History of the Kingdom of Stonegate
As penned by the School of Dyllarian History at the Stonegate Academy
For Emurian History prior to 601, see the document entitled Emurian Pre-History.
This is a brief historical outline of human settlement in Dyllaria and the Kingdom of Stonegate. This information is common knowledge among all the races and is written from a human perspective. The current year is 603.
525
Human adventurers exploring the territory known as Dyllaria by its Dwarven inhabitants find wealth and fame. More groups pour in from established territories to the north and east. The human population begins to grow rapidly.
528
Sir Garic Lorne and his followers construct a fort near the confluence of the Snake River and Basmar River. He announces plans to construct a castle.
532
Construction begins on Stonegate Keep.
535
An enormous army of Goblins, Orcs, Ogres and Minotaurs has formed under the direction of The Overlord. This Dark Army begins to march westward from the Fortress of Kaas to annihilate both the Dwarves and Humans. Plains Barbarians allied with the Dwarves hear of the force and warn them of their fate. King Verle I declares war and the Dwarven forces are mobilized.
536
Led by the extremely formidable Stone Giant known as Krolm, the Dark Army engages the first Dwarven forces on the Battle Plains. The Dwarves are heavily out-numbered, and over half of their troops are lost in a rout. The Goblin Wars have begun.
538
Believing the Dwarves defeated, Krolm pushes on through the Lava Gate Pass to the unfinished Stonegate Keep. Seeing that the Dark Army is simply too large to defeat, Garic decides to flee. Under the cover of darkness he and his followers float on rafts down the Basmar River. His fortress and the unfinished castle are leveled.
539
Garic enters the Beard Mounds. He and Verle I form an alliance to combat the overwhelming numbers of the Dark Army. Lacking discipline, Krolm's forces have broken down into mobs and are terrorizing outposts and villages along the Basmar River. The Dwarven/Human forces are able to isolate these mobs and eliminate them one at a time. The tides of war begin to shift in favor of the alliance.
541
A small trading post near the North Wood is attacked by the Goblin armies. Many Human women and children are slaughtered. The King of the Erlunn Elves Pylarius III, refuses to respond to pleas for help. The survivors are forced to abandon their homes and flee north of the Basmar River. The Goblins pursue them.
545
The Humans and the Dwarven allies move up the Basmar to face the main force of the Goblin army. This battle will be decisive as to the future of all races in Dyllaria, and Pylarius III is again asked to help by giving whatever assistance that he can. He does not reply. Garic and Verle I each swear an oath of indifference toward the Erlunn Elven Nation. King Pylarius III's name is entered into the Royal Book of Grudges by Verle I.
546-548
A game of cat and mouse occurs during this period in which both sides attempt to determine the relative strengths of the other. During one battle a Dwarven soldier named Aelin Goldentongue sacrifices himself to save Lord Garic's life by taking a poisoned crossbow bolt which was intended for the Human leader. Garic suggests that the reconstructed and rapidly growing outpost near the North Wood should be named the town of Aelin.
549
The two armies meet at a spot just north of the Basmar River and take part in the Battle of Basmar Fields. The confrontation lasts weeks and the Dark Army is eventually forced to retreat south across the river.
550
Construction begins anew on Stonegate Keep.
551
The town of Torrent is established as a lumbering community by survivors of the Battle of Basmar Fields. The founders are those too severely wounded to pursue the Goblins and those who are disenchanted with the Goblin Wars. Although not on terribly bad terms with Lord Garic, Lord Canus Guthenor makes it clear that the citizens of his community will not pledge allegiance to Stonegate Keep.
551-553
A period of small skirmishes occurs in which the Humans and Dwarves successfully push the Dark Army southward. Near the end of this period the Goblins enter Lava Gate Pass.
554
Krolm decides to make a stand in the Lava Gate Pass. Commander Barris Hornfist leads nearly half of the Dwarven army south through the Beard Mounds to block the southern end of the pass and effectively prevent the Dark Army's retreat. The Overlord's army is annihilated. Lord Garic's top field marshal, Rage Scenarius, meets Krolm on the field of battle and defeats him in one on one combat. Some Goblins, Ogres, and Orcs escape and flee across the Battle Plains. Barris leads a division to hunt the survivors down and exterminate them. The victorious Humans and Dwarven forces return home. The final battle is known as the Battle of Lava Gate.
