The Invaders

A History of Newcomers, their Colony, and More

There is a small cluster of Southern Mountains near Avalon that are not as new and steep as the Northern Mountains. Kind of like the Appalachians vs. the Rockies. About 400 years back, these rounder Southern Mountains were home mostly to Gnomes, with a few Halflings and Dwarves thrown in. These folk became rich in gems and magic. Then some great evil unnatural enemy invaded, killing the small folk and taking over their dwellings. That enemy may still be there at the present time.

A few of the small folk may have escaped. Some (the Dwarves mostly) made their way north to the Land of Dwarves and were taken in. Others (Gnomes, Halflings) fled into the jungle, and were befriended by the druids and Jungle People. Some Halflings and Gnomes since then may even have become druids. Still others of the small folk live a life of exile in other lands, like Real World Jews or Gypsies.

About 250 years ago, Elves from the Avaloners' home continent set up a small colony on the coast relatively near the mouth of the Great River. They keep a low profile.

About 150 years ago the Human Empire Across the Ocean discovered the new continent, which they named Anhktosl. About 100 years ago a first colony was set up at Avalon, but it failed. Fifty years ago, a second colonization attempt succeeded.

Avaloners have profited by sending adventurers into Gnomish ruins in the foothills of the Southern Mountains. A number of small troves recovered (at a cost of significant loss of life) have helped Avalon flourish. Spices, herbs, dyes, pelts, exotic woods, and a primitive form of rubber have also kept Avalon growing.

About 25 years ago, one particularly ambitious Human merchant family, the Sarahs, probed up river and found Ancient Albany (in the original documents, referred to as "Tyr," a poorly translated rendition of the Mountain People's name for the place). Some trade began. Seeking a stronger presence and hearing about the Dwarves, the Sarahs convinced the Council of Families in Avalon to mount a military expedition. About 20 years ago an army sailed north up the Great River and established a landing at Albany.

The expedition's major problem was finding an opponent to conquer. The Mountain People live in a kind of peaceful anarchy, so far as anyone can tell. So when the Avaloners declared themselves the Rulers of Albany, no one bothered to disagree.

The Sarahs started trading with the Dwarves, following an ancient route around the mountains. These merchants developed amicable relations with the Jungle People (who do not have the alien outlook of the Mountain People), and the Jungle People hired themselves out as guides. Even so, fully half of expeditions to the Dwarves were lost in the year-long journey. The Sarahs have been quick, therefore, to take advantage of the Orcs' new attitude. The Sarahs have been very friendly and have apologized whenever merchants did not obey Orcish rules.

Site Map | 14 April 99