The First Great War

Revolution

King Marothsa the 13th was not a good king. His death left had many children, no two alike. But the throne does not fit more than one.

Prince Earlton in the north, and Prince Marothsa (14th) in the south both claim right to the throne, after King Marothsa's death. King Thargorza of the goblins claimed supported Prince Hadar, nephew of the king, and as a result the Dwarves support Prince Earlton. These were each backed by half a dozen or more other children of King Marothsa (13th), or lesser nobles.   In 509, after 4 years of attempted negotiation, war breaks out between Prince Earlton 'The good', allied with the Dwarves and Hobbits, after promising them citizenship, and lands of their own. And Prince Marothsa (14th), who declares himself king, and forms an alliance with the goblins (after promising them a greater portion of the mountains) and the Wizardry (after promising them autonomy).   War rages. Zeyph is founded as a forward outpost of the Goblins, the Dwarves lay siege to Sternham, and block the northmost mountain pass. Prince Earlton attacks Zeyph, in an attempt to control two of the three passes. King Marothsa leads a goblin army from Sil to Centerpoint, raiding and pillaging. Prince Earlton splits his army, leaving 1/3 to block the mountain pass, and taking the rest to intercept his half brother, before he can unite with the wizards secluded in Centerpoint. But the Wizardry has other plans. They summon Prince Hadar, promising him glory if he will obey them. the last great battle of the Great War was fought on the plains of Baroth, outside Centerpoint. The forces of Prince Earlton put themselves between the armies of King Marothsa (the 14th) and the City of Centerpoint. There they attempt to keep King Marothsa from joining forces with the Wizardry, spelling doom for any of their opponents   The Wizardry magically cloaks Prince Hadar, and sends him on a mission to assassinate Prince Earlton, outside the knowledge of King Marothsa. The Prince finds his rival already dying of his wounds, laying in a tent outside the battle. Still intent on fulfilling his mission, Prince Hadar decided so first speak with his one time friend. Prince Earlton, the good, accepts the fact of his death, but begs Prince Hadar to reconsider his position, and attempt to reunite the Great Empire of Man. "Above all else," He says "do not allow the line of kings to fail ... your father's mistakes may still be rectified, and our families honor preserved, but only if our line prevails ... otherwise they will mistrust us forever." Guards then intrude and find, not an assassin with their king, but to brothers, mourning the depravity of war.   But war's treachery was not yet complete. The Wizardry, while Prince Hadar was away on his mission, assassinate King Marothsa, and seize control of his armies. Prince Hadar returns to the Wizardry, and disputes this claim, saying he is the true heir now that his brothers have died. Prince Hadar is weak, but not foolish. He relinquishes control over the northern half of the kingdom, and reinforces his claim over the southern half by releasing the south's armies, those of his brother Earlton. He returns home with them, and the line of kings is preserved through the nephew of king Marothsa the 13th.   After 3 years of destruction, Saramoth falls, Westerel and Toclomar are founded.