Regional History of Liamelia

Regional History

During the time when the human nation of Jhaamdath (what is now Impiltur, Thesk, Sespech, and Turmish) was at its pinnacle of power, the elves and other intelligent races of the forest grew angry with the increased logging attempts on their homes. This lead to warfare between the humans and the Elves of Chondalwood. Within two decades, nine out of ten elven cities within the forest were destroyed. In the Year of Furious Waves (-255 DR), Elven Wizards retaliated, using Elven High Magic to summon great waves to scatter the colonies and the people of Jhaamdath, reshaping the coastline area into what is currently the Vilhon Reach. Many of the human survivors fled to the north, later founding other nations such as Cormyr and Sembia. In time, other survivors from the old colonies returned and formed the nation of Chondath, which was mostly a mercantile power, but again broke under internal war and plague. Through it all, the elven element had faded out of the forest, leaving the Centaur, Satyr and Tree Treantons to defend the forest. They managed to keep alive the idea that the Elves still inhabited the forest, which helped in keeping a majority of human forces at bay.

While the rumoured surviving Elven city was really only a fair-sized camp made up of Wood and Wild Elves, the forest became home to three more elements. During the Hin Ghostwars (-68 to -65 DR), a small clan of Ghostwise Halflings settled in Chondalwood after being exiled from their homeland of Lluirwood, to the south. They vowed to help protect the forest as a way to atone for their evil ways in the past. Also at the time, another small group, mostly Druids who were members of The Emerald Enclave had settled in Chondalwood after leaving their home on the twin islands known as The Eyes of Silvanus, which guarded the entry into the heart of the Vilhon Reach. These Druids had left because of a dispute in how followers of Silvanus should defend and protect against those who destroy the land. Their ways were more dark and sinister, resorting to violence rather then diplomacy to defend their forest, thus labelling them as Shadow Druids. Their dark beliefs lead them to attack any who were caught in or near Chondalwood - that includes the natural inhabitants. The Centaur and Satyr fought often against the Shadow Druids, but over time, all the inhabitants felt that it was best if both sides stayed away from each other and defend the forest in their own way. The Great Tree Treantons also had their share of problems with an invading group called the People of the Black Hand, who had followed the Ghostwise Halflings to the forest. Members of this clan were lycanthropes and worshippers of Malar. With the abundance of humans to the north and a fairly large forest nearby, the group thought they had found paradise, only to find themselves at war with the very trees around them.

In the Year of the Silver Tree (896 DR), 182 years after the fall of Myth Drannor, three elven companions devise a plan to create another elven kingdom to replace the lost and last true elven element on the mainland of Faerun. With no more then 250 followers in tow, this group of frontiers magical traveled from the Dalelands to Chondalwood. Looking at what would be the last bastion of Elves on the mainland, the three leading Elves - Lothorion Laurdeauron, Nac-Romaih, and Slimanious Galanodel set out to meet with the leaders of the forest inhabitants and start forging the heart of their would-be kingdom; the great Silver Oak, imbued with a protective Mythal. With initiative and creativity, the Mythal was created with Devine magic interweaving with Arcane magic through the use of Elven High Magic. This laid the ground base of defence to allow the small city to grow in size and population. Over the first three years, a permanent gate was created leading from the Dalelands to Chondalwood. Many Elves, Dwarves and Gnomes (most from small enclaves) came looking for protection from ever-growing human empires and remorseless goblinoid hordes that have lead to the destruction of so many kingdoms in the past. Arcane spell casters used the magic of nature to enchant the trees of the forest, while Divine spell casters magical grew specific trees designed to be the first homes of Liamelia. This massive growth caught the attention of the Shadow Druids and the People of the Black Hand. Possessed with insanity, the small order of Shadow Druids attacked relentlessly at the numerous Elven settlers, but were out numbered and out powered. After a few months of bloodshed, all of the Shadow Druid element had been killed or driven out of the forest. The People of the Black Hand witnessed the skill of their new enemies and wisely kept hidden in remote parts of the forest. Alliances were forged between Liamelians, the Treantons, the Centaur, the Satyr and the Ghostwise Halflings. The original Wild Elves agreed to the joining but wished to stay strong to the ancient ways of their clan. For the first 4 years in development, Liamelia's population swelled as Elves fled the still ravaged great Elven kingdom of Myth Drannor.

