The Gnoll Magic War was an Izrilian conflict that mainly involved the Drake cities and the Gnoll tribes. It happened during the Summer and the Fall of 23 A.F. The war ended in an unofficial ceasefire between the Drake cities and the Gnoll tribes. In the middle of the war, the Gnolls tribes had their own civil war concerning the fate of the Doombearers/Doombringers. That civil war ended in favor of protecting the Doombearers. Both conflicts were intertwined with the Seamwalker incursion in Kasignel.
Background[edit | edit source]
Drakes versus Gnolls[edit | edit source]
Historically, Drake cities and the Plains Gnolls have always been antagonistic, with multiple conflicts between certain cities and tribes. In some Drake cities, such as Hectval, City Gnolls are considered second-class citizens. The councils of those cities do every trick imaginable to stop Gnolls from gaining any form of rights, forcing them to work as indentured servants called "Paworkers."[1] Tired of conflict with the Drake cities, some Gnoll tribes decided to immigrate to Chandrar and become the people of Flos Reimarch the King of Destruction. One of the tribes, Saltstone, was massacred by a village in Belchan, leading Flos to declare war on Belchan,[2]
Relations have been relatively stable in the last few decades, especially with Drakes focusing more on Antinium and Human conflicts. However tension was created after the newly formed Woven Bladegrass Tribe raided some Drake cities, while the Meeting of the Tribes was viewed by Drake critics as a show of force from the Gnoll tribes.[3]
Doombringers[edit | edit source]
White Gnolls, denoted as "Doombringers", are viewed as cursed among the tribes, and are hunted down and killed by the Plain’s Eye Tribe. Plain’s Eye set multiple Drake cities ablaze during their hunt for "Doom".[4]
Gnolls' Loss of Arcane Magic[edit | edit source]
For the last two centuries, the Gnoll species have lost access to their arcane abilities, with no Gnoll gaining a [Mage] or magic-related class, with the exception of [Shaman] classes. Forty years ago, Wistram refused a Gnoll [Shaman] saying he couldn't cast magic and declared Gnolls to be magic-deficient and talentless.[5]
Participants[edit | edit source]
Major participants[edit | edit source]
Gnolls[edit | edit source]
Gaarh Marsh Tribe and Weatherfur Tribe
The Gaarh Marsh Tribe is a Great Tribe that lived in a swamp with their guardian Khoteizetrough. They specialize in nature, mostly importantly swamp faune and flora.[6] The Weatherfur Tribe wass a Great Tribe that specializes in weather magic and producing mighty leaders. The two Tribes wanted to protect the Gnolls from Drakes and wanted the Doombringers to live. Khoteizetrough revealed that the Doombringers are actually named Doombearers.
They are the biggest and most numerous of all the tribes. One of their activities is hunting for Doombearers. When Magic is revealed to have been suppressed, [Chieftain] Xherw swore to that his tribe would investigate the situation.[4] It would be later revealed that Plain’s Eye is paid by the Walled Cities for helping the suppression. It would also be later revealed that Plain’s Eye wass using all the luck from the dead Doombearers to create a Daemon of Luck, benefiting all of the tribe.[7]
The Silverfang Tribe was a Tribe that specializee in silver. For the Meeting of Tribes, they had multiple objectives: give magic back to the Gnolls, show that the Doombringers were not cursed with Mrsha's help, and give the protection of Gnolls to the Earthers.
Drakes[edit | edit source]
The Walled City of Magic wass mostly responsible for the suppression of Gnoll magic. Ex-Wall Lord Dragial was chasing the Gnoll Named-Rank adventurer Lehra for the Blade of Mershi.[8] It would be later revealed he still had support from the city and was a part of it. The Walled City was the first to attack the Meeting of Tribes.
