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Expansion Territory Thirteen/The
last know Map of the former lands of Ashbury
A Duchy within the Kingdom of Evendarr,
Ashbury was invaded and taken over by the Sessuar Imperium in ER 598. The
invaders renamed the lands taken as "Expansion Territory Thirteen"
leading many to speculate as to how many territories they had previously
claimed. In ER 602, a resistance long suppressed, gained a foothold and has
begun to retake the lands from the invaders. There are no known maps of the
current state of the lands.
The homelands of the Sessuar are located
on the Continent of Gandar
More
information on Expansion Territory Thirteen/Ashbury
(Ashbury was formerly NERO NY, its owners split with NERO
International in the mid-to-late 1990's and joined/formed NERO Alliance. Several
other chapters of NERO Intl. joined their organization around the same time. I
have not been able to compile a complete list of the former lands that were part
of the Intl./Alliance split.
Ashbury's disappearance In-Game was explained by the
invasion of the Sessuar and the routing of the people.
Since then, NERO ET-13 has been running the occasional
event and in 2002-2003 looks to be holding consistent events and re-introducing
the lands of Ashbury to the NERO Intl. game-world)
(Taken from A
Traveler’s Guide to Evendarr by
Shifter Gileen, Master Trader). Original to be found in Ember's
Library of Ravenholt)
Ashbury
-Asbury is a very
interesting place to visit if you enjoy music. The duchy of Ashbury was founded
by a very high level spell singer, of whom many songs are sung. When trolls
rebelled against the settlers trying to establish the duchy, Oliver, Lord of the
Four Peoples, battled an evil monster so that the king’s army could contain
the trolls and make the area safe for habitation.
If you have any interest in the arts, Ashbury is the place to go. Most of
the bards and spellsingers in the kingdom study in the capital city of Ashbury,
also named Ashbury.
The reason that the honorable title, “Lord of the Four People” is
used is because there are four separate races living within the borders of this
duchy. Humans live throughout the four provinces, but other races are more
localized. The Ash Forest is the home of various types of Elves, while Mountain
Dwarves live in the Baronies of Trellheim and Nordenn. There are both elves and
dwarves in the hierarchy of Ashbury. The elves are rather prolific, but the
dwarves seem to be rather reclusive. The Ash Forest Barony is inhabited for the
most part by elves. The trolls of course were confined beneath the Tower Hills
of Trellheim.
Recently, however, there have been problems traveling within this Duchy.
The trolls seem to have broken free of their confinement, with what seems to be
the aide of some monstrously evil magicks.
Powell, the great grandson of Duke Oliver was killed and the trollish
hordes were barely restricted to the area of the Trellheim Barony
by the Ducal Armies. Alaric Dragonhart, a man attached to the garrison of
the Tower Mountain Citadel was instrumental in this action, and for this he was
named successor to the slain Duke. Little else is known of the new Duke.
Consequently, one does not wish to travel near Trellheim when it starts
to get dark. I understand that there is presently a great need for adventurous
souls in Ashbury. If you are
planning to travel to Ashbury, make sure and visit the Five Lions Inn, which is
one of the best inns in the kingdom. The service is above reproach and the food
is delicious.
(I
recently came across this document, while doing research in the library in
Goldhaven)
By Iklyn Kintraire, Journeyman Bard of the
Royal Bardic College at Ashbury
Written in June 593, updated June 594
It is important to recognize that the duty of the bard is to relate
events and tell of exotic locales so as to entertain and instruct. As my
dissertation, I have chosen to update and edit Master Pentalairan
Denethil's famous text An Atlas of Ashbury (written in 559) so as to
continue the tradition of recording the history of our fair and
beautiful Duchy.
First, I put forth a strict refutation of the old Rotarian adage that,
"Nothing Ever Happens in Ashbury." Although it is clear that
we do not take relish in an unusually high turnover among our nobles
such as might be noticed within our neighbors to the east and north, it
would be false to assume that our relatively stable and dependable
nobility exists in a state of perfect harmony.
