Dales
The Dales are the region found on the Eastern edge of the Orlesian empire. They also border Ferelden's Frostback Mountains. It was once the home of the Dalish elves, prior to its annexation at the hands of Orlais.
History
The Dales still bear the scars of the Exalted Marches: a time long ago when the might of the Orlesian Empire crushed elven forces and drove them from their own land. Although the nation of Orlais now lays claim to the Dales, every branch, stream, and stone preserve the memories of elven history. From the lush forests of the Emerald Graves to the icy highlands of Emprise du Lion, fractured remnants of the ancient elves live on.Keeper Camhlen
Founding
During the centuries of slavery the elves faced after the destruction of the original, ancient civilization, most of their language, history, and lore were lost. Enslaved by Tevinter magistrates, elves were forced to forget their culture else they would go missing. However, when Andraste and her husband Maferath led their barbarian army against the Tevinter Imperium, elven slaves rose up and helped fight against their masters. The elves grew to be quite fond of their liberators. Following Maferath's betrayal of Andraste, Maferath gave the Dales to the elves as a reward for their efforts. The area was sparsely populated and served as a place perfect for them to rebuild their civilization. The freed elves set off for their new home on foot in what would come to be called "The Long Walk". Many perished along the way, but those who survived found the city of Halamshiral - meaning "the end of journey" in Elvish. The Dales were patrolled by a border guard known as the Emerald Knights. These elven warriors protected the boundaries of riding halla and hunting with wolf companions who guarded the knights while they slept.Fall
Andraste's path was difficult and so soon shall our's be. She did not falter, now neither shall we. If the Dalish are to turn from the Maker's blessed hand than they too have declined forgiveness. We will show them mercy as that is what Andraste teaches us, but the Chant of Light shall never escape their ears again. We are one day closer to the Maker's coming.At the climax of the Dalish's new home, tensions between them and Orlais began to spill over. Skirmishes would happen on the border but neither was all too willing to enter into war with the other. The Dalish claim that Orlais began to forcibly enter their land, so they claim to have responded back in force. At first, the Dalish lead one of the most successful campaigns ever against the Orlesians and eventually even took their capital, Val Royeaux. After months of rallying the Orlesians and chevaliers, Orlais was able to lead a counterattack that crushed the elven forces. Due to the preparations that the Orlesians had undergone, it is believed that did not lose a single battle to the Dalish on the tail end of the Second Exalted March. The Orlesians pushed all the way to the Dalish capital until massacring all those who opposed them. In the process, much of the Dales were set ablaze. To this day, little of the lands have recovered. Pilgrims see the western region, known as the Exalted Plains, as a haunting sight. Where once lush meadows grew and pine trees reached up to the heavens, black burnt trees and trenches can be found in their place. The Orlesian empire has done little to make this place look as it once did. To them, it serves as a reminder to their enemies that their power is unrelenting.Sister Anaïs, at the conclusion of the Second Exalted March
Type
Region
Included Locations
Owning Organization
Related Ethnicities
Location: Eastern Orlais
Ex-capital: Halamshiral
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