The Walled City of War went into the war with the goal to protect the other Walled Cities and their powerful leadership and only do damage to the Gnolls, not destroy them.[7]
Following Magnolia’s arrival in the city, the Walled City of Growth was under siege by Zeres. Cirediel their Dragon made a life-pact swearing to protect Mrsha. He later convinced the city to join the fight to protect the Gnolls.[7]
Following the revelation about magic, the Walled City of Gems also sent an army to the Gnoll Plains. Ilvriss later took control of that army to help Mrsha.[7]
Sserys and the Liscorian Army
Using the Kasignel Crisis, General Sserys took control of Erin Solstice’s body. When he heard about the war in the Gnoll Plains, he commandeered Senior Guardsman Relc and Archmage Valeterisa.[9] Liscor’s Mercenary Army, the most powerful non-Walled City Drake army, didn’t want to slaughter the Gnolls and made it clear in their contract with Zeres.[7]
The Walled City of Waves was already at war with Oteslia. With Liscor’s mercenary army under their control, they were forced to retreat into supporting the other Walled Cities fighting the Gnolls.[7]
Others[edit | edit source]
King Fetohep was in contact with the souls in Kasignel. Using the crisis in Kasignel, King Fetohep recruited an army of elites from multiple Chandrar Kingdoms and Terandria’s Knights.[10] He wanted to defend the Gnolls against the Drakes and to protect Mrsha on Erin Solstice’s behalf.
Following her attack on The Wandering Inn[11], The Stitch Witch was hired by Pallass to create chaos among the Gnolls.[12] She wanted to indirectly kill Mrsha or make her suffer.
Minor participants[edit | edit source]
The Great Tribe was known for slaying the dragon Muzarre. They were the great guardians and officiators of the Gnoll Plains. They joined the side of Plain’s Eye.
The small tribe of Gnoll was known for their elite Gnolls seeking perfection. They used selective breeding to create peerless secialists . The public revelation about the Doombearer would cause the tribe to divide in two. Two-thirds led by [Chieftain] Firrelle joining Plain’s Eye, the other third led by [Paragon] Gireulashia joining Mrsha’s side.[7]
Fellowship of the Inn and Forgotten Wing Company
Chasing Mrsha across south Izril, the ragtag group of companions lead by Niers Astoragon decided to intervene in the war.[13] Niers wanted to protect the Gnolls and Mrsha. On their way they would recruit minor Gnoll tribes, the Wild Wastes Tribe[14], and the goblin Ghost Hand tribe. He would later include troops from his Great Company in Baleros.[15]
The Walled City of Inventions hired Belavierr to create chaos among the Gnolls and to stop Niers. They had one hundred and twenty soldiers present at the final battle, helping the Gnolls.[16]
The tribe was known for their metal fur granted by their [Chieftain]’s Skill. They joined Plain’s Eye's side in the civil war, except for Adetr Steelfur.
The Antinium Hives of Izril
Before the magical revelation, the Grand Queen of the Antinium made an offer of truce and territory to the Gnolls.[4] During the final battle, Sserys accidentally summoned two companies of Antinium from Liscor's Second Army, who helped defend Mrsha from enemy forces, as well as Zeres's army. Xrn also teleported Klbkch & Wrymvr to the battle.[16]
History[edit | edit source]
Discovery of the Conspiracy[edit | edit source]
It was a tradition for each tribe to present a gift at the Meeting of Tribes. The Silverfang Tribe's gift was a magical tome from the Rihal Imperium, given by an “Eldavin” and Ryoka Griffin.[17][18] Along with the tome, the Silverfangs wanted Gnolls to learn magic, having proof of two Gnolls gaining magic classes: Mrsha the [Druid] and Ferkr, apprentice of Grimalkin Duveig. Ferkr initially could not cast a spell, claiming that something was blocking her. [Shaman] Theikha summoned Khoteizetrough, the Swamp Elemental of the Gaarh Marsh Tribe, who uncovered and broke a gigantic crystal of magicore buried under the location of the Meeting of Tribes, allowing Ferkr to cast.[4]
