Timber Wars

The Timber Wars were a series of border conflicts between Erathia and AvLee from 646 and 789 AS.

Lost Lore 

The following is a short story that was written by Christian Vanover and published on the now-defunct 3DO message board.

Nearly five hundred years ago, the borders of Erathia were expanding under the rule of King David Gryphonheart IV. Explorers and settlers travelling into the forests beyond the nation of Phynaxia found a rare wood, prized for its use in making weapons, especially bows. Sawmills popped up almost as much as settlements, and an ever-increasing number of humans arrived to work the land.

As the humans spread further into the region, they began meeting an increasing number of elves. The elves, though initially friendly, quickly informed the humans that they were tearing down the AvLee - the Kingdom of Elves. The message was ignored, and expansion continued.

In 646 A.S. an Elven Ranger arrived at the court of King David with a proclamation from the Duke of AvLee, demanding that the King immediately abandon all human settlements north of Phynaxia. In addition, Erathia would pay a sum in gold equal to the value of all wood taken from the region. King David's reply was a simple one, "No."

It is said that the Duke was so enraged upon hearing the news that he had the messenger executed for treason. Another proclamation was sent, but this time instead of demands, a declaration of war was issued against Erathia, and so began the Timber Wars.

For the next nearly 150 years, the humans and elves warred with each other. The region over which they fought (which eventually came to be called the Contested Lands) became a desolate wasteland. Neither side could hold an advantage for any length of time, and the wars only served to sap the military and economic strength of both sides.

Finally, in 789 A.S., both sides sued for peace. The borders of the two kingdoms had changed, but neither side had gained more ground than it had lost. The Contested Lands were nearly uninhabitable. In all, it was a bloody, costly loss for both sides.

-Finch

See also:

• List of wars in Enroth (world)