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In 310, the [dark elf](/wiki/bicolline/species/dark-elves/) queen, Malika, responded to [Notger](/wiki/bicolline/people/noger-i/)'s invasions by declaring war on the empire. This conflict persisted for two centuries and several emperors, claiming Notger's life and depleting the imperial treasury. The war concluded in 512, but not a single domain of dark elf land had been successfully conquered.

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[Emperor Polignac](/wiki/bicolline/people/emperor-polignac/) was the one who ultimately withdrew from the northern conflict with Nasgaroth. Instead, he redirected his efforts to the south, encountering the [blue men](/wiki/bicolline/species/bluemen/), an ancient civilization with territories rich in mineral resources. Unfortunately, the Emperor swiftly enslaved them, exploiting their resources, and many were sent to the diamond mines of [Ekengrad](/wiki/bicolline/regions/empire/ekengrad/).

With resources no longer drained by the futile northern war and the exploitation of their southern neighbours, the empire experienced a surge in wealth and power. Emperor Polignac left his mark on history by naming the most famous trade route after himself. Over several decades, the [Empire](/wiki/bicolline/regions/empire/) expanded its dominion from north to south and east to west, becoming a formidable force. However, internal unrest began to grow. The southern imperial province of [Andore](/wiki/bicolline/regions/andore/) resisted imperial rule, and provinces like [Arganne](/wiki/bicolline/regions/federation-argannaise/arganne/) expressed   

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#### 300 \- Early clashes with humans

Starting with Emperor Nortgr invasion in around the year 300, the dark elves of [Nasgaroth](/wiki/bicolline/regions/nasgaroth/) were plunged into conflict with humans. Though the war with the Empire ended in 512, the long problems had just begun.