It wasn't until the Year of the Thirsty Sword (900 DR) where the new born kingdom experienced its first real threat. A civil war erupted in Chondath. With many of the noble houses on their guard, an old and powerful house had been informed of the growing presence within the great forest to the south. Fearing the Elves and other intelligent races would attack as one and wash away the human cities like in the past, agents were sent out to call in favours from various outside organizations - The Cult of the Dragon and a few Red Wizards of Thay. Together, with a small army the noble house was able to muster, three dozen young black dragons with cult member riders, and a small cohort of Red Wizards, the invading force swept through the forest attacking in full force while the Thayan Wizards used their magic to disrupt the protective Mythal over the city. Liamelia's first war lasted several months in which the invading forces were destroyed. The battle, which was later named the 'Battle for the Reclaimed Lands of the Elves', took the lives of many Liamelian founders, but their blood and sacrifice blessed the great Silver Oak with abilities and powers that can only said to be 'Gifts from Corellon'. Not long after, the surviving people of Liamelia bestowed the three leading companions as Lords, due to their bravery and leadership. Uunder their guidance, the Elves worked with the other intelligent races of the forest to develop a more mutual defence for the forest.

To prevent another army from sweeping through the city again, several Dwarves, Gnomes and Elves created plans to construct a defensive wall. It wasn't until the Year of the Sprouting Fish (922 DR) that the wall was erected and completed. With hard work, Dwarven and Gnomish ingenuity and a healthy touch of Elven magic, an alloy was created from a mix of Adamantine and Mithral. Light as a feather but harder and stronger then any normal enchantment possible, the mystical wall served as beacon of hope and respect, as the names of all those who died in that first battle were engraved on the wall in remembrance.

As the years continued on, tension between the races of the forest and the humans to the north remained high, and with the increasing size and population, the Lords of Liamelia needed to organize trade in order to continue Liamelia's growth in a healthy direction. Trade with outlying human settlements could not be ignored, but the humans were not well trusted. In the Year of Flashing Eyes (929 DR), it was decreed that only Elves, Dwarves, Gnomes and Halflings (later referred to as 'pure blooded races') were permitted within the forest. This put a strain on the need to trade with outside settlements. In response, two trading towns; one on the eastern side and one on the western side of the forest, were built to allow trade with merchants and outside races. While merchants and outside races were treated with great hostility by the races of the forest, they were warmly welcomed in the trading towns of Lindorneaceleb and Siannodel. Even though humans were not allowed within the forest, members of their race still traveled to Liamelia to set up shop in either one of the two trading towns. They are mostly ignored unless they bring on the confrontation, and with being ignored they are not seen as much a threat and are left alone. But most of the humans; those that think with their own mind and not the one given to them by the governing body, actually wish the pure blooded races well. During the time when trade arrangements were created, the idea of creating gates to other part of Faerun arose, but the danger outweighed the potential and the proposal was put aside. Also at the time, the forest was renamed from Chondalwood to Liamelia Forest.