556
The Free City of Mythamber is established by a group of ex-soldiers. Their main source of income is the vast reserve of amber in the area. They wish to remain independent of Stonegate and to establish their own ties with the Dwarves and the now independent Alipostos Elves. The Dwarves establish an outpost at the southern mouth of the Lava Gate. Originally founded as a guard against entrance into the pass, this outpost becomes a springboard for trade between Stonegate Keep and the barbarian tribes. The town is named Barris in honor of Barris Hornfist.
560
Lord Garic and the Dwarves sign the Treaty of Barris. In the document both sides promise to come to the other's aid in time of war. Garic grants the Dwarves farmland to the south of Stonegate Keep in return for permission to build a few Human outposts in the Beard Mounds. It is agreed that Mythamber shall remain a free city and that both sides can trade freely with them. Construction begins on Bloodhammer Forge.
563
Guildmaster Crabbet Guthenor of Aelin and his brother Canus, Lord of Torrent, form the Basmar Merchants' League. This union binds the two together as trading partners and solidifies their independence from Stonegate Keep. The league's main function is to standardize prices of all products exported by its members.
564
Bloodhammer Forge is completed.
569
Helmwood is established as a free outpost and a base of exploration into the Dragon's Fire Peaks and the southern part of the Forest of Tears. It quickly blossoms into a thriving lumbering town, supplying wood to the Dwarves as well as the Drae in the Slaver's Peaks. Stonegate Keep is finished.
570
Erlunnite Elves passing through the Lava Gate Pass encounter a Dwarven patrol. The suspicious Dwarves thoroughly interrogate them about their intentions. The Elves refuse to allow their packs to be searched by the Dwarves. The confrontation escalates into a battle in which two Elves and one Dwarf are killed, and several are wounded. The now venerable Dwarven King Verle I declares war and notifies Lord Garic that the Dwarves will march on the North Wood in two weeks. Barris is attacked by Barbarian raiders in the night. Elven arrows are found and this fuels the smoldering Dwarves' anger and they begin to march toward North Wood. Garic sends his son Palinor to Pylarius III to find out his intentions while Lord Garic himself intercepts the Dwarven army in hopes to dissuade Verle I. Both sides are determined that war is inevitable. Garic sends a messenger to Lord Elonia of the Alipostos Elves asking him to help mediate. Lord Elonia immediately sets out for the North Wood. Garic is able to delay Verle I long enough so that the Alipostosian leader can overtake the Dwarves and reach the North Wood first. With the Dwarven army standing in the shadow of the North Wood, Palinor manages to convince Pylarius III that his best option is to negotiate. Verle I agrees, but he rufuses to meet face to face with the Elven leader. Though correspondence it is decided that troops from Stonegate will patrol the Lava Gate and Dwarven troops will patrol Barris. It is also decided that any Elf who should attempt to enter Barris without allowing themselves to be searched shall be barred for life. This agreement is known as the Lava Gate Pact.
572
After being snubbed by Lord Garic and learning of his father's supposed expedition to the Green Mountains, Negeon Mangus establishes a settlement near the head of the Snake River. Construction begins on a keep at this location, which is known as River's End.
579
Lord Garic passes away due to natural causes. Palinor is the new Lord of Stonegate Keep. He holds an official banquet to begin his reign. Representatives from all over Dyllaria attend the affair, including ambassadors from Erlunn. The Dwarven Kingdom receives invitations, but sends no representatives.
581
A group of Mystic Wood Elf merchants settle in the Snake River Valley and establish the town of Dollos. The area is great for vineyards and will eventually produce the famous Dollosian Brandy. Later the same year, the town of Galavast is established on the northern edge of the Valley of Bones by the Wizard Arianus.
585
Remin is established as a mining town. Much of the initial funding comes directly from Stonegate Keep.
586
Lord Palinor becomes the first Human to be invited into the North Wood. He and Pylarius III agree to trade openly and that each shall be welcome in the other's lands.
589
Cyrus Ashington, the mayor of Dollos, swears allegiance to Stonegate Keep. As a response to the new found friendship between Palinor and Pylarius III, Verle I abandons Barris leaving it virtually undefended and putting an end to the Lava Gate Pact.
590
The High Council of Barris appeals to Lord Palinor for protection. No agreement is made as details need to be ironed out. Verle I dies of natural causes. He is suceeded by his son Grell Scanna.
592
Lord Palinor is brutally murdered in his bed chamber while his guards stand watch outside. The assailant somehow gained entry and committed the murder without making a sound. His only heir, his son Balladan assumes the title of Lord of Stonegate Keep. His first action is to meet with the new Dwarven King Grell II.
