the Hariq Kingdom

In 1639AT(After Tertan) the horror that lurked in the depths of the dwarven city now known as Dun's End comes into the upper city once the mines have been dug to deep, From the bowles of the Mithrilforge the abomination ravages the dwarfs of the once proud city. 

It laid waste to its armies and in its attack it slew king Dun Steelheart. At their kings death the dwarven forces routed, at the comand of the young captain Hariq Steeleye the highest ranking dwarf left arived the refugees of Mithrilforge sealed their city behind them.

The refugees tries to scrape together what they can in the valley outside of Mithrilforges halls, the surounding mountains is home to dangers and barren earth. After all the losses, little food and dry mines decides the leadership of Dun's end to leave Bador mountains for greener fields outside in the lush valleys in the north. 

The north east of Terram where the dwarfs found themselves was called Shu-Expanse and the local Genasi Tribes and human settlers welcomed the dwarfs into their realm. The dwarfs settled on the hill called Dunar or "Dun's Hill" and the population slowly settled into outside life with smaler clans making new homes along the Ankh-riveror becoming adopted into one of the Four Genasi tribes.

Slowly the dwarven culture mingled and influenced the other and the city of Mos-Dunar grew in power over the region. Around a century the now middleaged castellan Hariq Steeleye was aproached by a beautiful Water Genasi called Nightriver, whom was a high ranking elder of their tribe. 

The previous Harmony of the genasis, a person born of all four elements had died the previous year and the vacuum it created had led to some infighting and violence between the tribes. The water genasi befrended Hariq and over time they became close. 

Years have gone past and no Harmony had been born yet, Hariq and Nightriver had become romantically involved and they suggested that he should unite the Shu-Expanse and keep order until a harmony could be born. Hariq refused the idea stating he and his kin wouldn't bring bloodshed to the ones that took them inn in their time of need, that's when Nightriver revealed their true colours and the Vampire lunged on the surprised dwarf and with a bite turned him into their thrall.

Instability in the Genasi tribes comes to blood with the assassination of the Fire Tribes Chief. The Water tribe is blamed and the Air and earth tribes is forced to take a side, a small civil-war breaks out but is quickly stopped by troops from Mos-Dunar, the experienced troops apprehends and arrests the leaders of the four Genasi tribes. With the help of Nighriver they are enthralled to the Vampires will. The nomadic tribes is forced to settle down and become "civilized". The four tribes is placed in different settlements around the Shu-Expanse. 

With no nomads and their rules to stand in the way a great expansion flows down the valleys around Mos-Dunar. The small fiefdoms around the expanse is one by one taken into the new power in the East. With the subdigation of Starwake Village and with the Starwake Valley serving as a natural border to the east the expantion ends. The now large realm is with support from the four genasi tribes in a great sermony declares Hariq himself as Sunking and the region becomes the Hariq Kingdom.

A century goes by with the Hariq kindom focusing on stabilizing the realm and creating a joint culture. A short but impressive Golden age comes with great inovation in magic, technology and culture at its centre. With a focus on Automatons and the kingdoms relaxed laws on Necromany the populus grows with some menial jobs being replced by mighty golems and sewer cleaning skeletons. 

A cry for expansion and the wish to share their cultures gifts with the rest of the world before the 150th anniversary of the kingdom are plans for further expansion is drawn. Golems are armoured for war and elemental troops trained. And slowly neighbouring tribes of orcs and citys of Yuan-ti and petty-kingdoms of humans are conquered. 

The Hariq Kingdoms borders crawls closer and closer to the heartlands of Edencross. Though the Sunking didnt want a war with Edencross due to the human kingdoms conection to the Triarchs,  there was stil land outside of its borders that no Civilized land had claimed.

After many  scirmishes between the Hariq Kingdom in the east and the goliath clans to the west is war is formaly decleared.

The newly crowned highking of the goliaths Tempus the Storm bear unified the Goliath clans and his armies, consisting of captured Giants, Mighty shamans and nature spirits marched from Soria to face the armies of the East.

Many battles ensued along the battlefield. Mercenary armies and diplomats from all around Terram came to either join or end the war. 17 years in a clear standstill was seen. In a gamble that scholars is not sure of whom was first, be it bands of independent Goliaths raiding Edencrossian Farmsteads or was it the spies of Hariq trying to smuggle troops trough Edencrossian merchants. But in the end both sides crossed into Edencross who had a decade prior declared themselves neutral. 

As the War spilled over the borders and the protective forces of Edencross failed to force the twin invaders out, in 3 years the fighting reached the walls of Glowfort castle and in the great explosion of the Glowfall Cataclysm the war came to a staggering halt 20 years after its beginning.

