
The Age of the Old Gods (Before Year 0)
Before the cataclysmic event known as the Fall of the Old Gods, the land that is now the Barony of Fallmere was part of the vast kingdom of Darshavon. This unified realm, ruled by a high king, encompassed diverse cultures and landscapes, including the mist-shrouded Grey Hills and the scenic coastlines of what would become Fallmere. Life flourished under the Old Gods’ protection, with celebrations and festivals marking the changing seasons. However, the clouds of war loomed large as the Old Gods waged their Three Great Wars, leading to turmoil and devastation across Uhl.
The high king of Darshavon stood as a powerful symbol of unity, but with the onset of conflict between the deities, the kingdom was ultimately pulled apart. In the last cataclysmic battle, all the gods committed acts of destruction against one another, leading to their demise. This turmoil culminated in the fall of the Old Gods, heralding a profound and irrevocable shift in the realm.
The Age of Resilience (Year 0 to 100)
With the death of the Old Gods, Darshavon splintered into four distinct fiefdoms: Seacea, Vranna, Anolga, and Kallendor. The Barony of Fallmere emerged as a key territory within the fiefdom of Seacea, defined by its hardy people and rugged landscape. The once-thriving settlements faced the fallout of war, but resilience was etched into the hearts of the locals.
In the years following the Fall, Norwynne Keep, a former borderland settlement, became a refuge for those fleeing the chaos. Over the next century, this bastion on the high cliffs overlooking the Barrens Ocean transformed into a fortified military stronghold under the Ashcroft family’s guidance. The Ashcrofts took up the mantle of leadership, emphasizing unity among the residents and focusing on fortifying their coastal defenses against potential threats.
The Age of Change (Year 101 to 450)
In the early 200s, the Barony of Fallmere began to find its footing amidst the political intrigues of the emerging fiefdoms. The Grey Hills, teeming with resources, became a vital source of sustenance and a strategic asset. The people, known for their tenacity and resilience, developed a close-knit community, establishing trade routes that augmented their prosperity, particularly by mining the rich mineral deposits in the hills.
Throughout this age, Norwynne Keep solidified its status as a military center. Under the banner of the Ashcroft family, the keep trained military personnel tasked with defending the coast and maintaining order among its inhabitants.
This period also saw increased diplomatic exchanges among the four fiefdoms. The Earldom of Kettering, which included Fallmere, Agratis, and Rulana, thrived as regional alliances began to form. Kirschnick developed as a center of trade and governance, while Taloo grew as a charming fishing village known for its vibrant community gatherings and crafts.
The Age of Advancement (Year 451 to 539)
Entering the Age of Advancement, Fallmere experienced a resurgence of prosperity and cultural identity. The continued flourishing of Norwynne Keep established it as a military stronghold and a cultural hub where art, music, and folklore began to flourish once again.
Lord Vuller Ashcroft recognized the importance of education and governance in stabilizing the region, initiating programs to educate the youth at the keep, and integrating their skills to support the barony’s advancement. The populace thrived as the spirit of self-governance blossomed, and the Ashcroft dynasty emphasized the need for cooperation between the settlements of Norwynne, Taloo, and Kirschnick.
By 539, the Barony of Fallmere stood as a beacon of hope and resilience, its citizens proud of their heritage. However, beneath the surface, whispers of discontent among rival factions in the other fiefdoms began to stir, hinting at the possibility of unrest in the future.
With its unique geography and the strength of its people, Fallmere represents a testament to survival in a world forever altered, standing poised at the brink of potential change as it embarked on the next chapter of its ongoing saga in Uhl.