594
Lord Balladan and Grell II agree to a strong trade and military alliance. As a show of unity, Lord Balladan pledges to stop minting coins and to begin using the ancient system of Dwarven currency known as Dyllars. This agreement is known as the Treaty of Steelhaven after the name of the Dwarven town in which the coins are minted.
595
Lumberton Shire is established as a taxing station between Dollos and the Free City of Mythamber. The residing noble and town founder is Lady Morgan Le Fay Scenarius. The Fractured Skull Orc Tribe under the direction of King Aug, declares war on the newly formed settlement.
596
The Head Healer of Galavast, Kellimon Pree is revealed to be the Necromancer Dannacus. After imprisoning Lord Arianus in an initial attempt to gain control, Dannacus leads his undead minions to victory. Helmwood is quickly taken over as Dannacus proclaims himself king. His newly acquired lands become known as the Kingdom of Varingard. Later that year Lord Chancellor Kern Darkway and High Guildmaster Dinen Davere lead an assault on Dannacus’s stronghold. The Necromancer is ousted and Lord Arianus is reinstated as the Lord High Wizard of Galavast. In the aftermath of Dannacus’s defeat the people of Helmwood proclaim Lord Arianus as their new Lord.
In a brutal takeover of River’s End, a conglomeration of Dyllarians and Elysian Nobles murder Lord Negeon Mangus. The takeover is unsuccessful as no strong leader steps to the forefront. Former Herald, Glenstorm assumes control under much protest.
The Lumberton Shire Orc War heats up. The town defenders are defeated handily at The Battle of Blood Mountain. Lord Balladan establishes a standing garrison at Lumberton Shire.
597
Lord Glenstorm resigns as the Lord of River’s End. Within the next few months both he and his successor Lord Khabarakh are slain during a visit to Galavast. The title of Lord is next passed to Sir Fooz Coalbaron.
The Orcish hero Huntonno leads several assaults against Lumberton Shire and meets with mixed success. He joins forces with an unknown Lich and together they pose a formidable threat to the town’s survival. The Lumberton Garrison under the direction of Field Marshal Urik meets the combined forces of Orcs and undead in a large clearing outside of town where the Lich is trying to form a new dimensional portal. The creatures are defeated handily at the Battle of Lich’s Gate.
In Galavast, the deposed necromancer Dannacus returns seeking to reunite with Lord Arianus. He is allowed to return under much protest from the people of both Helmwood and Galavast.
By the end of the year River’s End becomes cursed by a chaos being calling himself Lord Vinlar. This being uses powerful magic to taint the ground so that healing spells cannot be cast within town limits. Lord Fooz seeks aid from several sources to no avail. The economy of River’s End makes a miraculous recovery despite the curse.
598
A group of necromancers and rogues led by Lofton Sargus, Kane Lee, Kage of the Blue Diamond, and Lorik Blixar attempt a takeover of River’s End. After their initial assault meets with some success they are trapped within the Healing Guildhall and most of them are slain. Kage is captured and sent to Galavast to be Obliterated. Lord Arianus agrees to supervise the administration of the River’s End Celestial Guild as part of a new-found unity between River’s End and Galavast. Sir Gili Rockcrusher and Lord Magistrate Achee lead a group to capture Lord Vinlar in a tree in the middle of River’s End, effectively ending the curse.
A large horde of mixed stock invades several parts of Dyllaria, beginning with Barris. Lord Balladan, visiting Remin to quell a minor rebellion, is cut-off from Stonegate. He is not heard from again and many believe him to be dead. Meanwhile the Dark Horde continues to attack and scores several early victories by razing Torrent, Helmwood, and even Stonegate Keep itself. Lord Fooz Coalbaron resigns as the Lord of River’s End and sets up a council of leaders who will rule in his place. He moves to Lumberton Shire and sets up a school for battle mages to aid in the war against the Dark Horde.
The Dark Horde attacks the Army of Stonegate east of Lumberton Shire. The army withstands the assault, but several groups of horde troops manage to slip behind the lines to attack Lumberton. Lord High Marshal Jarn Shanodin assumes control of the town’s defenses personally and leads the local garrison to victory. Several of his men are proven to be traitors, and they are all either slain or captured. The advances of the Dark Horde are effectively stalled in the Lumberton area.
