Dwarven Timeline

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Note: Elanthipedia currently only has a copy of Part 2 of the timeline. Was Part 1 ever released? Does anybody have a copy? Note: Does anyone have a firm date on when "Approximately 100 years ago, etc" dates to? ~Hithrael

This timeline, written by GM Czarra, describes events central to the Dwarves of Kermoria. Its description of Forfedhdar, Adamantia, and Kwarlog (among other regions) was (and, to some degree, remains) unique because these regions were not explorable by player characters at the time. The timeline is notable for possessing a style that is more prose-like than found in the timelines of GM Cadaya.

The Elanthipedia has other Timelines available.



Part 2

The Dwarven Timeline, Part 2 Note: The time in parenthesis I have used to attempt to match the timeframes with solidly established dates. ~Hithrael

From Approximately 1200 years ago (~1100-1000BL):

Berdna is destroyed:

Berdna, one of the three cities (along with Gardul and Fashein) comprising the Dwarven Gardul Free State, is overrun by biters that erupt out of the earth into the Dwarven tunnels. The GFS is reconstituted as the Greystar Commune to prevent the destruction of the other communities, under a Tetrach of military commanders chosen by advanced age and lot.

Continuing Difficulties with Rendstaan:

King Heksoch Membrachson declares his city a free trading zone for all races, breaking the longstanding tradition of tariffs for all outsiders among Dwarven communities. Making matters sill worse, he issues the proclamation "in the Name of the King of the Dwarves." The other Dwarven communities break all economic and diplomatic ties with Heksoch and his town of Rendstaan at the next Thing. Rendstaan is effectively placed under boycott.

Conclusion of The Elven-Human War, or "War of Tears:"

The war ends without finality, due to exhaustion on both sides. The Human leaders renege oh prior promises of support against Snow Elves depredations, claiming that their forces have been decimated. Garrock of Winter's White responds with words recorded on the Stone of Disappointment: "Human promises are even shorter than Human lifespans, it seems." The Hibarnhvidar Dwarves who survived the War, angered, return to their homes.

From Approximately 1100 years ago (~1100-1000BL):

Rendstaan:

Word arrives that King Heksoch of Rendstaan has died. He was only the second king ever of the Dwarven race, and the experiment is universally judged a failure. His five heirs each seek the acknowledgement and assistance of other Dwarven communities at the year's Thing, with inconclusive results.

Later in the century, Heksoch's second-eldest son, Gwaldhar, is killed (some say by an axe in the throat, others by poison). Factional war erupts in Rendstaan. Non-combatants flee to Kwarlog.

From Approximately 1000 years ago(~1000-900BL):

Continuing Difficulties with Rendstaan:

The war continues. The city is described to other Dwarves by visiting merchants as deserted save for the various factions and a small group of nonaligned neutrals, with most of its buildings torn down to provide better line-of-sight.

The World Dragon:

Word comes to the Dwarven communities at their next Thing that a group of worshippers of the World Dragon have been fighting great battles among the lowlanders. The Kwarlog representatives emphasize that only by remaining true to their natures can Dwarves escape the perils of being surrounded by enemies.

The Seven-Starred Empire:

Akroeg begins consolidating power, buying off, bullying, and conquering various communities in the outside world; demanding and receiving "recruits" (actually hostages). He makes no demands of the Dwarves, however. Various communities send representatives to the Dwarven communities requesting aid against Akroeg, but none is forthcoming.

Within a few years, the market for Dwarven goods begins to dry up, as Akroeg disrupts caravan trade routes in "the lower world." Dwarven communities begin to feel the pinch.

Still later, heralds arrive at all Dwarven communities, presenting blue cloths embroidered with seven silver stars. They request attendance at an important meeting to discuss union between the races, and the foundation of an Empire "for the benefit of all Elanthia's peoples."

The heralds explain that attendance by all Dwarves is an impossibility, and that they will have to send empowered representatives. After some initial surprise at this concept, a lengthy meeting gives pride of place to Taratochs, called Skullcleaver among the other races because of her activities during the Elven-Human War, Taratochs is a simple guard whose opinion looms neither large nor small with her kin; she is chosen because of her luck and regard among non-Dwarves.

