All 15 Deltinian ships were sunk during the battle and al-Hafiz was killed when his ship caught on fire and sank. The Creeperans lost 8 ships and 5 were damaged, but they won the battle and the city was now blockaded. Salim VI witnessed the battle from the city and knew that now it would only be a matter of time until the city starved or fell if al-Dhahir was not able to end the siege from the outside.

A depiction of Creeperans attacking the city with Malaria-infected corpses. A Deltinian is shown as betraying the city by infecting new corpses.

In April 1326, one of Curtosé Cortéz's soldiers died to Creeperian Malaria, after handling another corpse that was infected with the disease, which gave him an idea on how to further the fall of the city. He had soldiers go to a nearby village, Erbitba, and abducted 6 Deltinians and forced them to relocate the body to their village. The Creeperans got 58 villagers infected with the disease and killed. Curtosé Cortéz ordered catapults to be quickly constructed. In mid-April 1326, the Creeperans catapulted the Malaria-infected corpses into the city. After a few days, a Malaria outbreak occurred in the city as those handling the bodies. Unlike strains of Creeperian Malaria in northern Creeperopolis that the Creeperans were adjusted to that are not contagious, a rare strain in central to southern Creeperopolis was contagious. The infection devastated the city, with an estimated 10-15% dying as a result of the outbreak. Salim VI himself was infected, but he overcame the disease and survived, but the food situation made the disease deadlier as people's immune systems were unable to function properly as the city began to slowly starve.

A depiction of Creeperans scaling the walls of Almadinat Almuqadasa.

On 28 May 1326, al-Dhahir attacked for one last effort to push out the Creeperans. In the ensuing battle near Erbitba, nearly the entire Deltinian was cut down or captured, with only al-Dhahir and 3,000 Deltinians escaping and retreating south. In his memoirs, al-Dhahir stated, "This infidel King of the north has been the greatest thorn in my side for the past 20 years. Rarely do I ever get a win against him, and when I do, it is a minor victory or a costly victory. May Allah strike him down and protect the Caliphate."

On 12 June 1326, Curtosé Cortéz claimed to Miguel I and Puyal Cisneros that he had a dream, like Bajamande Doré had the year prior. He claimed that God instructed the Creeperans to send a few men to scale the east wall of the city in the middle of the night and remain hidden in the city throughout the night, praying the Rosary constantly as to prevent detection. At sunrise, the men are to disguise themselves as Deltinians and, as the morning prayer commences, open the eastern gate and allow the entire Creeperian Army to flood through the gates. He reported that God told him, "Leave no servant of Baphomet live." Miguel I and Puyal Cisneros quickly believed in Curtosé Cortéz's claim and selected four soldiers to adhere to Curtosé Cortéz's dream.

At around midnight, the four men scaled a ladder on the eastern wall and hid themselves in an alleyway near the eastern gate. They prayed the Rosary constantly from when they hid themselves to right as the Sun began to rise. They entered the home of a Deltinian family and killed the four of them, putting on their attire to look like Deltinians. When the morning Islamic prayer began, the 4 men moved to the eastern gate, where the Creeperian Army was ready to storm the city. Miguel I had his men also pray the Rosary from right as the Sun began to rise over the horizon up until the gate was open when the final assault would begin.

A statue of Miguel I holding the head of Salim VI in La'Victoria, San Luís.

At approximately 6:45am, the eastern gate was opened. Miguel I ordered his entire army to storm into the city through the eastern gate with the orders, "Cleanse first, secure second," with the opening of the gate being referred to as the "Miracle of Almadinat Almuqadasa." As the Creeperans entered the city, the massacre of the entire population within the city began. The Deltinian garrison inside was overpowered, as the Creeperans did not think of strategy; all they thought about was killing. During the massacre of the Deltinian garrison, al-Mahdi was captured and slowly dismembered by Creeperian soldiers. Buildings were set on fire with Deltinians inside and mosques were destroyed. Deltinians attempted to flee through the north and south gates, but small forces were stationed there to prevent such escapes. Many also attempted to swim away, but the Creeperian ships cut down any who attempted to do so who did not drown during their escape attempts. The city's governor, al-Dawla, was captured and forced into the Almadinat Almuqadasa Grand Mosque, the largest mosque on the history of Sur, along with 4,000 disarmed soldiers and civilians. The mosque was set on fire and burned to the ground, killing everyone inside.

