Nexios' Folly (concept)
After learning of the Magical properties of Shimmerstone from skirmishes against the Krupleg tribes, in 971 IS the Mayikrata sent an expeditionary force to the Northern Iron Spines to secure a crystal deposit. While initially passing through the mountain passes with little difficulty, the Aversarians were suddenly set upon by an army thrice larger than initial estimates of the Krupleg's entire population. Worse, the tribe's champions were all enhanced by Shimmerstone, and swiftly wrought havoc among the Aversarian lines. The entire expeditionary force—including Arch-Magi Nexios—were slain in the battle now known as Nexios' Folly, dealing a severe blow to the Mayikrata's prestige and allowing Aautokratir Clytomedes to exercise more authority over the academy.
Despite this defeat, the Mayikrata was still able to secure a source of Shimmerstone, when Magister Axliades journeyed to the north and was named blood-kin by the Krupleg after proving himself in a raid. The Krupleg then agreed to sell a limited amount of Shimmerstone as long as the line of Axliades ruled the 'magic tribe'. The Mayikrata immediately elevated Axliades to Arch-Magi upon his return, and named his dynasty the titular rulers of the academy's northernmost territories, a practice that continued even long after the actual dynasty's extinction.