Furthermore, this fallacious statement seems to indicate that our land
is a homogeneous agrarian Utopia; nothing could be further from the
truth. While agricultural endeavors are indeed the lifeblood of our
society, Ashbury is a veritable crossroads and stewpot of people and
commerce. One must remember that the original indigenous peoples of
Ashbury were not human, and many separate societies still exist intact
within the borders.
Lastly, Ashbury is the heart of the Kingdom of Evendarr, as it sits as
an archway to Rotaria, Volta, Ravenholt, and Niman. An incredible flow
of trade and travelers pass on our roads and on the waters of Lake
Hollym every day, and when we take into account the access of the
Woodwash and Ashbury Rivers, a modest business with Quentari and Myrr
can be included as well.
Ashbury is generally an exciting and interesting place to live when we
explore the depths and specifics of Ashbury the true wonders are
revealed.
The Ducal Fiefs
The beginning of any journey of the Duchy would naturally begin in the
capital itself. The city of Ashbury is divided into several estates many
of which are self-governing bodies given a charter to remain
independent. Since the city covers so many square miles, it is hard to
tell where one estate ends and the other begin, so we leave that to the
Royal Cartographers. Residents generally know in which section they
reside but cannot pinpoint the boundaries.
The capital city sprawls about the beautiful Ash River, and is the
largest single trading port in the north that is not upon an ocean.
Of course the grandest sight in the capital is the Royal Bardic College
of which I am a student. This institution was founded nearly two hundred
years ago under a Royal grant from the office of the High lord Seneschal
Roric Buttons in 431. In addition to becoming a repository of written
music and literature, the teaching branch of the College instructs the
most talented entertainers in the entire Kingdom. The staff of the
Academy teaches all the known languages of Avalon in addition to giving
each student a solid background in Rhetoric, Mathematics, History,
Music, Painting, and Biology. One can find students from all over the
Kingdom at the Bardic College, for it has become the premier site of
education in the duchies above Lake Hollym. When visiting the College,
be sure to visit the Vault of Lore and the Harmosium which offer live
renditions of the works of literature and music collected by the college
daily at noon and again at four.
One would be hard pressed to miss the imposing spires of Midnight
Guildshall. This is the home of the Ashbury Mages' Guild. Midnight
Guildshall holds the Kingdom's second largest library of magical
knowledge in perhaps all of Evendarr. Sorceress Shalizar (creator of the
spell "Detect Magic") runs the Guild like a general runs an
army, and she earns the respect of all those in her guild (but not
usually their friendship).
In addition, the Mages' Guild owns the estate of Diron on the other side
of the city of Ashbury. The estate provides the Guild with the income
needed to keep the Guild running smoothly. Many visiting mages stay
there and study tax-free as long as they share their research with the
Guild.
After visiting Diron, one might visit Safehaven, another section of the
city of Ashbury. Duke Oliver placed this freehold under the direct
control of the Royal Healers’ Guild in 504. Mother Merry of Evendarr
and Guildmistress Isabella Nault currently run the Healers’ Guild.
Safehaven also is the sight of the Lord Britmore School of Alchemic
Studies. The School itself specializes in analyzing newly discovered
toxins in an effort to create antidotes and was propelled to kingdom
recognition when they saved the life of King Frederick Endarr in 438.
The two sister ports of Yegril and Dockside were built at approximately
the same time in the late third century. Yegril is a Royal port of the
King's Navy. A powerful squadron of Dreadnoughts is stationed here and
often can be seen majestically anchored just beyond the elegant jetties.
A warning might be in order for those in the vicinity of Yegril, as the
cheering sailors of the Royal Navy often find it amusing to aid in
recruiting and one might find he or herself fighting pirates after
recovering from a night of carousing.
Dockside is a center of the Ducal merchant fleet, and many powerful
merchants have warehouses just beyond the docks. The often-rowdy sailors
of Dockside frequently brawl in the taverns that clutter this section of
the capital, but luckily the stalwart Ducal Marines patrol the area to
keep injuries and damage to a minimum. Be sure to visit the retired
Dreadnought HMS Richard, which in addition to being a masterpiece of
engineering contains an excellent restaurant said to serve the finest
seafood in the entire Duchy!
