The Last War was a conflict that raged between Aundair, Breland, Cyre, Thrane, and Karrnath. Its original purpose was to determine which child would take the throne of the Kingdom of Galifar after the death of King Jarot in 894 YK. The conflict spiraled into a continent-wide war that lasted over a century, only ending after the destruction of the nation of Cyre in the Day of Mourning prompted the warring nations to sign the Treaty of Thronehold in 996 YK.[1][3]
History[]
As King Jarot of Galifar approached old age, questions about the succession of his throne ran rampant. Although by tradition his eldest scion, Princess Mishann of Cyre was to claim the throne, others doubted her ability to rule. Prince Thalin of Thrane felt he was far more fit to rule instead. However, on the king's deathbed in 894 YK, he gave Mishann his blessings and bade Prince Wrogar of Aundair to honor his decision.[4][5]
At the funeral shortly after, Mishann discussed the details of her coronation with her siblings, but Prince Thalin, Prince Kaius of Karrnath and Princess Wroann of Breland turned a deaf ear to her words. Indeed, they personally threatened to send their soldiers to Thronehold to prevent any such action. Only her brother Wrogar remained allied to Cyre, since he was bound by honor. Later in the year 894 YK, hostilities commenced. Alliances were formed, shifted, and were broken over the course of the war. Virtually no part of the continent was unaffected.[4][5]
The Treaty of Thronehold was signed in 996 YK, two years after the Day of Mourning destroyed Cyre. The treaty effectively put an end to the conflict while recognizing twelve of the fifteen new nations that had come into existence during the Last War.[2][3]
Although the signatories abide by the treaty, many feel that the current peace will only give way to more warfare. Until one nation defeats the others and claims the throne of the ancient Kingdom of Galifar, many believe there will never be a true and lasting peace.[6]
Legacy[]
Independent Nations[]
Prior to the Last War, Khorvaire was dominated by Galifar, a single empire divided into five provinces. During the Last War, these five provinces became independent nations once more, and a number of new nations broke off from the original five. The Treaty of Thronehold recognized most of these nations as sovereign states, including Darguun, the Eldeen Reaches, the Lhazaar Principalities, the Mror Holds, Q'barra, the Talenta Plains, Valenar, and Zilargo.[2] Only the nation of Droaam was not formally recognized by the treaty. Despite their diplomatic recognition, the often violent emergence of these nations still leaves resentment. Aundair remains determined to reclaim its territory lost to the Eldeen Reaches, while Breland is still concerned about the loss of its western territories to Droaam, a nation of monsters. This resentment and dispute over territory could spark new conflicts among nations that are learning to be independent for the first time.[1][6]
Scars of War[]
"Still Got It." A Last War veteran proves herself still capable.
The Last War left a legacy of devastation across parts of Khorvaire, most notably for the nation of Cyre, which was turned into an inhospitable ruin, with the only survivors living as refugees in nations that were once enemies. But the other nations also saw casualties, burnt homes and farms, magical disasters, and shortages of food and other supplies.[1]
The Next War[]
The Last War left behind a century of resentment over loss of life, territory, and pride. Many on Khorvaire fear that the peace created by the Treaty of Thronehold is temporary, and another war could be sparked by lingering feelings over the last. Aundair's resentment over the loss of its ancient capital of Thaliost, the continued raids by the elven warbands of Valenar, and the shadow war of spies conducted by intelligence agencies across the continent are all small conflicts that are feared to potentially ignite a new war.[1][5][6][7]
Warforged[]
During the war, House Cannith created the warforged, sentient beings manufactured and sold for war. The Treaty of Thronehold gave the warforged freedom, but now the warforged are trying to figure out their place in a world at peace.[8]
Appendix[]
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Behind the Scenes[]
The Last War seems to be partially based on the Hundred Years' War, including its origin as a war of succession denying a female heir, introduction of new military technology, and duration of around a hundred years; and the First World War in its new technology, inconclusive outcome, and similarly naïve name ("The War to End All Wars" and "The Last War"). Another parallel can be seen in all of the nations, which can be roughly equated to the powers in the Great War. Breland with its industry and constitutional monarchy is quite similar to Britain, Karrnath, with its martial prowess, is close to Germany, Thrane, with its expendable militias and radically different government (Silver Flame Theocracy) might be a stand in for Russia/Soviet Union, and finally Aundair is like France (both known for Wines and Cheeses, and the Aundairian focus on wandslingers parallels how France had 40% of its troops on artillery by the end of the First World War.
Further Reading[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Keith Baker, Jeremy Crawford, & James Wyatt (2019). Eberron: Rising from the Last War. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 12–14. ISBN 0786966890.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Keith Baker, Bill Slavicsek, & James Wyatt (2004). Eberron Campaign Setting. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 225. ISBN 0-7869-3274-0.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Bill Slavicsek, David Noonan, and Christopher Perkins (2005). Five Nations. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 10–11. ISBN 0-7869-3690-8.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Bill Slavicsek, David Noonan, and Christopher Perkins (2005). Five Nations. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 7, 77. ISBN 0-7869-3690-8.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 James Wyatt, Wolfgang Baur, Ari Marmell (2007). The Forge of War. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 10. ISBN 0-7869-4153-7.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 James Wyatt and Keith Baker (2009). Eberron Campaign Guide. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 14. ISBN 0-7869-5099-4.
- ↑ Keith Baker, Jeremy Crawford, & James Wyatt (2019). Eberron: Rising from the Last War. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 206–209. ISBN 0786966890.
- ↑ Keith Baker, Jeremy Crawford, & James Wyatt (2019). Eberron: Rising from the Last War. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 35. ISBN 0786966890.