Crossroads Timeline

The siege of Nesmé by a massive troll army stands as a significant chapter in the city's history, marked by its scale and intensity. The trolls posed a formidable threat. Nesmé's strategic position near the River Surbrin and the Evermoors had necessitated robust defensive preparations, including fortified walls and a well-trained militia specialized in combating such creatures. Despite these preparations, the size and might of the troll army tested the city's defenses to their limits. The defense of Nesmé was spearheaded by its own militia, experienced in troll warfare and adept in tactics involving fire and acid to counter the trolls' regenerative powers.

The prolonged and brutal siege saw Nesmé receiving crucial assistance from external allies, who provided military reinforcements, supplies, and magical support. This outside aid was instrumental in turning the tide in favor of the defenders. The siege involved relentless assaults and intense combat, taking a significant psychological and physical toll on both the defenders and the civilian population. Ultimately, while the city's defenders succeeded in repelling the troll army, the victory came at a great cost. The siege resulted in substantial casualties and destruction within Nesmé, leaving the city in a weakened state and contributing to its vulnerability to future threats.

In the wake of the devastating troll siege, Nesmé embarked on a vital recovery and reconstruction phase, focusing on both physical rebuilding and fortification of the city's defenses. The extensive damage to infrastructure necessitated significant repairs, especially to the city walls and key buildings. The city's fortifications received particular attention, with enhancements to gates and towers, and the implementation of new defensive strategies against potential future assaults. This period saw a concerted push to strengthen Nesmé's physical and strategic resilience, ensuring better preparedness for any future threats.

Alongside physical reconstruction, the city also prioritized the welfare and morale of its citizens, recognizing the profound psychological impact of the siege. Initiatives aimed at boosting community spirit and cohesion were introduced, including public events and support programs. Economic revitalization was another critical focus, with efforts to stimulate trade, attract new businesses, and create job opportunities to bolster the city’s economy. The recovery phase thus marked a time of rebuilding and renewal for Nesmé, laying a strong foundation for its future growth and stability.

Silverymoon, the capital of the Confederation of the Silver Marches, would be besieged for nearly a year by the alliance of Orcs and Drow. The defense of the city would come at a great cost, with Silverymoon losing most of its famed Knights in Silver during the battle. The siege would result in hunger and misery for the civilian inhabitants of Silverymoon, yet the city would not give in. The Silverean defenders did not let their enemies breach the city walls and eventually they would break the siege and drive them back.

Nesmé faced a formidable siege orchestrated by the orcs of the Kingdom of Many-Arrows, a scenario influenced and manipulated by the drow matron mother Quenthel Baenre and House Do'Urden. The orcs, known for their ferocity and battle prowess, launched a relentless assault on the city. This siege was not a random act of aggression but a carefully calculated move by the drow, particularly Quenthel Baenre, who sought to extend her influence and power in the region through the orcish forces. The involvement of House Do'Urden, a significant power in drow politics, further complicated the situation, adding layers of intrigue and deeper strategic objectives to the conflict.

At the helm of Nesmé's defense during this critical period was First Speaker Jolen Firth, a leader who faced the daunting task of protecting the city against the overwhelming orcish siege. The city's defenses, already tested by previous conflicts, were once again put to the test. Firth had to navigate not only the immediate physical threat posed by the orcs but also the underlying political machinations of the drow. His leadership was crucial in rallying the city's defenders and organizing a coherent resistance against the invaders.

In the Year of the Nether Mountain Scrolls, a group of dwarves from Mithral Hall and Citadel Felbarr, Bruenor Battlehammer, King Connerad Brawnanvil, and King Emerus Warcrown, paved their way and reclaimed the ancient city of Gauntlgrym. They fought diligently, setting the city free and back in the hands of the dwarves. The battle for Gauntlgrym was fierce, with the dwarves losing both King Connerad and King Emerus during the battle. As a sign of respect, the newly crowned King Bruenor had both Connerad and Emerus crowned posthumously as the first and second King of Gauntlgrym, respectively before he would take up his title as the third king. The reclamation of Gauntlgrym was a significant event for the Dwarves of the north, for once, it had been the capital of the dwarven empire of Delzoun. For centuries, the Dwarves had been losing their cities one by one, and now they had not only reclaimed their recently lost cities, but also the jewel of their old empire. For Dwarvenkind, despite the massive losses of the war, the future now looked bright.

The Confederation of the Silver Marches, or Luruar, would only barely survive the War of the Silver Marches. Tens of thousands were dead, and most of the Confederation’s military had been destroyed during the war, with most signatory states losing between 50% and 80% of their forces. Nesme had been completely annihilated, and the other cities of the north were in ruins. In addition, due to the death of so many Northern Kings, most of the Confederation’s founding political leadership was dead. As such, the Confederation’s victory had come at a great cost, and some would argue that it was hardly a victory at all. This state of affairs soon sprouted into discontent, especially among the Dwarven member states who had accused Silverymoon of hoarding supplies and forces to the detriment of the Dwarven cities, in addition to accusations of political and military mismanagement. As such, two years after the war, the Dwarven states declared that they were leaving the Confederation. This began a quick collapse of the Confederation, as every other member state began to drift away from Silverymoon’s influence, with Everlund leaving last in 1489. As a result, with Silverymoon remaining as its only member, High Mage Taern Hornblade officially dissolved the Confederation in 1489 and resigned due to the republic’s recent military and political failures. The High Marshal of Silverymoon, Methrammar Aerasumé, would then succeed him as High Mage.