The Dwarves remain largely silent at the subsequent meeting, allowing their few objections to be ignored while several representatives of other races praise Akroeg's foresight, and the idea of an Empire that will end strife forever and bring about a golden age. But when the final agreement is drawn up and put to a vote, required unanimity is missing-in Taratochs' words, "We Dwarves say nay to your paper. Now ignore us an' you will, Dwarves never will pay others to rule us. Nor either shall Dwarves accept guards in our tunnels from your Seven-Taloned Empire." The meeting ends in disarray, with promises to return in two summers' time. Empire supporters, notably Moliko and Baraliban, ask the Dwarven party to remain for consultation. The Siergelde contingent is particularly keen on this, and at length the proposal is accepted.

Kwarlog issues a lengthy statement to the other communities essentially saying, "We told you so."

The Dwarves meet in emergency Thing to discuss the Empire. The Siergelde Dwarves present ideas that were discussed after the meeting. These form the crux of a debate which lasts for three more years, and causes Akroeg to grumble his famous remark that Dwarves were "too far away to influence, too near to ignore, and too damn ugly to make a good hide."

The so-called Second Session of the Seven-Starred Empire is held, with representatives from all racial communities and headed by Verek Akroegsson, who has now succeeded his father. After a reaffirmation of the accomplishments of the previous several years, Taratochs is given the floor.

Taratochs then announces once again that the Dwarves will never accept foreign rule, taxes or guards upon their sovereign soil. However, the Dwarves are willing to purchase several large buildings in the Empire's central city. The Empire agrees to scrap all payment for these buildings in honor of the Dwarves' renowned courage and independence, with interest payable on the building's upkeep arranged at a fixed rate in perpetuity. Dwarves also agree to send groups of tradesmen to enlist as mercenaries within the Empire's forces, provided they are posted back in their home communities for a period of duty not exceeding twenty years.

The statement is read and accepted in silence, except by Baraliban of the Halflings, who rises at its conclusion and bows low to the Dwarven representatives. This is accounted a matter of disarming politeness by attending Dwarves, who communicate the anecdote back home. In subsequent years it becomes a common Dwarven catchphrase: "as gracious as Baraliban.

Verek is subsequently crowned Emperor, and the Seven-Starred Empire is born.

From Approximately 900 Years Ago (~900-500BL):

The Seven-Starred Empire:

The first imperial garrisons arrive in the Siergelde Mountains. They are referred to as gone-returns" or more ironically, "Empire veterans," and merge without note into the standard guards.

Trading Arrangements:

The Greystar Commune and the Gemfire Dwarves reconfirm previous trading arrangements between their groups. Contact is strengthened with the Halflings of River's Haven, a young, bustling community in search of goods and knowledge.

More of Rendstaan:

After much debate, a young warrior, Galen Hammerstone, leads a group of his compatriots, their spouses and children, out of Rendstaan, in disgust. These are the last neutrals left in a city reduced to no more than one hundred thugs belonging a few factions, still vying for power. Hammerstone and his friends agree to enlist in the Imperial armies with the specific request that they not be posted to Dwarven lands.

The Demersohn Incident:

A diplomatic incident occurs when the Seven-Starred Empire dispatches a Human officer along with a garrison of troops to Faskin. The Faskin Dwarves refuse to accept his presence, citing the historical agreement. An inquiry to the Empire reveals only that no one claims to have dispatched the officer; and since the Dwarven-Empire agreement specifically precludes the dispatch of officers, no bureaucrat possesses the authority to withdraw what shouldn't have occurred.

After nearly a year of continuous friendly but insistent Dwarven deputations to speak with the Human officer, Marig Demersohn signs under protest a document acknowledging that he is a Dwarf for the length of his service in Siergelde. He dispatches a formal complaint to his Empire superiors over the matter.

An Important New Building:

Kwarlog establishes the first Dwarven bardic academy in an attempt to resurrect "the knowledge and beauty of Dwarven song-stories." Under its first rector, the cleric Glazhn Ofnor, the school launches an ambitious attempt to recover earlier instruments and texts, while "creating new art to celebrate our continuing accomplishments."

