Siege of Duervale

Duervale is a strategically important city in the valleys of the Verdant Peaks. First founded by the Dwarves millennia ago, it has long served as a source of conflict between the Dwarves and the Dark Elves. Several attempts were launched by the Dark Elves to capture the city through the centuries, but only the most recent attempt, 130 years ago, proved successful, at great cost. While the Elves could never seem to defeat the Dwarven defenses that surround the ancient city, Dark Elven cunning ultimately won the day. Pursuing a policy of genocide against both the defenders and the civilians in the city, its primary river resources from the surrounding mountains were poisoned with a lethal toxin that felled the native Dwarves in staggering numbers. Well over half the population succumb to the poison, leaving the remaining citizens' morale shattered. The defenders surrendered, leading to a massacre of the remaining Dwarves. Looting and pillaging persisted for a week. Scholars would later conclude that the study of Northern Dwarven culture is forever handicapped by the loss of life, property, and research material. The siege and following genocide remain one of the most notorious and controversial chapters of Daeruin's history.