The Year of the Nightmaidens (1032 DR) sparked great turmoil and controversy within the well-developed Kingdom of Liamelia. Drow Elves had been spotted immerging from caves in the Firesteap Mountains to the south. A panic arose, as was the immediate call to arms. With reports of a small group approaching under the cover of darkness, the inhabitants of Liamelia were very fearful at the thought of Drow Elves taking note of their kingdom. At the forest edge watching the small group make their way towards them, the Elves waited with an air of caution; ready for any surprises the Drow may have. It was at this point that one voice called for them to stay their weapons and hold they’re thoughts. To the shock of the populous, one of the Lords of Liamelia, the tall, cloaked-hidden Archwizard Slimanious, was walking casually towards the intruding group. After a moment of conversation, the Archwizard turned and led the group into the forest and all the way to Liamelia where they congregated with Lothorion, head of the Liamelia clergy. After a few days of rumor and skepticism, apprehensions and fears of war with Drow where strewn out, though during that time, questions where ask and it was revealed that the Drow were granted privileges to stay and live within the kingdom. It was explained that this Drow group was an entire family, who had fled from the Underdark, looking to escape the evil and unforgiving traits of their dark-skinned kin. This family had truly walked out of darkness and into the light beside their brethren where they belong. They had even changed their worshiped deity (which Lothorion confirmed using Devine magic) from Lolth, the evil Spider Queen to that of Eilistraee, Lady of the Dance. But the act of allowing the Drow Elves to live within the kingdom, side by side with the other Elves caused much inner turmoil among the Elves, and the threat of a civil war was very strong and very real. In the end, Archwizard Slimanious had to make a personal sacrifice, by revealing for the first time, that he too is a Drow Elf, a runaway from his birth city of Sshamath. He showed that it was a Drow Elf that Liamelians had trusted, lived and fought beside all these years. It was all he needed to show, to prove that not all Drow Elves were evil and twisted, that there are those who's hearts were of the light. After much deliberation and a few vicious scolding by the other Lords and pointy, their resident Hierophant, Lothorion, reminding the Elves of history and origins, the Drow Elf family was accepted among the surface elves of Liamelia with this the Lords prompted a grand celebration to thank the Elven races for their acceptance and the formation of an adjusted philosophy. This acceptance prompted more and more Drow Elves to leave their lightless world and reclaim their former glory among their surface cousins under the sun and stars. That year marked the largest movement of Drow Elves who rose from darkness to light. After that, the Drow Elves of Liamelia discarded their evil ancestral name, and took a slightly friendlier surface name: Dark Elf.

The Year of the Watching Wood (1065 DR), marks the completion of the Liamelian Academy and the Liamelian Library of the Ages. The three Lords take up head positions within the Academy and begin training classes. With a population of over 750,000 and still growing, residences flock to the Academy to receive training and join the Liamelian Factions. Within a score of years, Liamelia's military force grows to a quarter of the total population. With Elves and other pure blooded races migrating to the forest from all over and under Faerun, a wealth of knowledge is accumulated and published in the newly formed library, and soon the vast number of books rivals even that of Candlekeep, far to the west.

For 194 years, the People of the Black Hand had kept secret their presence within the forest. Their absence had even fooled the Tree Treantons into thinking that they had fled. But in the Year of the Slaughter (1090 DR), clerics of Malar received visions that signalled the start of the 'Great Hunt'. When humans and Elves alike started to disappear, the People's presence was known again within the forest. The Tree Treantons, lead by Tarnruth the Fierce and two legions from the Liamelian Factions, swept through the northern parts of the forest, rooting out the members of the People and destroying their well hidden lairs. Original with numbers around 100 members, the People were reduced to a dozen survivors, all who fled north to Chondath. With the lycanthrope threat dealt with, the Tree Treantons relocated their home to a large groove in the northern part of the forest, where Tarnruth and his kin may keep a watch and be ready, if ever the People of the Black Hand should return. At this time, the northern section of the forest is now known as 'Tarnruth's Woods'.

In the Year of the Bloody Wave (1194 DR), an undead Spirit Naga had chosen Liamelia Forest as he perfect spot to make its lair and build an army of goblinoids to strike out at the humans of Sespech and Chondath. It had not learned of the forest's new inhabitants and was driven out by the Elves. It fled to the mountains to the south and returned later that year with an army of goblinoids. For many months, Liamelians waged war against the numerous goblinoid forces stationed in the Firesteap Mountains. The war finally ended when the Lords of Liamelia found the stronghold-like cave where the undead Spirit Naga was hiding. After several fierce battles, the Lords and forces of Liamelia broke the ranks and drove the goblinoids south of the mountains after slaying the Naga.

