Underdark Timeline
[Pre-Colonization]
Izlude's Torment
Deep within the Lowerdark, the illithids of the Mind's Eye colony held dominion over a vast subterranean region, ruling from within their underground citadel. Their secluded domain, accessible only through a treacherous cavern network known as The Vault, was widely regarded as the most formidable threat in the Underdark. Controlled by a triad of elder brains, the Mind's Eye was originally constructed as a remote prison for their far-reaching illithid empire but was later repurposed into a strategic outpost. It is widely speculated that the majority of the Underdark's first native races originated from this colony, either as escaped prisoners or slaves. Known to many as Izlude's Torment, the colony bears the name of the tragic sorcerer Izlude. In a desperate bid for self-gratification, he struck a pact with the mind flayers, seeking mastery over their powers of mental domination to force the love of a woman through dark enchantments. But when he betrayed them, stealing the secrets of the Thought Sphere, the illithids exacted cruel retribution by imprisoning the sorcerer within a cursed mirror of his own creation, sealing it deep within their stronghold for all eternity.
City of Splendors
The Shadow Dragon Mllikiek'zztts was recorded to have ruled over a city of splendors in the Lowerdark in Arelith antiquity. The city would eventually grow decadent as the dragon's political enemies gained strength, gradually infiltrating key positions of power. As a result, Mallikiek'zztts would ultimately be betrayed from within. The ensuing internal strife tore the city apart, culminating in the dragon's banishment and forcing her remaining loyalists to seek refuge in the Plane of Shadow. Whatever remained of the once magnificent settlement would eventually be lost, claimed by the passage of time and subsequent catastrophes of the Underdark.
The Burning Shore
Centuries before the drow claimed dominion over the Underdark, the ancient red Greatwyrm Orias gathered to his side a host of dragonkin drawn from across Arelith. Upon the scorched banks of a subterranean sea, known as the Burning Shore, he forged the foundations of a new kingdom. Under his reign, this fledgling nation grew into a small but formidable empire, sustained by the tireless devotion of his kobold followers, the Sevateem. To them, Orias was not merely a ruler but a divine progenitor. One for whom they labored tirelessly with singular purpose, driven by the promise he would one day rise in fire and ash to conquer the surface world. That destiny, however, would never be fulfilled.
Orias' reign came to a violent end with the arrival of Abazuur, an ancient red dragon who descended from his volcanic island fortress on the surface through a portal into the Middledark. The two dragons clashed in a battle that shook the depths, a cataclysm of roars and fire. When the smoke cleared and the last embers settled, Orias lay defeated. Wounded and broken, Orias fled into seclusion atop the Underdark's tallest peak, allowing his followers to believe him slain. Abazuur, having claimed his victory, withdrew just as swiftly, sealing the portal behind him. In the chaos that followed, the Sevateem, grief-stricken and leaderless, found themselves under sudden siege. The drow of Udos Dro'Xun launched a precisely timed invasion, razing the kobold empire in what could only be described as a calculated purge. No quarter was given. No slaves taken. It was not conquest, but extermination. Few survived, mostly eggs and hatchlings spirited away by Sancreev the Old, who fled to the surface with his charges. There, among the goblin-infested sunlands, he vowed to bury their past. Only in forgetting, he believed, might they escape the vengeance of the Spider Queen's faithful.
With the kobold threat extinguished, the matrons of Udos Dro'Xun sealed the approaches to the Burning Shore and forbade any mention of the Sevateem. Their history, their dragon, their very name scrubbed from all records. Left to decay, their ruins faded into myth. Years passed. Then, by accident or fate, two drow mages of Sorcere, Davor and Darlantir, stumbled upon the lost land. Amidst broken stones and charred obelisks, they unearthed evidence of a once-advanced civilization, long buried and deliberately forgotten. Their search led them to a smoldering subterranean peak, where a long-dormant portal awaited beneath the ash. Darlantir, drawing upon his arcane arts, reopened it. On the other side, they found Abazuur. To their astonishment, the red dragon received them not with fury, but favor. To Darlantir, he whispered secret revelations of lineage and ancient bloodlines. A hidden power slumbering dormant within his veins, waiting to be awakened.
The truth was revealed at last. The founders of Udos Dro'Xun, fearing a rising kobold empire, had struck a clandestine pact with Abazuur. In exchange for eliminating Orias, they offered him uncontested dominion over the Burning Shore. Knowing that the memory of the Sevateem might one day inspire rebellion among the lesser races, they purged the past. Even the archives of Sorcere, famed for their accuracy, had been cleansed of all mention of the Sevateem. Fearing Davor might return to Udos Dro'Xun and reveal what they found, Darlantir murdered him before pledging himself wholly to Abazuur, securing his place as the dragon's disciple. For decades after, he studied the ruins, reconstructing what remained of Sevateem lore, striving to awaken the dormant legacy hidden within his blood. After years of preparation Darlantir, now branded heretic and apostate of Lolth, finally awakened the full strength of his lineage within the Sevateem's hidden sanctum. In 26 AR, when sea routes to the Burning Shore reopened, drawing adventurers to its long-sealed shores, he appealed to his master. Fearing reprisal for his abandonment of Lolth's faith, the drow sought a way to preserve his life. Abazuur relented, bestowing a lich-like immortality upon his servant. Empowered and transformed, he continued his studies of the region until opening a portal to the Plane of Fire under Abazuur's direction in 72 AR, marking the beginning of secret incursions into the realm. In 100 AR, Abazuur offered sanctuary to the exiled Princess Abulán and her retainers from the fiery plane, granting them holdings in the Burning Shore in exchange for an alliance. At the dragon's command, Darlantir sealed the portal, awaiting the day both dragon and princess would return to the Plane of Fire at the head of an army to reclaim the exile's throne.
