| Category | Wars |
| Period | 911 HE - 920 HE |
| Theater | Ma'Ohari |
| Alias | Vampire Wars |
| Belligerents | Smizerak, Radiant Cross |
| Drachlaz Lords | |
| Map | Tha'lith |
The First Merioss Crusade was a holy war against a deeply rooted Vampire threat. It encompassed a triangular region stretching from the expansive jungle swamp Gurutharni to Kilth, and along the banks of the Ezdynn River - the Blood Triangle. This vampiric menace had been building since the era of the Varelay Empire, spanning from 684 LE to 2620 LE, when dozens of vampires escaped Drachlaz. The First Merioss Crusade was one of three necessary campaigns to suppress the well-organized vampire infiltration and feeding operations.
The escapees of Drachlaz roam the rural areas, felling the solitary scout, or targeting some remote settlement. All blood-drinkers, feral in nature, they become more potent and shrewd with each victim they claim.
Zydarah, vrock historian of Varelay
The primary aim of this conflict was to purge the region of vampires collaborating under the sway of a Drachlaz Lord. These master vampires commanded a retinue of vampire spawn and mortal minions, who were fanatically loyal through magical subjugation. They confronted the formidable 15,000-strong army of the Smizerak Federation and the hallowed military advisors and champions of the Radiant Cross.
After a harrowing nine-year war traversing perilous jungles, treacherous swamps, and imposing mountains, the majority of the region's preeminent vampire lords were vanquished at Drachlaz; the sole survivor was Kezgihr.