Using the former town of Helmwood as a base of operations, the Dark Horde begins a campaign of harassment against Galavast. A division of the Royal Army of Dyllaria under the direction of the Dwarven Prince Threll Scanna defends the town from the bulk of its attackers. After a seesaw battle the two sides draw to a stalemate. Sir Anselm Poleho leads a group to flank the Dark Horde and create problems with the supply lines near Helmwood. He is caught in the line of retreat of the undead army of the Arch-Lich Daranak. Sir Anselm’s force makes a valiant stand but is routed and its leader slain at the Battle of Daranak’s Flight. Sir Jarvis Longshadow also assists the Dwarves in leading a mildly successful counter-attack that settles the region for the winter.
In River’s End the council falls apart due to the death of some key members, and Sir Gili Rockcrusher claims the title of Lord of River’s End. A nobleman from western lands named Alarian Oakmore supports him. Lord Gili’s reign begins shakily when he slays a woman and her unborn child at the direction of Vala Gurth and a few others from Galavast. The woman’s protectors claim that she carried Lord Balladan’s unborn heir. Sensing that all is not well, Lord Gili sets out on a quest to reclaim the child’s life force. Sir Fooz Coalbaron returns to River’s End with a group of his companions to help defend the town. In Lord Gili’s absence the Chaos Lord Vinlar is freed and begins to harass the town once again. Little more than six months since Sir Coalbaron resigned his position as lord, River’s End seems on the brink of collapse.
599
The year begins with the death of Lord Gili Rockcrusher of River’s End at the hands of an unknown assassin. Without any true heir apparent to the lordship of the land, things seem close to civil war. The Dark Horde continues to attack the town, and the intensity of the assault is raised to sap the will of the people. The morale at River’s End sinks to an all-time low.
As things worsen in River’s End, Lord High Marshal Jarn Shanodin of Stonegate Keep, acting in the King’s name, sends a small army to defend the lands and the people from the threat of the Dark Horde. Lord Diplomat Artemis Silvertree is also sent to calm the political environment and assess the situation. While inspecting Lord Gili’s private belongings, Lord Silvertree uncovers proof of an alliance between the deceased lord and the western nobleman Lord Alarian Oakmore of the Free City of Ashton. Lord High Marshal Shanodin declares this union to be valid, and Lord Oakmore is appointed as the new Lord of River’s End. Within the first few months of his reign Lord Oakmore successfully defeats the Chaos Lord Vinlar. He assigns Lord Dakota Ironbane as the Lord of River’s End under him, and continues to rule both Ashton and River’s End. One of Lord Ironbane’s first acts as lord is to rename the town Rockcrusher Forge in memory of the sacrifice made to the town by Lord Gili Rockcrusher. Lord Oakmore claims the lands in between Ashton and Rockcrusher Forge as his own holding. He calls this territory the land of Oakwood.
In Lumberton Shire, the Horde War has left its mark. The town proper barely stands in a shell of its former glory. The last lord in charge of these lands, Lady Scenarious received her final death at the razing of Stonegat Keep, and the local garrison has ruled in a state of marshal law ever since that time. The Hobling King of Dyllaria, the Great Old Guy takes over in a dual role as King and Lord of Lumberton Shire. The Great Old Guy proves to be too old and weak for such taxing responsibilities, and he eventually dies. Attendance at Shire market days continues to fall.
Dark Horde assaults continue to wear away at the will of the Dyllarians. In Galavast, this once proud town becomes disheartened and many of its leaders fall to infighting. Paranoia and mistrust run rampant through the streets of Galavast, and eventually the Lord Chancellor, Kern Darkway resigns his position in the face of unfounded accusations of treason.
During this darkest time the Dwarven Royal Army of Dyllaria and the badly battered Army of Stonegate begin to mount some victories against the Dark Horde in a two-pronged assault. In the south, the noted healer Ezeakeal Zeldarious leads a force of adventurers to a successful recapturing of Helmwood. The Dwarves and a force of Black Robe Knights under the leadership of Sir Jarvis Longshadow orchestrate an all-out frontal attack on the Dark Horde, while Zeldarious’s force attacks the town proper. The attack is a success, but not without cost. Sir Jarvis and his entire order of knights are annihilated during the fighting, and the Dwarven forces suffer heavy casualties as well. The confrontation is known officially as the Liberation of Helmwood. For his part in the engagement, Ezeakeal Zeldarious is named Lord of Helmwood by Lord Arianus. Meanwhile, Lord High Marshal Jarn Shanodin declares the realm of Stonegate to be a Kingdom, and begins to organize a ruling hierarchy that will include baronies and counties. He refuses to accept any new title, and declares Lord Balladan to be the rightful King of Stonegate.