Miguel I personally lead the charge into the Caliph's palace by the western wall of the city. Miguel I recounted that he met Salim VI and his family in the palace. He mentioned that he did not resist and that he only wanted a private word with Miguel I before being killed. Miguel I was not very descriptive of what Salim VI told him, but he recounted his final words: "We have fought each other well, and our war has come to an end. I know what your intent is, you are the victor, so claim your reward," where he bowed his head signifying to Miguel I to cut off his head. Miguel I beheaded Salim VI, marking the end of the Caliphate of Deltino. He had his entire family thrown out of the palace into a mob of Crusaders where they were impaled and torn apart.

The massacre of the city continued for three days. Although the city had already fallen and the war was over and the Caliphate was destroyed, the Creeperans continued to kill the inhabitants of the city. The entire city garrison of soldiers was slaughtered on the first day, so the remaining two days of massacre was purely against the civilian Muslim population of the city. After the massacre ended, around 200,000 people lie dead in the streets; 200,000 were massacred for being Muslim and residing within the walls of Almadinat Almuqadasa. The Massacre of Almadinat Almuqadasa remains one of the deadliest massacres in Creeperian history.

Crusader graffiti on the ruins of the Almadinat Almuqadasa Grand Mosque carved during the fall of the city.

On 14 June 1326, Miguel I proclaimed the Decree of La'Victoria, which named the city of Almadinat Almuqadasa to La'Victoria. In addition, the decree officially outlawed the practicing of Deltinian Islam in Creeperopolis' domains, making practicing the religion punishable by death. The decree ushered in a 200-year long period of persecution of Deltinian Islam: the First Great Persecution of Deltinian Islam, which lasted from the decree made at La'Victoria until it was officially ended by the First Parliament of Creeperopolis in 1565. The decree also made official the Deltinian annexation to Creeperopolis.

News of the fall of the city spread across Sur. In Creeperopolis, Creeperans celebrated in the streets and Pope Juan XXII declared 13 June to be a Holy Day within the Creeperian Catholic Church. In the southern territories of Deltino, the three governors of the three southern provinces received the news of the death of the Caliph and the fall of the Caliphate. Each governor declared themselves Emir of their own respective province, declaring independence to jointly fight against the Creeperans. Mehmed al-Khan al-Edris, the governor of Helam, was the first to declare independence as Mehmed I of the Emirate of Helam on 13 July 1326. Ohmad al-Jamal al-Mahdi, the governor of Jakiz, was the next to declare independence as Ohmad I of the Emirate of Jakiz on 18 July 1326. Orhan al-Zaidi al-Jalali, the governor of Abdan, was the last to declare independence. He did so on 22 July 1326 as Orhan I of the Emirate of Abdan. The three Emirates of Abdan, Helam, and Jakiz are commonly known as the Deltinian rump states, as they are remnants of the Caliphate of Deltino which was a much larger nation than even all three emirates combined. The fall of Almadinat Almuqadasa and the Caliphate of Deltino coinciding with the establishment of the Deltinian rump states is generally marked by historians as the end of the "First Phase" of the Creeperian Crusade and the beginning of the "Second Phase" of the Creeperian Crusade, also known as the "Deltinian Phase" and the "Rump Phase," respectively.

