Historians do not agree as to why the empire temporarily fragmented. The most popular theory posits that some key technology involved in communication was disrupted.
History of Vern
This timeline details the events preceding the feudal lords of Vern, founding the modern Kingdom of Vern, and transpiring during the Aberator Dynasty. Four Dwarven Empires spanned across the modern day Kingdom of Vern. The first existed during Utopia, the second during The Great Aether War, while the third and fourth existed during the Common Era. Periods of chaos existed between them--the last of which led to the development of feudal states. These were eventually unified by Rex Aberator and led to the foundation of the Kingdom of Vern and the Aberator Dynasty.
Second Dwarven Empire
1005 1500
After the upwelling of Dwarven cities, the entire Dwarven way of life disappeared instantaneously. During the first five years of The Great Aether War, the surviving cities functioned autonomously, focusing on survival during the most trying of times. Eventually, the cities were united once again and over the next 495 years, the Dwarven cities would gradually transition into a full-blown wartime economy, providing the finances and resources required for The Great Aether War.
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1005
Founding of the Second Dwarven Empire
Founding -
1500
End of The Great Aether War
Military actionLegends tell that Urbos, God of the Nether demanded a prophecy of victory from Navaros, God of Fate and Prophecy However, the enigmatic god of prophecy did not see victory in the future. In a rage, Urbos bound Navaros into a blade, intending to carry it into battle and to subvert fate. When the Blade of Navaros crossed with the Sun God's weapon, the Blade shattered and Urbos was promptly wounded. Shortly thereafter, the forces of the Nether were vanquished. The remaining Nether Gods returned to the Nether, where they continue to machinate to this day. As punishment for his betrayal, Urbos was imprisoned deep within the Underdark.
Third Dwarven Empire
1501 1710
Following the devastation of The Great Aether War, the dwarves living in Vern transformed their war industry into a thriving empire that lasted for two centuries. Limited records of these denizens revealed that they considered themselves to be the heirs of the majestic legacy left by the First Dwarven Empire. However, the empire lasted just shy of the average lifespan of a Dwarf.
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1501
Founding of the Third Dwarven Empire
FoundingHistorical records have revealed that this empire consisted of nine cooperative city-states that exerted strong force over the lands surrounding their main cities. These were the same cities that were upwelled during The Great Aether War.
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1710
Collapse of the Third Dwarven Empire
DisbandmentThe Empire collapsed around 1710 due to unknown reasons. Numerous tragedies have been written about the Second Dwarven Empire because to many artists, the Second Dwarven Empire represents the last bastion of society from before The Great Aether War. Each depiction suggests a different cause of the empire's downfall.
150 Years of Chaos
1711 1860
Between the Second and Third Dwarven Empire, the lands of Vern were thrown into more chaos. Few records have survived the test of time. Those that have suggest that various Dwarven clans were at war with one another.
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1841
First Records of the Honorhelm Clan
MarriageThe oldest known record of the Honorhelm Clan, eventual custodians of Vern, is a journal entry documenting a marriage. The identity of the writer must be Gerald Copperband, patriarch of his namesake clan and whose daughter Ysolda married into the Honorhelm clan. Evidently this marriage brought peace between the Honorhelms and the Copperbands, ending a decades-old feud. But, there is mention of other clans who rivaled the Honorhelms.
Fourth Dwarven Empire
1861 1960
Chaos gave way to order after the Honorhelm Clan seized the City of Vern. With this historically significant achievement the clan set about bringing the other families to heel. Within two decades the lands of Vern were begrudgingly ruled by the the clan.
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1861
Founding of the Fourth Dwarven Empire
FoundingHistory from this time is more clearly understood as the Honorhelms were fastidious in their bookkeeping.
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1960
Collapse of the Fourth Dwarven Empire
DisbandmentHowever, the rule of the Honorhelm clan was short. Barbarians from the Ekkelt-Skag poured through the northern mountain passes and brought the budding empire to its knees.