The Great War: A Turning Point in Norterria’s History

The Great War, which raged across Norterria for decades, was not simply a clash of arms, but a battle for the very soul of the continent. Initially, Norterria had been home to a diverse array of creatures—orcs, lizardfolk, leonin, and others—who lived in relative harmony across the region. But when humans and elves first arrived, drawn to the fertile lands of middle Norterria, tensions began to rise. Both races sought dominion over the fertile heart of the continent, bringing with them different cultures, philosophies, and claims to the land.
Over the years, conflicts between humans and elves escalated, but an unlikely alliance began to form as both sides recognized the threat posed by the indigenous creatures. With the help of powerful magic and military might, the elves and humans brokered an uneasy truce, agreeing to work together to drive out the other races. As a result, middle and upper Norterria became dominated by a coalition of elves and humans, while those pushed to the peripheries—including the leonin, orcs, and other creatures of scale and fur—were relegated to the southern and northern extremes of the continent.
The aftermath of the war reshaped the political and cultural landscape of Norterria. Cities like Dunshire and Tonmill rose to prominence under the control of this newfound alliance. However, resentment brewed in the outer regions, where the displaced peoples struggled to rebuild their lives. The scars of this conflict lingered for generations, and even today, whispers of rebellion and dissent persist in the borders.
During the war, some figures rose to prominence for their acts of defiance against the violence. One such figure was Liora Silverleaf, the sister of Aelna Highcastle. A pacifist and idealist, Liora used her considerable magical abilities to create a sanctuary for elven dissenters and deserters who refused to continue fighting in the war. This safe haven became a symbol of hope for those who sought peace amid the chaos and bloodshed.

Timeline

500 years ago – The human and elven populations begin to expand into middle Norterria, clashing with the indigenous races. The first skirmishes break out over land rights, but tensions are still manageable.
450 years ago – Full-scale war erupts as human and elven forces start seizing control of contested territories. Orcs, dragonborn, and other races are pushed out of their ancestral lands.
400 years ago – The conflict intensifies, and alliances form between humans and certain elven factions, while others side with the opposing forces. Small resistance groups and refuges are created, often in the outer regions of Norterria.
350 years ago – The war reaches its peak with devastating battles fought across the plains of middle Norterria. The battle of Oberham sees the death of many leaders and the eventual collapse of one elven kingdom.
300 years ago – The war officially ends with a series of treaties that redraw the borders of Norterria. The humans and elves carve up the middle and upper territories, while the displaced races retreat to the outer regions.