The Barony of Agratis, one of three territories comprising the Earldom of Kettering, exemplifies human resilience and adaptation in the five centuries following the Fall. Dominated by the vast Dormont Forest that covers nearly 70% of its lands, Agratis has built its prosperity and identity around sustainable timber harvesting and expert forestry management. From the imposing granite fortress of Rockhaven, where Lord Malcolm Roberts governs, to the industrious logging settlements of Wynham and Easthedge, the barony exemplifies the careful balance between exploiting natural resources and ensuring their continued renewal for future generations.

Under the leadership of the Roberts family for the past century, Agratis has transformed from a modest woodland territory into one of the region's primary suppliers of quality timber, particularly to the shipbuilders of Brighton under the Timber Accord of Year 517. The barony's economy revolves around its forestry operations, with specialized production extending from raw lumber to finished wood products, complemented by emerging mining ventures in the northern foothills. This economic prosperity has funded considerable infrastructure development and supported a disciplined military force that ensures the barony's security.

The people of Agratis are known throughout the Earldom for their practical woodland skills, resilience, and strong cultural identity shaped by their relationship with the forest. Distinct regional characteristics have developed among the populations of Rockhaven, Wynham, and Easthedge, though all share a deep appreciation for the forest that provides their livelihood. While Lord Malcolm maintains official loyalty to his brother, the Earl of Kettering, his ambitious governance style and military buildup have sparked whispers about his ultimate aspirations as he works to position Agratis as an increasingly influential power within the regional political landscape.

As one of the three baronies comprising the Earldom of Kettering, Agratis maintains semi-autonomous governance under the ultimate authority of the Earl. Lord Malcolm Roberts exercises direct control over local affairs, managing resources, maintaining order, and collecting taxes, a portion of which is remitted to the Earldom's treasury.

The internal governance structure includes:

• The Baron's Council: Comprising the heads of major guilds, town mayors, and military commanders, this body advises Lord Malcolm on matters of governance while representing the interests of the barony's various factions
• The Foresters Guild: Responsible for managing woodland resources and training specialized woodsmen who understand the unique properties of the post-Fall forest ecology
• The Order of the Remembrance: A small but influential group of scholars and keepers of lore who maintain records of pre-Fall knowledge and history
• Town Councils: Local governance bodies in Wynham and Easthedge that handle day-to-day administration
• Judiciary Circuit: Traveling judges who handle legal matters throughout the barony, applying a blend of post-Fall common law and traditions dating back to before Year 0

Relations with neighboring territories are generally peaceful but competitive, particularly with the Barony of Fallmere, which shares a border that cuts through the Dormont Forest. The relationship with Brighton remains crucial to Agratis's prosperity.

A History

The Age Before (Before Year 0)

Before the cataclysmic Fall, the vast woodland now known as Agratis was part of a much larger unified realm. Ancient texts speak of a magnificent civilization that flourished in this region. The Dormont Forest was considered an essential natural resource, providing timber, game, and other valuable materials.

During this era, the forest grew to impressive proportions, nurtured by favorable climate conditions and careful stewardship. Settlements existed in harmony with the woodland, taking only what was needed and maintaining sustainable practices. Various structures dotted the forest, many now lost to time and the devastation that would follow.

As the great wars erupted, the Dormont Forest became both battlefield and refuge. The conflicts scarred the land, dramatically altering its topography. The final cataclysm—the Fall—forever changed the forest and those who survived within it. When the old world collapsed in the final confrontation, the environmental backlash transformed areas of the forest, creating the unique ecosystems and geographic features that characterize modern Agratis.

The Age of Resilience (Year 0-150)

Following the Fall and the reset of the calendar to Year 0, the survivors who emerged from the devastated woodlands found themselves in a world forever altered. Without the protection and infrastructure of the old world, they were forced to adapt to a harsher reality. The first century after the Fall was marked by struggle and resilience as scattered communities reformed along the shores of Lake Holton, drawn to its waters and abundant fish.

These early settlements were primitive compared to what had existed before, but they carried forward fragments of ancient knowledge, particularly regarding forest management and resource utilization. Elder survivors passed down stories of the old world and cautionary tales about respecting the natural order.

