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Chapter 489: The Unlucky Dwarven Kingdom
Matthew was well aware of the current plight of the Dwarven Kingdom. In two words: bad luck.
The Dwarven Kingdom faced an assault by the drow army, which had launched a war to conquer the Underdark.
Their primary goal wasn't just to strike the dwarves but to seize several key entrances to the surface world.
Ultimately, their aim was to please Lolth by launching a ruthless assault on the Cole Elf Kingdom.
At this point, no one on the surface world—except Matthew—believed the drow had the audacity or strength for such a move.
But the drow would soon deliver a surprise to everyone.
In addition to this, the dwarves found themselves clashing with the duergar.
The reason for this conflict was, amusingly, quite absurd.
The duergar, fleeing for their lives, had two options: retreat into drow-controlled lands or head toward the Dwarven Kingdom.
And as the saying goes, "You squeeze the softest fruit first."
Compared to the drow's organized army, the Dwarven Kingdom under siege seemed like the easier target.
If the dwarves only faced these two enemies, their centuries of resources and strength might have sufficed.
However, internal turmoil within the Dwarven Kingdom prevented them from fully utilizing their power.
While seeking aid from the Netheril Empire, they likely also appealed to the Cole Elf Kingdom.
Curiously, the proud dwarves didn't disclose the full extent of their struggles to these allies.
They stubbornly held their ground until the drow army captured several cities, forcing them to seek help.
Even then, the dwarves refused to reveal the internal issues plaguing their kingdom.
Matthew, however, knew exactly what was going on internally.
The problem boiled down to one simple issue: food!
Everyone knew the Underdark was rich in mineral resources.
The Dwarven Kingdom, situated atop vast mineral deposits, had been mining obsessively for centuries.
Their military strength was unparalleled, and their forging skills unmatched, producing powerful weapons and equipment.
Even against the drow and duergar, they could hold their own.
However, because of their focus on mining, the dwarves had neglected agricultural production.
This neglect stemmed from several factors:
First, the lack of sunlight and barren soil in the Underdark made farming a monumental challenge.
Besides the magically-inclined drow, most factions in the Underdark faced food shortages.
Second, the dwarves weren't skilled farmers.
These rugged and detail-oriented blacksmiths excelled at forging but struggled with planting crops and weeding.
Third, the dwarves relied heavily on food imports from the Netheril Empire and the Cole Elf Kingdom.
But then came the "perfect storm."
The Netheril Empire, under attack by orcs, saw chaos engulf its critical food-producing region, the Carl Plains.
The empire needed all its food to supply its army, leaving little for the dwarves.
If the Netheril Empire's supply cutoff were the only issue, the Dwarven Kingdom might have managed.
But the Cole Elf Kingdom was also stirring trouble.
They were mobilizing resources and forces to target the Ail Elves, aiming to unify the northern elves under one banner.
Moreover, the Cole Elf Kingdom was wary of the increasingly powerful dwarves.
They were seeking ways to weaken their ally-turned-rival.
This dual crisis left the Dwarven Kingdom in dire straits.
Yet, out of pride, the dwarves couldn't bring themselves to admit their food shortage to their allies.
Matthew, of course, learned about this from other players.
Many players mocked the dwarves, attributing their plight to their stubbornness and pride.
Matthew disagreed.
Dwarves were simply wired this way, and they wouldn't change.
Knowing this, Matthew realized the dwarves' envoys to Sevinton would likely return empty-handed.
The Sevinton Council, already overwhelmed, lacked the resources or energy to assist the dwarves.
Over the next few months, the Sevinton Council would prioritize rebuilding the Scarlet Fortress.
This was essential to repel the orcs' next offensive and protect the Carl Plains and Eastern Province.
Simultaneously, the Third and Eighth Legions would be replenished and reorganized.
This information came from Carlos, who secretly shared it with Matthew.
Carlos hoped Bay Territory could provide magical equipment for the newly recruited soldiers.
Meanwhile, the south wasn't any quieter.
Two Grand Arcanists were engaged in a resource-draining conflict.
Additionally, several demiplane uprisings tied down much of the Netheril Empire's forces.
At this moment, the Cole Elf Kingdom was undoubtedly reveling in the chaos.
They had orchestrated these demiplane uprisings to weaken the Netheril Empire.
Years later, players would uncover this truth during special quests.
Many players were initially puzzled by the Cole Elf Kingdom's hostility toward the Netheril Empire.
It wasn't until archaeological players dug deeper that they uncovered the inevitable clash of interests between the two powers.
Had the Cole Elf Kingdom foreseen their future struggles, they might have regretted provoking the Netheril Empire.
Unfortunately, they had no idea what awaited them.
The beleaguered Netheril Empire couldn't spare resources for the dwarves.
But that didn't stop Matthew from forming ties with the dwarves.
If the Netheril Empire wouldn't assist, Matthew saw an opportunity.
He intended to strike a deal with the dwarves.
By meeting their needs and securing substantial support contracts,
Bay Territory could gain resources and wealth, accelerating its development.
That was why Matthew had gone to such lengths to prepare.
Seeing the dwarves tipsy and Beelzebub equally inebriated, Matthew subtly signaled Old John.
Old John understood immediately, leading in another group of burly men. Their intent was clear:
"Keep the drinks coming."
With the dwarves' competitive nature, a few words of provocation from Old John had them drinking again.
Half an hour later, all the dwarves were out cold.
The Grand Arcanist Cronorman, having heard Matthew's entire plan, clapped him on the shoulder with a laugh:
"This one's all on you!"