Taklumlode

Taklumlode was founded in the Horgon Era by Mîmêk and Derro that were descendants of a people that lived three generations as slaves. In the Galir-Khizad Uprising (461 HE - 464 HE), a massive Vîlnên slave revolt pitted Mîmêk and Derro against their Svirfneblin masters. This war tore the empire into two parts, the rebels seizing the eastern holds and the Svirfneblin the west. Two decades later, Galir-Khizad became the capital of the newly formed Taklumlode empire.

From the surface, Taklumlode's holdings are readily accessible by a number of old lava tubes. By the First Epoch, some of these had turned into well-maintained and guarded roads of commerce between Ba'lith and Taklumlode.

The conflict that led to them becoming slaves to Vîlnên was largely because of their diabolic beliefs and machinations. Inquisitors of Geb, with the ear of the king, spurred the empire into conflict with Taklumlode's Church of Asmodeus. They sought to stop the raids and then enslave rather than slaughter their foes, and then indoctrinate them into worship of non-evil gods.

No matter how long it takes, we will change these poor folk. They will forget about the dark lords and learn to be a better people.

- Danargûm, Svirfneblin High Inquisitor of Galir-Khizad - "Conversion Plan 1A"

When Coeus was killed (1695) by Raxcvillibus, the warmongering minotaurs of the Ba'lith Empire were put on the path of religious conversion. This was part of a plan diabolically designed over decades. Theologians claim that the conversion of Ba'lith would not have been possible without the help of Taklumlode and its Church of the Ninth Pillar. This church, the strongest of the Asmodean churches on Bal-Kriav, helped Raxcvillibus convert the people of Ba'lith to Asmodean worship.

In the Brothers Enmity War (1697 - 1723), Taklumlode bankrolled Rax's campaigns against the Torgilm Confederacy (1475 - 1719).

(laughing) you think that Hell Knight runs that empire? He has minotaurs doing this and that, they have titles and clout, but the real influence comes from down below. Taklumlode runs the show. This ancient, wicked empire has been behind dozens of coups and wars across Azrik and Maleddanar. For the last two thousands years, they have used their gold and diplomats to manipulate all those around them.

- Unulâg, Svirfneblin of Vîlnên, answering the question - "How does Rax run such an efficient empire?"

Taklumlode seeks absolute control of Zirâg-Tharam. They have allied with both surface and Underdark forces to rid the area of competitors. The most troublesome rival was the Torgilm Confederacy. In the Brothers Enmity War, King Taklumlode XII allied with Ba'lith. By the end of the war, they had brought down the Torgilm Confederacy, split the riches of Zirâg-Tharam and consolidated the lands around them - one on the surface, one underneath, each with their own masters, both following the whims of Asmodeus.