bae@fisher.UUCP (Shiva the Destroyer) (11/26/84)
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Here is a brief history of recent events in the world in
which you are all about to begin campaigning.
N.B. Not all information herein is factual or complete.
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Annals of Recent History
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These annals detail important world events which have occurred
since the Ascension of the Three. The dating system, in accordance with
modern convention, is dated in years A.T. (After the Three)
0 A.T. - Tradition relates that in this year The Three Ascended to power,
surpassing even the gods in their might. Some feel that this is
hyperbole.
1 A.T. - The Dark Lord's lieutenants in the field are slain.
20 A.T. - An alliance between the Barbarians from the Plains of Baal,
The Deibon Highlanders, The World Emperor, and the forces
of the Dragon Lord is made, in order to clean up the remnants
of the Dark Lord's forces, which has been pillaging the
countryside, and threatening the plains-riders.
110 A.T. - The World Emperor moves forth with his armies while the rest of the
alliance is fighting near Mercy Run, in an attempt to secure the
entirety of the southland for himself.
115 A.T. - The World Emperor's forces reach the Eyrt Woods, after consolidating
all of the lands behind them. The Dragon Lord and the Allies resist,
as they had been promised lands in the south in return for their
services.
120 A.T. - The World Emperor's forces drive the allies back into the Plains of
Baal. Lake Braglor is hotly contested by the Dragon Lord's naval
and air forces. Assault on Dragon Isle repulsed.
120 A.T. - The Thron from Hron, Nrak, and Grash spawn. As the spawn did not
occur the last time, due to bad climate conditions, this spawn
is twice the normal size, and the Thron are forced to move to expand
their borders. They move towards the Western border of the World
Emperor's territory.
121 A.T. - The Thron horde crosses the Verbosh River at Caer Cadwen and
Drausswort.
122 A.T. - Unable to defend both of his fronts at once, the World Emperor
retreats his forces from his eastern campaign, in an attempt to
shore up his western border against the Thron invasion.
123 A.T. - The Thron break through the border guards, and march towards
Viridistan. The Emperor's eastern forces are delayed by barbarian
attacks, and do not return in time. The Emperor flees to the North
with several of his picked advisors, leaving his lands and peoples
to the mercy of the Thron.
124 A.T. - The Thron pillage the World Emperor's land, and proceed to launch an
assault into the Southern Valley. The massed forces of the Bay-Yeng
and Hobbit armies are unable to slow their march.
124 A.T. - The Elves, rather than risk a battle with the Thron, withdraw from
the Valley, and begin to sail south, leaving Elfheim entirely,
128 A.T. - After a brave resistance, the hobbits retreat out of the Valley,
cross the South Arnuth river, and rejoin their brothers in the
old Hobbit Lands. They prepare for war, and become a fierce and
war-like people.
130 A.T. - The Thron inhabit the entire Valley, and the surrounding mountains,
with the exception of Bay-Yeng and its western lands up to the Great
Wall. The Valley of the Mage is also left undisturbed.
140 A.T. - The Thron forces again go on the move, this time attempting to cross
the South Arnuth river. The Dwarves and Hobbits hold the Thron at
the river's edge. The Enchantment of Rhomba still guards the river,
discouraging Thron attempts to cross the river.
150 A.T. - The Thron mass again, this time in unmatched numbers.
The Enchantment of Rhomba is destroyed by Thron warlocks working
in concert.
151 A.T. - The Thron cross the South Arnuth. The Crown of the Hobbit Kings is
lost in the battle.
152 A.T. - The Hobbit nation retreats into mountain holds with the dwarves.
160 A.T. - The Thron make some raids on the new Viking seaholds on the north
coast.
162 A.T. - The Thron assault Dwarven fortifications. The siege of Thunderhold
begins
164 A.T. - The Host of the Dragon Lord arrives. Vikings strike from North,
Barbarians from Plains of Baal come in from the West. The Thron
horde is driven back across the South Arnuth river.