No true visit to the capital city of Ashbury and the Ducal Fiefs could
be considered complete without a stop at the Ducal summer residence of
Dover. The beautiful rolling hills and forests surround the most
beautiful castle in the entire kingdom (save the King's palace). Dover
serves not only all the headquarters of the Duchess' Army, but as the
site of many Army tournaments.
The Barony of Blythedale
The oldest of the baronies, Blythedale has a rich and noble heritage.
Having the privilege of bordering Rotaria, Blythedale has become a large
assortment of trading communities. Although Blythedale does not have the
rich farming lands of the other baronies, it has over the years has
benefited greatly in its rapport with Rotaria, and trade has flourished.
The citizens of Blythedale tend to have an elitist streak. They feel
that since they were the first barony of Ashbury established, they are
purer or better than the "late-comers" of the other baronies.
Their arrogance may also have something to do with the fact that most of
them are related to prominent families in Rotaria. A common pastime
among the elite is discussing and researching their family tree.
The people of Blythedale are hard working and industrious folk mostly
involved in shipping and trading (as opposed to the agricultural
economies of the other baronies). I once met a Nordenner who referred to
Blythedalelanders as "penny pinching fops who care for nothing more
than profit and privilege." While it is clear that many
Blythedalelanders are concerned with moneymaking ventures, they by no
means are effete in character as a whole. Perhaps this observation's
origins can be traced to the Blythedalelanders genteel nature and
tendency to dress in as fashionable way as possible. The nearness to
Rotarian silk merchants of course would have this kind of effect on any
people.
In any case, the high standard of appearance and interest in education
can be refreshing at times, especially when so many citizens of the
Duchy seem content with their own ignorance of the virtues of
civilization and gentility.
The most prominent city of Blythedale is its capital, Greenstone.
Founded by a Rotarian merchant named Abner Greenstone, the city has
developed as the "Door to the East." Greenstone has become a
truly beautiful city, possessing many awesome mansions of powerful
merchant families. The bazaar of Greenstone is known to be a bustling
place where good buys can be found -- of course I hope you plan to buy
in bulk! Greenstone is also the city of artisans, where many talented
sculptors and gem cutters live comfortable lives off of wealthy patrons.
Just down the road from Greenstone can be found the cities of Manchester
and the Freehold of Dale. Manchester is known of course for its linen
and wool mills. Manchester is more of a huge complex than a city,
containing hundreds of businesses and merchants that fuel the entire
clothing industry in the Duchy.
The Dale was the first community formed in the entire Duchy, and has
since become a vital site for visitors to meet and conduct business. The
Dale not only is a site in which foreign merchants come to distribute
their wares, but a place for political intrigue, and not surprisingly,
this means that the Thieves' Guild in The Dale is one of the largest and
most profitable in the Duchy.
Grimsby is known for the Ducal hunting preserve. Many nobles are
rewarded for service to the Ducal throne with the privilege to hunt on
the verdant hills of Grimsby. Poaching is of course punishable by stiff
fines and sometimes death. The elves have been trying to stop this
barbaric practice for years, but so far to no avail. This town is also
known for being the family home of the paladin Sir Angus Grimsby.
Hopewell, the community of my birth, is the home of one of the largest
community of Hoblings in the Duchy. The Hopewell wineries provide stout
vintages, and several breweries make visiting this town a pleasure in
any season.
The Two Towers are large citadel on the eastern border of the Duchy. The
Towers are a symbol of a past and perhaps future time in which relations
with our neighbors weren't on such an amiable level. The surrounding
town has dwindled during peacetime, as the garrison now has become quite
small.
The town of Kelanor is named after a Dwarven prince of the second
century. Kelanor was said to have died near this small community in an
ambush provided by the then-numerous Hillraiser goblin tribe. His heroic
death in a battle where he held back the hordes is a story of great
telling. Dwarves still to this day journey to the small shrine of this
Dwarven hero and to listen to the 12-hour-long Story of the Battle.
Unless you have a Dwarf's patience, you probably want to avoid this.
Stony Brook is the site of the largest deposit of marble and granite in
the Duchy. This town of cutters tends several large quarries that supply
much of the Duchy's building needs.
