Skal Timeline

[140 AR]
A Warband led by Dreadlord Bisik Willows sails to Skal and takes control of the isle. His forces occupy the frozen village for six months before being driven off Skal by a Mercenary company hired by the township.

[150 AR] The Palladium War
The Palladium War began in 150 AR when the Iron Throne assumed control of Skaljard after Lady Gloria Castelli purchased the isle from Hovdig, an act welcomed by most locals but met with caution by adventurers. The subsequent discovery of Palladium transformed Skaljard into a strategic prize, provoking violent resistance from gnoll warbands and, soon after, a shadowy coalition led by a kenku and several elusive figures collectively known as the Masters. As hostilities intensified, Skaljard endured sieges, targeted assassinations, and mounting political pressure. Bounty hunters struck at prominent adventurers and destroyed critical intelligence, while the murder of the Iron Throne admiral by orc pirates dramatically expanded the conflict's scope. Despite aid from druids and allies across mainland Arelith, the Masters secured an alliance with Andunor and issued ultimatums to neighboring Guldorand, which refused to yield. A decisive incursion into Skaljard's tower later that year culminated in the death of a gnome artificer Master, exposing the hierarchy and ambitions driving the war.

The final months saw brutal escalation. Coordinated assaults were launched against Skaljard, with civilians slain, prototype constructs deployed, and a vast bounty placed upon the Skaljard priestess. These actions led directly to the Battle for Skaljard, when an anti-magic field engulfed the town, and fierce fighting erupted at its gates. In the chaos, the defenders slew the Gnoll King and shattered the kenku's forces. In a final counterstrike, Skaljard and its allies struck a hidden sea fortress serving as the primary base of the eldest Master, Folgrim Coldhammer. There, they uncovered the tragic origins of the conflict, Coldhammer's failed attempt to save his family through artificing. With his defeat, the Palladium War finally came to an end.

[152 AR]
Tunnels connected to the Underdark are discovered. (New Area/Feature added to Server)

[160 AR] The Kaird Alastair of Castle Dunmarle
From the restored Castle of Dunmarle The Kaird Alastair, backed by a large force of mercenaries, establishes his presence in the frozen island of Skal. (New Area/Feature added to Server)

[178 AR, Month 3] The Looming Shadow That Was
The vile Victoria Helbrecht and her wicked husband, Andras, arrived on Skaljard circa 177 AR, Month 11 and began taking control over the small town while facilitating pacting to Orcus. Over the coming months, Victoria would build a large following and make regular sojourns to the crypts of Dun Marle, where she bathed the mummified remains of the first Laird in the essence of Thanatos. Once the remains had been adequately prepared, she led her fellow cultists in bringing the heart to the surface, where they raised the Laird under Victoria's command and ordered him to destroy Skaljard.

In Skaljard, adventurers were caught unawares as they sat in merriment around the village's central campfire. The first wave of the Laird's forces assaulted the village, resulting in a massive battle as legions of the undead poured from the mountains into the town. Wave after wave of skeletons, zombies, flesh abominations, and skeletal giants came in the scores until, finally, the village defenders managed to repel the assault.

Gaining the advantage, the village defenders pushed outward to follow the hoards of undead toward their origin at the cultist's ritual site. Once the adventurers found the cultists, Victoria destroyed the Laird's vessel in a final effort to curse the land. Soon after, a skirmish ensued, and the cultists were overwhelmed and fled the island of Skal. Meanwhile, the adventurers managed to create a new vessel and purify the Laird's remains, returning him to rest once more.