In Uhra, children are taught from a young age about the origins of the conflict with Gohtza, framed as a stark lesson in the dangers of unchecked ambition and aggression. The curriculum presents the war as a direct result of Gohtza's unwarranted incursion into the Ruins of Rakheim, a sacred site brimming with the magic of the Expansion, which lies within Uhra's rightful realm. This narrative, deeply embedded in educational materials, portrays Gohtza's actions as a clear violation of Uhra's sovereignty and an affront to the principles of peace and stability. Through this lens, the conflict is not just a historical event but a moral tale, underscoring the importance of defending one's homeland against the greed and tyranny exemplified by Gohtza's attempts to dominate the ancient magic of Rakheim.
Underneath this narrative taught to Uhran children, there lies a contentious counterpoint from Gohtza, which vehemently disputes this version of events. Gohtza argues that their claim to the Ruins of Rakheim is legitimate, rooted in historical and arcane rights that predate the conflict. This contrasting viewpoint is rarely acknowledged in Uhra's educational system, highlighting the deep-seated biases and enmities that fuel the ongoing strife between the two nations.
Over the years, a rumours have been spread that the ruins weren't the actual reason behind the war, but that rather, it is what they tell the world to hide the thruth.
What your characters likely would have heard, would be something like:
The Stolen Spellbook Saga: One popular rumor suggests the war began when a legendary spellbook, said to contain the secrets of ancient magic unveiled by the Magic Expansion, was stolen from Uhra's grand library. The theft, attributed to Gohtzan spies, was supposedly an attempt to monopolize the newfound arcane knowledge, sparking outrage and demands for retribution from Uhra.
The Duel of Archmages: Another tale tells of a high-stakes duel between two of the most powerful mages of Uhra and Gohtza, where a disagreement over arcane ethics escalated into a catastrophic display of magic. The duel's aftermath allegedly caused widespread devastation, leading to a declaration of war as both nations sought to defend the honor of their fallen champions.
The Enchanted Artifact Affair: A rumor steeped in mystery involves an enchanted artifact of immense power, discovered simultaneously by explorers from both Uhra and Gohtza. A dispute over ownership and the artifact's subsequent disappearance under suspicious circumstances led to accusations of theft and sabotage, fueling tensions that eventually ignited the war.
The Magic Expanse Monopoly: It is whispered that Gohtza, in its ambition to harness the full potential of the Magic Expansion, secretly developed a method to channel the Expansion's energy directly, effectively creating a magical monopoly. When Gohtza refused to share this power, citing national security and superiority, Uhra saw it as a direct threat to the balance of power, leading to escalating confrontations
Off course, none of these rumours have ever been proven correct.
Recent events:In a blatant act of aggression that has only fueled the flames of war, Gohtza has unabashedly sought to disrupt the vital trade routes between the peaceful island kingdom of Kent and Uhra. This aggressive maneuver, seen by many in Uhra as a direct attempt to choke the life out of their economy, has strained the delicate balance of power in the region to its breaking point.
Kent, caught in the crossfire of this enduring conflict, has historically served as a crucial intermediary, facilitating not just commerce but also diplomatic relations between the two rival nations. However, Gohtza's recent tactics, employing both naval might and coercive diplomacy, aim to exploit Kent's strategic position for its own gain, effectively holding the island kingdom hostage to its war ambitions.
This hostile blockade has not only jeopardized the longstanding neutrality of Kent but has also sent shockwaves through the region's trade networks, impacting everyone from high-ranking merchants to the common folk dependent on the flow of goods for their livelihoods. The economic repercussions of Gohtza's blockade are felt far and wide, further testament to the lengths to which Gohtza will go in its quest for dominance, heedless of the harm inflicted upon neutral territories and innocent lives.