Siege of Highbrood

The Siege of Highbrood was a battle and assault that took place in the year 412 AC. It's aim was to liberate the town of Highbrood from its Mountain Clansmen conquerors.

Background
Heavy raids were reported all along the Mountains of the Moon, with many battles fought between clansmen and the knights of the Vale. The Skirmish of the Black Abyss, the Battle of Raven’s Ford, and Hardyng’s Harrowing were all famous conflicts that saw heroes and villains arise on both sides. As winter approached, the fighting began to ebb, and for a time it looked like there might be respite. But just after the first of the snows began to fall, a large band of wildlings descended into the lowlands of the Vale proper, sacking the town of Highbrood and taking it for their own. The advance of winter made ousting them all but impossible, the high passes of the Vale impassible by all save the bravest and most foolish.

Rather than allowing the continued subjugation of the people of Highbrood, Osric Arryn heeded the advice of some councilors and gathered what forces he could. Thus began the long march through the snow; it was a gruesome slog, and the siege of Highbrood that followed was much worse.

Aftermath
The city of Highbrood was freed from its captors, though at a grave cost in lives. The Arryns left a small garrison to protect the town and aid its recovery.

Politically the assault had a mixed effect; some lords saw it as a necessary evil that needed to be done, whilst others looked on the brutal attack and its cost as avoidable. Even Osric, who led the attack, voiced later grievances with Harrold Arryn, who had recommended it -- the large loss of life was hard to stomach.