Bonesfields & Obsidian Asylum
Long before its eventual discovery by Urblexis Grond forces in 30 AR, the Bonefields served as the battleground of two ancient liches, Jhaerem and Mohrk. For nearly five centuries the pair entertained themselves with a grim contest known as Blue Orbs. A game in which two enchanted spheres were placed at opposite ends of a vast subterranean cavern, each compelling legions of undead to fight endlessly in their defense. Driven by the necromantic power bound within the orbs, the conflict raged endlessly, sculpting the cavern into a perpetual battlefield.
In time, the game lost its appeal. The liches withdrew to the deep reaches of the Lowerdark beneath a region known as The Vault. Before their departure, however, they erected the Obsidian Asylum near their old arena, a trial-filled edifice discovered in 33 AR. Designed as a monument and pilgrimage site in homage to the god Jergal, the Asylum continues to draw seekers of arcane lore and divine mystery, lured by whispers of forbidden knowledge.
It is believed both Jhaerem and Mohrk have either departed the island or met their end in the aftermath of the Deluge of 96 AR.
Tollidor
Roughly 440 years before the founding of Urblexis Grond in 20 AR, the town of Tollidor suffered a devastating assault by the mind flayers of Izlude's Torment. Using slaves and Umber Hulks to tunnel through the earth beneath the settlement, the illithid caused the town to collapse into the Middledark, burying its inhabitants in a sudden and violent descent. While most perished in the catastrophe, those who survived were swiftly captured and enslaved. Whether by calculated design or reckless error, the collapse dropped Tollidor directly over the only known regional point of ingress to a major Lowerdark passageway complex known as The Vault.
[Post-Colonization]
The Vault
Whether by deliberate design or geological accident, access to Arelith's Lowerdark was confined to a single entry point within an immense subterranean cavern complex known as The Vault. Reaching this site required a descent of several hundred meters through a passage located within the ruins of the fallen city of Tollidor or, later, via a portal created by the drow. Recognizing the location's strategic importance, the drow of Udos Dro'Xun fortified The Vault by constructing a metal dome over the Lowerdark's entrance and installing double gates spanning the twin bridges leading to its threshold, each sealed with heavily reinforced locks.
To safeguard the gate keys, drow mages of the Tower of Sorcere used potent arcane magic to dominate and enslave two powerful dragons, assigning one to guard each key. These dragons were imprisoned in key chambers that branched off from opposite sides of the central Vault. Despite these formidable precautions, the lure of the Lowerdark's riches proved irresistible, and many adventurers risked their lives in attempts to slay the dragons and obtain the keys.
Following the exile of House Freth and House Claddath, declared renegades by Udos Dro'Xun for their defiance of the Temple of Lolth's orthodoxy sometime after the city's founding around 10 BR, a new defensive measure was implemented. As a condition of their banishment, the two houses were relocated to opposing fortresses constructed within the former key chambers following the release of the dragon guardians. Each was entrusted with a single key, their house securing only one of the two gate locks. Due to the intense rivalry between the Exile Houses and their mutual conflict with the rest of the Underdark, it was considered unlikely that both keys would ever be used in unison. In this way, the horrors of the Lowerdark, such as the mind flayers of Izlude's Torment and beholders lurking below, would remain sealed away behind gates that could never be fully opened.
Jhared's Trading Post
Before the Great Banishment of 20 AR, a duergar merchant named Jhared arrived in the region and brokered a rare accord with the drow of Udos Dro'Xun. Together, they established a neutral outpost, an unprecedented trade hub linking the Underdark to the surface realms of Arelith. It became the only subterranean location where merchants from across the lands could conduct business in relative safety. Within its boundaries, conflict was strictly forbidden. Beyond them, however, travelers remained at the mercy of wandering drow patrols.
Surrounding the central structure, a variety of vendors catered to travelers. Kashard specialized in traps, snares, and lockpicks. Khazz Jhirakk was known for his overpriced, often dubious goods. Griggle catered to the eccentric buyer with a selection of furniture and domestic trappings. The Caravan Master, a son of Hrglin, managed overland trade routes via pack rothe, charging a one-time fee of 2,500 coins. For the adventurous, a devilish transporter offered one-way passage to the infamous Cloven Hoof tavern in the infernal city of Dis for the price of one ten-thousandth of your soul. At the heart of the outpost stood the trade hall and tavern, operated personally by Jhared. Under his strict oversight, the facility provided secure banking, gem appraisal, crafting stations, well-stocked shops, and a public message board for news and announcements. Nearby, a strict no-magic arena offered a space to resolve disputes or prove one's skill in combat under equal terms.
The trade post thrived until The Deluge of 96 AR, when Jhared played a pivotal role in locating the site for a new Underdark city using the Eye of Andunor, recovered from the slain aboleth responsible for the great flood. Together with House Freth and Claddath, the duergar and his engineers would construct the city of Andunor. Leaving the trade post to linger in a diminished state for some time before its renovation into what is now known as Saltspar in 168 AR.
Upon the city's founding, Jhared, widely regarded as the most influential figure in the Underdark, gathered his vast fortune and set out for one of the great duergar strongholds beyond Arelith. Unfortunately for the duergar, his departure did not go unnoticed. The Red Dragon Orias, ever watchful and covetous, descended upon the merchant en route. Jhared was slain, and his wealth claimed by the greatwyrm as spoils. His bones now rest atop the Lost Peak of Arelith's Underdark, just another forgotten trophy buried within a dragon's hoard.