The Demersohn Incident:

In written reply to Marig Demersohn, the Empire's regional military commander states that he cannot be the Marig Demersohn who became a Empire officer, since that individual was jailed without parole in absentia following his sudden disappearance several years ago. He is told that there are no non-Dwarven officers in the Siergelde Mountain, and that any further attempts to impersonate an officer will end in his probable imprisonment, as well.

The Snow Elves:

Human spies in the employ of Hibarnhvidar's Council report that Morganae has blocked up the entrance to her Court, effectively sealing her people off from the world.

The Demersohn Incident:

His tour of unacknowledged duty completed, Marig Demersohn declares his intention to stay in Faskin. He marries a widow and assumes the name Marig Racner, or Marig Landless, and adopts the children of his twice-married Dwarven wife.

Svadh Shrine:

A party of Dwarves from Hibarnhvidar, with Human help, quietly excavate sections of the old DragonSpine Svadh site. They remove whatever Dwarven remains can be found, and erect a shrine on the outskirts of Hibarnhvidar to their ancestors.

The Demersohn Incident:

Marig Racner dies in Faskin. His ashes are buried underground and his spirit commended to Kertigen's embrace.

From Approximately 800 Years Ago (~600-500BL):

Marblenough:

Marblenough, self-named Marblenough the Magnificent, arrives in Kwarlog. He publishes his Proclamation, declaring that he has voluntarily left Karadel "so as not to interfere with the local guilds' scientific efforts, so-called." Marblenough declares that he believes in the abolition of the guilds and the pooling of knowledge to the greater glory of research and development. He hires a few rooms as a workshop, and promises to provide the community with inventions that will give them perfect security.

More of Rendstaan:

Visiting traders report that Rendstaan is completely deserted save for wild beasts.

The Snow Elves:

A dark, stinking smoke is first noticed rising periodically from the peaks high above Morganaes Court.

Marblenough:

Marblenough reveals a "slow-steam -pressurized cannon, and cannonballs made of porous stone and Shokweave. The demonstration ends in failure: the first cannonball fractures in midair, and the cannon's recoil crushes Marblenough, forcing the amputation of his left leg.

The Seven-Starred Empire:

Word is returned to the communities through their representatives of increasingly bitter dissention and bureaucratic division in the Seven-Starred Empire.

From Approximately 700 Years Ago (~600-500BL):

Marblenough:

Marblenough the Magnificent issues his Second Proclamation, announcing a forthcoming breakthrough in travel that will render all other forms of locomotion inadequate.

Berdna Expedition:

An expedition sent to Berdna discovers that the city's entry region has become a nesting ground for biters. There is no way to determine what lies inside.

The Seven-Starred Empire:

An Imperial demand for tax remittance based on several hundred years of nonpayment is received at a Thing in contemptuous silence. The Bureau of Authorized Collections official threatens the Dwarves with military action, and is provided with passage back to civilization" in the next caravan. Nothing more is ever heard of the matter.

Marblenough:

Marblenough unveils a gigantic, steam-powered, self-propelled balloon that requires no guidance cables and utilizes its own navigation system. A small group consisting of the inventor and several of his apprentices take the maiden voyage. The balloon, surnamed Greatness-in-Intellect, rises easily to a thousand feet; but air currents override the elaborate propeller-and-wing system and bear it swiftly away to the north.

A year later, a rescue party from Kwarlog discovers the remains of Greatness in Intellect beneath a cliff, two week's journey to the northwest through hazardous terrain. Marblenough's team is also discovered, weak but alive, and reasonably intact (except for Marblenough himself, who lost his right arm during the crash.) They are conveyed back to Kwarlog.

The Seven-Starred Empire:

An Imperial commission charged with creating a tongue common to the peoples of the Empire ("For mutual understanding and economic benefit only.") sends scholars to the Dwarven Bardic Academy. They have been given express orders to incorporate many Dwarven elements in what will eventually prove a vain attempt to bring the Dwarves closer to he "spirit of the Empire." The response of the rector is gruff and uncompromising. "Kertigen forged Haakish for the tongues of Dwarves alone." Despite this objection, many Dwarven words do make their way into the vocabulary, though the artificial language itself gains few adherents for several centuries.

