The Republic of Haakon once spanned almost the entire main continent. Only a small portion of what is now southern and southeastern Shunnira, and the far western and northern areas of Teraltis refused to be conquered. The peoples of these areas continually fought against the Republic border towns, and were pushed back every time.

This continued for nearly six hundred years. Haakon's capital city was considered a beacon of knowledge, art, and industry. It was built along a great river, which was used to transport people and resources from the Itu Mountains to the ocean. Many flocked there. The city sprawled and, as it did so, consumed everything the mountains provided.

Then came the earthquake.

It is said that it could be felt even on the islands of Homanoah. The earthquake tore through the Itu Mountains. The course of the river shifted severely. The Haak capital was dry within a month, but their need was so great, they dug wells to sustain themselves. It did not take long before those wells ran dry as well. The entire region was becoming desert, and growing every season.

It was during this time that the mountain clans of Perragron, the Irenorn tribes, and the woodsmen of Shunnira saw their chance. They banded together. The Republic was under such stress that they could not combat the guerilla tactics from three sides at once.

To add to the pressure, many other peoples who had relied on Haak goods felt abandoned by the Republic. They refused to pay tithe to a government that now only took and never gave. The nomads and Djimbuka were especially key in the final collapse of Haakon.

It took less than a decade for that once great nation to crumble. Now, centuries later, it is little more than a fable. Its capital, and many other important cities, are ruins in the Lobhi Desert being picked at by the vultures who call themselves treasure hunters.