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The Broken Lands were once an area called Ilyx (which means “The Blessed Lands” in the Ancient Elven Tongue) and was a lush, green forest rule by Elves who proclaimed to be “The Children of Nifika” and the “First Comers.” They were said to be the caretakers of powerful magic that Nifika had entrusted to them. The forests of Ilyx were ruled by an elf by the name of Porlen Hollowroot.

The lands would be contested by an orc – one of the first, and perhaps most powerful, by the name of Rak’Grum Bloodseed. Legend states that Rak’Grum was touched by the Orc God, Grumthak himself, and blessed Rak’Grum. Some legends even proclaim that Rak’Grum was a demigod, half Orc, half Grumthak’s essence.

Rak’Grum led a massive army of orcs, like none had ever seen before (since Orcs often war, even among one another, to overpower one another’s tribes) called The Broken Hand. With this powerful force he was able to venture deep into the Ilyx woods. Still, the Elves of Ilyx had the advantage, and Rak’Grum was forced to retreat.

However, this would not be the end. Rak’Grum used his massive force to enslave and force other races to follow him; such as the Kobolds (to be used as scouts), Goblins (for the grunt work and building), large, lumbering Ogres were the front line brute strength, Bugbears to control the animistic trolls, Gnolls for the assassins, and eventually even the powerful Hobgoblins were forced into servitude under Rak’Grum’s rule.

Porlen was desperate to drive Rak’Grum’s forces back – so he tapped into the magic sphere that Nifika had entrusted to him. His first attempt – he opened The Plane of Stone, and sought the help of the Dao (Genies) – however, almost immediately he lost control of the Dao, which attacked Elf and Orc alike in an attempt to conquer this new realm. He turned to the Plane of Air and summoned Djinni who at least attempted to stop the Rak’Grum’s rampage (sensing his evil), but did not help against the Dao. So he would then turn to the Plane of Fire and bartered with the Efreeti, who were enemies of the Dao – which the Efreeti did – but at tremendous consequence to the lands themselves. Desperate, he turnd the the Plane of Water and called forth Marid (Genies) to help against the rampaging Efreeti and the damage they’d caused. The Marid helped, but were furious that Porlen brought this upon himself.

Staring at his ravaged lands – Porlen was desperate and turned to his closest friend, and fellow Elven Mage – Ashen’Var. Ashen’Var had told Porlen all along that the only way to win this was was to think like the Orcs – and murder them by any means possible.

Ashen’Var used his magic to get close to Rak’Grum and murdered him in his sleep. When his body was discovered, this created a power vacuum among the orcs as to who should rule in his place; and it was enough to allow the Elves of Ilyx to gain the advantage and drive them back – but by the time the war was over, the Genies all banished back to their planes – the land was completely ravaged. Over 90% of the woods had been burned down, cut down, or otherwise destroyed.

There are several versions of the story what happened next. Some claim that the Elven Goddess of Magic, Nifika saw what happened and was so ashamed – she wiped the lands, and the forests were wiped away, leaving only sand. This is why, some claim that Elves are no longer immortal.

Another version of the story s that Porlen himself was so ashamed, that he used the remaining magic to bury the shame – and brought sand to the lands.

For hundreds of years, the Ilyx remained abandoned. However, over time; humans began populating the lands and building around the area. As the years passed, each of them seemed to be consumed with rage and madness; and soon they all heard the name “Kryton” whispered in their minds. A demon lord named Kryton, who’d come through one of Prolen’s portals now had a hold of the humans – and every lunar cycle, he demanded human sacrifices. For years, his cult thrived – luring people into the endless dunes to be captured and sacrificed.

Large temples were erected in the name of Kryton where sacrifices were made as the pull of the magic that once existed here lured great wizards and caravans of people. Legends speak that it was a gnome by the name of Enidda Pleasantleaf who managed to find Kryton there in the broken lands and summoned him – and banished him to Garengrand. However, the resulting battle brought upon a powerful sandstorm that buried the temples that were built in Kryton’s honor. Enidda Pleasantleaf, and her magical staff, Ellaros’ Gift, were said to have also been lost and buried.

As the years passed, civilization began to build itself around the area. But these were hardened humans, many of whom had at one time been servants to Kryton. Harsh laws for harsh lands by hardened people formed these new lands often called “The Broken Lands” – though most natives also call it “The Gold Coast” for its endless sands.