The years following the devastating the Glowfall Cataclysm brought about an unprecedented magical and ecological disaster that cast a shadow over the entire Northlands. In the Western region, once the proud home of the goliaths, an inhospitable cold tundra emerged, where lakes and rivers froze into eternal glaciers. The entire land became cloaked in an unyielding winter, as if nature itself mourned the loss of life and warmth.

Edencross, the kingdom that stood as a beacon of against the war, mysteriously vanished from sight. Its once recognizable borders transformed into walls of enigmatic fog, and the entire realm became intertwined with the ominous realm of Ravenloft, turning it into a Realm of Dread. The fate of Edencross was shrouded in mystery, and those who knew its former glory could only lament the loss of a once great kingdom.

As for the Hariq Kingdom, the eastern region experienced a devastating reverse effect of the west. The entire land transformed into a scorching desert, with rivers and lakes drying up, and once lush forests spontaneously combusting into flames. The population faced the wrath of the desert, forced to abandon their homes, as sand and thirst swallowed their once thriving communities.

Amidst this devastation, the survivors blamed the Sunking Hariq Steeleye for the ecological collapse and the ensuing suffering. In their fury and grief, they renamed the region The Hariq desert, a testament to their anger and a bitter reminder of the loss they endured. They held the Vampire King, Hariq Steeleye, responsible for the destruction of their homeland, as they struggled to endure the unforgiving desert environment.

However, Hariq Steeleye himself was appalled by the devastation wrought by his own actions. Breaking free from the shackles of his vampire enthrallment, he regained control of his mind and soul. With a newfound sense of his honorable dwarven self, he mustered the strength to confront Nightriver, the vampire who had ensnared him in the first place. Harnessing the power of his golden eye, a relic brought from Dun's End, Hariq slew his vampire master, putting an end to the dark influence that had clouded his judgment.

The city of Mos-Dunar, situated near the last remaining source of water, the shimmering Lake Ankh-Mare and its outflowing river, the Ankh-river, was among the few fortunate settlements that had access to this precious resource. Hariq knew that controlling this vital water source was the key to stabilizing the region and ensuring the survival of his people. Despite the chaos and devastation, he held a firm and ironclad grip over the water supply.

Yet, despite his efforts to bring order and stability, Hariq was still a vampire at heart. The years of enthrallment, followed by the tumultuous period of desertification, had hardened him. He had become a cold-hearted ruler, and while his old honorable dwarven self had resurfaced, the haunting shadow of vampirism remained. Hariq grappled with his dual nature, attempting to strike a balance between his past and present, as he sought to lead his kingdom through this time of immense hardship.

In the wake of the Glowfall Cataclysm, the Northlands lay shattered, with each realm facing its own unique struggle. The once proud and unified Hariq Kingdom now found itself divided between the frozen wastelands of the West and the scorching deserts of the East. The legacy of the cataclysm would shape the fate of the region for generations to come, as survivors sought to rebuild, uncover the mysteries of Edencross's disappearance, and find their place in this drastically changed world.

In the early 2000s, as news of the Glowfall Cataclysm slowly spread southwards, the Lone Triarch, who ruled nearly the entire Continent of Terram, sent envoys to the Northlands in an attempt to assess the situation. However, the few envoys that managed to reach the surviving settlements in the Hariq Desert were swiftly hunted down and killed by the Sunkings minions. Hariq Steeleye was determined to keep the news of the cataclysm and his actions hidden from the rest of the world, fearing humiliation and potential retaliation.

In response to the threat posed by the outside world, the Hariq Kingdom officially closed its borders, becoming a secluded and secretive realm. The desert itself, with its harsh and inhospitable conditions, served as a natural deterrent against intruders, while the kingdom's well-trained soldiers stood ready to defend its isolation.

Meanwhile, the Triarch who inherited power in the early 2010s proved to be a tyrannical ruler, causing discontent among the diverse peoples of Terram. In the year 2020, a continent-wide rebellion erupted against this oppressive ruler, with various regions rising up against the oppressive rule of the Terror Triarch. However, the Hariq Kingdom, insulated from the affairs of the continent, remained oblivious to this rebellion. The Sunking's desire to maintain secrecy and control over his domain prevented the kingdom from participating in the larger revolt.

As the kingdom adapted to its new desert climate, drastic changes took place. The lands' once wooden buildings were dismantled and replaced with sturdier sandstone structures. Wood, having become a rare and valuable resource, was carefully stockpiled by the government for essential purposes. Some of it was allocated to construct larger ships, enabling the kingdom to venture across the oceans in search of new resources and opportunities.