A few years later, the Dwarves of Hibarnhvidar and Kwarlog cease sending guards to the Empire's military offices for training. There is no Imperial response to this development.

Marblenough:

Marblenough declares his Third Proclamation, promising to create an architectural wonder that will draw the admiration of the entire world, increasing Dwarven revenues.

The Seven-Starred Empire:

The Dwarves lock up their offices in Imperial City and leave a plaque on the door: "Returning soon." They cease delivering rental payments to the Bureau of Authorized Collections, and again hear nothing about the matter.

Marblenough:

Work begins on the site chosen for Marblenough's wonder, roughly six days' distance from Kwarlog. Many small crews of workmen are hired to perform various tasks, thus keeping the scope and direction of the wonder unknown to all but Marblenough and his trusted assistants.

Svadh Shrine:

The Svadh shrine has proven so popular that on its 250th anniversary Kwarlog's architects enclose the shrine inside a stately temple to Kertigen, low and long, black granite shot with gold; a building of thick walls, dirt floors, brass and gems and flaming braziers of red fire.

Marblenough:

Marblenough reveals his wonder in a ceremony before most of Kwarlog: a 100'-high sculpture of Kertigen with elaborate water slides, kept warm through steam-power conduits. Kwarlog meets in emergency session, and unanimously adopts a resolution demanding the immediate destruction of the statue and everything associated with it. The destruction is carried out at once by Marblenough's work crews who finish the task in record time. The only recorded injury occurs to Marblenough, while seeking to protect the statue. He is hit by falling debris, causing the loss of his right leg.

Marblenough:

Marblenough posts his Fourth Proclamation, a method of industrial automation that will provide extra leisure for all Dwarves. The Dwarves heatedly argue that they don't want or need any leisure time, but Marblenough ignores these reactions and presses ahead with his latest project.

An Important Subterranean Find:

Kwarlog miners uncover a solid block of 60' high, blue translucent quartz during their continued exploration of the Himineldar Shel. It is shaped like a giant teardrop, and becomes known as Kertigen's Teardrop.

From Approximately 600 years Ago (~600-500BL):

Marblenough:

Marblenough reveals a steam-driven series of pulleys, elevators, tracks, carts and mechanized handlers that effectively mines, moves, and smelts ore without Dwarven involvement. Unfortunately, the elevator holding Marblenough and several Council dignitaries reacts erratically to an suddenly increased flow of pressurized steam, and travels skyward through the roof of the shaft. The Council members are later found, intact though bruised, but no remains are ever discovered of Marblenough.

More of Rendstaan:

Galen of Rendstaan, now known as Galen Hammerhand, leaves the Imperial service, having risen to the rank of a staff officer. He gathers all of the emigrated veterans from Rendstaan and, as unofficial spokesperson, petitions for a place to settle on Imperial lands. He and his wife begin to raise funds.

Stone Clan:

Stone Clan is founded by Galen and Kormlada. Using his knowledge of Imperial administration, Galen secures the charter from authorities "on the terms traditionally granted to the Dwarven peoples."

From Approximately 500 Years Ago (~500-400BL):

The Seven-Starred Empire:

The Greystar Dwarves demand Imperial aid in controlling renewed Biter activity in the Siergelde. Hibarnhvidar and Kwarlog voice strong objections to the scheme and tiny Stone Clan concurs. Aid is offered by the other Dwarven communities, but the Commune holds to its demands from the Imperial administration.

Two years later the Empire sends a representative to the Commune offering heartening words, but no aid.

Several more years pass. In the face of continued inaction from the Empire, the Commune closes its representatives' offices, ceases the delivery of "rental payments", and stops all Imperial recruitment. These moves bring its policy into line with the Himineldar and Arncharn communities and leave Stone Clan, with a total population of 38 adults, as the only organized Dwarven community at least tentatively in the Empire.

Eventually, there being no Imperial response to the Commune's rebellion, Stone Clan quietly drops its part of the rental tithe for buildings in Imperial City.

Numismatists Note:

The Greystar Dwarves issue a commemorative gold coin "in Kertigen's name, for the Commune, forever." This will subsequently become, years later, the most sought after coin by numismatists on Elanthia, rumored to exist only in 2 copies in private collections.

