Page 13 - Eberron -Rising from the Last War_Neat

THE LAST W A R THE S C ARS OF W A R

For hundreds of years, the continent of Khorvaire was As of 1 Zarantyr 998 YK, it's been less than four years
united under the kingdom of Galifar. This peace came to since the Mourning and less than two years since the
an end with the death of King J arot in 894 YK, just over Last War came to an end. The Last War spanned the
a century ago. Conflict over the succession spiraled into continent and lasted for over a century. Most people
outright war between the Five Nations. want to move on. But the scars of decades of war can't
The Last War was a bitter struggle that forever be erased so quickly. These are just a few of the ongoing
changed the shape of Khorvaire. It was a century effects of the Last War.
marked by shifting alliances, with years of stalemate in­
terspersed with periods of intense battles. This grueling DRAGONMARKED POWER
conflict left deep scars on the land and the people, but The dragonmarked houses remained neutral in the war
there was worse to come. On 20 Olarune 994 YK, the and made considerable profit selling their services to all
nation of Cyre was consumed in a magical cataclysm sides. War drives innovation; House Cannith developed
now known as the Mourning. The cause of the Mourn­ many new weapons during the war, including the war­
ing remains unknown; many fear it was caused by un­ forged. House Lyrandar perfected its airships in the last
bridled use of war magic. Shock and fear brought the decade of the conflict. Rumors persist of monsters or
nations to the negotiating table, and the Last War came super soldiers developed by House Vadalis or biological
to an end in 996 YK with the Treaty of Thronehold. weapons in the hands of House Jorasco.
Although many celebrated the end of the war, others The dragonmarked houses emerged from the war
remain unsatisfied with its outcome. No one won the stronger than ever, with the divided nations dependent
war. Even though people optimistically refer to it as the on their services. Before the Last War, united Galifar
Last War, most believe that it's only a matter of time imposed many restrictions on the houses. Today, no
until conflict begins anew. The mystery of the Mourn­ monarch can afford to break ties with any of the dragon­
ing is the only thing holding the warmongers at bay. If marked houses. What will happen if one of the houses
someone uncovers the secret of the Mourning-if it can goes too far in its pursuit of profit?
be proven that the Mourning can't happen again, or if NEW NATIONS
its power could be harnessed as a weapon-war could
erupt again. Until then, the nations remain in a cold war Before the Last War, Galifar laid claim to all Khorvaire.
as each makes preparations and seeks advantages in a Several new states emerged over the course of the war.
conflict that could lie ahead. In some cases, this was largely a formality; Galifar

WELC OME TO EBERRON
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