The Vanishing of Cauldron Hollow

For nearly two ages the name Cauldron Hollow has filled the minds of Norrathians with mystery. Cauldron Hollow was once a dark elf depot for resources ferried in from Lake Neriuss. This depot was nestled into the seaside cliffs of Nektulos Forest. Its location was ideal for defense. Should a great invasion conquer the territory a small force should be able to hold up inside and await reinforcements from Neriak. This was soon to be tested.

In the latter days of the Age of Turmoil the Teir'Dal empire's command of the Nektulos Forest was challenged. A massive force of the then current regime, the Thex Empire, was sent far across the Ocean of Tears to launch a titanic invasion against the elven lands within Greater Faydark. Hundred of War galleys and troop barges departed the lands controlled by the Thex Empire in hopes of conquering the lands of the light elves. This left much of their empire poorly defended. A perfect window of opportunity for the forces of light.

With the surface provinces of the Thex Empire undermanned, the empires of man and their allies invaded the Teir'Dal provinces of Nektulos Forest. The word was given to have the Knights of the Beacon light the Torches of Forewarnings. These tall pillars rest all along the Thex Highway in Nektulos. Once lit, they signaled the three lords to advance and hold three key positions in Nektulos. So the lords and their garrisons marched to their objectives and would await the rangers knowing that reinforcements would soon arrive from Neriak.

Lord J'Narus would march to Cauldron Hollow. There he ordered the gates of the depot locked and positioned himself in the Citadel of Gul'Thex to protect the main pass leading towards Cauldron Hollow. Lord T'Velk would hold the north bridge with a small force of dragoons. N'Mar's Ascent would be the position of Lord U'Kaltax. So there the three lords and their forces would await the Kithicor Rangers and hold long enough for reinforcements from below. This would not be. The elite Kithicor Rangers stormed into the woods cutting a swathe through the vanguard phalanx of dragoons.

A great BOOM! shook the ground! The floor of the entire forest began to tremble. It was unknown to the Dragoons of Gul'Thex, but the passage to Neriak had just collapsed. There could be no reinforcements. The dragoons were fated to die this day in bloody battle. Much dark elf blood was spilt that day. They were outnumbered and without cavalry support. Innoruuk was proud of their valiant stand, but it was in vain. Little did they know that as they lay dying on the field of battle that their homeland below had just been sealed from the surface.

The Age of Cataclysms arrived and with it came great destruction the likes of which has never been seen. Great cities toppled, millions of souls were sent to the Gray Fields to await eternity. The great cataclysms ripped the continent of Antonica into many pieces. The destruction would last close to a century. When the world calmed Cauldron Hollow survived! But Cauldron Hollow would vanish.

Merchant mariners of the seas of man knew of Cauldron Hollow, but after the Age of Cataclysms it ceased to exist while existing at the same time. All records of the location of this vale were lost. Those who once knew the name Cauldron Hollow knew it no longer. It became a mystery to the few who heard its name in this Age of Destiny. What manner of arcane powers veils this place from the world? It is there. I have seen it. ? Arqis Randere

This stack of books seems to be all about fictional material. Novels intended for both entertainment and mythical accounts can be seen.


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Source: Ingame book