The Sundering

Si’vos Elynkos, a High Elf noble of the royal line, ascended to emperor of the province known as Qes Ares in 649 PT. Upon seizing power he banished all non-elven races and “mongrel apologists” out of Qes Ares, forcing them to seek asylum in neighboring territories as refugees. Following this mass exodus he doubled down on Qes Ares’ military campaigns, forcing the border with Travers Bound south, and the border with the Darisian Commonwealth north.

At the time this was known as the War of the Fromlands or “Overnight Massacre” (for the initial catalytic battles in which Si’vos’ forces struck at every enemy military outpost simultaneously under cover of darkness). The conflict lasted barely a year until an armistice brought a cessation to hostilities, though the three countries technically remain at war to this day.

Rumor and tale have abound since these events took place, with scattered reports of "disappearances" of Aresian citizens during the exodus.

The majority of refugees from the Sundering ended up in Verdain, largely due to their inherently egalitarian and welcoming culture, which further lent to the province's reputation as a melting pot.