Langolier War

The Langolier War was a massive altercation between the citizens of Manicae and a mysterious evil army of undead, dark wizards, warriors, and mages from an unknown land.

The initial attack and battle
The lands of Manicae have managed to remain peaceful for as long as anyone could remember until roughly 40 years ago. It was at this time (August of 1872 F.G.) when a mysterious and powerful fleet from an unknown land attacked the coast to the south of Palatine. These forces, nicknamed Langoliers after the legendary monsters, included many undead warriors as well as dark wizards and mages, which were seldom seen before the attack. Because of this dark magical presence, most areas of the realm (especially Austeris) are very cautious and nervous regarding non-religious magic practice.

The Langoliers first landed south of Palatine and quickly pillaged their way north, destroying small towns and homes and attacking the city from the Asphodel Fields. In a matter of days the peaceful city had been reduced to rubble. While civilians tried to escape to the north, what remained of the small city security force held out for as long as they could. After hearing of the destruction of Paltine and seeing the mutual threat, Austeris amassed a powerful force and allied itself with the remnants of the beleaguered Palatinians. After constructing rudimentary defenses in the remains of the city, the combined forces were able to hold the line and weather the siege, holding out for nearly 3 months (now known as the 90 Days of Darkness). Just as defeat seemed imminent and morale dropped low, a young, now-legendary paladin named Rothgar was able to break the siege and push back the Langoliers. The resulting Battle of Asphodel resulted in the allied forces eliminating nearly all of the attacking Langoliers, with the rest escaping onto their ships and returning to the ocean.

These escapees were not pursued, as the Austerian fleet was no more than short range fishing ships. The waters off the immediate coast are perpetually marred with foul weather and dangerous conditions, limiting ships to a range of roughly 15 miles offshore. As far as anyone knows, no long range naval expeditions have ever returned.

Aftermath
Since the war, Austeris has become increasingly militaristic and protective of itself and its allies, maintaining a sizeable standing army and a city guard full-time.

Palatine lied in total ruins after the war. Austeris (and, to a lesser extent, Garum) put forth a massive effort into rebuilding the city. Along with help from private funders (such as the wealthy Primanova family), the city has been completely rebuilt as of 25 years ago and is now experiencing a cultural and scientific renaissance.