Important Discovery:

A large deposit of gold-veined grey marble is discovered near Hibarnhvidar. Over time it becomes the most sought-after civic building material among Elotheans and Humans throughout Elanthia.

From Approximately 400 Years Ago (400-300BL):

The River Elves:

Hibarnhvidar is approached by a small Elven delegation from Trefan Draus, led by A'adisa 0r-Olande Parilisaen. The Elves state that they have heard of Dwarven' prowess in metalworking from S'kra Mur merchants, and traded for some of the results. They have come a long way seeking the finest craftsmen to help develop their community's physical dimensions. Dwarven politeness and hospitality wins out of suspicion, and the visitors are given a tour of some of Hibarnhvidar's more public areas. The River Elves evince considerable interest in what they see, and grow truly excited when they observe a blacksmith tending his gem garden; Parilisaen then offers the Dwarves a contract involving the refinement of several extant structures (notably the filigree edging for their City Council). This is accepted, and a group of twelve Dwarves leave for Trefan Draus.

Their stay is considerably expanded when the Dwarves (irritated by the constant, casual intersection of unnamed duplicative winding paths which travel throughout Draus) develop a detailed plan for four fluted walkway spans across the Namfals. The River Elves endorse this with enthusiasm, and the Dwarves, exposed to new materials and structural elements (without the physical limitations of their mountain redoubts), outdo themselves in fanciful design, the deployment of magic and meticulous craftsmanship.

Although Dwarven offers on joint mining of the Clethian Foril salt deposits are rejected, the Dwarves continue with lucrative private contracts for housing expansion. They also establish direct trade links, exporting sculpted gems and dried white oaken timber from the nearly perpendicular slopes of Dragon Spine in exchange for salt, salted fish, jranoki, necklaces and salaka saws.

Human Encampment Discovered:

A Human encampment is discovered within three day's journey of Kwarlog. It appears to be a primitive mining operation based on dredging techniques. The Dwarves get nowhere trying to discuss its presence with the miners and their overseers, but discover that it is funded by a consortium of S'kra Mur traders. With the assistance of the Greystar Commune, Kwarlog closes the operation down-not out of altruism among the traders, but because the Dwarves demonstrate how much cheaper they can furnish both unworked ore and smelted metal.

The Human miners at the same time strike up an acquaintance with the Dwarves. This ultimately results in a joint exploratory operation to discover gems and rare metal deposits deep in the Himineldar Mountains.

Kertrefan Begun:

Humans and Dwarves establish Kertrefan (Mountain Clan) in a frigid portion of the natural Himineldar cave complex that makes Kwarlog look sybaritic by comparison. Deposits of highly attractive building stone, rare ores and gems contribute to the site's success, and the establishment of several trading routes.

From Approximately 300 Years Ago:

Lanival:

Greystar Dwarves join with Lanival, lending aid upon request. Kwarlog refuses in a document that protests the injustices of war. Hibarnhvidar sends him back a notched shield, and returns no further word. Stone Clan maintains quiet neutrality.

Temple Proclamation:

The Synod of Kertigen, comprising all Dwarven clerics that worship the All-Father, meet to rebuke in writing and proclamation "those well-meaning but near-sighted kildren [children) who confuse Dwarves with Gnomes, claiming they are one race and one people." According to the Synod's Encyclical, Gnomes are the creation of Divyaush the Merry Tinker, and "Children of different gods cannot commingle their blood in offspring. Dwarves and Gnomes are unrelated." The Encyclical is published and by Kwarlog's press and sent abroad with traders, where it becomes a matter of much debate at religious institutions and academies.

Meteoric Metal:

A series of devastating avalanches near Karadel reveal more meteor fragments containing small but useable supplies of the green ore last seen in quantity several thousand years ago. Word spreads among the Dwarves. Weapons and armor are created and held in safe keeping in the various community guard treasuries, for use in emergency.

From Approximately 200 Years Ago:

Gor'Togs in the foothills signal the approach of a small Elothean party interested in speaking at the next Dwarven Thing on a matter of some importance. Permission is granted for their approach and incorporation into the agenda.

The Elotheans and Dwarves come to a trading agreement which permits very limited Elothean presence in Dwarven territory.