Great Post-Deltinian War

Main article: Great Post-Deltinian War

For several years, Miguel I did not campaign against Abdan, Helam, or Jakiz, as the Creeperans were occupied by celebrating the fall of Deltino. Meanwhile, he sent expeditions under Martel Hernández east to explore and conquer territory on the Atlántidan Peninsula.

Orhan I invited al-Dhahir to lead an invasion against Miguel I to recapture Almadinat Almuqadasa, but al-Dhahir refused and stated that he would only take orders from a Caliph. Since there were no Caliphs alive, Orhan I expelled al-Dhahir from Abdan. Ohmad I and Mehmed I attempted to persuade al-Dhahir as well, but they could not convince him. In 1328, al-Dhahir left the Deltinian rump states for exile in Castilliano, who agreed to allow him to settle down and live out the rest of his life in peace near the border of Helam. He died on 12 December 1329, one of the few Deltinian military commanders that engaged the Creeperans during the Crusade that did not die during or immediately after battle. In 1362, in the last years of his reign, Miguel I remarked that al-Dhahir was "one of the greatest and most determined Deltinian military commanders to ever walk on Terraconserva."

On 14 March 1331, Miguel I lead 12 legions south and massacred the Helami village of Arbiditha along the Zapatista River. The massacre sparked outrage in Abdan, Helam, and Jakiz, that all raised up armies under three separate commanders to intercept Miguel I and secure the existence of Deltinian Islam in southern Sur. The united army of Abdaners, Helamis, and Jakizians composed a total of 150,000 men, approximately 50,000 from each nation. The Abdaners were commanded by Hasan al-Shaheen, the Helamis were commanded by Faalih al-Karam, and the Jakizians were commanded by Daif al-Majid. Additional commanders included Abdaners Bandar al-Meer and Musheer al-Rayes, Helamis Fayyaad al-Galla and Tufail al-Salam, and Jakizians Saajid al-Salama and Sakeen el-Kaleel.

A depiction of the united coalition leaders paying tribute to Miguel I.

The Abdaner army under al-Shaheen were the first to encounter Miguel I near the village of Takajil. Miguel I successfully routed the Abdaner army on 4 May 1331. Next, the Helamis and Jakizians launched a surprise attack on 14 June 1331 near the village of Baqumia. The battle ended in an effective stalemate, but al-Salama was killed during the battle. On 15 September 1331, the Creeperans prepared for battle, as did the Abdaners, Helamis, and Jakizians, near the town of Sivritlar. During the battle, the outnumbered Creeperans successfully defeated the united coalition, and al-Majid was killed during the battle. On 14 October 1331, the Abdaners, Helamis, and Jakizians entered the city of Eriwr and fortified the city in preparation for a siege. That siege arrived on 15 October 1331 and Miguel I's army set up camp outside of the city walls. After 13 months of siege, the Abdaners, Helamis, and Jakizians surrendered the city on 20 November 1332. Both sides agreed to negotiations instead of storming the city, leading to a massacre of its inhabitants.

The two sides agreed to the Treaty of Eriwr on 23 November 1332 that effectively made the three rump states Creeperian vassal states that paid a yearly tribute to Creeperopolis. The treaty also significantly extended Creeperian territory south. The Emirs of the three states reluctantly agreed its terms as they did not want to have to deal with a Creeperian invasion and massacre of the population of each state.

Fall of Abdan

Main article: Creeperian-Abdaner War

On 3 September 1333, Orhan I of Abdan died. The circumstances of his death are unknown and theories believe that he was killed by his son who would become Emir Orhan II. Orhan II rejected the Treaty of Eriwr and declared that he would reclaim all lands lost to the Creeperans. Miguel I was made aware of the Abdaner declaration of war and marched 7 legions south to march on Alshshati, the capital of Abdan.