While the recapturing of Helmwood is taking place, a group of heroes secretly makes an attempt to rescue King Balladan from the clutches of The Overlord, Tilicaf. Led by the former necromancer Dannacus, and consisting of Squire Malikie of Oakwood, Goodman Falcone of Rockcrusher Forge, Lord Merchant Garrett Starlen of Oakwood, Sir David Thorne of Oakwood, Sir Thain Ironhelm of Rockcrusher Forge, Battle Master Fooz Coalbaron of Lumberton Shire, Lord Vala Gurth of Galavast, Lord Ashe of Galavast, Sheriff Fluffy of Galavast, Goodman John of Galavast, Goodman Kane Lee of Galavast, and Goodman Kage of Galavast, this group succeeds at a high cost. Over half of the group are slain during the attempt, and both Dannacus and Fooz Coalbaron are believed to have received their final death at the hands of dark forces. The leaders of the Army of Stonegate use the return of the king as a battle cry, and morale among the Humans and Dwarves alike takes a sudden upward swing. The heroes responsible for the King’s rescue become known as The Company of Thirteen. Each takes the title One of Thirteen.
600
With the King recently returned, the lands settle a good bit. Morale picks up, and momentum begins to shift in the short but brutal Horde War. Victories mount for the Dwarven and Stonegate allies, but the fighting becomes more and more difficult. Many volunteers fill the ranks as all seek to do their part. As the year grows long in the tooth, two heroes are returned to the lands and the people as both Fooz Coalbaron and Dannacus are found to be alive. Dannacus is rescued from the Fortress of Kaas by a group led by Lord Vala and Lord Ashe. Goodman Coalbaron returns after months of amnesia, and takes up residence in Galavast.
As the fighting enters its most savage and crucial point, an aging but still strong King Pylarius III decides to lead his forces from the North Wood and into the field against The Dark Horde. Striking several key victories against Horde forces, the Erlunn King and his army appear to turn the tide. In a feat of Elven magic, the area of the Ivory Plain north of the North Wood sprouts into a thick forest within a week. This cuts off the eastern half of the Dark Horde army from the rest of it, and allows the combined Erlunn, Stonegate, and Royal Dyllarian forces to converge on the largest part of the remaining force near the western mouth of the Devil’s Gate Pass. The battle that ensues is one for the ages. All sides fight well, and even the still ailing King Balladan takes the field. The result is a resounding defeat of The Dark Horde, although it does not come without a cost. The Dwarven Crown Prince, Threll Scanna is slain. He is buried with the other soldiers at his father’s insistance, while the Elves and Humans look on. During the ceremony, King Pylarius III shows great respect by using his own cloak to shroud the body of the fallen Dwarven Prince. King Grell, touched by the gesture and the effort of the Erlunn army, declares that the Erlunn people will be removed from the Royal Book of Grudges. The fight becomes known as the Battle of Muddy Cloak.
After the victory and a brief celebration, King Pylarius III returns home to find his lands strangely quiet. Within a week after the Battle of Muddy Cloak however, the Elven Royal Family are found murdered in their beds. The King escapes such a fate while making an unscheduled midnight scouting trip. Furious and heartbroken, King Pylarius finds himself suddenly confronted by an enemy force that has somehow infiltrated his defenses. In defense of his lands and his people, The King invokes the power of a mighty artifact known as the Heart of the Erlunn Nation. After two weeks of fighting, the invaders are driven out of the woods, and King Pylarius III dies from prolonged exposure to the powerful magic of the artifact. The Erlunn throne sits without an heir.
Pockets of Horde forces still dominate some areas of Dyllaria such as Mythamber and the eastern Battle Plains. By the end of the year however, these groups become more and more fragmented, and it becomes apparent that the Dark Horde is very much on the run. In Lumberton, one of the heroes of the Liberation of Helmwood, Ezeakeal Zeldarius becomes Baron at the personal request of the King. The Baron brings much stability to the land, and by year’s end the Lumberton market days have made a striking turn-around.
