Tales of once-great now forgotten cities are rife throughout the lands of Tymaera. Some such stories have passed from all memory, their existence only recalled in the arcane carvings of the endless subterranean galleries of the Caverns of Prophecy. One such tale that has not yet passed from legend is that of the city of Uth Sarthan.
Built before the fracturing of the Elven peoples Uth Sarthan was one of Caevalonia's greatest cities. Built of white marble imported from the Great Desert the city's towering walls and soaring tunnels straddled the narrow pass leading up from what are now known as the Ruined Lands up to the Tenra Plateau. When the Elven race fractured the Solaris (High Elves) remained in the city, ever ready to repel their evil brethren the Lunaris (Dark Elves) should they attempt to leave the Dark Lands south of the Grey Mountains. Uth Sarthan also remained a hugely important part of the trading route as precious ores and minerals and materials passed through on the long road north to the Empire and the Northern Lands beyond the ocean.
As the Solaris steadily grew into a more decadent and haughty reflection of their race's previous identity, the city was extended and built upon to become ever grander and more imposing. They levied heavy taxes on merchants passing through their gates, and as the traders had no choice they were forced to accept the charges.
As the elves' coffers grew fat the barbarian peoples of the Tenra plateau mounted raids on the city in various failed attempts to gain the wealth. Outmatched by Uth Sarthan's military force, the barbarians began to seek allies in their endeavours. One particular, brazen chieftain, approached an ancient and terrible dragon he knew of, pledging his tribe's fealty to the beast should it agree to aid them. That dragon was Thrax Morthrul and his gold lust awakened, the blue dragon agreed to aid them.
On the day of the battle, the barbarians drew the Uth Sarthan army out onto the plains north of the pass. Thrax Morthrul then attacked the city. Although the Uth Sarthanians were allied with several Lawful dragons, they were young and no match for one so ancient and powerful as Thrax and his victory seemed secure.
But the timing could not have been worse for as this battle ensued the first of the demon-incursions began with the opening of the Dreaming Gate and with it the other eight of the Nine Gates opened as the walls of reality were weakened. One of these, the Shadow Gate, opened in the deep caverns directly beneath the city and with the ensuing earthquake the entire city tumbled into the void created by the Shadow Gate, taking its fabulous wealth and the raiding dragon with it.
Now Uth Sarthan lies in ruins far beneath the Grey Mountains. Occasionally treasure-seekers will reach it, seeking its wealth or foolhardy individuals may seek the Shadow Gate but it is now guarded by Thrax Morthrul and all they find is death.