The Coalition of the Clans

The Coalition of the Clans was an alliance in the Vale, between the Black Ears, Stone Crows and the Howlers, formed in 270 AC. Together they attacked numerous settlements and even won a major victory against the House Hunter and Corbray before breaking after being defeated by Lord Arryn in 272 AC.

The Formation (270 AC)
While the Vale was still recovering from the effects of the Black Rot, three years earlier, the chieftains of the Black Ears, the Stone Crows and the Howlers met for a council deep in the hidden valleys of the Mountains of the Moon. There they formed the infamous Coalition of the Clans, intent on carrying out multiple large scale raids upon the unsuspecting Vale of Arryn, and using their victories to attract more clans.

It was the eight moon of 270 AC when the Coalition first struck against a town in the lands of House Corbray. The garrison was quickly overwhelmed and the inhabitants relieved from their lives and their belongings. They did not waste much time and were long gone when a force of mounted knights finally arrived. Two more raids would follow in this year, both aimed at the lands of House Hunter. Tales of their victories spread fast and over the next few moons many clans, bigger and smaller, joined the coalition.

The Ambush in the Silent Valley (271 AC)
In the early moons of 271 AC, Lords Hunter and Corbray gathered a force of knights in preparation of an united attack on the coalition. Three thousand men would follow them, deep into the Mountains of the Moon. The Chieftain of the Black Ears, Cheyk had observed the Valemen since they had entered the hidden valleys in which the clansmen had taken refuge thousands of years ago. In a narrow valley he and his warriors awaited the famed knights. Accompanied by blowing horns they fell upon them, killing many in the ensuing slaughter and retreat. Only a mere thousand would return to their homes as the Valemen stood humiliated before the triumphant clansmen.

The Breaking of the Coalition (272 AC)
After the devastating defeat of his vassals, Lord Arryn himself left the safety of the Eyrie accompanied by another army. This time they would not search for the clansmen, but await their attack and meet them on the open field, where the Valemen held advantage. The wardens plan would work out, and after a short battle the raiders broke and fled back into their mountains.

In the aftermath of their defeat, a disagreement between members of the Black Ears and Howlers, escalated into a skirmish, with Chieftain Shagga being killed. His followers swore revenge but fled the camp. This marked the end of the coalition, the remaining clans would depart one by one, with many fights over the distribution of the looted goods breaking out. The next decades the clans would be occupied with infighting, and the Vale would see peace, at least for a while.