In Galavast, Lord Arianus accepts an invitation to pledge allegiance to Stonegate and is appointed as Count of the Shadowlands. The newfound unity also spreads westward as Lord Oakmore becomes the Count of Oakwood. In a tragic occurrence, two members of The Company of Thirteen receive their final deaths. Sheriff Fluffy of Galavast dies while defending the the people from a vicious Wyvern assault, and Dannacus dies along with the noted sage and Naturalist Xavier Lukather, after they and Count Arianus make an unsuccessful raid on the Fortress of Kaas. Kaas is destroyed, but The Overlord is not killed. Fooz Coalbaron and Garrett Starlen are named Lords of Ashton and Galavast for their unending service to the lands and people. Barons Dakota Ironbane of Rockcrusher Forge and Loren DeArman of Ashton accept their places within the new Kingdom gracefully.
By the end of the year however, Count Oakmore is summoned to stand before the Erlunn High Council as the last remaining heir to the throne. His claim is suspect as the bastard son of a royal mistress, but he is the only living Elf of any Erlunn blood at all. Just before his official crowning, Prince Aliposts Erlunn, lost since the end of the Dark Wars in 420, turns up and makes a claim to the throne. After confirming his identity, the High Council decides that Prince Alipostos shall rule as the king with Prince Alarian as his primary advisor, and that the blood line shall follow from Prince Alarian’s first-born son. King Alipostos Erlunn III is crowned at a private ceremony late in the year. His people, the Alipostos Elves abandon their home in the southern Forest of Tears and return to Erlunn lands with their King.
601
The Horde War lingers on, but it is mostly contained in highly concentrated pockets of resistance. The main areas of continued fighting are that of the fallen City of Mythamber and the formidable Fortress of Kaas, and one of these would fall before the end of the year.
In Galavast, Sheriff Fluffy’s grave is defiled by necromancers, and Baron Ashe makes a plea to his King and Count for assistance in making sure that this will never happen again. Accordingly, King Balladan decrees that a secure tomb to house the remains of the Company of Thirteen shall be set up in the heart of the refurbished People’s Park in Stonegate City, and that a special force of retired adventurers known as The Eternal Watch shall guard it.
Enraged at the death of two of Dyllaria’s staunchest defenders, King Balladan leads a large part of his army to make sure that Kaas is indeed destroyed once and for all, and that the remains of Dannacus are recovered. Accompanied by both Count Arianus and Count Artemis Silvertree, the expedition manages to recover Dannacus’s remains, but those of Xavier Lukather are never found. Meanwhile, the Horde leader Maev’s attempt to awaken an evil dragon to aid the Dark Horde’s cause is thwarted by several adventurers and the sacrifice of several white unicorns who are required to give their horns to prevent the creature from awakening. A small memorial called “Tyrra’s Sacrifice” is erected in The People’s Park to honor those who aided in keeping the dragon asleep. It is noteworthy for its magnificent sculpture of a proud and majestic unicorn.
In Lumberton Shire, a powerful Death Knight known as Neyamius begins to attack the lands and the attempted peace with the Locathah of Lake Scenarius is in jeopardy. Baron Ezeakeal Zeldarious ascends to the position of Viscount, but is killed permanently by a large attack of fishmen. In a rushed move, his replacement as Baron, Artor Beash, accepts the role of Viscount and is succeeded as Baron by the former Knight of the Shadowlands, Malikie Sindorf. Rumors swirl that this move is made as a last-ditch effort by Count Silvertree to keep The King from declaring Marshall Law once again.
In the west, the rampant undead minions that have recently beset the lands of Ashton are seemingly defeated as the fallen knight Sir Steiner is believed to have been destroyed. With the aid of several adventurers, Lord Zacktell Blackwind uncovers the true nature of the creature known as Kal-Teth to be undead as well. Under Lord Zacktell’s leadership, the town rallies together and destroys Kal-Teth in the absence of the newly appointed Baron Baern Dragonfang.
With the death of Emperor Cornelius, most of the old Imperial states fall to infighting, and Prinnith joins the lands of Stonegate. While Corliss, Ironholm, and the Crysteel City experience varying degrees of social unrest, the Free City of Vargus turns to its military leaders to provide order and lawfulness, which they do. A Town Council of local merchants and Guild Masters is appointed to handle domestic affairs while the former Imperial Mercenaries care for the town’s defense. Among other problems are the ultra-fanatical anti-chaos group known as the Knight Blades, and a group of Marobai led by an extremely powerful magical creature known as Keldrin. The creature is virtually immortal, and can only be killed by first destroying several nodes of power that are located in towers guarded by undead, elementals, and other powerful creatures. The town has much trouble, including dissent within its ranks, but eventually Keldrin is defeated thanks to the leadership of Magistrate Arien, Head Guildmistress Katrina, Earth Guildmaster Val’imar, and Celestial Guilmaster Altonzyr.
