Great Elruth Famine

The Great Elruth Famine was an event that occurred during the War of the Dawn. The new technologies that Voskgardia brought to Tyrrell was bound to have consequences far beyond that of military conquest, for the industrial revolution brought far more than better and more guns, but radical shifts to every facet of society. The Elderkin of the world are used to using magic as a way to enhance their agriculture. Every year, almost all Elderkin mages, no matter their social status or level of skill, are required to work in fields, casting spells that drastically increase crop growth. 

The spells result in a greatly increased crop yield and is the main reason for a high elven population in West Ciradon. This practice has also led to an interesting phenomenon where elven warfare is often seasonal, winding down in intensity during the spring periods where mages are required to sow crops. This of course would have dire consequences during the War of the Dawn.

When Voskgardian offensives broke the Elruthian line, it was coincided perfectly with the sowing season, and was part of the reason why the offensive succeeded so perfectly. The Elruth Empire's leadership, in a panicked frenzy, recalled all their mages from farming duty into the military and sent them onto the frontlines. This was able to stall the Voskgardian offensive but it also would lead to horrifying consequences in the following year. Due to a lack of magical support, Elruth's fields failed to produce enough food to meet the demands of the empire. 

To add oil to the fire, the human serfs were inspired by Voskgardia's victories and revolted against their masters, causing further disruption in agricultural production. These disruptions caused massive food shortages for several years to come and was only alleviated when other allies intervened in the war. In total, the Great Elruth Famine was the largest famines for centuries in the history of West Ciradon and killed millions of elves, dwarves, and humans. It was also a direct cause of the collapse of the Elruth Empire.