Schwarzer Stein

Currently the main settlement of the old country of Nebel, Schwarzer Stein is home to arguably the longest-enduring fortress in recorded history.

"... Had they not been as unflinchingly stalwart in their defence, the city would have surely fallen, and the rest of the country with it - which would have albeit been just skipping to forward events.
The fortress which the whole settlement is named after, Black Stone - the name translated from their ancient tongue - is a testament to nebelian ferocity. It towers above the city, the magic that has held it in place for millennia exuding a dark aura that has said to be the force that empowered their fighters in the many battles that occurred just outside its walls. The secrets of this dark power remain shrouded in mystery to this day, and the author, as usual, has been granted not even a visit to the innards of the castle. A bleeding shame, to be sure."

Excerpt from the book 'Evermore: Empire of Conquest', by Hum'ro Skadi, as published in 2355 AFL.

While not originally the capital of Nebel as a country, Schwarzer Stein was its first line of defence. Originally only a massive black fortress built at a strategic location which protected them from attacks by land, a settlement quickly formed itself on the western side of the fortress during the war against the newly-formed Empire of Evermore - a settlement formed by the families of soldiers and generals alike who were stationed there in the protection of their country.
When Siègehaut was destroyed in a devious move by part of the Tempest, the succession's line of command defaulted to the generals defending the front lines in the east. And thus, with their capital's utter obliteration, the commanding officers at the time transferred the title of capital to the fortress and its thriving settlement. The war was over, but the people still looked to those generals of old for guidance and strength in those hard times.

"All shadows cast, all fates foretold; we dare not die, we, of blackest souls."

War chant commonly used during the war against Evermore translated from ancient Nebelian.

Centuries passed with Nebel under the yoke of evermorian rule. Their people were heavily oppressed at first and many a skirmish occurred in the name of freedom. As a way to quell uprisings and prevent further conflicts, a cunning emperor offered the offspring of those ancient generals noble titles and residence in the bruskan court. While some were unsatisfied and even insulted at this offer, a consensus was reached amongst the higher echelon of their society that it was better to achieve some measure of peace than risk the extinction of their culture altogether. From this point on, Nebel was allowed more freedom, the drawback being a sort of ransom of the younger sons and daughters of the long-standing military family lines. The young were taken to Bruska and taught in evermorian customs, only allowed to return to their country after the age of 16.
In modern days, the nebelians are still known for being phenomenal combatants and gifted minds of war. In the last fifty-odd years alone, they purged a few of the threats lingering in their cold soil. One of these feats includes the vanquishing of a mighty Yeti, a beast said to be able to wipe out entire armies. The laurels of this victory rest upon the heads of those belonging to the Rothbart family. While they are not the only prominent family remaining from those ancient bloodlines, they are doubtlessly amongst the most famous.

Founding Date

233 BFL

Alternative Name(s)

Black Stone

Type

Large town

Population

652,000~

Inhabitant Demonym

Steinian, Dark Cobble

Owning Organization

Empire of Evermore