Location: Fantasy Worlds » Forgotten Realms Lore
History
of the
North - The Might of Men
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Along
the coast, in what was once the elven community of Illefarn, humanity
was once again rising in power. Merchants from the south, tribesmen from
the North, and seafarers from western islands had created a village around
a trading post on a deep-water harbor, first known as Nimoar's Hold after
the Uthgardt chieftain whose tribe seized and fortified the ramshackle
village. Nimoar and his successors, known as War Lords, led the men of
Waterdeep (as it had become known to ship captains) in a slowly losing
battle against the trolls.
In a final, climactic battle, the trolls breached the aging palisade and
all seemed lost - until the magic of Ahghairon of Silverymoon turned luck
against the trolls, destroying and scattering them. Ahghairon, heir to
the heritage and learning of Netheril, stayed in Waterdeep, and in his
112th year he again saved the city - this time from itself. In so doing,
he created the Lords of Waterdeep. The city grew into the greatest in
the North, possibly in all Faerun, With Waterdeep as a firm anchor, civilization
forged cautiously into the wilderness.
Illuskan (now Luskan) was taken from the orcs. Loudwater, Llorkh, Triboar,
Longsaddle, Secomber, and other towns were settled by pioneers from Waterdeep,
sponsored by Waterdhavian merchant families. Though it's been centuries
since the last orc invasion, 'there's still constant strife. Barbarians
harass merchants, travelers, and towns; the seas swim with Northmen pirates;
and wars have marred the land in recent years. Luskan, now a fierce merchant
city known to harbor - and support - pirates, waged a war with the island
realm of Ruathym over an act of piracy against one of the few legitimate
Luskan merchant ships.
The war raged for nearly a year, with Ruathym slowly losing ground. When
it appeared Luskan would finally win the naval war and land on the island
itself, the Lords' Alliance entered the fray. They threatened war against
Luskan if the skirmishes didn't stop immediately. Unable to fight a two-front
war efficiently, Luskan canceled its invasion plans. Tensions between
Luskan and Ruathym are still high, and their ships are often seen taking
potshots at each other as they pass, often just a wave or two away from
each other.
The government of Ruathym has recently been sending adventurers into the
hills of its island realm, looking for mercenaries who are killing merchants,
farmers, and woodsmen. Ruathym believes Luskan still has a presence on
the island, trying to win through subversion and terrorism what it could
not accomplish through war. To the far north, the Ten Towns have finished
rebuilding after being nearly destroyed by the monstrous forces of Akar
Kessel. With help from the tundra barbarians living nearby, they've built
and repaired their cities, replanted the sparse foliage, and - most importantly
- replenished the morale of their citizens.
A recent trader who passed through the area carrying 17 wagons of rare
oak lumber said that it was nearly impossible to determine who's a barbarian
and who isn't. "They're living together!" he reported in amazement.
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