To the west of Stony Brook is the estate of Amaranth. The Fen of
Amaranth contains a small deposit of very resilient Lizardmen that have
thus far managed to avoid destruction despite hundreds of years of
effort from local citizens. Even now, Lizardmen in the area are rarely
seen, and in most cases in only twos and threes. The name Amaranth comes
from the Amaranth family, who has served as nobles for generations.
Amaranth used to be known for their lizard skin products.
It is of course important to note Dragonhart as the estate and
birthplace of our former Duke, Alaric Dragonhart. The people of
Dragonhart have become negative and belligerent since the removal of the
previous Duke. Many loyalists have retreated to this estate, and it has
become an armed camp of bitterness and resentment towards the new
Duchess and her nobility. This factor alone might be reason for Baron
Nordenn's recent active solicitation for funds from the Duchess to
rebuild the falling-down ruin that is Nordenn Keep.
The Barony of Nordenn
Nordenn began originally as the location of a penal colony for the
Kingdom of Evendarr. A low ranking noble of a forgotten family was given
the privilege of building a prison on the northern shore of Lake Hollym
to oversee those undesirables who were exiled to this new frontier. The
ruins of this prison are now Nordenn Keep. The name of the family that
has since ruled this Barony is thought to be a corruption of either
"Northern" or "Warden."
Nordenn is the second largest Barony in the entire Duchy and possesses a
population nearly equal to that of Trellheim. The mainstay occupation of
Nordenn is farming. The estate of Partridge is perhaps the most fertile
area in all of Evendarr, and it is said that grains grown there make the
finest breads.
The city of Jared is the market place of the Barony, serving as the
largest trading center of foodstuff in the Duchy outside of the capital
itself. Jared not only is the market place of grains and vegetables, but
the sight of a grand auction of horses, cattle, and other animals.
The estate of Goldstone, which is usually considered to be mostly part
of Jared, is the site of huge plantations of horse and cattle raisers.
Goldstone, originally named for a small deposit of gold found in a local
stream, has become the site of an annual series of horse races. The
festival accompanying the races is complete with the finest foods,
incredible gambling events, and entertainment from wandering theater
troops. It is suspiciously whispered that the fine stock of horses from
the Barony of Westmarch to the north in Ravenholt probably originated
from the stock of Goldstone, for on several occasions, the Westmarch
Baron's personal stable has defeated the stock of the Horselords of
Goldstone.
The town of Stormwood is the site of the Baron's armies. Baron Bryan,
the current leader of the Barony, made a claim upon his ascension that
he would possess the finest troops in all of Evendarr to guard his
family's lands. Thus the small community of Stormwood, which was
originally known for its various wood products, has become the training
center of a rapidly growing army. The Baron claims that the location of
the Stormwood allows for rapid deployment in case of danger.
The obvious location of this center for martial training would be the
castle known as Shadowkeep. Unfortunately, the keep itself was abandoned
under the order of Duke Alaric Dragonhart after a series of strange
incidents in 589. Citizens living in the area are convinced that the
place is haunted or controlled by some evil power—perhaps the spirit
of old Lord Douglas Nordenn.
The Fortress city of Dwarvenholm is perhaps the most amazing wonder in
the entire Barony. Dwarvenholm is said to be the home of nearly eight
thousand dwarves, although the dwarves claim there are less than 300 in
the area. Built into the side of an entire valley, it is thought that
this fortification could withstand the siege of ten times its number of
defenders. Dwarvenholm was built two hundred years ago after the
overrunning of Trollsgate in the infamous "Underearth Wars".
Ever since, the dwarves have been building a stronghold in preparation
for a supposed second war that will happen any day now. Despite a strong
tie to Trollsgate, the dwarves have never returned, claiming it to be
indefensible. In addition to building, the dwarves sometimes find the
time to craft sturdy steel weapons and armor. The dwarves of Dwarvenholm
are a determined, cautious, paranoid lot.
The area of Nordenn known as the Barrow-downs is known particularly for
the ancient Elven tombs that line the rolling hills that lie near the
edge of the forest. These tombs strangely were not built by the elves,
but by barbarians who fought the elves in a short war in the early third
century. Since the Elves will not disturb a body once it is laid to
rest, there they will stay for all eternity. Reports hold that
disturbing the graves will anger powerful spirits, which guard the dead.
