Editing Ourworld:Ashlands (section)

== History of the Ashlands == 

Many centuries ago, a great battle was fought between the ancient Laideann Empire and the Keltoi. They called upon their magic and their martial skills but they could not overcome their implacable foe. As the Laideann towns fell without slowing the onslaught, the Laideann sought Teleri, Dwarf and Goliath help. The Teleri reluctantly agreed, as did the Dwarves, though the Goliaths were uninterested. Their greatest magical artifacts and weapons did slow the Keltoi but couldn't stop them; they moved inexorably through the Laideann lands. Finally, a darkly handsome giant Unseelie Sidhe Prince appeared and told them that there was one way to stop the barbarians, though it relied on unholy incantations and unimaginable sacrifice. Foolishly, the Laideann eagerly accepted the deal, regardless of the cost. The Sidhe told them of his requirements and they set about executing his requests, bizarre and somewhat distasteful as they seemed. A great storm of dust and ash rose in the lands of the Laideann Empire, obscuring everything. For twenty two days, the entire land was blinded and the terrific dust storm never abated. Finally, on the morning of the twenty third day, it dissipated. Everything was gone. Towns, people, trees, birds, even clouds were simply not there. The land was cracked and blackened as if exposed to incredible heat as far as the eye could see. Both the Laideann and the barbarian invaders were simply not there anymore.