Etrandish annexation of Dwarven clans

The Etrandish annexation of Dwarven clans was the process of integrating the Dwarven Territories (currently the northernmost portions of the Etrand) into the Kingdom of Etrand. This even was considered spontaneous both by contemporary observers and future readers of history books, but in reality, it was the conclusion of a gradual process. The Dwarven Territories officially became a part of the Kingdom of Etrand in 270 AEKE.

Backgrounds
Even before the establishment of the Kingdom of Etrand, there was some interest from the human side to expand at the expense of the Dwarves. Fathred's Confederation had an interest in expanding into the Dwarven Territories, but they only managed to conquer the Kingdom of Steelhelm - eventually, after the fall of Fathred's short-lived state, the kingdom was re-created, albeit under human rule.

This new Kingdom of Steelhelm was opposed on all sides - on the north by their Dwarven neighbours whom they massacred, on the south by rival human tribes. Hence it developed a rather isolationist stance, making no attempts to expand into Dwarven territory. Eventually, relations with the Dwarves warmed up and trade began, but still no attempts to expand. During Corlagon's Wars of Unification, the Kingdom of Steelhelm was annexed into the newly established Kingdom of Etrand, and the city wouldn't regain her former glory for a century and half.

Enroaching Etrandish influence
During the late Hengistid period, the somewhat-autonomous Margraviate of Steelhelm made forays into Dwarven territory, but rather than making permanent territorial gains, the results were more akin to establishing tributaries.

During the Early Tondbertid period, Etrand routinely interfered in Dwarven politics, largerly as a means to ensure that succession wars end quickly and that the newly elected kings are at least lukewarm towards Etrand. At the same time, Dwarven clans would often appeal to Etrandish aid to win wars against their rivals in exchange for tribute.

During the First Demonic Invasion, the Dwarves - despite their superior technology and warrior traditions - had difficulty replling the Demons, so they asked for Etrandish aid. The Etrandish agreed to help, and placed a pro-Etrandish Dwarven puppet governor to rule the whole region on behalf of the Etrandish. During the Second Demonic Invasion, the Etrandish troops were withdrawn, weakening the puppet-regime. In 270, the puppet-ruler died, causing a succession war - the Etrandish, led by Prince Cuthbert of Etrandish, pre-emptively invaded the territory to put an end to the succession war. The Dwarven clans were called to the negotiating table, and the terms under which their lands would be integrated into Etrand were formulated in the same year.