I advise travelers to steer clear of The Haunted Marsh.
Two of the most beautiful sights in the Barony must be experienced --
the forest of Immervale and the hidden marvels of the Crystal Falls.
The forest of Immervale is thought to be the dying place of a life
elemental, for one small area within the forest possesses trees that
glow with a beautiful white light. Most interesting!
The Crystal Falls are another beautiful attraction, hidden beneath the
ground inside a cave. The falls themselves descend from holes in the
ceiling into a luminescent room of crystal. The basin, as it has been
called, holds the water for a short time and then the water escapes into
a chasm below. A group of enterprising dwarves offer guided tours of the
caves, but are thought to be looking for gem deposits.
Unfortunately, the beauty of Nordenn ends here, for when we finally
examine Port Frederick, Nordenn Keep, and the small village of Thrommel
we see anything but the beautiful.
Port Frederick is perhaps the vilest place in all of Tyrra. Although
supposedly named after King Frederick Endarr, it is jokingly said that
the city is named after this King's illegitimate son Frederick the
second. This place is the location of all sorts of shore washing—not
to mention pirates. Although there is a battalion of Royal Marines, Port
Frederick is overrun with nasty sorts that traffic in less-than-legal
goods. Steer clear of Port Frederick—all intelligent people do.
The city of Nordenn Keep is merely a larger and nastier version. First
of all, the Keep itself was once used as a prison for Evendarr
criminals. Many of those in the Duchy who don't like the Nordenn family
claim that it was built to keep them in, not anyone out.
The village of Thrommel is not mentionable for anything grand with the
exception that it is predominantly the home of a large group of Biata.
The Biata clan moved into Thrommel in the 540’s and has since taken
over the town—however, because to all outward appearances the Biata
looked human until the last Great Celestial Change, no one was aware of
this. Many claim that these beings are involved in disreputable
dealings, but the Baron seems to be unaware or uninterested in this
fact. It might have something to do with the (act that he, too, was
shown to be a Biata when the ‘Change’ happened.)
The Barony of the Ash Forest
The denizens of the Ash Forest are believed to have arrived in the
general area of Ashbury over seven hundred years ago. Originating from
the Quentari area of Avalon, it is believed that the elves of the Ash
Forest left their brethren as a result of some political dispute.
It is important to note that Master Pentalairan carefully omits any
mention of the origins of the elves of the Ash Forest or their reasons
for taking up residence in the wood on the northern shore of Lake
Hollym.
One demographic historian at the Bardic College, Aren Nelzer, has
declared that his studies have uncovered mentions of a great evil that
inhabits the darkest reaches of the forest and thus concludes that elves
have taken it upon themselves to guard and protect Tyrra from a
dangerous force.
Although almost the entire Forest is open to the citizens of the Duchy,
the ruling body of the elves of the Ash Forest (The Amani Council) still
forbids entrance into several areas of the Forest. The elves claim that
the off-limit areas are kept secluded to preserve the habitat of many
magical creatures such as the unicorn, the ffolk, and many other fabled
creatures.
In addition to protecting these rare and beautiful beings, the elves
wish to protect the Spirit Tree. It is rumored that this tree is the
keystone of the Forest and that all its inhabitants benefit from its
health. The elves jealously guard this wonder, preventing all from
viewing its splendor, fearing that if non-elves come in contact with it,
it might become polluted or corrupted. In any case, the Amani council
exists to maintain the tree and protect the denizens of the Forest.
The Baroness and her people have served the Duchy in a loyal but
somewhat disconnected manner. Ash Forest, the smallest of the Baronies,
is inhabited mainly by some nine thousand elves with a scattering amount
of humans and Hoblings around the edges of the forest.
When traveling in the Ash Forest, one should always remember that he or
she is a guest. The elves keep an eye in some fashion or another on all
visitors, so it is important to respect the forest and mind one's
matters at all times. The Amani Council is very strict about preserving
the forest, and many would-be troublemakers have found themselves
escorted to the border by a group of Amani Rangers in a less than gentle
manner.