To survive and thrive in the scorching climate, the Hariq Kingdom initiated secret missions led by loyal agents. Their purpose was to gather animals and plants better suited to the harsh environment. With the assistance of the ever adapting Genasi and the local Yuan-ti, whose history traced back to ancient Tertan, the kingdom managed to achieve some degree of stabilization in the face of the cataclysm's aftermath.

Within the closed borders of the Hariq Kingdom, life carried on with a cautious optimism. While other regions of Terram underwent significant changes through rebellion and political upheaval, the desert realm stood as an enigmatic and isolated entity. Its citizens remained loyal to their enigmatic Sunking, while the kingdom steadily adjusted to its new reality, seeking survival and prosperity amidst the arid dunes of the Hariq Desert. The future held uncertainty, but the people of the Hariq Kingdom were determined to endure and adapt, upholding the legacy of their long and storied history.

Life in the Hariq Desert remains harsh, a testament to the lasting impact of the cataclysm that reshaped the land. More than 300 years have passed since the sands engulfed the once fertile regions, and only the eldest among the elder races remember a time without the endless sea of sand.

However, amidst the unforgiving environment, the Ankh-river serves as a precious lifeline for the isolated desert kingdom. Its banks have been carefully cultivated, giving rise to channels and water-based farms that sustain the population. Reed-made fishing boats dot the Ankh-Mare's surface, supporting the livelihoods of those who venture out to the water in search of sustenance.

The gray foundations of pre-cataclysm buildings serve as a reminder of the past, with newer sandstone structures rising ontop or alongside them. The population has been slowly growing, adapting to the desert's challenges with resilience and resourcefulness. Some even embrace the nomadic lifestyle, traversing the sands on camels or riding upon the backs of beasts that have evolved to survive in this magical environment.

Despite the harsh conditions, several settlements have managed to endure. Mos-Dunar, the capital of the kingdom, stands proudly with the Sunking's castle overlooking the Ankh-Mare. Mos-Yal, the semi-buried city of the Yuan-ti, houses catacombs filled with sand and the remains of those who perished during the cataclysm's early years. Redrock, a small red hued mountain, shelters the remnants of the original creators and articifiers, who continue to work on their technology in underground facilities, preserving their legacy even after the passage of centuries.

Among these settlements, the newest and most promising addition is Ankh-Morport, established in 2400. Its purpose was twofold: to support the growth of the population and to harness the resources provided by the sea. Hariq's most loyal troops were stationed in Ankh-Morport, tasked with maintaining the kingdom's isolation and ensuring that any newfound resources would be funneled back to the state.

Over the next 200 years, Ankh-Morport flourished into an important trading city, strategically positioned at the mouth of the Ankh-River where it meets the vast sea. Its location granted access to maritime trade, enabling the city to engage in limited commerce with the outside world. This trade was tolerated, as Ankh-Morport lay far from the watchful gaze of the reclusive and immortal Sunking, who now preferred to govern through chosen mortals elevated to the ranks of nobility.

As the centuries wore on, Ankh-Morport became a vibrant hub of activity, bustling with merchants, traders, and adventurers. Despite the desert's isolation and the watchful eye of the Sunking's garrison, the city managed to carve out its place as the gateway to the sea, bridging the gap between the Hariq Desert and the larger world beyond.

With the Hariq Kingdom now open to the world once more, it regains its place on the world stage, but this newfound exposure attracts not only potential allies but also dangerous adversaries. Among them is the great red dragon Ashtaridon the Crimsonspite. The colossal dragon descends upon Northern Terram, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake as it seeks to claim the treasures of Dun's End and the rumoured new riches of the Hariq Kingdom.

The abandoned Dwarven stronghold of Dun's End becomes Crimsonspite's rightful lair, and the surrounding monster tribes are forced into submission, becoming the dragon's enslaved minions. Ashtaridon's reign of terror casts a dark shadow over the kingdom, and despite the valiant efforts of the Sunking's armies, the dragon proves relentless and evades their attempts to kill or scare it away.

Year after year, Crimsonspite threatens the Hariq Kingdom, demanding exorbitant ransoms that the struggling kingdom can hardly afford. This constant drain of resources plunges the realm into an economic crisis, exacerbating the challenges already faced by its inhabitants.

In a desperate bid to end the dragon's tyranny, the Sunking summons bands of adventurers from the outside world to his palace, offering handsome rewards for those who can slay the fearsome Crimsonspite. Among these adventurers, a group known as The Star Chasers rises to the challenge. They embark on a perilous quest to confront the dragon.

After numerous hardships and fierce battles, the Star Chasers finally manage to confront and defeat Crimsonspite in the year 2701. Their triumph is met with jubilation and relief across the Hariq Kingdom. The heroic deeds of the Star Chasers spread like wildfire, and they become celebrated as saviors and heroes of the realm.