By 150, several stable communities had formed, particularly along Lake Holton's shores. These early settlers built simple but effective communities, developing new techniques for harvesting timber that acknowledged the changed nature of the forest while ensuring its continued productivity.

Formation of the Barony (Year 250-300)

The formal establishment of Agratis as a distinct territory came during the expansion period of the emerging Earldom of Kettering in the late 3rd century. As the regional powers consolidated in the aftermath of the Fall, new borders were drawn and territories organized around valuable resources and strategic positions.

In the year 287, the first Earl of Kettering granted the title of Baron of Agratis to Sir Thorne Blackwood, a commander who had united several woodland settlements under his protection during a period of regional conflict. The name "Agratis" derives from words in the old tongue meaning "bounty that survives," acknowledging the region's abundant resources and its resilience following the cataclysm. Sir Thorne established the first baronial seat at a strategic hilltop location that would later be developed into Rockhaven.

The Lumber Legacy (Year 300-400)

Under the Blackwood dynasty, Agratis began to develop its identity as a lumber powerhouse. Baron Edmund Blackwood (Year 315-352) established the first organized forestry practices in the region, creating designated harvesting zones and replanting protocols that preserved the forest's health while maximizing timber production. These practices were influenced by fragmentary knowledge recovered from before the Fall, adapted to the new realities of the forest.

During this period, the settlement of Wynham was formally established on the shores of Lake Holton. Originally a simple logging camp, Wynham grew rapidly as timber operations expanded. The town became the crucial link between the forest's resources and the growing demand for quality timber throughout the developing realm.

Completing the timber route along the Silvercross River in Year 352 revolutionized the barony's economy. This waterway provided a direct path for floating logs and timber shipments to Brighton, dramatically increasing the volume and efficiency of trade. The river gained its name from the way sunlight reflected off its surface through the forest canopy, creating what appeared to be a "silver cross" on the water's surface—a natural phenomenon caused by the particular positioning of the river relative to the sun's path.

Rise of Rockhaven (Year 400-450)

The increasing prosperity of Agratis attracted unwanted attention from neighboring territories and occasional bandit groups. Recognizing the need for a stronger defensive position, Baron Giles Blackwood commissioned the construction of a proper fortress on the site of the original baronial seat in Year 412.

Rockhaven was constructed primarily from locally quarried granite—a stone prized for its exceptional durability and strength. The fortress featured walls that reached heights of thirty feet and measured an impressive twelve feet in thickness. Four imposing watchtowers marked the cardinal points of Rockhaven's outer defenses, offering vigilant sentries unobstructed views of the surrounding terrain.

The fortress was completed in Year 425 and quickly proved its worth when it withstood a three-month siege during the Border Dispute of Year 427. Rockhaven's reputation as an impregnable stronghold was cemented, and it became a symbol of Agratis's growing importance within the Earldom of Kettering.

The Roberts Ascendency (Year 451-500)

The Blackwood line ended in the Year 451 when Baron Marcus Blackwood died without heirs during a harsh winter plague. After a brief period of uncertainty, the Earl of Kettering awarded the barony to Lord Everett Roberts, a cousin of the Earl and an accomplished military commander known for his strategic insight and leadership abilities.

Under the Roberts family leadership, Agratis entered a new era of development. Lord Everett recognized the untapped potential of the barony's vast forest resources and implemented progressive policies that balanced exploitation with conservation. He established the Foresters Guild in Year 465, an organization dedicated to managing woodland resources and training specialized woodsmen who could maximize the productivity of the forest while ensuring its longevity.

During this period, the Old Kessel Way, the main road connecting Rockhaven to Brighton, was properly established and fortified. Named after Kessel the Wayfinder, a legendary figure said to have guided survivors to safety immediately after the Fall, the road became the primary land trade route and strengthened Agratis's economic ties with Brighton.

The Woodland Expansion (Year 500-539)

The early 6th century saw the establishment of Easthedge, a settlement deep within the Dormont Forest. Like Wynham, Easthedge was developed as a logging town, but focused on accessing the forest's deeper, more remote sections that contained the oldest and most valuable timber. The settlement specialized in the selective harvesting of mature trees, particularly those varieties most prized for shipbuilding, furniture making, and structural beams.

Easthedge became known for its skilled woodcutters and sawyers who could identify the highest quality specimens and extract them with minimal damage to surrounding growth. The town's strategic location allowed logging operations to penetrate further into previously inaccessible parts of the Dormont Forest, significantly expanding Agratis's productive capacity.