UDOS DRO'XUN
[10 BR] Foundation of Udos
Prior to the island's colonization circa 20 BR, the Underdark beneath Arelith remained largely unexplored and perilous. This changed with the arrival of drow refugees, survivors of a brutal Lolthite sect, who had been driven from their former city across a subterranean sea. These displaced houses established themselves in isolated, fortified compounds scattered throughout the Upperdark, relatively close to the surface. Though known to one another, the rival families remained divided until roughly 10 BR, when Matron Svairdin Elg'Cain and her sisters, Lithana and Delinia, led a unification campaign that ultimately brought them together. This effort culminated in the establishment of Udos Dro'Xun, a newly founded settlement in the Upperdark, located a short distance from the surface city of Cordor and connected to it through a network of underpasses and sewers. This proximity resulted in frequent skirmishes between the drow and the Cordor-based thieves' guild known as The Silent Hand, as both groups reaped profits through extortion and slavery. These years of conflict, along with the threat posed by Surface forces, ultimately forced the drow to begin an excavation process deeper into the Underdark. While it would take several decades the city was painstakingly relocated into the deeper layers of the Lowerdark, restricting access between the settlement and the surface. This refounding would find the city constructed atop a sprawl of towering stone pillars straddling a huge subterranean abyss. Interconnected by suspension bridges and adorned with awe-inspiring architecture, the city became the heart of regional drow culture under the rule of a strict, dogmatic Lolthite orthodoxy. While the settlement boasted many landmarks of renown, the Magical Clock, Temple of Lolth, Tower of Sorcere, Slave Market, and City Gates upon which the Laws of Lolth were inscribed were the most notable.
As the drow of Udos Dro'Xun began expanding into the surrounding region, they constructed a series of portals modeled after those created by the Thayans on the surface. Two of these were established deep within the Lowerdark and designed with significantly greater power to counteract the destabilizing effects of the Faerzress. The first, known as the Vault Portal, was destroyed during The Deluge of 96 AR, while the location of the second was lost amidst the turmoil that followed. It would be rediscovered years later, though its magic had diminished, allowing only one-way passage.
House Elg'Carin would hold dominance as the First House of Udos Dro'Xun for decades after the city's original founding before being absorbed into House Dria'fiend after the defeat of their then-ruling Matron Vilia Elg'Carin. This marked the beginning of a decades-long succession of noble houses that rose to claim the title of First House in the ever-shifting hierarchy of drow political power. Among the most prominent of these were Houses Baenre, Vraevir, Z'Ress, Dy'nin, Drak'aa, Xymox, Melana, Z'kath, Hlathrae, Al'Truissa, Mae'arn, Xeth're'dane, Auvryviir, and Zar'Rocc.
[05 AR] Destruction of Cordor Library
During a sudden raid by Drow agents of House Claddath, the Cordor Library in the Northeastern district was set ablaze in a calculated act of arson. The attack sparked widespread panic, but thanks to the swift actions of Johnathon Diastole and Grand Shifter Merdock Took, the majority of the library’s records were salvaged from the flames. In response, Aristotlus Bibliophilius led a counteroffensive that drove the conflict all the way to the gates of Udos Dro'Xun.
[10 AR]
Chath Z'ress ascends to Matron of the First House and leader of the Drow.
[12 AR] Disgrace of House Dria'fiend
The biggest embarrassment to Matron Shairin Dria'fiend during her reign was not her half-drow son but rather the betrayal of her second daughter, Layra, who left Udos Dro'Xun to wed a surfacer: Ryan Valtheran, the ruthless Banite Dreadmaster of Stonehold. Their carnal union, consummated in blood and ambition circa 12 AR, marked her ascent as Dreadmistress of Stonehold, where she cast aside her birthright and took the new name Lana Valtheran.
[16 AR] Fall of House Elg'Carin
Shairin Dria'fiend, Matron Mother of House Dria'fiend, orchestrates the downfall of her rival, First House Elg'Carin, aided by the betrayal of the males Kirraz and Veynor. With House Elg'Carin dismantled and absorbed into her own ranks, Matron Shairin ascends to the position of First Matron, ruling over Udos Dro'Xun for the next decade until her sudden and secretive departure from the region.
[25 AR]
Jahn'lara of House V'raevir ascended to the position of First Matron with the assassination of Fluxsin. Under her leadership an event known as "The Rippers" took place. Sometime later, House V'raevir would be absorbed by House Dy'nin and Phyr'lene Dy'nin would become First Matron.
[30 AR] (33 AR?)
Oblodra Dra'Kaa rose to the position of Il'haress of the Quellar Dra'Kaa.
[33 AR] The Dark Bazaar
The Urblexis Grond Trade Guild hosts the Underdark's first recorded trade fair in Udos Dro'Xun in collaboration with House Dy'nin, with the goal of improving relations between the two settlements.
[33 AR] Obsidian Asylum
The secrets of the Obsidian Asylum are uncovered with the location's discovery.
[35 AR] The Z'Kath
Ami'anthrade set herself up as Il’lharess of a new Qu'ellar, a council of Matron Mothers in the order of their House, which she named Z'Kath.
[38 AR] Insurrection of House Z'kath
House Z'kath was established by the priestess Ami'anthrade in the aftermath of House Dy'nin's collapse circa 38 AR. Seizing the opportunity presented by the resulting power vacuum, the house swiftly rose to become the Second House of Udos Dro'Xun, consolidating influence over the Melee Magthere with support from Nathrae and Eowadra Xilodel'yn. Despite its early prosperity, House Z'kath ultimately met its downfall after launching an abrupt rebellion against First House Drak'aa and the city itself, claiming divine visions from the Goddess Lolth commanded the destruction of Udos Dro'Xun. The uprising failed, leading to the nobles' exile and the scattering of their followers, who either left the island or were absorbed into other houses.
