For hundreds of years the continent of Khorvaire was united under the Kingdom of Galifar. This came to an end with the death of King Jarot in 894 YK, just over a century ago. Conflict over the succession spiraled into outright war between the Five Nations.
The Last War was a bitter struggle that forever changed the shape of Khorvaire. It was a century marked by shifting alliances, with years of stalemate interspersed with periods of intense conflict. This grueling conflict left deep scars on the land and the people, but there was worse to come. On Olarune 20, 994 YK the nation of Cyre was consumed in a magical cataclysm now known as the Mourning. The cause of the Mourning remains unknown, and many fear that it was a consequence of the extensive use of war magic. Shock and fear brought the nations to the negotiating table, and the Last War came to an end in 996 YK with the Treaty of Thronehold.
While many celebrated the end of the war, others remain unsatisfied with its outcome. No one won the war, and deep scars remain. War-torn villages and towns are still rebuilding. Once fertile farmlands are scorched and ruined. There are refugees in every major city. And even though people optimistically refer to it as the Last War, most believe that it’s only a matter of time until it begins anew. The mystery of the Mourning is the only thing holding the warmongers at bay. If the secret of the Mourning can be uncovered — if it can be proven that the Mourning couldn’t happen again, or if its power could be harnessed as a weapon — the Last War could begin again. As such, the nations remain in a cold war as each makes preparations and seeks advantages in the conflict that could lie ahead.
Effects of the War
Here’s a few of the major effects of the Last War.
Dragonmarked Power. The dragonmarked houses sold their services to all sides and made considerable profits from the war. The Five Nations are divided and dependent on the services of the houses, and it’s questionable if any one nation can impose its will upon them.
Karrnathi Undead. When a series of famines and plagues crippled the nation of Karrnath, it embraced the Blood of Vol and introduced undead into its armies. The religion was largely abandoned toward the end of the war and many of the undead were confined to crypts, but some are still in use.
Magical Innovation. Over the course of a century of war, the nations and dragonmarked houses developed new spells and tools for use in the war. Airships and warforged are recent developments, and the wandslinger tradition emerged from the war.
The Mourning. This magical cataclysm destroyed Cyre and brought the war to an end. Cyre is a vast, unrecoverable wasteland and those Cyrans who survived the disaster are scattered across Khorvaire.
New Nations. Before the Last War, Galifar laid claim to all of Khorvaire. A host of new states emerged over the course of the war. These include the goblin nation of Darguun, the elf kingdom of Valenar, the druids of the Eldeen Reaches, the monsters of Droaam, and more.
Military Backgrounds
The current year is 998 YK. The Last War lasted for over a century and only came to an end two years ago. As a player character in Eberron, you possess remarkable skills. Did you take part in the Last War, and if so, in what capacity? If you fought, which nation did you serve? Were you honorably discharged, or did you abandon your cause? If you didn’t take part in the war, why didn’t you fight and what did you do instead?
The following table provides ideas about how a background could reflect a connection to the Last War. Feel free to change the suggested backgrounds. While charlatan is an obvious background for a spy, you could easily adapt criminal or urchin to the same role.
Military Backgrounds
| 1d10 | Military Background |
|---|---|
| 1 | You were a common soldier, facing the enemy on the front lines of the interminable war. (Soldier) |
| 2 | You served on the open seas, whether as a marine, a naval officer, a privateer or a smuggler. (Sailor) |
| 3 | You commanded troops and led soldiers into battle. Were you a good leader, or are you haunted by your failures? (Soldier or noble) |
| 4 | You were a spy, gathering intelligence for your nation. Are you out of the business, or could you still be called back in? (Charlatan) |
| 5 | You were tasked with maintaining morale and raising the spirits of your soldiers. (Entertainer) |
| 6 | You provided spiritual support to your troops. Were you always devout, or did you find your faith on the battlefield? (Acolyte) |
| 7 | You used your remarkable knowledge as part of a military think tank… or perhaps you provided arcane support on the battlefield. (Sage) |
| 8 | You were a smuggler or a profiteer, taking advantage of the war to line your pockets. (Criminal or charlatan) |
| 9 | You opposed the war. The actions you took to protect the innocent have made you a local legend. (Folk hero) |
| 10 | You used the connections of your influential family to avoid military service. Are you haunted by this, or do you remain indifferent? (Noble) |