During this period, Lord Thomas Roberts (grandfather of the current Malcolm and Nicholas) formalized Agratis's relationship with Brighton through the Timber Accord of Year 527. This trade agreement guaranteed preferential pricing and supply quotas for Agratis timber used in Brighton's renowned shipbuilding industry. In exchange, Brighton merchants invested capital for improved logging equipment and transportation infrastructure within the barony.

Modern Agratis Under Malcolm Roberts (Present Day - Year 539)

The current Baron of Agratis, Lord Malcolm Roberts, inherited the title following the death of their father, when his older brother Nicholas received the Earldom of Kettering and the Barony of Rulana. Malcolm took control of a prosperous but traditionally conservative barony, carrying the weight of five centuries of post-Fall development.

Under Malcolm's leadership, Agratis has experienced unprecedented economic growth through the aggressive expansion of lumber operations and the development of new mining ventures. His administration has been marked by efficiency, strategic resource management, and ambitious infrastructure projects. Some whisper that his ambition stems from a desire to prove himself equal or superior to his brother, while others suggest he seeks to build Agratis into a power that might one day rival the Earldom itself.

From his seat at Rockhaven, Malcolm has transformed the baronial guard into an impressively disciplined fighting force, ostensibly for protection but raising occasional concerns from neighboring territories. His military commanders have recovered and adapted several pre-Fall tactical manuscripts, giving his forces unique training and capabilities that set them apart from standard baronial guards.

Malcolm's rule represents both the culmination of centuries of post-Fall recovery and perhaps the beginnings of a new chapter in the region's history—one where the lessons of the past inform an ambitious vision for the future.

Geography and Key Locations

Rockhaven

The baronial capital perched atop a rugged promontory, Rockhaven serves as both the administrative center and primary defensive structure for Agratis. Its Great Hall is the heart of governance where Lord Malcolm holds court and manages the barony's affairs. The fortress is known for its imposing granite architecture and commanding views of the surrounding territories. The fortress's strategic position allows for monitoring movement throughout the barony's northern regions.

Dormont Forest

Covering approximately 70% of the barony's territory, the ancient Dormont Forest is the primary source of Agratis's wealth and identity. The forest features diverse ecosystems, from dense old-growth sections to carefully managed timber plantations. Ancient trees, some believed to have been growing for centuries before the Fall, still stand in the woodland's deepest, most protected sections. Scattered throughout the forest are ruins of pre-Fall structures, most avoided by local woodsmen due to structural instability and hidden dangers.

Wynham

Located on the shores of Lake Holton, Wynham is one of the barony's major industrial centers. The town features extensive timber processing facilities, including sawmills powered by water wheels. Wynham's harbor is constantly busy with timber barges being loaded for transport down the Silvercross River to Brighton. The town's oldest buildings incorporate stones salvaged from pre-Fall structures, with subtle architectural influences still visible to those who know where to look.

Lake Holton

This large freshwater lake is a transportation hub and a fishing resource. According to local lore, the lake was formed during the Fall when tectonic shifts created the depression that filled with water. The lake provides a natural starting point for timber transport, with logs floating across its waters before entering the Silvercross River system. The lake's abundant fish population provides an important secondary food source for the barony.

Easthedge

Nestled deep within Dormont Forest, Easthedge is a prominent logging settlement specializing in harvesting timber from the heart of the woodland. The town supports numerous logging camps and serves as a collection point for timber before transportation to Wynham and beyond. Easthedge is known for its practical, industrious culture centered entirely around forestry operations. The town's skilled lumberjacks, sawyers, and carpenters work continuously to process the old-growth timber from the surrounding forest. Easthedge residents guide those needing to traverse the deeper forest and maintain an extensive knowledge of woodland paths, resources, and terrain features.

Silvercross River

The main waterway connecting Lake Holton to Brighton, this river serves as the primary transportation route for Agratis timber. A system of small dams and control points along the river helps manage water flow for optimal log transportation. The river takes its name from the silvery reflections visible when sunlight filters through the forest canopy onto its surface—a natural optical effect created by the mineral content of the riverbed.