[39 AR] Mllikiek'zztts' Revenge
The Shadow Dragon, disguised as the gnome Zedeln, aids a traitorous Drow in building a golem army to destroy the Lloth controlled city of Udos Dro'Xun and install a Sorcery led government. However the plot is under-covered by the Urblexis Grond Tyrant Skeflock. Working together with the First Ilharess Ulath'Taller, the two settlements confront and defeat the threat.
[40 AR]
Fadriatta Nillphukiir & La'vel Letanien establish the School of Fine Arts named El'lar d'Ssinssrigg.
[42 AR] Second Grondian War
In the decade of 42 AR, the city of Udos Dro'Xun was ruled by noble Houses in hierarchical order: First House Drak'aa, Second House Z'kath, and Third House Xymox. During this period, House Drak'aa enforced a strict doctrine of drow racial purity, marginalizing other Underdark races. Tensions escalated when Pharyx, a drow male renowned for his bardic talents and passion for languages, was publicly flogged by Archpriestess Aun'Quav for trading True Strike potions with the non-drow inhabitants of Urblexis Grond just beyond their city's gates. Disgraced and humiliated, Pharyx crawled to the new ruler of Urblexis Grond, Tyrant Murag who had replaced the Tyrant Skeflock, and begged for retribution. Moved by Pharyx's past goodwill, especially his friendships with the deep gnome Satho Cradfoot and goblin Merago Sappo, Murag agreed. His agents assassinated Archpriestess Aun'Quav, and Pharyx fled to House Xymox, where he was granted sanctuary. By offering refuge to Pharyx and aligning with Urblexis Grond, House Xymox rose in prominence. Enraged by this alliance, First Matron Oblodra Dra'Kaa declared war on Urblexis Grond. As the war dragged on without resolution, Tyrant Murag abdicated, passing leadership to the kobold Orn Gixi. Under Gixi's rule, the conflict swiftly concluded with Urblexis Grond surrendering and becoming a vassal to Udos Dro'Xun.
[42 AR]
As the war progresses with no end in sight, Murag resigns and the kobold Orn Gixi reluctantly comes to power as Tyrant. The war quickly ends with Urblexis’ surrender and vassalage to Udos Dro'Xun.
[43 AR] Grondian Rebellion
A rebellion against drow rule in Urblexis Grond, led by the newly elected svirfneblin Tyrant Satho Cradfoot, reignited long-standing hostilities. In retaliation, a large drow force from Udos Dro'Xun launched an assault on the city, breaking through its gates after a brutal battle with the rebels. The settlement was ransacked, and the uprising was violently suppressed. Despite this military victory, political unrest in Udos Dro'Xun and growing war-weariness among its populace pushed the First Matron Oblodra Dra'Kaa to broker a truce with the insurgents. However, the peace did little to ease Urblexis Grond's subjugation. The only concession was the removal of House Dra'Kaa as the ruling First House, replaced by the more conciliatory House Xymox. Following the next election, Satho Cradfoot and his closest allies were exiled from the city for their role in the uprising.
The rise of House Xymox was brief. Disillusioned with its ruling Matron, the drow male Pharyx defected to House Dra'Kaa alongside Tow'cinq Noqar. With Pharyx's oath of loyalty eliminating the threat of retaliation from Urblexis Grond, Matron Oblodra Dra'Kaa launched a swift and savage attack, annihilating House Xymox. Their estate was sacked, and every member slaughtered in a single act of carnage. With House Xymox wiped out and no support remaining from Urblexis Grond, Oblodra Dra'Kaa reclaimed her title as First Matron of Udos Dro'Xun, appointing Pharyx as Ambassador of Udos Dro'Xun.
[43 AR] Rise & Fall of House Melana
Founded by two sisters, Vastra and Imithra, House Melana would ascend to noble status following the fall of House Xymox in 43 AR. Striking a deal with First Matron Oblodra Dra'Kaa and leveraging their political prowess, the sisters secured the vacant position of Third House. Shortly after obtaining power, Vastra claimed to have received visions from Lolth and left the city on a spiritual journey. Imithra later died under mysterious circumstances, leaving her daughter, Silithra, to lead. As Matron, Silithra guided House Melana through the ensuing conflict between First House Dra'Kaa and Second House Z'kath. By the war's end and Z'kath's downfall, she successfully positioned her house to rise as the new Second House.
Unfortunately, Matron Silithra became complacent and paranoid of losing her hard won position. Choosing to remain sequestered within her compound, rarely leaving, and delegating house administration to her second Umrae'fryn. Little by little, support for House Melana dwindled until they were undone by internal treachery and rival houses seeking their position.
[46 AR]
Oblodra Drak'aa exits her self-imposed exile to challenge First Matron Qilztra Xymox. Qilztra is defeated and Oblodra reclaims her role as the First Matron of Udos Dro'Xun. House Xymox would be hunted to be eradicated.
[47 AR]
Conflict breaks out between the Second House of Udos Dro'Xun, Z'kath, and the First Matron Oblodra Drak'aa.
[53 AR] Baator's Second Awakening
First Matron of Udos Dro'Xun, Oblodra of House Drak'aa, mobilized a unified force from the Underdark to strike at the remaining eight portals. Her goal was to infiltrate Baator and seal the gateways permanently. However, her plans were undermined from within by the kobolds Vippin and Orn Gixi, who conspired to keep the portals open for their own purposes. Although the Matron's mission ultimately failed due to their sabotage, her forces succeeded in securing a tenuous foothold in Minauros' Valley of Skulls, following a fierce battle between drow and Baatorian legions.
[56 AR] Rise of House Zar'Rocc
Archpriestess Nives Zar'Rocc casts down her mother, First Matron Oblodra Drak'aa, denouncing her as a traitor to the faith. With ruthless conviction, she seized the mantle of First Matron of Udos Dro'Xun. In honor of her ascension, House Drak'aa is rechristened House Zar'Rocc. Under Nives's rule, the Second House Xeth're'dane was driven from the city through a relentless campaign of attrition. One by one, its noble members were hunted down, forced to flee, or killed until none remained.
