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\_| Kontaur |
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| Among the most corrupt of the lands of Despair, is Kontaur, |
| which lies south of the Old Marsh. Once a lush forest filled |
| with wild vegetation and beautiful sylvan and elven races, it |
| is now the heart of evil in the southern lands. The cause of |
| the land's devastation is not completely known. Sages believe |
| that either Laschte or Vl'arescht opened a gate to a race of |
| astral travelers known as the Carnifex, which brought legions |
| of balrogs to Despair long ago. The balrogs waged war against |
| all sentient races, seeking to destroy at the leisure of their |
| masters. The avatars of Darkhaven were truly oppressed and |
| fought for their very lives against this evil army. After |
| years of war, the Carnifex were finally driven across the Pits |
| of Banishment and into a legendary castle from which they |
| could not escape. Without their masters' guidance, the balrogs |
| lost their edge and began losing the war. They retreated to |
| Kontaur, the first realm they had conquered, and erected a |
| castle. Although there have been many attempts to destroy the |
| Balrog race, none have succeeded. Many new races have come to |
| the forests of Kontaur recently, and made the Realms even more |
| perilous. Foul pixie that were corrupted by Laschte, savage |
| beastmen and, Vl'arescht's creation, the goblins all guard the |
| paths to and from the Kontaur castle. Yet there lies a shining |
| hope in this foul land, for A'enaar lifted her hand and |
| protected a tribe of forest elves known as the Misinkii. |
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