Conroi Settlements
The eastern settlements of the lost Caleen colonies discovered by the Conroi Expedition in 3439 I.R. are now commonly referred to, outside the villages themselves, as the Conroi Settlements. Since the return of the expedition and its acclamation by the public, a false belief has developed among the general public that the eastern settlements (Imar, Cale’s Hope, and Fort Relian) were actually founded — or in some stories, rescued from extinction — by the expedition, leading to the popular name for the towns. In reality, they were well-established towns with significant populations for centuries before the expedition was even conceived.
The Conroi Expedition
For generations, the lands north of the Wizard’s Wall lay untouched and unexplored (at least by the humans of the south). Many legends and wild tales were circulated about the place, but for the most part The Haunted Steppes remained a cypher. Most believed that they were all but lifeless, possibly inhabited by a handful of humans or humanoids, scoured by the passing of the Shadow Horde and the magical upheavals created by the Wizard’s Wall. Of the old Caleen colonies, nothing was known, and nearly everyone believed them to be extinct, slaughtered by the humanoids and the Scaedugenga.
Still, there were those who felt that there was knowledge to be gained on the steppes. If nothing else, explorers could learn the fate of those left behind and also possibly gauge whether the Shadow Horde still existed and, if so, whether it presented a threat. In 3439 I.R., Professor Ilene Conroi of the Grand Duchy of Reme proposed an expedition north of the Wizard’s Wall. Her goal was to survey The Haunted Steppes and report on the region’s current status — its land, flora and fauna, its people (if any) and, most importantly, the potential for threat to Reme. Obtaining modest financing from the grand duke, Conroi set out to recruit scholars from across Akados. She was joined by several prominent historians, geologists, biologists, and other scientists. Supplies were purchased and sent ahead to await the expedition. Professional caravan guards and adventurers were hired to escort the expedition. By summer, the expedition arrived at Durgam’s Folly and was ready to cross into the unknown north through the mountain passes below the fortress’s dark walls.
The expedition made its first discovery soon after entering The Plains, for the Campacha people of the southern steppes had taken note of the caravan and approached the newcomers. To the surprise of Conroi and her fellow explorers, the Campacha proved to be friendly and helpful.
Guided by Campacha scouts, the Conroi expedition set out into the grasslands. Their perils and adventures are far too numerous to describe, but of note here was their discovery that some of the supposedly lost Caleen colonies had actually survived the ravages of the Shadow Horde. West of Shadowfell Lake, the great body of water that lay at the base of the Wizard’s Wall, several settlements endured, inhabited by the descendants of the old Foerdewaith colonists and the Shattered Folk of the region. They told stories of their founding, many of which had evolved and changed until they barely resembled true events, and by this time they had nearly forgotten the names of their old kingdoms. Here they lived, adapted to the land, tending their herds and farming the harsh soil.
Though Conroi and her expedition made many discoveries in their two years of exploration, the rediscovery of the colonies was its most significant achievement. Upon their return, the expedition members were proclaimed as heroes and their exploits magnified by heroic chronicles, bardic songs, and popular legend. Today, popular belief holds that the eastern Caleen colonies were actually founded by the Conroi Expedition, a false notion that discounts the efforts and resilience of the colonists.
Comments