Overthrown but not destroyed, the heretic Oblodra Drak'aa, long a secret servant of Ghaunadaur, would eventually retreat into the maddening depths of Pandemonium after formally aligning herself with the cult. Over the ensuing decades, she constructed a vast prison to contain and harvest planar beings. At her side, the Oozemaster Rei'zorc aided in binding the Demon Lord Zan-Yfranoth, enslaving the abyssal entity to her will. With its power, Oblodra gathers a demonic legion and immerses herself in mastering the arcane art of planar travel. Even now, she waits with her gaze fixed upon Andunor, plotting vengeance against the bloodlines of Udos Dro'Xun and the reclamation of her stolen throne.
(Dungeon Area that was later added to Pandemonium using player lore)
[61 AR] The Cataclysm
In a calculated preemptive strike and prelude to future invasions, the elder brains of Izlude's Torment unleashed a devastating psionic assault on the settlements of Urblexis Grond and Udos Dro'Xun in 61 AR. The resulting psychic shockwaves reverberated through the Underdark, collapsing or reshaping vast networks of tunnels and caverns while inflicting widespread damage on both cities. Amid the upheaval, the containment gates within The Vault were compromised, weakening the long-standing defenses that had held the illithids in check and granting them access to the wider Underdark. After the cataclysm a large number would return to the ruins of the settlements in an attempt to rebuild their lost empires. (Massive Server change to Underdark Areas)
[73 AR] Rise & Fall of House Auvryviir
After awakening and escaping from mind flayer captivity, Matron Lanii'dae founded House Auvryviir alongside Aph Astros and Olyth Victus in 73 AR. The house would go on to play a pivotal, though often contentious, role in Udos Dro'Xun politics until their abrupt disappearance in 77 AR.
[76 AR] Pit Town - Udos Dro'Xun War
Tensions between Pit Town and Udos Dro'Xun, widely attributed to the machinations of the ruling First House of Zar'Rocc under Matron Natelie, ultimately escalated into open warfare. The conflict would come to a conclusion with the collapse of House Zar'Rocc later that same year.
[76 AR] Fall of House Zar'Rocc
House Zar'Rocc held dominion over Udos Dro'Xun from 56 AR to 76 AR. During this time, Matron Nives Zar'Rocc vanished under mysterious circumstances, leaving leadership to her daughters, Xunmice and Fade. Eventually, the disgraced Matron Natelie Al'Truissa maneuvered her way into power, becoming Matron of House Zar'Rocc. Within a year of seizing control, she orchestrated a war against Pit Town in 76 AR and engineered the downfall of her adoptive house. An act of calculated revenge for the earlier fall of House Al'Truissa years before.
Following the fall of Zar'Rocc, House Hlathrae under Matron Vay'olin rose to power and claimed the title of First House. Though their dominance was short-lived, persistent rumors suggest they may have secretly influenced Zar'Rocc's downfall.
[78 AR] Udos & Bligstonhold War
Seeking dominance over the Underdark, Udos Dro'Xun launches a campaign to subjugate all regional settlements. This expansionist policy was ultimately brought to an end through the diplomatic maneuvers of Fraya Stensamler, Regent of Blingstonhold, who negotiated an armistice to halt the fighting.
[79 AR] The Almost War
In 79 AR, the First Matron of Udos Dro'Xun issues an ultimatum to Blingstonhold: surrender or face destruction. Regent Fraya Stensamler once again defused the crisis through diplomacy, narrowly averting yet another war. However, this latest drow provocation spurs her into enacting a plan to permanently secure Blingstonhold by destroying its only cave entrance, which allowed unrestricted access to the settlement, using explosives gathered from Pit Town. While the operation secured Blingstonhold for svirfneblins, rendering the settlement accessible only via a magical portal, the political backlash led to Fraya's resignation. In the years that followed, she would author numerous books before dedicating her life to the Library of Andunor following the city's founding in 96 AR.
[96 AR] The Deluge
In 96 AR, a migrating brood of aboleths, led by a powerful overseer of demigod-like power, arrived in the Underdark of Arelith with the intent of flooding the realm to establish a dominion of their own. Confronted with such a threat, the denizens of the three major settlements mounted a desperate war against the invaders. The conflict reached its end when the goblins of the Oogooboogoo tribe launched a surprise assault, slaying the aboleth overseer and claiming its massive eye, later known as the Eye of Andunor, as a trophy. Despite this victory, the aboleth fulfilled its purpose in its final death throes, unleashing a cataclysmic flood that engulfed the Lowerdark and much of the Middledark. Settlements such as Udos Dro'Xun, Urblexis Grond, and Pit Town were completely submerged and lost. In response, Underdark denizens fled upward to the relative safety of the Upperdark, taking refuge in Skreet's hidden plantation, one of the few locations untouched by water. Noble Houses Freth and Claddath set aside their personal vendetta to abandon The Vault, sealing its Tollidor entrance behind them. Over time, the floodwaters gradually receded, but not before permanently reshaping the Underdark's landscape. Even now, remnants of the catastrophe remain visible in waterlogged tunnels and vast subterranean aqueducts, some connecting directly to the surface oceans, allowing passage for seafaring vessels. (Massive Server Changes to Underdark Areas)
URBLEXIS GROND
[20 AR] The Great Banishment
Goblins and Orcs are driven from the surface of Arelith and into the Underdark. (Monster races are no longer allowed to live on the surface)
[20 AR] Foundation of Urblexis Grond
Founded following the "The Great Banishment", an event when the Goblins, orcs, and other monstrous races are driven from the surface of Arelith and into the Underdark.