In December 1333, the Creeperian army began to ravage the Abdaner countryside on its march south. Messages were sent to the Helamis and the Jakizians stating that if they got involved, their capitals will be massacred. Both obliged by the threat and did not engage the Creeperans. On 18 February 1334, Miguel I began the siege of Alshshati. The city fell on 1 October 1334 and the population was massacred. Orhan II had departed the city the day prior to the city's fall and left for exile in Jakiz. The Creeperans pressured the Jakizians to turn over Orhan II. Fearing an invasion, they complied and handed him over to the Creeperans. Orhan II was executed on 1 February 1335.

The city of Alshshati was renamed to San Pablo.

Fall of Helam

Main article: Creeperian-Helami War

Mehmed I of Helam publicly condemned the invasion of Abdan in early-1335. His condemnation was a sign of treason in the eyes of Miguel I who marched his army west to siege the Helami capital, Alssahil. The siege of Alssahil began on 30 June 1335. The city withstood the Creeperans more effectively, but eventually, the city fell on 17 July 1336 after over one year of siege. Mehmed I was executed and the city was massacred. Alssahil was renamed to San Nicolás.

Fall of Jakiz

Main article: Creeperian-Jakizi War

The surrender of Shata' Albahr of 25 December 1345.

Relations between Creeperopolis and Jakiz remained on good terms following the fall of Abdan and Helam, as Ohmad I denounced Orhan II and Mehmed I's violations of the Treaty of Eriwr. Miguel I rewarded Ohmad I for denouncing Abdan and Helam's aggression with a 10% decrease in the yearly tribute required. Miguel I and Ohmad I met in person on the Creeperian-Jakizi border on 18 March 1339 as a sign of their warm relations, where they discussed possibly giving Jakiz lands in southern Abdan to increase their coastline.Both leaders agreed to each other that, if the two were to ever come into conflict, neither would have the other killed as a sign of their good relations. Nothing was said about each other's soldiers or any civilians.

On 18 March 1342, Miguel Martínez Arshad, the eldest son of Miguel I and Grand Prince of Creeperopolis, was assassinated in Shata' Albahr when he was on a diplomatic mission to discuss that cession of land to Jakiz in Abdan. Miguel I demanded that Ohmad I arrest whoever was responsible and send them to Creeperopolis to be executed. Ohmad I discovered that it was his sons, Ohmad al-Jamal and Sulayman al-Jamal, that had Martínez Arshad killed. Ohmad I could not allow himself to turn his sons over to the Creeperans, and so he offered further land concessions and an increase in tribute payments instead. Miguel I refused, and demanded that his sons were turned over. Ohmad I sent a message to Miguel I that read, "My friend, if this is how it must end, then to war it is."

In March 1343, Miguel I marched south with the intent of destroying the last remnants of the Caliphate of Deltino and to complete the Crusade that was started by Alfonso I on 8 February 1231. The final siege of the Creeperian Crusade, the siege of Shata' Albahr, began on 1 June 1343. Similar to the siege of Almadinat Almuqadasa, the Jakizians had sea access for supplies. The city was completely blockaded by the Creeperian Navy, however, on 18 August 1343, and the Creeperans began to slowly starve the city into submission. The city, however, had a large farm within the city walls that continued to sustain the city's supply of food. It was not until August 1344 that the Creeperans successfully managed to burn the farm within the city walls. From then, the city only had a year's supply of food to last them. On 13 October 1345, sections the Jakizian military of mutinied and attempted to depose Ohmad I, but the mutiny failed and the mutineers were put to death. Finally, on 25 December 1345, while the Creeperans were celebrating the Nativity of Jesús, Ohmad I yelled to the Creeperans, asking to meet with Miguel I. The two met and Ohmad I agreed to surrender the city to Miguel I if he upheld his promise he made in 1339 to not kill each other. He agreed and Ohmad I left Jakiz for exile in Castilliano where he would live out the rest of his life and die on 6 December 1352. Ohmad I left the city before the Creeperans stormed in, and he would never learn that Shata' Albahr was massacred. Everyone in the city, like in Almadinat Almuqadasa, was slain.

