Elruth Occupation Zone

The Elruth Occupation Zone, sometimes shortened to the Elruth OZ is an military occupation zone jointly controlled by the Umrinor Cordiale as well as local collaborators. The Elruth OZ was formed in the aftermath of the War of the Dawn to bring order to the war torn region as well as to stomp out any remaining pro-Voskgardia rebels or independence movements.   

For centuries the lands that make up the majority of the Elruth OZ's territory were the semi-independent human vassal states of Voronur and Velruth. Under the dominion of the Elruth Empire they served as important tributaries to their dwarven overlords, providing much needed farmland and control over the rivers Vosk, Tiir, and Drez. Under Elruth's vassalage a system of human wardens were set up to keep the local population in line. 

However following Voskgardia's defection to Tassendrel's vassalage during King Lappin's War, Elruth began to mistrust it's human tributaries. The autonomy of Voronur and Velruth was reduced over the remainder of the Second Age. The increasing loss of self governance lead to resentment, and many began to secretly plot for independence. 

When Elruth first joined the War of the Dawn, its vassals initially fought against Voskgardia. However Voskgardia had secretly supplied advanced weapons to separatist and pro-human nationalists within Velruth and Voronur. As a civil war broke out within the Elruthian vassals, Voskgardia took advantage and seized control of the region. 

Voronur and Velruth were proclaimed as independent republics aligned to Voskgardia. However their independence would be short lived as the war turned in favor of the Umrinor Cordiale. Voronur and Velruth would be invaded and subsequently occupied. Those found guilty of having supported Voskgarida were imprisoned, executed, or driven into exile. 

Today the Elruth Occupation Zone remains under the thumb of the Umrinor Cordiale. The occupation zone government continues to try and erase Voronur's and Velruth's national identity as it prepares to split the territory apart into smaller puppet states. However the Elruth OZ remains ablaze with various insurgents and rebel factions fighting for liberation to this day.