[21 AR] Formation of the Oogooboogoo Clan
A goblin shaman worshipping Oogooboogoo arrives in Grond and founded the goblin tribe known as Clan Oogooboogoo.
[24 AR]
The kobold dragonshaper Cha'ox was elected ruler of Urblexis Grond.
[25 AR] Order of the Black Depth
The Order of the Black Depth, a cabal of Kobolds founded by Nastakanoth Meknon, with the Sorcerer Lejir as his lieutenant. Lejir would later assume leadership of the order upon Meknon’s death. The order served as Grond's Militia under the Tyrant Skeflock. However, later struggles between the Kobolds and Goblins within the settlement began to occur frequently. Due to the constant issues, the Drow Oblodra was tasked with creating a magical bond between the kobold Lejir and the goblin Godo. Now bound by magic, the act worked to settle hostilities between the two races.
[29 AR] The First Tyrant
The svirfneblin Skeflock becomes Urblexis Grond's first Tyrant.
[30 AR]
The Goblin's claim the caves adjacent to Grond as separate from the city's rule and under their direct control.
[32 AR]
The orog Hadushuk is removed from his position as Overseer and exiled from the city. The Obsidian Asylum remains off-limits and under the protection of the city.
[34 AR] Independence
Urblexis Grond, under the Tyrant Skeflock, negotiates its independence from Udos Dro’Xun’s vassalage and relinquishes control of the Obsidian Asylum to the Order of the Black Depths. The Order officially separates from Urblexis influence, and with the agreement of Udos Dro’Xun, takes a neutral stance in the two settlements politics.
[35 AR] Urblexis Grond - Wharftown War
Skeflock, Tyrant of Urblexis Grond, leads an army to siege the surface settlement of Wharftown. Fearing Bendir might be next, Captain Biad Scheppen organized a counterattack. During the clash, Skeflock unleashed a dracolich against the hin forces, but Biad was aided by a prismatic dragon. Outmatched, the dracolich failed to turn the tide, and the Urblexis Grond army was forced to retreat into the Underdark.
[35 AR] Battle of Gambler's Bluff
A large Underdark army, led by Skeflock the svirfneblin Tyrant of Urblexis Grond, seized the small palisade fort on Gambler's Bluff for nearly a week in an attempt to create a surface outpost. The Underdark force eventually withdrew after repeated counterattacks from a Cordorian coalition army.
[36 AR]
The Tyrant Skeflock is rumored to be under the manipulation of the Drow Ust’ilharess Oblodra Dra'Kaa by his opponents, though in truth the svirfneblin is hostile to any form of Drow dominance over the Underdark.
[38 AR]
The Oogooboogoo Clan Chief Frubbo creates a well-known spy network..
[39 AR] Mllikiek'zztts' Revenge
The Shadow Dragon, disguised as the gnome Zedeln, aids a traitorous Drow in building a golem army to destroy the Lloth controlled city of Udos Dro'Xun and install a Sorcery led government. However the plot is under-covered by the Urblexis Grond Tyrant Skeflock. Working together with the First Ilharess Ulath'Taller, the two settlements confront and defeat the threat.
[40 AR]
Those found to be infected with Lycanthropy are exiled from the city, while the act of slave taking in the city by Drow is outlawed by the Tyrannt Skeflock.
[41 AR]
The Orog Murag takes the position of the Tyrant after Skeflock. He would take on the kobold Vippin as his personal scribe.
[42 AR] Second Grondian War
In the decade of 42 AR, the city of Udos Dro'Xun was ruled by noble Houses in hierarchical order: First House Drak'aa, Second House Z'kath, and Third House Xymox. During this period, House Drak'aa enforced a strict doctrine of drow racial purity, marginalizing other Underdark races. Tensions escalated when Pharyx, a drow male renowned for his bardic talents and passion for languages, was publicly flogged by Archpriestess Aun'Quav for trading True Strike potions with the non-drow inhabitants of Urblexis Grond just beyond their city's gates. Disgraced and humiliated, Pharyx crawled to the new ruler of Urblexis Grond, Tyrant Murag who had replaced the Tyrant Skeflock, and begged for retribution. Moved by Pharyx's past goodwill, especially his friendships with the deep gnome Satho Cradfoot and goblin Merago Sappo, Murag agreed. His agents assassinated Archpriestess Aun'Quav, and Pharyx fled to House Xymox, where he was granted sanctuary. By offering refuge to Pharyx and aligning with Urblexis Grond, House Xymox rose in prominence. Enraged by this alliance, First Matron Oblodra Dra'Kaa declared war on Urblexis Grond. As the war dragged on without resolution, Tyrant Murag abdicated, passing leadership to the kobold Orn Gixi. Under Gixi's rule, the conflict swiftly concluded with Urblexis Grond surrendering and becoming a vassal to Udos Dro'Xun.
[43 AR] Grondian Rebellion
A rebellion against drow rule in Urblexis Grond, led by the newly elected svirfneblin Tyrant Satho Cradfoot, reignited long-standing hostilities. In retaliation, a large drow force from Udos Dro'Xun launched an assault on the city, breaking through its gates after a brutal battle with the rebels. The settlement was ransacked, and the uprising was violently suppressed. Despite this military victory, political unrest in Udos Dro'Xun and growing war-weariness among its populace pushed the First Matron Oblodra Dra'Kaa to broker a truce with the insurgents. However, the peace did little to ease Urblexis Grond's subjugation. The only concession was the removal of House Dra'Kaa as the ruling First House, replaced by the more conciliatory House Xymox. Following the next election, Satho Cradfoot and his closest allies were exiled from the city for their role in the uprising.
