Nestled along the southern border of Seacea, Norwynne Keep began its journey as a borderland settlement when the Kingdom of Darshavon still existed and was unified under a single high king. Built atop towering cliffs that overlooked the Barrens Ocean, the settlement served as a critical watchpoint against encroaching threats from the Alzion Mountains, with its strategic location providing vantage over both land and sea.
The Age of the Old Gods (Before Year 0)
The settlement thrived due to its fishing and trade activities, forming a symbiotic relationship with the nearby villages. The people of Norwynne were known for their resilience and adaptability, crafting a fortified outer wall, Regrok, which was meticulously designed to withstand the natural elements and any potential assaults. Regrok became a symbol of pride for its early peoples, mythologized as invulnerable.
The Age of Resilience (Year 0 to 100)
The cataclysmic event known as the Fall of the Old Gods marked a turning point for Norwynne Keep and all of Uhl. As the Old Gods engaged in their brutal final battle, the fabric of reality seemed to unravel, leading to devastating consequences. The high king of Darshavon met his end amidst the chaos, plunging the once mighty kingdom into chaos.
In the immediate aftermath, Norwynne Keep faced its most significant challenge. The formerly centralized kingdom of Darshavon splintered into four fiefdoms, with each faction vying for power while grappling with the upheaval left in the wake of the Old Gods’ demise. Norwynne found itself on the frontlines against waves of marauding goblins and other creatures stirred by the chaos, pushing its military and resources to the limits.
During this turbulent period, the Ashcroft family emerged as prominent leaders, guiding the people of Norwynne Keep through adversity. They built strong alliances and consolidated the region’s defenses, reinforcing the legendary wall, Regrok, and further adding to the keep’s fortifications.
The Age of Change (Year 101 to 450)
This era introduced a series of growing challenges for Norwynne Keep. Distrust among the fractured remnants of Darshavon began to surface, leading to sporadic skirmishes along the borders. Despite these tensions, Lord Asalon Ashcroft, a visionary and tactician, sought to maintain peace through diplomacy while reinforcing the keep’s defenses. He established a skilled council composed of advisors from various backgrounds, promoting negotiations over conflict and fostering a sense of shared purpose among the neighboring towns and villages.
However, despite Asalon’s best efforts, external threats persisted. Goblins and other creatures seemed emboldened by the tales of the fallen gods, challenging the reputation of Norwynne Keep as an unconquerable fortress.
The Rise of the Four Fiefdoms (Year 101 to 300)
Within the Age of Change, the peoples of once proud Darshavon also mark the Rise of the Four Fiefdoms, when the splintered fragments of the One Kingdom were reformed into four nations instead.
During this formative era, Norwynne Keep‘s military prowess was essential, and the keep became a fortified center of strength. Under the Ashcroft family’s leadership, a formidable militia was trained, and Norwynne Keep gained a reputation as a bastion against goblin invasions and other threats from the Alzion Mountains.
Economic prosperity followed. Trade networks flourished, connecting Norwynne to the other fiefdoms and increasing the prosperity of its citizens. Fishermen, artisans, and merchants thrived, establishing Norwynne’s reputation as a center of commerce and resilience. Festivals and traditions grew, celebrating not only the victories over the invaders but also the unity and strength of their community.
The Age of Advancement (Year 451 to 539/Present Day)
Now, in the year 539, Norwynne Keep stands as a symbol of resilience amidst uncertainty. Lord Vuller Ashcroft, respected for his understanding of the kingdom’s history and his capacity for leadership, continues to fortify the keep. He works tirelessly to maintain the alliances formed by his ancestors and bridges gaps between the fiefdoms. Ever the forward thinker, Vuller enticed the master sorcerer and inventor Elsanar to take up residence in Norwynne, even funding the construction of a wizard’s tower that Elsanar named Ellingrel.
The legacy of the Ashcroft family and the enduring strength of Regrok remind the people that the spirit of Norwynne has weathered the trials of time, united against threats from within and without. The keep stands ready to defend its honor, charting its path through the evolving landscape of Uhl as the echoes of the Old Gods fade further into legend.