Old Kessel Way

The primary land route connecting Rockhaven to Brighton, this ancient road follows the path allegedly taken by Kessel the Wayfinder as he led survivors to safety after the Fall. The road has been continuously maintained and improved over five centuries, with several sections rebuilt on top of much older pre-Fall foundations. The road is an essential trade route when river transport is impeded by seasonal conditions or for goods requiring more careful handling than water transport allows.

Economy and Resources

Agratis's economy revolves primarily around its forestry operations, with timber production accounting for approximately 60% of the barony's wealth. Under Lord Malcolm's guidance, logging operations have been expanded and modernized, with new sawmills and more efficient harvesting techniques implemented.

The barony has diversified its exports beyond raw timber to include:

• Shipbuilding lumber (specially treated and shaped for Brighton's naval industry, particularly valued for its strength and durability)
• Fine furniture woods (particularly from old-growth hardwood species)
• Charcoal production (essential for metalworking throughout the Earldom)
• Specialty wood products (musical instruments, decorative items, and luxury goods)

In recent years, Lord Malcolm has initiated mining operations in the foothills surrounding Rockhaven, extracting iron ore, copper, and small quantities of other valuable metals. These new ventures have significantly contributed to the barony's wealth and economic diversification.

Culture and People

The people of Agratis share a strong cultural identity shaped by their relationship with the forest and their history as survivors of the post-Fall world. They are known throughout the Earldom for their practical skills, resilience, and connection to woodland traditions that draw from pre-Fall knowledge and adaptations made in the five centuries since. Common sayings like "Strong as Agratis oak" and "True as an Agratis arrow" reflect the values and reputation of the barony's inhabitants.

The population maintains distinct regional characteristics:

• Rockhaven residents are known for their discipline, pragmatism, and martial traditions, reflecting the influence of their lord and the fortress environment. Many families claim lineage from the warriors who protected survivors immediately after the Fall.
• Wynham's people exhibit an industrious, entrepreneurial spirit, with a culture centered around timber production and trade. Their innovations often blend practical solutions with techniques refined over generations.
• Easthedge maintains a rugged, pragmatic culture built entirely around logging operations. The residents are known for their exceptional woodland skills, physical endurance, and intimate knowledge of the forest's terrain and resources.

Annual celebrations include the Spring Timber Float (marking the start of the year's primary logging season), the Midsummer Remembrance (honoring those who survived the Fall), and the Harvest Home (a feast celebrating the forest's bounty beyond timber). These festivals help maintain community bonds and preserve cultural identity across generations.

Political Structure

As one of the three baronies comprising the Earldom of Kettering, Agratis maintains semi-autonomous governance under the ultimate authority of the Earl. Lord Malcolm Roberts exercises direct control over local affairs, managing resources, maintaining order, and collecting taxes, a portion of which is remitted to the Earldom's treasury.

The internal governance structure includes:

• The Baron's Council: Comprising the heads of major guilds, town mayors, and military commanders
• The Foresters Guild: Responsible for managing woodland resources and training specialized woodsmen
• Town Councils: Local governance bodies in Wynham and Easthedge
• Judiciary Circuit: Traveling judges who handle legal matters throughout the barony

Relations with neighboring territories are generally peaceful but competitive, particularly with the Barony of Fallmere, which shares a border along the northern edge of the Dormont Forest. The relationship with Brighton remains crucial to Agratis's prosperity, with the Timber Accord of 527 continuing to guide trade relations between the two regions.

Current Challenges and Tensions

Despite its prosperity, Agratis faces several challenges:

• Sustainable forestry practices versus increased timber demands
• The expansion of mining operations is threatening certain forest areas
• Occasional border tensions with neighboring territories
• Lord Malcolm's ambitious military buildup is raising concerns in the Earldom

Most significantly, the barony exists within a complex web of political relationships dominated by the dynamic between Lord Malcolm Roberts and his brother, the Earl of Kettering. While officially loyal to the Earldom, Malcolm's administration has been characterized by increasing autonomy and the cultivation of personal alliances within and beyond Kettering's borders.

The people of Agratis, largely unaware of their lord's deeper ambitions, continue to benefit from his efficient governance and economic initiatives. However, whispers in Rockhaven's halls suggest that Lord Malcolm views Agratis not as his final destination, but merely as the foundation for greater aspirations within the Earldom and beyond.