167 A.T. - The Thron retreat into the Southern Valley.
200 A.T. - Barbarian scouting expeditions begin arriving near the Eyrt Woods.
217 A.T. - Rumours of a large battle in the North. World Emperor has taken
over the Dark Lord's last lieutenant, and claims his holdings as
his own. Anoren reinforced by World Emperor -> New Dark Lord.
240 A.T. - Thrasia and Cathay make peace, and join together with Bronya
as one Cathic-Thrasian empire. Resources freed for expansion.
250 A.T. - Thrasian colonization fleet leaves Thras. While sailing up
the South Arnuth towards Lake Braglor, it is destroyed by a Thron
ambush.
260 A.T. - Cathic-Thrasian war-fleet leaves Thras. The fleet has full Cathic
air-support. While sailing up the South Arnuth, on full war alert,
the fleet pillages several Hobbit ports after the Hobbits requested
river tolls, thinking the Hobbits had destroyed their previous fleet.
The Hobbit Nation declares war, and sinks several ships. However,
the Cathic air-support proves decisive, and the Hobbits are driven
back from the river.
261 A.T. - Hobbits request aid from the Dragon Lord. While D.L. is en route
to parley with the Hobbit King, his embassy party is ambushed by
an Cathic air-fleet, and loses several dragons.
261 A.T. - The Dragon Lord issues a decree : no air-ships will be permitted
over the Western Lands.
263 A.T. - Cathic-Thrasian Empire declares war on Western Lands, after this
challenge to their air superiority. Armies begin to mass.
265 A.T. - Dragon Lord forges alliance with Eastern Plains-riders. A joint
strike force secretly gathers, and moves forth towards the Eastern
cities.
266 A.T. - Eastern cities launch invasion into west. Saturation bombardment
of hobbit lands begins.
267 A.T. - Three attempts are made on Dragon Lord's life. Cathic home armies
exterminated by massed dragon attack. C-T cities left defenseless.
Remaining C-T field forces recalled to defend their homeland.
268 A.T. - Battle of Baal Gap. Returning Cathic-Thrasian armies destroyed
in engagement with barbarian rear-guard.
270 A.T. - Siege of Bronya, Cathay begun. Thras blockaded.
271 A.T. - Bronya falls
272 A.T. - Cathay falls
273 A.T. - Thrasia surrenders. Cities of Cathic-Thrasian Empire razed by
barbarians; population scattered.
275 A.T. - Edict of the Dragon forged :
"No large scale armies or troop movements will be permitted. No
offensive warfare will be waged. Violation is punishable by the
wrath of the Dragon Emperor"
This is the first use of the title "Dragon Emperor" by Saladin the
Mighty.
280 A.T. - Lake Braglor, all interior islands, Thrasia, and several ports
annexed by the Dragon Empire. Gheulost Island siezed and fortified
by Dragon Emperor. Fortifications constructed on Dragon Isle, which
is declared the capital city of the Dragon Empire.
290 A.T. - Alliance formed between hobbit nation and Dragon Empire.
Free passage and trade assured.
300 A.T. - Small scale barbarian settlements begin in West.
330 A.T. - Barbarian settlers get to site of old Viridian Empire. Dragon
Emperor grants all land, save for Viridistan + 25 miles around, to
new settlers.
350 A.T. - Second Edict of the Dragon forged:
"All unoccupied lands are free and open for settlement. Free-holders
will all recieve ~100 acres of land. Individual baronies will be
initially limited to one 50-mile hex. Expansion will be permitted
at a later time, through permission of the Dragon Emperor."
360 A.T. - Third Edict of the Dragon forged :
"Psionics shall not be persecuted or discriminated against"
370 A.T. - Psionics Guild formed
390 A.T. - Settlment efforts begin in Plains of Fahrten, Grome.
400 A.T. - First contact made with Sylvan Elves. Treaties of non-interference
made with Dragon Empire.