The rise of House Xymox was brief. Disillusioned with its ruling Matron, the drow male Pharyx defected to House Dra'Kaa alongside Tow'cinq Noqar. With Pharyx's oath of loyalty eliminating the threat of retaliation from Urblexis Grond, Matron Oblodra Dra'Kaa launched a swift and savage attack, annihilating House Xymox. Their estate was sacked, and every member slaughtered in a single act of carnage. With House Xymox wiped out and no support remaining from Urblexis Grond, Oblodra Dra'Kaa reclaimed her title as First Matron of Udos Dro'Xun, appointing Pharyx as Ambassador of Udos Dro'Xun.
[45 AR]
After the svirfneblin Mirdikis rule as Tyrant ends, the Orog Golg would rise to power.
[48 AR]
The Badlands are explored and settled. (New Are added)
[57 AR]
Merago Sapple becomes the new Chief of Clan Oogooboogoo, after Oboo steps down.
[58 AR]
The goblin Bugga Knowz becomes the new Chief of Clan Oogooboogoo after Merago Sapple.
[61 AR] The Cataclysm
In a calculated preemptive strike and prelude to future invasions, the elder brains of Izlude's Torment unleashed a devastating psionic assault on the settlements of Urblexis Grond and Udos Dro'Xun in 61 AR. The resulting psychic shockwaves reverberated through the Underdark, collapsing or reshaping vast networks of tunnels and caverns while inflicting widespread damage on both cities. Amid the upheaval, the containment gates within The Vault were compromised, weakening the long-standing defenses that had held the illithids in check and granting them access to the wider Underdark. After the cataclysm a large number would return to the ruins of the settlements in an attempt to rebuild their lost empires. (Massive Server change to Underdark Areas)
[61 AR]
The original Sorcere del Udos Dro'xun is nearly destroyed by the mass psionic assault of the Elder Mind of Izlude's Torment, though it remains active in the ruins of the settlement.
[62 AR]
The goblin clan Oogooboogoo, under chieftain Bugga Knowz, claims and returns to the former settlement in an attempt to build a new kingdom among the ruins. Their efforts, however, met with far less success than those of the drow.
[65 AR]
Spets becomes the chieftain of Clan Oogooboogoo and "Queen of the Goblin Kingdom" in the ruins of Urblexis Grond.
[69 AR] Eyeless Witch
The goblin Bugga Knowz recovers a powerful artifact called the "Psychotic Necklace" after defeating the Eyeless Witch.
[96 AR] The Deluge
In 96 AR, a migrating brood of aboleths, led by a powerful overseer of demigod-like power, arrived in the Underdark of Arelith with the intent of flooding the realm to establish a dominion of their own. Confronted with such a threat, the denizens of the three major settlements mounted a desperate war against the invaders. The conflict reached its end when the goblins of the Oogooboogoo tribe launched a surprise assault, slaying the aboleth overseer and claiming its massive eye, later known as the Eye of Andunor, as a trophy. Despite this victory, the aboleth fulfilled its purpose in its final death throes, unleashing a cataclysmic flood that engulfed the Lowerdark and much of the Middledark. Settlements such as Udos Dro'Xun, Urblexis Grond, and Pit Town were completely submerged and lost. In response, Underdark denizens fled upward to the relative safety of the Upperdark, taking refuge in Skreet's hidden plantation, one of the few locations untouched by water. Noble Houses Freth and Claddath set aside their personal vendetta to abandon The Vault, sealing its Tollidor entrance behind them. Over time, the floodwaters gradually receded, but not before permanently reshaping the Underdark's landscape. Even now, remnants of the catastrophe remain visible in waterlogged tunnels and vast subterranean aqueducts, some connecting directly to the surface oceans, allowing passage for seafaring vessels. (Massive Server Changes to Underdark Areas)
PIT TOWN
[62 AR] Founding of Pit Town
Following the collapse of the Underdark's two principal settlements, survivors converged on the Pit of a Thousand Sorrows, drawn by a latent anti-psionic anomaly discovered in the region. Seizing upon this natural phenomenon, the drow mage K'Shilna Drak'aa from the tower of Sorcere suspended a potent psionic device from Pit Town's cavern ceiling that created a protective barrier the Mind Flayer's could not penetrate. Unexpectedly, the ward also rendered acts of violence within the settlement impossible (No-PVP Zone).
As word spread, refugees flocked to the burgeoning community. In 62 AR, Vippin the Nineth Tyrant of Urblexis Grond was elected Regent, becoming its first official leader.
Fun Fact:
During this era, newly created Underdark characters would begin their journey in a location known as Paradise, a peaceful cavern stocked with plentiful food and water. However, upon interacting with a workstation, the standard dialogue would take an unusual turn, presenting the eerie option to “Wake Up.”
Eventually a startling truth is revealed: the character had been dreaming and was actually trapped inside an illithid pod. They would be rescued by the NPC Oogle, a goblin freedom fighter, who directed them on how to escape through the Mind Flayer Hive’s sewer system. Along the way, they’d encounter the NPC Yazqualyn, a drow ranger who would direct them up climb a cliff to the Pit of a Thousand Sorrows, where the settlement of Pit Town was established.
Following the next major server update, known as The Deluge, both Oogle and Yazqualyn were honored with memorial grave-shrines located in the Petrified Forest where they remain today.
[65 AR]
The insane svirfneblin Zabara Crimsonsoul becomes Regent of Pit Town. Her unreasonable actions lead to a treaty between Blingston and the First Matron Xunmice to remove her from power by supporting Drow Athiuk in the next election.
[76 AR]
The Hunters Guild, a faction made to counter the Illithid menace, relocates to Pit Town on call from Overseer Nakal who rules as Regent.
[76 AR] Pit Town - Udos Dro'Xun War
Tensions between Pit Town and Udos Dro'Xun, widely attributed to the machinations of the ruling First House of Zar'Rocc under Matron Natelie, ultimately escalated into open warfare. The conflict would come to a conclusion with the collapse of House Zar'Rocc later that same year.