The two most accessible and comfortable towns in the Forest are
Tenebrous and Entholm. Tenebrous is the only logging community
sanctioned by the Amani Council. Special guides selected by the council
locate sick or dying trees for the lumberjacks of Tenebrous, carefully
assuring that over-harvesting does not occur. The humans of Tenebrous
have become accustomed to this arrangement, and have managed to so far
accommodate the elves. The rare woods that are cut from this area are
often supplied to woodworkers in Entholm to create artistic masterpieces
of furniture and sculpture.
Entholm however exists as an oddity in the Ash Forest as no elves live
there. It seems that a conflict erupted years ago between a woodworker
and a group of Amani rangers. The woodworker in question had hired some
lumberjacks to illegally enter The Ash Forest to harvest a particularly
rare tree. The tree unfortunately was the home of a dryad, and an
enraged group of Amani rangers burned down the woodworker's house,
accidentally killing his wife and child. Rioting and racial slayings
occurred until the intervention of Baron Gunther Nordenn in 513. Since
then, an uncharacteristic phobia and hatred of the elves has flourished
in the area, and the Amani Council, recognizing this, has always
appointed human knights to administer the estate. Elves should be on
their guard in the town of Entholm, as "accidents" frequently
happen.
Kiri-Ashton is a lovely community of elves and Hoblings whose primary
vocation is the growing and cultivating of the famous Asitikir Mushroom.
Considered a delicacy in wealthy circles, the mushroom has a harmless
euphoric affect on most races. Sarr should avoid ingesting this fungus
at all costs.
Nymphwood to the south is rumored to be the home of - surprise - nymphs!
Well, perhaps the beautiful streams, brooks, and ponds generate a
foundation for such rumors, but rest assured you would have better luck
finding a dragon.
The greatest attraction to all travelers in the Ash Forest is the
lakeside resort of South Point. Here along the white sand beaches, one
can find the true definition of paradise. This small community of two
hundred exists only to serve and cater to its wealthy visitors. One
should be warned however that paradise has its price, and only the
wealthy, the famous, and the noble can usually afford a vacation stop at
South Point.
Zaiinahk's Keep is the most interesting fortification in the world, as
it is perhaps the only castle that is alive! Zaiinarik's Keep is the
largest tree known to the intelligent races, and the elves have
carefully guided its growth to be a castle of no small worth. One might
think that a tree poses no invader much of an obstacle, but the Keep
itself is completely resistant to magic and fire attacks, and its bark
as hard as stone. Zaiinarik's Keep is an interesting and innovative form
of protection for the inhabitants of Ash Forest. Rumors circulate that
fabled Wizard Zalinarik (the creator of the spells "Destroy"
and "Shatter") still lives in the highest reaches of the Tree,
studying Dragon Magic.
The community of Aldin Mirk lies high above the floor of the Ash Forest.
In carefully raised giant Redwoods, the citizens of Aldin Mirk have
created an entire city in the trees. Although such a format for a
community is common in larger Elven communities like those found in
Quentari, the elves claim that most of the Ash Forest is too young to
have trees suitable for support of a tree town. Also, in Quentari, tree
cities are for protection whereas in Aldin Mirk the town was raised to
make the very fertile ground beneath the city available to the herb
growers. Aldin Mirk specializes in the raising of rare and special
spices, in particular feyander, a delightful spice similar to a
combination of chocolate and cinnamon.
Off the coast of Ash Forest is the small island of Synvia, a place of
gently rolling hills of pastureland and small copses of trees.
Originally used as an outpost for pirates in the fourth century, Synvia
has become a haven for the races that humans have classified under the
misleading term "Scavenger." The races that inhabit Synvia are
mainly of an herbivorous stock. Perhaps the greatest attraction of
visiting Synvia is meeting the Equaris, a handsome people with horse
features. Synvians openly accept anyone in their presence; and although
conflicts erupt between those sub-races (cats and dogs, sheep and
wolves, etc.), a loose knit council of elders manages to keep a quiet
peace. It is technically part of the estate of South Point.
The highlight of a visit to the Ash Forest is the majestic city of
Zinfelendin. Zinfelendin is the capital of the Ash Forest Barony—but
of course, the Amani elves consider their individual capital to be The
Wold. Zinfelendin is an example of living beings working in perfect
harmony with nature, as the buildings and dwellings themselves seem to
have grown out of the ground itself. One section of the city is a
remarkable mushroom village in which houses have been carved out of
immense toadstools.
