History of Eltharas

Flights of Red Dragons contend with the Dwarves of the EarthSpine mountains. Further south, White dragons also contend with both the Red Dragon and the Dwarves for dominion over parts of the mountain range. Certain eastern parts of the EarthSpine mountains, and the lowlands there are eventually lost to the Dwarves. It is known that Gnomish forces support the Dwarven resistance in some areas. Some Dwarves and Gnomes seek safety much deeper down into the earth and begin to fracture into their own colonies within what becomes known as the Underdark. Common understanding is that these splinter groups became Duergar and Svirfneblin, though opinion is somewhat divided on this especially among Dwarves and Gnomes themselves.

After many losses over previous centuries, and likely due to some infighting, Elven consolidated rule of much of the region breaks down. Orcish and Goblinoid forces rise and take advantage of the mayhem to capture some regions. Eventually, the whole region becomes an easy target for Giants coming from the mountains and across the Azurgulf to stake claim to various parts of the map. Their strength is only challenged by several dragons who rise up in anger or arrive from elsewhere to also claim their own regions and control of local populations. From this time forward the whole region essentially becomes fractured into warring factions ruled by these powerful entities. Although many elven towns or cities remain in some form over this period, even if only in memory, five significant settlements of note are considered to be lost permanently.

This begins the end of the period during which the whole of the Khurabil region was ruled by Giants, Dragons, and other warlords. The Cleansing Wave starts to dethrone these rulers, and free the people of the land, also inspiring other groups to rise up and fight alongside them for freedom. The sale of slaves from the region to The Dryft Empire effectively ends. The Vanguard begins to form.

An elder Storm Giant attacks Port Zaram and The Vanguard disappear with it during the fight in an attempt to try and stem its destruction. Only Bruno returns.

Steinwark is founded and construction of the Stone Bulwark wall begins.

Following the death of Prince Harald Khurabil without a direct heir, the principality is plunged into civil war as various noble houses vie for the throne. The war lasts for 15 years and ends with the rise of Lady Elvrae Khurabil, a distant relative, who proves to be a wise and just ruler.

A devastating plague sweeps through Khurabil, claiming nearly a third of the population, including Prince Darkrin Khurabil. The event leads to the establishment of new sanitation laws and the founding of several major temples to the gods of healing. The fledgling city of Confluence survives relatively unscathed.

A massive horde of Hobgoblins, led by the warlord Goruk Bloodhelm, invades Khurabil from the east. They come by armada, bypassing Steinwark. The principality’s forces, led by Prince Corwin Khurabil, and Garret Hulsham, Lord Commander of Steinwark, repel the invaders after a series of bloody battles, including the decisive Battle of Stonebridge. The forces of Steinwark are decimated, and Garret was a new appointment, formerly a Cavalier captain from Battervold. The invasion continues in waves over several years, with the result that the strength of the response grows over time.

As Khurabil prospers, powerful trade guilds begin to rise in influence, leading to a period of economic growth. The Merchants' Council is established, gaining significant power in the governance of the principality, often rivalling the authority of the prince.

As part of the resolution between the various branches of the Khurabil family concessions are made and sections of the family are given dominion over large tracts of Khurabil. In exchange they disavow any claim to the throne and change their names. This essentially creates a noble class of Dukes and Duchesses, who have some semblance of nobility but more specifically considerable value from their vast holdings.

The Grand Library of Khurabil, an adjunct to the Academy in Port Zaram, previously somewhat spartan, is rebuilt into significant scale by Prince Eldrin Khurabil. This involves gathering manuscripts from across Foresthome, Khurabil, Earthspine, and elsewhere on Eltharas. The restoration uncovers ancient tomes and lost knowledge, leading to a renaissance of learning and culture in the principality. new treaties and agreements were required with both Earthspine and Foresthome to enable gathering particularly valuable books and documents from them for this enterprise.

An alliance is forged between Khurabil and the maritime city-state of Wheilor, securing Khurabil’s access to vital sea routes and enhancing its naval capabilities. The alliance is sealed with the marriage of Princess Aelith Khurabil to Lord Varian de Wheilor. This also somewhat legitimises the upstart nation of Wheilor internationally.

A strange meteorological phenomenon causes it to rain blood for seven days. The event is seen as an omen, leading to widespread panic and religious fervour. Scholars and priests still debate its significance. Many suggest it is an echo effect of the Demon Siege event from the year before.

Prince Eamon Khurabil, a beloved figure and heir to the throne, disappears under mysterious circumstances while on a diplomatic mission. His fate remains unknown, and his disappearance casts a long shadow over the principality. His younger sister, Helena eventually ascended to the throne.

A widespread sickness spreads across the Khurabil lands, leading to much lost agricultural production and many deaths. This causes widespread suffering and unrest. The crisis is exacerbated by a harsh winter and a plague of locusts, forcing the principality to seek aid from its neighbours. As a result some ambassadorial and economic concessions are made to Foresthome and, to a lesser degree, EarthSpine and Wheilor.