Following the revelation, on the scrying orb, an international committee was formed, thanks to Feshi Weatherfur and Yerranola. Comprised of rulers from every continent except Rhir, they interrogated [Grand Strategist] Chaldion Oliwing of Pallass. Chaldion revealed at least two Walled Cities was involved in the conspiracy, while implying that a Gnoll tribe had also participated. No official verdict was passed by the committee[19]
Knowing war would start, the Drakes went on the offensive. One conflict involved the Drake city of Bentill ambushing the Lomost Tribe. However, Bentill's army was defeated by Niers Astoragon leading the Fellowship of the Inn, along with Lomost's ally the Ghostly Hand Tribe.[13] To prevent Niers from interfering in Izril and to create chaos among the Gnolls, Chaldion hired Belavierr Donamia.[12][7][15]
The Doombearer Incident[edit | edit source]
After a battle with the Drakes, Mrsha was revealed as a white Gnoll to the Gnolls of the Meeting of Tribes. Khoteizetrough defended her from some Plain’s Eye killers, announcing her a “Doombearer.”[20] The suddenly-equipped Raskgnar Nokha tries to assassinate Mrsha's birth parents Mrell and Prha. The attempt is stopped by the Halfseekers. [Historian] Satar Silverfang reveals the true story of the Beast of Albez, where the slayer of the Beast become a Doombearer. [Mathematician] Yelroan and [Warrior] Merish also reveals that Plain's Eye was way too lucky and received money from the Walled Cities. Merish also reveals that Nokha was hired by Plain's Eye to do the assassination attempt. During a debate between the Chieftains about white Gnolls, Belavierr appeared and revealed that a Daemon of Luck, made up of the corpses of Doombearers, was under the control of [Chieftain] Xherw of Plain's Eye. This ignited a civil war between the tribes. At the start of the battle between Gnolls, Wild Wastes lead a charge into Plain's Eye's side. It would be countered by a darkness spell on the berserker tribe, leading to their devastation. The two sides would retreat into their camp for the night. [7]
When the ghosts of Kasignel alerted Fetohep from the arrival of the Seamwalkers, the King of Khelt activated the Dragonward Bell and decided to intervene the Izril conflict. Along with his undead armies, the Revenants of Khelt and his powerful living troops, he recruited the King of Destruction Flos Reimarch, his steward Orthenon, The [Hero] Doubte, [Queen] Jecaina Leysars of Jecrass, and the Horns of Hammerad. He forced the surrender of the Terandrian [Knight] Crusade, Medain and Claiven Earth, saving King Raelt Leysars of Jecrass who joined the cause. Using the Revenant Ship Sand at Sea and the newly acquired Terandrian ships, he convinced the Knights and Herald of the Forest Ierwyn to join him.[10] Arriving from the Wistram Academy, [Pirate] Rasea Zecrew, Quarass, Gazi Pathseeker, and Amerys would also join the cause.[9]
The Final Day[edit | edit source]
Plain's Eye creates a massive volcanic eruption on the Pro-Doombearers. The Elemental Khoteizetrough blocks the spell at the cost of its life, while Gaarh Marsh counter-spells with sinkholes and geysers of muddy water.[21] After winning a skirmish with Fissival on previous days,[7] Niers' forces was approaching the Meeting of Tribes, but the Titan was teleported to Baleros by Belavierr per her deal with Chaldion. However, using his new Skill, Niers swapped the places of the Ghost Hand Tribe and Perorn Sadiluc’s regiment of Centaurs. [15] The newly arrived Centaurs and the Fellowship charged into the battle, helping the Pro-Doombearers. Mrsha is kidnapped, helped and fought for by all sides. At the cost of the third of luck of Plain's Eye, Belavierr is hired by them and starts attacking the Pro-Doombearers. Meanwhile the Sand at Sea reaches Zeres, where Fetohep launches The Gemstone Giant’s Halberd of Khelt on one of Zeres' tower while the ship continues its path on a nearby river.[21]