One should always visit meticulously tended park of Zinfel, the original
King of the Elves. The pond itself in the center of the park glows
various colors after nightfall, coating the whole park in a chromatic
aura. The center of the city is dominated by a graceful single spire
that ascends far into the sky, towering over the forest to an estimated
height of two hundred feet. I recommend visiting the fabulous Elven
weavers and the amazing Elven armories in the small but busy merchants'
quarter.
Although I can find no written account within the records at my disposal
of the two areas ruled by the Amani council—The Wold and Tir'kandir—
I would issue you a stern warning against trespassing in these areas.
Not only is a person violating a sacred trust between the Elven people
and the Duchy itself, they could be placing the denizens of the forest
in grave danger.
There is magic and there are beings that transcend our meager
imagination in this world of ours, and it is best to leave them to their
own business and out of ours. Even I, a person with an unending appetite
for information and knowledge, recognize that some things are best left
unknown.
Barony of Trellheim
The Barony of Trellheim is the newest of the Baronies of Ashbury.
Although it is almost a hundred years old, it still closely resembles
more of a frontier than a true community of civilized peoples. Trellheim
is of course named after is most populous race, trolls.
The trolls of Trellheim have made war against the civilized races for
hundreds of years. Recently, they have escaped their underground prison
in the Trellheim hills and have renewed their battle with the people of
Ashbury.
As you might imagine, most of the Baronial Army is constantly deployed
in Trellheim to keep the tentative peace. The Ducal army also maintains
a large presence under the Baron's command.
Visitors to Trellheim should take careful note that there are several
variations within the troll race. Hill trolls are smaller then their
full-fledged cousins and are generally redder skinned. The larger brown
skinned troll is reasonably intelligent and is easily capable of
mastering the skills of the civilized nations. Hill trolls are the most
numerous kind of troll, living above ground and foraging for food. Full
trolls generally live below ground, which explains their darker
features. Over the years people have reported grey trolls living near
the border of Ravenholt, and it is not clear if these are true trolls or
some variation of the beings that live in Ardynn Dale.
Many of the towns of Trellheim have been named after some of the immense
battles that have erupted with the trolls. For example, the towns of
Battlewoods and Deathwatch are the sites of incredible battles for
supremacy over the troll nation. After evacuating the town of
Battlewoods of non-combatants and children, the forces of Connor Arawyn
met the combined troll army under Troll King Fangthorn in 476. The
conflict apparently lasted for three days until Connor and the Company
of Storm were forced to retreat to the small fort of Deathwatch. The
remaining troops held out at Deathwatch for two weeks until they were
relieved by a force of Elven archers under the banner of The Wold. The
grim battles left their mark on these two lumbering towns, forever
causing the peoples to have an unending hatred of trolls.
The city of Blackboume, original home of the present Baron, has never
been attacked by trolls for some mysterious reason. The city was founded
in the year 508 after some adventurers discovered a strange black
obelisk hidden in the hills. The Obelisk of Blackboume cannot be damaged
or moved, and no markings mar its surface. Contact Earth rituals have
proved fruitless. Since trolls have never attacked the town, it is
rumored that the obelisk actually repels trolls!
The small hamlet of Brandywine is the second largest community of
Hoblings within the Duchy. Brandywine competes ineffectively to become
the largest supplier of fermented beverages to the people of Ashbury.
Unfortunately, they have mastered quantity but not quality.
The royal estate of Oliver sits upon the lake of the same name. Oliver,
named of course after the founder of Ashbury, is the location of the
largest deposit of silver in the entire Kingdom. Several battalions of
the Royal Footmen guard a series of fortified warehouses. The mines have
shown signs of running "dry" and many citizens in this mining
community fear what closing this mine might do.
The biggest threat to this operation is the incursion of Lizardmen from
the Misrak Fens. The Fens - which are named after the seemingly immortal
leader of these lizard-men are nearly completely impassable. The
Lizardmen of the Fens are ferocious and often boast specimens that are
capable of spell casting and learning civilized skills.