In the aftermath of Crimsonspite's demise, the Sunking makes a secretive journey back to his ancient home, Dun's End. To his dismay, he discovers that half of the wealth that had been stored there is now gone. The loss weighs heavily on the Sunking's heart, as the kingdom's economic crisis persists and the dragon's depredations have taken a considerable toll.

Despite the dragon's defeat and the Star Chasers' triumph, the Hariq Kingdom faces new challenges in the wake of Crimsonspite's reign. The loss of wealth adds to the kingdom's burdens, leaving its future uncertain. However, the memory of the Star Chasers' bravery and heroism endures, serving as a beacon of hope in these trying times. The people of the Hariq Kingdom look to their new heroes now more than their Sunking for guidance and leadership as they endeavor to rebuild and secure a brighter future for their land.

After 940 years since the founding of the Hariq Kingdom, a spark of revolution ignites in Ankh-Morport. After enduring a decade of tyranny and famine under the rule of the immortal Sunking, the population reaches its breaking point. Shocking revelations come to light, exposing the Sunking's court as the orchestrators of organized kidnappings for the sustenance of the immortal vampires' unending existence.

In an echo of The Star Chasers from a decade earlier, a band of new adventurers emerges, supported by local merchants and nobles who were unaware of the vampire's dark secrets. Together, they lead a rebellion against the Sunking's rule. For three long years, blood is spilled in the desert sands as rebel armies march towards Mos-Dunar, determined to confront the vampire lord. The heroes of the rebellion become legendary, displaying their prowess by running on top of the Ankh-river to outmaneuver the Sunking's armies.

The climax of the Firetide Revolution occurs on the 14th of Firetide in 2720 when the rebellion finally succeeds in infiltrating and killing the Sunking in his palace. With the Sunking's death, the Firetide Council is established, uniting the various factions of the rebellion. This newly formed council assumes control over the territories of the former Hariq Kingdom creating the Firetide Conclave, marking the birth of one of Lunaria's youngest nations.

However, even with the Firetide Conclave officially unifying the nation, the aftermath of the revolution is marred by over 60 years of factional infighting and minor street skirmishes. The newly formed Nation struggles to find stability, and it takes until the late 2760s for the nation to finally settle and solidify its governance.

During this period of turmoil, the Firetide Council emerge as the de facto rulers of The Hariq desert. Through their combined efforts, they establish authority over the region, gradually bringing about order and prosperity for the nation.

The Firetide Revolution leaves an indelible mark on the history of Lunaria and the Hariq Desert. The fall of the Sunking's vampiric reign and the rise of the Firetide Concord symbolize the triumph of the people over oppression and their determination to forge a brighter future. As the new nation embarks on its journey, it does so with the memory of the brave rebels who dared to challenge the immortal vampire and set the desert free from his dark grasp.

The year is 2800 AT, and the Firetide Conclave has emerged as a young nation in The Hariq desert. However, mysterious events unfold in the Bador mountainss outside of Mos-Dunar, prompting a band of adventurers to investigate the disappearance of monsters in the area. They encounter Cpt.Mayor, the Earth Genasi Captain of the guards of Mos-Dunar, who informs them of the presence of a southern dwarven band exploring the ruins of Dun's End, the abandoned dwarven city.

The adventurers find a hidden army camp in the mountains, led by Xhoras, a calculating and malicious purple dragonborn. He is revealed to be a member of The Black Bonfire, gathering an army of monstrous races to attack the Firetide Conclave to steal The Ruby Throne. The party manages to defeat Xhoras and escapes trough the mysterious tunnels of Dun's End, encountering traps, vampires, and even communicating with the spirits of former treasure hunters.

Deep within Dun's End, they come face-to-face with the assumed dead Sunking, Hariq Steeleye, who is revealed to be a vampire. After a fierce battle, Hariq seeks their help to rid his ancestral home of a horrifying force, promising to sever his alliance with the Black Bonfire and reveal their secrets in exchange.

Descending further into the mythical Mithrilforge, the party confronts the horror lurking below Dun's End. With the aid of Smedjohn König's creation, the Allhammer Plate, they manage to drive the evil back and escape the city as it is consumed by lava.

Upon the clifftop overlooking the city, the party witnesses the sunrise. Filled with remorse for his past tyranny, Hariq removes his golden Eye, the artifact granting him power and keeping him protected from holy magic and sunlight. He requests forgiveness and asks the adventurers to deliver the Eye to the Firetide Council as a symbol of his abdication and regret.

As the sun rises, Hariq is destroyed, becoming a cloud of dust carried away by the wind. The adventurers turn to follow the army marching towards Mos-Dunar, holding the Sunking's Eye in hand, ready to face the next chapter of their journey in the ever-changing sands of the Hariq Desert.