never had a strong grip on the Lhazaar Principalities or
the gnome nation of Zilargo, and they held the Demon
Wastes in name only. Other states were born in violence:
the elves of Va lenar and the goblins of Darguun seized
their realms by force. But Aundair yearns to reclaim the
Eldeen Reaches, Breland keeps a wary eye on the mon
strous kingdom of Droaam, and many mistrust the Va le
nar elves. Within the Five Nations, anger remains over
how the final lines were drawn; for example, Thrane re
tains control of the ancient Aundairian city of Thaliost,
seized during the war.PHYSICAL DAMAGE
The borders between nations demonstrate the impact of
generations of conflict. Forests and farmlands scorched
by fire and magic are still recovering. Ruined cities have
yet to be reclaimed, along with shattered villages and
abandoned fo rtresses. These deserted sites now provide
shelter for brigands or are haunted by the restless spir
its of those who died in anguish.
This damage reached far beyond the front lines.
Magic-fueled weapons, aerial cavalry, and guerrilla
forces all struck deep within enemy territory, and the
cities of Khorvaire suffered. Wherever you go, you might
see the scorch marks of fireballs or wreckage from
siege weapons. Every nation is working to repair these
wounds, but the damage could linger for generations.
As you create an Eberron character, consider your
roots and the impact of the war. Was your hometown
destroyed in the war? Is your family thriving, or were its
members scattered or slain during the conflict?
REFUGEES AND SHORTAGES
Refugees live in every major city, including tens of thou
sands of exiles produced by Cyre's destruction. Cyrans
are a people without a homeland, seeking shelter and
sustenance in the lands of their former enemies. Many
Cyran refugees are former soldiers who were fighting in
enemy territory when the Mourning struck, or they were
farmers and merchants who escaped before their nation
was consumed. Former nobles now have nothing but
rags, and scholars or artists live in alleyways.
Citie.s and towns still suffer from shortages in the
aftermath of the war. Farmlands, workers, and the
resources devoted to the war were lost. Nations are
recovering, and most essential services and goods are
available in major cities. But there is always the possi
bility that something you want-a luxury item or a spell
component-simply isn't available or can be acquired
only through the black market.THE MOURNING
The nation of Cyre was once the heart of the kingdom of
Galifar. The Last War took a heavy toll on Cyre and its
citizens, as the nation became a primary battleground
where the Five Nations crossed swords. But no one was
prepared for the disaster that struck in 994 YK.
Accounts of the Mourning vary. Some say that a
blinding light engulfed the battlefield near the Saerun
Road. Others say that dead-gray mists rose in the capital
city of Metro! and spread from there. Within the space of
one day, the nation of Cyre had been engulfed in a wallWELCOME TO EBERRON(^13)