The towns of Dor-Lilth and Raquantri, located near the King's Road
dividing Quentari and Evendarr, are home to many Quentari elves. There
they trade with the local people and arrange for transportation for
their goods, including many artistic marvels.
The Tower Hills are currently a war zone. Enter at your own risk -- the
trolls have become quite active in their attacks. Apparently there are
human mercenaries helping the trolls, so any people found in the area
are immediately arrested and assumed to be guilty. I'm also sure that
the current Baron would be happy to discuss mercenary contracts of his
own to use against his adversaries, so be sure to bring references.
The northern marches of Trellheim are in fact partially civilized. The
community of Medicia's Bridge is famous for it -- you guessed it --
bridge. In all seriousness, the bridge is a marvel of architecture,
built by former Baron Justin Medicia. The bridge itself ascends to a
remarkable height, spanning the swiftly moving Ashbury River linking our
Duchy with Volta. The community is the site of a bustling trade with our
rowdy neighbors to the northwest, and it is said the purchasing their
famous Voltan ale is significantly cheaper on the other side of the
river.
The smaller community of Taija's Ferry also thrives because of a great
trade with the Voltan city of Grunsfeld. Taija's Ferry is also known for
their unrivalled soaps.
The area known as “The Badlands" exists at the crossings of the
estates of Bristol, Battlewoods, Deathwatch and Kurash. It is here that
a small Sand Tiger Tribe of barbarians still reside. The area is a small
desert and dust bowl, but the barbarians hunt and trade with local
merchants and manage to survive.
The people of the small village of Gunther's Knee still retain and
follow much of their former barbarian heritage. It is rumored that there
is a barbarian graveyard somewhere hidden in the surrounding
countryside. Be sure to visit during their annual Gunther's Knee
celebration.
Not far south from Gunther's Knee is the small village of Bartleby. Do
not be mistaken by its mild appearance for it is a place of immeasurable
evil. There has rarely been a Lord of Bartleby that has ruled for more
than three months without being assassinated at least once -- the reason
being that the Nimani prefer a "governor" appointed to manage
this small town in the effort to improve relations with our western
neighbors. Make no mistakes -- Bartleby is the home of the largest
slaver's ring operating outside of the bound of Niman itself. Be very
careful when traveling in or near Bartleby, for it's only a stone's
throne from slavery itself. Needless to say, Lords of Bartleby are few
and far between, just the way Duke Vordan Nicadaemus likes it.
Although many of the original Capulans moved at varying times northward
to the Ravenholt Barony of the same name, a small group of them still
live on the grand estate that holds their name. Although many carry the
honorary title of Lord or Lady due to the influence of the bloodline,
there are presently no Capulan knights in Ashbury. Mandrake's Manse, a
popular pub of the area, features a tremendous selection of Capulan
memorabilia including a shield rumored to have come from the heartscale
of a dragon and a staff reputed to have been carried by Mandrake
himself. Be sure to sit in the lavish sheepskin seats.
Finally, be sure to visit the festive villa of Reeves. This small
community originally began as the summer residence of the famous
Evendarrian playboy Lord Ashton Reeves. He made this fief a hamlet of
pleasure and excitement, financing all sorts of "distractions"
within the boundaries of this town. The people of Reeves are optimistic
and frolicsome beyond any moderation, and they have festivals at the
drop of a hat. (There seem to be a lot of Mystic Wood elves who live
there, too.) Beware, for visitors to Reeves (although welcome) are often
the butt of their elaborate practical jokes.
Almost directly opposite of those of Reeves are the people of Trellheim,
the barony's capital. Trellheimers are practical and abnormally serious
to the point of nearly abject boredom. They are, however, fierce
fighters, originating from barbarian stock and devoted to only one thing
-- killing trolls.
In Trellheim, it is considered an art to kill these aggressive
bloodthirsty creatures, and many citizens have been known to run
weaklings out of town for not meeting quotas. The general outlook among
the populace is best summarized by Baron Morgan's statement "The
only good troll is a dead troll."
Although Trellheim is as civilized as any modem city in Ashbury, it is
rumored that there are still establishments that only take troll ears as
currency. |
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