In the Year of Bright Dreams (1261 DR), Liamelia had developed a strong military force, and the other intelligent races of the forest had grown in strength. The earlier proposal to create portals to other parts of Faerun was brought back into consideration, mainly for two reasons. The portals would allow trade with faraway nations, and it would also allow pure blooded races from far away to migrate to Liamelia, allowing the population to continue to grow. Over the next 6 years, 9 prime locations were decided upon. Liamelia's population jumped in size as now, small Elven enclaves were able to travel to Liamelia easier. With numbers topping a million and more, Liamelia had become a better version of Myth Drannor. The extensive trade arrangements also caused the two small trading towns to increase in size to accommodate a larger and more diverse marketplace. As Elves and other pure blooded races continued to migrate, the Liamelian Library grew as more books were published and soon, the library housed knowledge from all corners of and under Faerun. Ancient texts and lore began to surface as Elven clans and families of old traveled to live in Liamelia. Mostly long lost inhabitants of Cormanthor traveled to Liamelia, looking for lost relatives. Elves from the hidden island of Evermeet also journeyed to Liamelia, to share their knowledge of Elven High Magic and even passed on the secrets to the creation of the ancient Elven Moonblades, in hopes of reviving the old ways. But the most prominent growth was the Branches of Liamelia. It was not long after that the Lords of Liamelia counted over 600,000 members of their military forces. Liamelia may have become the next Myth Drannor, but the Lords were determined not to let history repeat itself with the mistakes of the past. With a fair sized army, numerous forest allies, a powerful Mythal and armed with knowledge and experience, Liamelia was more then ready to take on any threat.

A now vast population of Elves and other races that had fled Cormanthor and where now living in Liamelia, and the Lords had taken on themselves to help recover some of the lost items, artifacts and family heirlooms for the surviving Elven clans and families. In the Year of Thunder (1306 DR), on one of their many journeys, the Lords had interjected themselves on behalf of a small, young group of wounded and scared Silver Dragons, in flight from Red Wizards mounted upon Black Dragons. In the fight that ensues, the Silver Dragons and the Lords of Liamelia teamed up and drove back their assailants, slaying several Red Wizards and a few of their Dragon mounts. Always looking to aid the worthy, the Lords made a mutual offer to the young Dragon clan. With nowhere to call home and their clan size and strength reduced in numbers, the dragons accepted the offer. The Lords assembled sanctuary up in the clouds above Liamelia where the clan of Silver Dragons would be free to restore their magics and nurture their wounds. In return, they would assist the Liamelia's military forces when required, and protect Liamelia's aerial borders. The lords assured the dragons that it would not be often or unwarranted if the dragons where called. With the addition of Goodly Dragons to the term 'pure blooded races', other Metallic Dragons have traveled to Liamelia, mostly just to visit. But there are those who live side by side with the other races. And thanks to the number of Dragons that visit, many add some of their own vast collection of knowledge and even some magic to Liamelia's ever-growing library.

In the Year of Shadows (1358 DR), fires of passion rock Toril as the Gods fell from the skies and walked among the mortals. It was this time that the Liamelians had looked about into the world they had decided to retake, and seeing opportunity, they had begun to mass their forces in a pre-emptive strike against all outlying cities of tyrants and dictators. Fortunately though, two beings appeared in the Temple of the Seldarine, the great Elf Lord Corellon Larethian and Silvanus, Lord of Nature. Both were found sitting over a table of thinly cut stone playing a game of chess. This was cause for much panic, which the gods themselves quelled quickly, being blunt and honest in their answers. The two Gods both forbid and condoned the actions that would reshape the political boarders. So it was here, that Corellon and Silvanus stayed while in avatar form. The Liamelian people where, like Evermeet and all the Elves across the face of Toril, responsible for the continuing power of Corellon and Silvanus. In the end, Ao, the Lord of Gods had tied the power of a god to their worshippers.

Now, in the Year of Wild Magic (1372 DR), Liamelia's population rivals that of Evermeet, its library has surpassed Silverymoon in terms of tomes, knowledge and magic and its military force is unequal anywhere else in Faerun. With the several portals leading to all ends of the mainland, Liamelia's two trading cities act as large hubs, where goodly races of every kind mingle and trade. The Silver Dragon clan has grown back to its original size, though the Dragons prefer to stay where they are, and some have even pledged their lives to Liamelia's cause. While Liamelia does have a significant Dwarven, Gnomish, Halfling and Dragon population, the Elves dominate in sheer numbers and variety. The three original Lords of Liamelia still hold lordship over the kingdom, in addition to three more Lords; Liamelia's Loremaster, the leader of the Tree Treantons and the leader of the Silver Dragons, and their combined efforts never stopping to achieve the best for Liamelia. And the mystical Mythal still stands strong, radiating with inner life from under the bark of the great Silver Oak of Liamelia.