400 A.T. -> 600 A.T. - Pax Vermiis
600 A.T. - Large army marches forth from Talok Pass, Gates of Gorn. The army
is mostly composed of orcs, ogres, misc. trolls & giants.
601 A.T. - Army of Dark Lord crosses Northron Slay.
601 A.T. - Dark Lord forces encounter new barbarian settlements on Plain of
Grome. New-Haven sieged.
601 A.T. - Dragon Empire relief forces arrive. Dark Lord's forces driven
back to Talok Pass.
640 A.T. - The Great Plague sweeps through the northern settlements. The Dark
Lord is suspected, but no proof is found. Major northern trade
routes shut down.
645 A.T. - Dwarven army prepares to march on Dwarve-heim, in an attempt to
regain their ancestral home.
646 A.T. - D.E. representitive encourages Dwarves not to go to war, as they
would be in violation of the First Edict of the Dragon. It is
requested that they appeal to the Dragon Emperor for aid. In
return, the Dwarves propose the concept of a "just and holy war
against those scum-bag orcs". Dwarves refuse diplomatic solution.
646 A.T. - Dwarven High King slain. Hammer of the Dwarven Kings is stolen.
647 A.T. - New High King selected by the Dwarven council of Elders.
He promises to avenge the death of his predecessor, and to continue
with the war plans.
647 A.T. - Dwarven High King is again slain. His Hammer of Thunderbolts is
stolen.
648 A.T. - Dwarven Council of Elders concludes that Dragon Empire
is responsible for the assassinations. All Dwarven trade is
shut off, and the Dwarves go into seclusion.
650 A.T. - Forging of the Hammer of Vengeance begun by entire Dwarven nation.
650 A.T. - Assassin's Guild refuses all contracts on Dragon Emperor.
Reason: Pax Vermiis encourages political manipulation, rather
than war, which is good for the Guild's coffers.
655 A.T. - Dwarves slay ambassadors of Dragon Emperor, who had been sent
to convince them that the Dragon Empire was not responsible
for the assassinations of their Kings, and the theft of their
Hammers.
666 A.T. - Gate nexus re-opened in Nameless City. Demon Lords, Devil
Princes freed due to energy backlash. Hastur returns, and
sits upon the throne of the Nameless city yet again. He
keeps his presence hidden.
670 A.T. - Brewster makes alliance with Nameless City. Full abilities of
Shub-Niggurath turned towards repopulation of Nameless City.
700 A.T. - Dark Lord moves against Brewster, attempting to sieze Throne of
the Gods. Dark Lord's first expedition destroyed at the gates of
the Mountains of Madness.
710 A.T. - Dark Lord launches second expedition against Brewster. Siege of
Mountains of Madness begun.
715 A.T. - Brewster calls upon the Nameless City for aid
716 A.T. - Hastur sends Byakhee support to Brewster
717 A.T. - Dragon Emperor dispatches forces to break siege
717 A.T. - Dark Lord sends armies forth from Talok pass, striking south into
the settlements around New Haven
718 A.T. - Dragon Emperor summons reserves to hold off new attack
718 A.T. - Dark Lord sends armies forth from the Gates of Gorn, across the
Northron Slay, heading for Anoren.
719 A.T. - Dragon Lord calls up last reserves to hold off Dark Lord's new
invasion forces
720 A.T. - Dwarves move to re-take Dwarve-Heim.
720 A.T. - Dragon Emperor withdraws his forces from the region of the Mountains
of Madness, in order to stop dwarves
721 A.T. - Dark Lord withdraws all invasion forces from the south.
721 A.T. - Dwarven Leaders assassinated two days before dwarven army would have
encountered Dragon Empire Peace-Keepers. Dwarves retreat to
Thunderhold.
725 A.T. - Hastur sends forth legions of servants to defend Brewster.
727 A.T. - Dark Lord retreats from Mountains of Madness
740 A.T. - Elves begin returning from south. They settle along southern coast,
by the mouth of the South Arnuth.