602
In Ashton, the Vampire Queen is finally put to rest, ending her reign of terror over the populace. The mystical graveyard thought to be her doing is found out to be the work of a powerful Wraith King. Four heroes led by Hoan of Avalon’s Crown ally themselves with the power of Life. Four “seeds of life” are planted during a massive battle between the citizenry and the undead, and the graveyard is destroyed.
Meanwhile a massive army of Trolls entrenches in the hills west of the town, cutting off all contact with the highlanders of Sarum. The Trolls are led by mysterious robed figures that are rumored to be capable of transforming large numbers of them into greater beings.
The oft-absent Baron of Ashton, Baern Dragonfang is finally stripped of his title by Count Loamann at the urging of His Majesty. Bringdar Payne (formerly the drake known as Avalanche) is the new Baron of Ashton. One of his first acts is to lead an assault on the Trolls which succeeds in killing one of the robed mages that lead them.
In Galavast, The Arm of Winter is stolen from the safe-keeping of the townspeople by a large group of Fire Elementals, the Travelers’ Stone is finally returned to its rightful place by a group of adventurers led by Lord Dinen Davere and Goodman Fooz Coalbaron, and rumors abound of a “Council of the Dead” arising in the Valley of Bones.
The King’s Festival is held within the lands of Galavast once again, and it is a very eventful time. All enjoy the festivities despite a trial in which several traveling adventurers led by Mistress Wynter are found guilty of murdering Katrina Weaver, the head of the ruling council of Vargus. Viscount Vala holds the trial under the watchful eye of Count Arianus and King Balladan. After the trial, King Balladan holds audience with Katrina and Arien in which they discuss the possibility of a treaty between Vargus and Stonegate.
Lord Sheth and the Death Knight Neyamius join forces for an attack on Count Arianus. Houses Ebonheart and Sinniot respond immediately and arrive on the scene in time to help their beleaguered Count. During the assault, Baron Ashe Sinniot, One of Thirteen, receives his permanent death and Count Arianus is forced to resurrect. The recently relocated Prince of the Erlunn Elves, Alarain Oakmore, becomes the new Baron.
In Vargus, the town continues to grow thanks to the leadership of its guilds. Several citizens rise to the challenge and become important leaders within the ruling council, including Arien, Katrina Weaver, LaMort, Kestra Moonshadow, Zorin, Bobo, and the brothers Altonvyr and Val'Imar Zauafin. As the council formalizes treaties with the collective cultures of the Forest of Myst , they begin to try and deal with the remnants of Keldrin’s magical curse which prevents the casting of formal magic, as well as the use of formal items and spirit effects within the town proper. They are unable to remove the curse however, and no successful market days are held within the town as a result.
Meanwhile, Goodman Fooz Coalbaron arrives in Vargus as an official envoy from The Kingdom of Stonegate. He and the council engage in negotiations for bringing the town under Stonegate control. The local populace seems to have little use for Stonegate, and Coalbaron receives a very cool response.
In Lumberton Shire, the Fractured Skull Orc War gets out of control. Locals are alarmed when the Orcs build a fortress on the outskirts of the Barony. Without any nobles in town, Falgar Shinglefoot leads a brave band of adventurers in a doomed assault on the Orcan lines. The attack is a ruse to allow a group of scouts led by Bleys Silverleaf to infiltrate the enemy lines, and it is a success. Several die in the attempt, but the scouts are able to gain some vital information as to the nature of the encampment. Late in the year, The Army of Stonegate overwhelms the Orcan position and destroys the fortress. Once again, King Aug escapes.
Despite the trouble with the Orcs, attendance at the market days begins to climb slowly as Baron Sindorf shows his strong character and leadership abilities. He assembles a strong group of nobles around him, but by the end of the year there are whispers among the commoners that too many Elves are gaining prominence in the Baron’s hierarchy. Count Artemis Silvertree is rewarded for his years of faithful service when he is promoted to the position of Regent of Dyllaria. Tobilinor Xenox, an ex-Arcane Brigade member and noted sage takes the position as Count of Silvertree.
Near the end of the year, Fooz Coalbaron, One of Thirteen dies in Ashton while defending the town against Dark Dwarves. In a mysterious occurrence, Lord High Warden Garrett Starlen also receives his permanent death. Both are buried within the Tomb of the Thirteen along with Ashe Sinniot, Fluffy, and Dannacus.