Dragon Priests:

Dragon Priests send missionaries to Gardul and Faskin, where they are allowed to settle in the areas reserved for foreign visitors. Their pleadings and proclamations that The World Dragon is its rightful ruler and that Kertigen is only one of many meddling demons are met with incredulity. When the Dwarves refuse to convert, the Dragon Priests revile and curse them. This stretches even the Dwarves' policy of friendly neutrality, and the Dragon Priests are expelled uttering prophecies of doom.

Several years later, Dragon Priests are spotted by Gor'Togs leading military forces late in the summer months into the Siergelde Mountains.

The Greystar Dwarves launch a surprise attack on the Dragon Priests in late autumn, following a heavy snowfall and after the Dragon Priests have created a winter camp. The Dwarves suffer twenty deaths; nearly one hundred Dragon Priests are killed, along with a dozen rock trolls and two war ogres. Skeletons of the latter two species are taken back for study, along with a Dragon Priest who was knocked unconscious and captured.

Before expiring under torture, the captured Dragon Priest reveals that his superiors intend to sacrifice the heretical Dwarven colonies through flame and sword to the World Dragon. He prophesizes that where one hundred failed, several thousand would succeed. Calls for assistance go out to Kwarlog and Hibarnhvidar.

Dwarven contingents from the sisters colonies arrive quickly. They prepare traps and avalanches. The Dragon Priests return along the same passage, but earlier in the year and with a much larger force. Progress is made towards the Dwarven communities, but forestalled by the typical onset of snow in early autumn. Presumably fearing another ambush, the Dragon Priests retreat to a base outside the mountains.

The Dragon Priests return in great numbers early in the spring, employing large flame machines to melt snow and ice, and to set fire to whatever will burn. Their earth magicks detonate earthquakes and avalanches, and decimate rubble in advance of the arrival of their troops. By summer they reach Faskin. The Dwarves move out supplies and children in advance, blockading entrances and blowing up whatever facilities remain.

Encouraged by this, the Dragon Priests stop long enough to raze the location and perform a consecration rite before resuming their advance, this time towards Gardul. Again their machines and magicks prove devastatingly simple and effective en route. By late summer they arrive in Gardul, where they are met only by a group of Dwarves (subsequently known as The Forty-Eight) who drop on them from heights or appear deep within tunnels, covered by mine explosives. This does little more than kill some Dragon mages and destroy machines, leaving the body of the invading forces intact.

Heading back towards Faskin, the Dragon Priests are caught by the extremely early snowfalls of upper Siergelde: gentle but continuous and blinding, known locally as Sweetdeath. The Dwarven strategy lures the Dragon Priests deeper into the mountains, then uses suicidal attacks to take out the remaining fire machines and earth magic users. Finally caught in a mountain pass stifled by snow drifts and avalanches, the army begins dying slowly of starvation and exposure. When only a handful remain the Dwarves suddenly attack with ferocity, gutting the last Dragon Priests and stuffing their steaming entrails into the snow.

The Siergelde Dwarven sites are never rebuilt. The remaining Dwarves divide between Kwarlog and Hibarnhvidar, but they aren't a very large group. Many Dwarves of the Greystar Commune lost their lives fighting for Lanival.

From Approximately 100 Years Ago:

Temple Proclamation:

The Synod of Kertigen, meeting in conclave, decide that Kertigen's chosen can only benefit from exposure to other races. They issue a resolution requiring all novices that have passed other tests necessary to receive the holy oath, cassock and harnmerchain, henceforth first spend a number of years exiled from Dwarven lands. They will be required to reside during that time among other races and in other professions, after which they will be welcomed into the Order.

The Triad of Repose:

Three years occur in a row exhibiting the greatest number of births on record in surviving Dwarven communities-a relatively small amount compared to other races, but still significant for Dwarves. While Kwarlog, Hibarnhvidar nor Stone Clan is in a position to expand, all entertain hopes of stabilizing their recent communal losses.

Factory Opened:

Hibarnhivdar opens a "bardhtol," or ax factory. It is the first time a commodity is created solely for export, and the first time a building is dedicated to a single purpose (save for the temples). The Dwarves themselves do not use these axes, since all Dwarves make their own axes, as everybody knows.