The Creeperans celebrated the fall of the city and the city was renamed to Denshire. The fall of Shata' Albahr marked the end of the Creeperian Crusade and the end of Muslim rule in Sur.

Aftermath

Eternal Crusade

Main articles: Eternal Crusade, Miguel I's invasion of Jazira, and Miguel I's invasion of Honduras

Miguel I refused to declare the Crusade as completed, even following the destruction of the remnants of the Deltinian Caliphate. In 1351, Miguel launched an invasion of the island of Jazira, just south of modern-day Abdan. The island was secured as Creeperian territory in 1354 and renamed to the island of San Pedro, after the first Pope, Pedro I.

After the fall of Jazira, Miguel I proceeded to claim many Atlántidan islands in the Bay of Atlántida from 1355–1356, solidifying Creeperopolis' presence and influence in the area. In 1359, Miguel I launched an invasion of Honduras. King Ieltxu III was deposed on 9 March 1360 after a siege of Etxeberria lead to the Creeperans capturing the city. On the same day, Miguel I declared the establishment of two principalities to further his power and influence on Sur. The principalities that were established were the of Principality of La'Libertad del Sur in Atlántida and the Principality of San Miguel in Honduras.

In 1364, Miguel I raised 10 legions the Kingdom westward in the south as a part of his continued Crusade. He began his campaign in 1365 and added new territories to Creeperopolis. However, Miguel I died of old age on 27 April 1365. He was succeeded by his son, Adolfo I, who declared the Creeperian Crusade as having come to an end, stating, "The [Creeperian] Crusade can no longer live, as its leader has passed from us, and he is now crusading in Heaven with the Lord and His angels." Miguel I's campaign west was canceled and the Crusaders returned to Salvador. Pope Urbano V presided over Miguel I's funeral on 10 May 1365. Adolfo I was coronated on 15 September 1365, and his reign ushered in a period known as the Creeperian Renaissance that lasted throughout his reign.

Overtime, the notion of an "Eternal Crusade" against Islam has been supported by nationalist factions in Creeperopolis, such as the Creeperian Pro-Fatherland Front, the Catholic Royalist Party, and the Creeperian Initiative.

Extent of atrocities

The Creeperian Crusade is well known for its atrocities, mostly committed by the Creeperans against the Deltinian Muslim population of the Caliphate of Deltino.

Massacre of Almadinat Almuqadasa

The massacre of the inhabitants of Almadinat Almuqadasa by the Creeperans during the siege of the city is one of, if not, the most controversial topic about the Creeperian Crusade, as 200,000 people were indiscriminately killed for their religion and ethnicity. The massacre has been condemned by several non-Creeperian historians as barbarous acts against innocent civilians.

According to Mbagindu:

The Massacre at Almadinat Almuqadasa was probably one of the world's first well-known mass atrocities. Crusading soldiers had no strategy besides murder. The majority of those killed during the event weren't even soldiers, rather civilians.

— Johnathan Mbagindu, 2011

Miguel I's Reign of Terror

A depiction of the Misrata Massacre during Miguel I's Reign of Terror.

See also

• Creeperian Catholic Church
• De-Catholization
• Decree of La'Libertad
• Deltinian Islam
• First Great Persecution of Deltinian Islam
• List of wars and battles of the Creeperian Crusade
• One-Religion Decree
• Second Great Persecution of Deltinian Islam

Bibliography

• Droz, Isaac (3 March 2018). [Transcript, Section] Surian Religious History, Lecture, 3 March 2018 (Speech). Surian Religious History (in Quebecshirite). Orléans, Quebecshire: University of Orléans. Retrieved 22 November 2020.CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
• Etli, Jakop (1994). Medieval History of Sur (Report). University of Minaltar. p. 105.
• Mbagindu, Johnathan (November 2011). The Creeperian Crusade: A Summative History (Report). William Ntihura University. pp. 54–87.
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