[78 AR]
Pit Town Overseer Nakal departs leaving the rule in hands of the Drow Damien Tagnik'Zurr who claimed the position of Regent, Renaming it to Governor of the Pit, and under the control of Udos Dro'Xun.
[79 AR]
A Council of Races from the Underdark is gathered to deal with the Mind flayer threat.
[96 AR] The Deluge
In 96 AR, a migrating brood of aboleths, led by a powerful overseer of demigod-like power, arrived in the Underdark of Arelith with the intent of flooding the realm to establish a dominion of their own. Confronted with such a threat, the denizens of the three major settlements mounted a desperate war against the invaders. The conflict reached its end when the goblins of the Oogooboogoo tribe launched a surprise assault, slaying the aboleth overseer and claiming its massive eye, later known as the Eye of Andunor, as a trophy. Despite this victory, the aboleth fulfilled its purpose in its final death throes, unleashing a cataclysmic flood that engulfed the Lowerdark and much of the Middledark. Settlements such as Udos Dro'Xun, Urblexis Grond, and Pit Town were completely submerged and lost. In response, Underdark denizens fled upward to the relative safety of the Upperdark, taking refuge in Skreet's hidden plantation, one of the few locations untouched by water. Noble Houses Freth and Claddath set aside their personal vendetta to abandon The Vault, sealing its Tollidor entrance behind them. Over time, the floodwaters gradually receded, but not before permanently reshaping the Underdark's landscape. Even now, remnants of the catastrophe remain visible in waterlogged tunnels and vast subterranean aqueducts, some connecting directly to the surface oceans, allowing passage for seafaring vessels. (Massive Server Changes to Underdark Areas)
BLINGSTONHOLD
[62 AR] Foundation of Blingstonhold
In the aftermath of The Cataclysm, the deep gnome Permistone guided the surviving svirfneblin of Urblexis Grond to a newly exposed cavern entrance, revealed by the shifting tunnels of the Underdark. There, in 62 AR, they founded the settlement of Blingstonhold. In the years that followed, this haven came to be known as The Great Grotto. However, following the unrest and political upheaval surrounding The Almost War in 79 AR, the Grotto withdrew from wider Underdark affairs. Years later, in secret, its leaders extended a hand to the dwarven stronghold of Brogendenstein, seeking formal entry into the Earthkin Alliance and with it, the shield of its protection.
[66 AR]
The goblin clans offer many gifts to the leaders of Blingston in an effort to gain their support through an alliance with little success.
[67 AR]
Blingston begins secret trade with the surface races.
[70 AR]
Blingstonhold signs a mutual defense agreement with the First House Zar'Rocc.
[75 AR]
Fraya Stensamler arrives in Blingston
[76 AR]
The first meeting between Blingstonhold and Brogendenstein takes place as representatives try to renew the Earthkin Pact between them.
The librarian Fraya Stensamler becomes Regent of Blingston.
[78 AR] Udos & Bligstonhold War
Seeking dominance over the Underdark, Udos Dro'Xun launches a campaign to subjugate all regional settlements. This expansionist policy was ultimately brought to an end through the diplomatic maneuvers of Fraya Stensamler, Regent of Blingstonhold, who negotiated an armistice to halt the fighting.
[79 AR] The Almost War
In 79 AR, the First Matron of Udos Dro'Xun issues an ultimatum to Blingstonhold: surrender or face destruction. Regent Fraya Stensamler once again defused the crisis through diplomacy, narrowly averting yet another war. However, this latest drow provocation spurs her into enacting a plan to permanently secure Blingstonhold by destroying its only cave entrance, which allowed unrestricted access to the settlement, using explosives gathered from Pit Town. While the operation secured Blingstonhold for svirfneblins, rendering the settlement accessible only via a magical portal, the political backlash led to Fraya's resignation. In the years that followed, she would author numerous books before dedicating her life to the Library of Andunor following the city's founding in 96 AR.
[79 AR]
As a result of the recent Drow hostilities, a plan to secure Blingston by destroying the cave entrance which allowed the other races entrance into the settlement was carried out by Regent Fraya Stensamler using explosives from Pit Town. While the plan was a success, and thus securing Blingston for only svirfneblins, the resulting political fallout resulted in Fraya stepping down. She would later dedicate her life to the Library of Andunor.
[96 AR] The Deluge
In 96 AR, a migrating brood of aboleths, led by a powerful overseer of demigod-like power, arrived in the Underdark of Arelith with the intent of flooding the realm to establish a dominion of their own. Confronted with such a threat, the denizens of the three major settlements mounted a desperate war against the invaders. The conflict reached its end when the goblins of the Oogooboogoo tribe launched a surprise assault, slaying the aboleth overseer and claiming its massive eye, later known as the Eye of Andunor, as a trophy. Despite this victory, the aboleth fulfilled its purpose in its final death throes, unleashing a cataclysmic flood that engulfed the Lowerdark and much of the Middledark. Settlements such as Udos Dro'Xun, Urblexis Grond, and Pit Town were completely submerged and lost. In response, Underdark denizens fled upward to the relative safety of the Upperdark, taking refuge in Skreet's hidden plantation, one of the few locations untouched by water. Noble Houses Freth and Claddath set aside their personal vendetta to abandon The Vault, sealing its Tollidor entrance behind them. Over time, the floodwaters gradually receded, but not before permanently reshaping the Underdark's landscape. Even now, remnants of the catastrophe remain visible in waterlogged tunnels and vast subterranean aqueducts, some connecting directly to the surface oceans, allowing passage for seafaring vessels. (Massive Server Changes to Underdark Areas)