760 A.T. - Small settlement in north is completely annhilated by attack of
a Mind Flayer raiding party.
762 A.T. - Important leaders of the Psionics Guild are murdered, evidently by
Mind Flayer assassins.
772 A.T. - Psionics Guild issues declaration of war on Mind Flayers, in light
of their recent crimes. Dragon Emperor secretly gives his support.
780 A.T. - Multiversal Trading Corporation begins negotiations with Dragon
Emperor to start doing business on this plane. Their offer is
accepted.
785 A.T. - Attempt is made on the Dragon Emperor's life, by 12 Mind-Flayer
assassins. The Dragon Emperor tightens his security, and begins
investigating Mind Flayer invasion.
790 A.T. - Drow embassy reaches Dragon Emperor. Namor the Wise heads the
delegation. The Drow report that their city is under attack by
the Mind Flayers. Probable location of the Mind Flayer main
city is discussed.
790 A.T. - Treaty is made with Drow nation, guarenteeing free trade and
non-aggression.
795 A.T. - Exploratory expedition sent by Dragon Emperor to scout out the
approaches to the Ithilid city.
800 A.T. - Dwarves finish forging Hammer of Vengeance
810 A.T. - Dwarves begin massing armies and supplies
817 A.T. - Dark Lord and Ithilids make a treaty of mutual assistance.
Dark Lord begins massing forces to attack the city of the Drow.
820 A.T. - Dwarves begin sending small scouting expeditions towards Dwarveheim.
The Dragon Emperor sends warnings to Dwarves to cease.
825 A.T. - Massed Dark Lord and Ithillid forces cut off approaches to the
city of the Drow.
826 A.T. - City of the Drow falls to sieging forces. Drow are enslaved. Dark
Lord makes alliance with the Kuo-Tao, in exchange for some Drow
prisoners. Namor escapes, with a few of his henchmen.
830 A.T. - City of Elveheim now re-established. Elves make treaty of mutual
defense with the Hobbits, and with the Dragon Empire.
834 A.T. - Dwarves dispatch a large army to take Dwarve-Heim. Dragon Emperor
is convinced to not intervene.
835 A.T. - Dwarven army is completely destroyed by unknown agents aprox.
50 miles outside of Dwarve-Heim.
837 A.T. - Some disturbance are reported on Lake Braglor. Unverified sightings
of new islands.
843 A.T. - Several Guildmasters of Assassins are assassinated
by unknown agents.
849 A.T. - Reports begin arriving from sailors concerning strange happenings
in Lake Braglor.
856 A.T. - A new wave of Barbarian settlers arrive in the northen settlements.
The city of Deonia is re-inhabitted.
860 A.T. - The Church of Set begins to regain power.
864 A.T. - Sceptre of Donblas recovered by Lafite + Calinor + Lassar
868 A.T. - Battle for Erelhei-Cinlu. Mind Flayers driven out of city.
Power Balance
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Chaotic Evil
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Hastur - Nameless City
Brewster - Mountains of Madness
Cthulu - R'lyeh
Church of Set
Church of Arioch
Neutral
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Dragon Empire - Isle of the Dragon, Anoran, Viridistan, Targnol Port, Thras
Drow - City of the Drow (enslaved)
Psionics Guild
Assassins Guild
The Great Mage - Valley of the Mage, Ealorn
Plainsriders of Baal
Bard's College
Elves
Hobbits
Brotherhood of the Balance
Lawful Evil
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Dark Lord - Land of the Dark Lord
Dwarves - Thunderhold
Ithillids - Ithalia, City of the Drow, Sea of Darkness
Lawful Good
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Church of Donblas (Haven,Deonia)
Church of the Ki-Rin
--
Brian A. Ehrmantraut
Ad Maioram Gloriam Hasturi!
UUCP: {allegra, astrovax, princeton, twg} !fisher!bae
BELL: (609) 452-8991 / (609) 734-7761
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