March of Morkend

Morkend is a humanoid dominated area in the far western portion of Kinergh. Formerly it was controlled by the dwarves of Dalcaroth, and had been for many years. The great castle of Morkend is situated at the point where the dwarven road crosses the Holbrook River on its way to north to the mines in the Melthian Mountains.

20 years ago Morkend Castle was attacked by a group of hobgoblins from Vye-Elek. These humanoids were led by a powerful leader, Kond the Berzerk, AKA Berzerkond. With the aid of a powerful mage he was able to approach the castle undetected and overwhelm the garrison in a surprise attack. The dwarves have tried several times to retake Morkend, but have been defeated each time by magic and humanoid reinforcements.

At present Berzerkond is content to let the dwarves use the road which he controls, for a fairly moderate toll. He has agreed not to molest dwarven trade and has even restrained his soldiery from raiding other neighboring states for the most part. The other rulers in the area feel that he is waiting for his chance to expand his rule, but none of them have been able to muster the forces needed to expel him.