604
Stonegate continues on valiantly, with fighting on several sides, despite the death of Lord High Marshal Shannodin in the Reclamation of Galavast. A new Lord High Marshal is set to be named at the King's Festival. An assassination attempt upon King Lorne leaves him weakened, but he soon recovers. The assignation attack on the Alariya of the Elves leaves little doubt that the Miydrandan Dark Elves have a hand in the affair and rumors of war abound.
New Lumberton Shire continues to be plagued by a variety of creatures, including Orcs, Locatha, Hobgoblins, Minotaurs, and the never-ending threat of Neyamius. Several of New Lumberton Shire's nobles receive their permanent deaths, including Count Malidor Bradok, Lady Baroness Liriili Therinophilius, and Squire Shadow, adding to the rumor of a curse upon the nobles of Lumberton. Lord Fenick is elevated to the position of Count amid a subdued celebration. The new Baron, Ecaed Sindorf, continues to hold the Barony together, creating a strong house in the wake of the destruction, and slowly the market-days continue to grow. The Hoblings have settled in nicely in New Lumberton Shire, and continue their business of logging, ever careful of the presence of Dryads.
The County of the Shadowlands faced a devastating attack from the Council of the Dead, led primary by the Death Knight Sheth and the Death Elemental Sigh. Galavast falls to a devastating surprise attack and her people are forced to flee before the Crystals of Pree, which create a particularly virulent form of Dark Earth. An Outpost is created and King Lorne sends Lady Protector Galindreel and Lord High Marshal Shannodin to deal with the crisis. Both the Dwarves and the Erlunn send aid. The stones are destroyed by a group led by Baron Gorloch, Lord Arvan, and Lord Nevaeh. The town is later reclaimed after much bloodshed and loss of life, when the Tree of Order is planted in the center of town. Count Arianus remains absent from the Shadowlands and Viscount Vala resigns his position. After the reclaiming, Galavast continues to be plagued by Elementals, serial killers, and the Traveler's Stone glows a sinister red. Refugees from the Khala Sarr Village in Rockcrusher Forge resettle in Galavast.
The Barony of Ashton underwent major changes during the past year, and named Fiona Ravendale as Baroness of these troubled lands. The emergence of the remnants of Emperor Cornelius' reign reeked havoc among the locals, and the "New Empire" led by the High Wizard Razik Starger has been trying to eliminate the Stonegate nobility in the area. Rumors of a long-forgotten prophecy coming to fruition is in the air, along with strange whispers of a growing threat in the mountains to the north. The citizens and nobility of Ashton were victorious in the past year, ridding the lands of the Black Onyx tower that had risen to the east of Ashton. The Baronial House led a group of worthy adventurers into the top recesses of the towers and closed the threat, stopping the onslaught of Pantherghasts and other foul beasts spilling from the confines of the tower.
Although not part of Stonegate, the small island chain known as the Dragon Isles and the land of Vargus saw many adventurers from the Kingdom adventuring there. Trade talks continue between the two lands, but both places are plagued by various problems. In the Dragon Isles, after "The War of the Veil" the people of Saavan and Ni'Wrad, start to settle more of the isles. When they intrude on "The Forest of Fortune," they encounter an ancient evil. Over the next few months the increase of Unseelie activity in the forest escalates in to another war. Thus, starting "The War of Curses" with the Unseelie inhabitants of the forest. Near the end of the year "The War of Curses" comes to a mysterious end. Also, Duke Sarynth and Captain Omelk strangley disappear from the isles leaving no trace. During this time Ishii Zau'afin gets the approval of the people of Saavan, and takes over as Shogun of the Dragon Isles.
In Vargus the rapidly declining prosperity of the region and the frustrating curse of Kelren caused four locals to step forward and take the reins of leadership in the area. Under the rule of these four, who called themselves the Councilate, Vargus once again began to have prosperious market gatherings, and was able to end the long-standing curse. They remain free of Stonegate and cleansed most traces of the Empire's legacy by dispatching Natasha and her loyal Silver Shield warriors from the land. New problems arose, in the form of large forces of hostile insects and golems, and most noticably a portal to the Haunted Wood on the Fae Plane was opened. Keldren's legacy, too, was not at an end, as his powerful hex lead to the enslavement of two of the Councilate and many adventurers and commoners. They attacked at the Harvest Festival, and though these dominated were defeated, both Nathanial Rivendorn and Trenethor Altrian were permanently killed, leaving only the two scholars of the ruling group to keep order, and the next year looking once more uncertain for Vargus.