Having suffered through many wars and thriving through many periods of calm, Tyrracore was once a stereotypical realm of dwarves, elves, and men. Evil lords would oft embark on various evil schemes as often as the keepers of peace and all that is good would successfully stop them. Historically neutral institutions (such as druid populations and schools of magic) thrived during this time. Five years ago, this all changed…

The Veil is known as “the Undying Winter” among elves, and it is known to have numerous names among men, but however it is called, it is known as a treacherous menace to all who have ventured outside. Well documented was the sudden change in weather, better known as the Failing of Spring. Neither great thinkers nor scientists nor wizards could find a worldly explanation. Clerics left communions with their gods empty-handed, for their deities had no answers to give. The Veil covered all things in its icy glaze, even where there was no snow. Rivers froze solid and little farmland remained to speak of. Only the hardiest of animals survived, and the major races were no exception.

The kingdom of men reacted most quickly to the abnormal conditions, and well advised, for out of the major races, they have suffered the hardest. In the extreme case of the human capital, nearby elven vales that had been vacated were stripped of trees; the lumber was gathered until a great cover could be constructed to keep out the Veil. Ranger circles were gathered and began scouring the land for supplies of food; much of this meant hunting surviving packs of game. Smaller cities were not so fortunate when it came to plan for survival; many human settlements have been traveling for years in search of a habitable home. As open-minded as men can be, many have looked into assimilating into other cultures.

The vales and dwellings of the elven race have been consolidated into a few last clustered cities. All the elves’ magical resources are focused here on keeping their homes dry, warm, and safe. As a result, the former Elven Nations have united into one dominion, and a somewhat xenophobic one at that. Few outsiders are admitted, for it is feared that waves of human immigrants will pour into the safe haven of the elven cities and overwhelm the already dwindling supply of food and the capacity of capable spellcasters.

The dwarfs were understandably indifferent to the falling of the Veil. Their expansive underground empire has seen better days, but with the influx of human immigrants (which were by no means welcome right at once), the dwarven economy has a newfound base of manpower and willing workers. This has led the dwarves to a relatively dominant position politically and no less socially. Dwarven aristocrats have become all the more common, and some humans have gone so far as to become servants to these powerful and rich lords of the underrealms.

The Veil has only grown thicker in recent years, and many are beginning to lose hope of an end. Some believe that the Veil was created by some devilry and meant to preempt another war from the west. Others say that the gods have grown angry or tired with their followers and are punishing them. Still others suppose that the age of the races of Tyrracore is coming to a close, and they are willing to accept their doom.