Belavierr's attack is so destructive that even the Gnoll Tribes not taking part in the civil war decide to attack her. Salazsar's army lead by Ilvriss fakes a charge against the Gnolls to attack Fissival. Liscor's army attacks by accident Sserys whom takes control of the army to attack Manus. Sserys teleports two Antinium companies from Liscor's Second Army to the battlefield. Klbkch and Wrymvr arrives while Bird starts an Unitasis Network for the Antinium present. Belavierr makes a deal with the prisoners Raskgnars to bring them to a place full of Raskgnars. The Witch also teleports Chieftain Torishi Weatherfur and her bodyguards with them. Khelt finally arrives at the battlefield with ten of thousand of undead soldiers. All the Walled Cities, even those helping the Gnolls, activate a combined bombardment named the Tidebreaker Contingency. Having planning for that, Fetohep uses the death magic from the sacrifice to create a Graven Passage to Khelt. A second undead army comes forward from it. A part of the Tidebreaker Contingency is also aimed at the Gnolls. Theikha raise a magical paw to block it, but the spell is too strong stopping the [Shaman]'s heart. Khoteizetrough, as his last act, revives her, changing her heart.[16]
Underground, Torishi and her bodyguards die, but manage to kill Nokha beforehand. The living allies of Fetohep finally charge into the battle. The royalty of Chandrar liberates the Daemon of Luck. As thanks, the Daemon uses luck to finally activate the ritual being made in Khelt. All the living Gnoll Chieftains and the successor of those dead charge into Xherw. After a struggle, Merish gets the final blow killing Xherw. The Gnolls and their allies lead by Flos charge into the Drakes. Desperate, [Shaman] Ulcreziek makes a last deal with Belavierr to save Plain's Eye's lives. She transform them all, except Yelroan[22], into Doombearers while Ulcreziek is killed by Manus. The ritual of Khelt activated, the ghosts are now possessing dead bodies all around and helping the Gnolls by fighting the Drakes or the Seamwalkers and the Dead God also using that ritual. As ghosts possessing dead bodies, Archmage Kishkeria, [Chieftain] Seru'nial, and an extremely ancient [Shaman] uses four spells to help the Gnolls; Split the south of Izril in two, raise the land in that gap, create grass in that New Lands, and explode the network that suppressed the magic of the Gnolls.[23]
Aftermath[edit | edit source]
Deaths (in chronological order)[edit | edit source]
Gnolls[edit | edit source]
- Honored Dorekh of Wild Wastes Tribe[21] (killed in the middle of a darkness spell)
- Plain's Bow, a Gold-Rank adventurer team linked with Plain's Eye[21] (killed in the initial chaos between Gnolls)
- Honored Bezis[21] (killed in the initial chaos between Gnolls)
- [Shaman] Ceqe[21] (killed in the initial chaos between Gnolls)
- [Shaman] Hiren[21] (killed in the initial chaos between Gnolls)
- [Shaman] Polloriokh[21] (killed in the initial chaos between Gnolls)
- [Chieftain] Firrelle Ekhtouch[21] (killed by Gireulashia)
- Elemental Khoteizetrough of Gaarh Marsh[16] (killed by Ulcreziek and self-sacrifice for Theikha)
- [Chieftain] Torishi Weatherfur[23] (killed by Raskgnars in the ruins of the Gnoll Kingdom)
- [Chieftain] Iraz Steelfur[23] (Killed by Drakes)
- [Chieftain] Reizet of Az'muzarre[23] (Killed by the Sharkcaptain of Zeres)
- [Shaman] Cetrule of Silverfang[23] (Killed by Xherw)
- [Chieftain] Xherw of Plain's Eye[23] (Killed by multiple Gnoll [Chieftains] and Merish)
- [Shaman] Ulcreziek of Plain's Eye[23] (Killed by Manus Drakes)
Others[edit | edit source]
Trivia[edit | edit source]
- This is the last major conflict of the Waning World.
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Chapter 7.53
- ↑ Chapter 7.10 K
- ↑ Chapter 6.49
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Chapter 8.42
- ↑ Chapter 1.46
- ↑ Chapter 8.16
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 7.9 Chapter 8.79
- ↑ Interlude – The Tribes of Izril
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Chapter 8.81
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Chapter 8.78 F
- ↑ Chapter 8.28
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Chapter 8.66
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Chapter 8.52 MN
- ↑ Chapter 8.65
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Chapter 8.80
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 Chapter 8.84
- ↑ Chapter 2.46
- ↑ Chapter 4.09
- ↑ Chapter 8.49 M
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 Chapter 8.67
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 21.4 21.5 21.6 21.7 21.8 Chapter 8.83
- ↑ Chapter 9.07
- ↑ 23.00 23.01 23.02 23.03 23.04 23.05 23.06 23.07 23.08 23.09 23.10 Chapter 8.85