The Barony, as many of us know it as, was one of the first groups I truly met from what, at the time, was loosely referred to as “the south”. I have fond memories of questing beside Myrddin and Tiara, and when I reached my lowest point, when I was certain the Realms no longer held a home for me but just hurt and hatred for what I had done, Tiara was there to reassure me that it would pass. It has, and that kindness lives very strong within my heart. And really, that’s always been my impression: Banecroft is full of kindness.
- Felnar Dulintel
Banecroft Barony
Needless to say, Banecroft has a long, storied history. After all, Baron Diamond is known for maintaining and telling histories. So let us begin there…
Banecroft existed for quite a while, with the Banecroft family's role in the Wellermen being to preserve that era's history and culture, albeit in a gruff, norse way. This came to an end in 972 when Illinarean forces destroyed Banecroft.
Travelling merchants Francois and Charlotte Millhaven managed to rescue from the carnage a baby wrapped in blue cloth with the Baronial heraldry, but they knew not its significance. They named the baby "Diamond" for the lozenges in the heraldry. It was not until the end of 991 that Diamond's friend Jamal researched that heraldry and connected it to the history of a nearby ruin overrun with goblins. Forming a band of friends they chased the Goblins from the tower and re-founded Banecroft.
Banecroft Tower is on a hill commanding the region. Nadina lake supports a fishing village. The woods were once pervasive, there is much more land under the plow ever since the Banein Clouds erased much of the dark forest.
The leader is the Baron, a hereditary title. His closest advisor and second in command is the Seneschal. True followers of Banecroft are those who have sworn their fealty and take on the risks and tribulations of active adventuring. These true followers are responsible for looking after the health and welfare of sections of the common folk of the land. Particular jobs such as Trade Minister or War Leader are assigned to these True Followers by the Baron as their talents fit the needs of the day. Sometimes, there is a tournament among these followers to determine merit.
There have been three subnations in the Baronial Heyday (around 1004), none of them are currently active. They were Caer Melyn, The Red Dragon Clan, and the Blue Falcons. By some quirk of coincidence, their heraldry was all on black fields.
In 991, Banecroft was dark woods full of monsters. Over the decades since, it has become more and more civilized and populous with more and more land under the plow. At first families lived in isolated blockhouses scraping out a living from the land. Over time, this gave way to larger settlements of Banecroft, Nadina, and Caer Melyn.
Farming is more productive, and inroads were made into industry right up until the great North/South Road was cut by the Banein cloud. This changed Banecroft from being a significant stop on the central artery of trade, to a backwater bypassed by trade routes.
Faelie is the local goddess, a goddess of Light, Nature and the Earth. Faelie was rescued from persecution by monotheists in the northern village of Misty Glenn by Diamond, who brought her worship back to Banecroft. The Barony protected her sacred Acorn Tree during the ruinous Illinarean Occupation of the late 990s, and a verdant grove bloomed since which is the center of worship.
Baronial Thanksgiving in November is a feast. Baronial Birthday celebrates the re-founding of Banecroft in February.
Baronial Iron Rations are a surprisingly sweet whole wheat biscuit filled with fruit and nuts. It lasts for days, is full of energy and can keep one questing. Baronial Cider is a major export.
Baronials are known as adaptive and flexible questors. They also have had a high proportion of archers. They have attempted to be scrupulous in their conduct, but how successful is for others to judge. Always try talking to their foes first, and grant mercy after. Long time allies of Chimeron, the mother country from whom they negotiated independence back in 992.
(OOC:) Inspired in the early days to be like Robin Hood's merry men: independent minded yet team players with a strict but flexible code of conduct. Distinct from Chimeron's inspiration by Camelot, which we viewed as having the highest of ideals but too large to be firm in their application. Over the decades those feelings have changed, largely to become more similar.
The first requirement is that members be honorable. The Blue of the Baronial tabards represents their honor, it is the first thing seen and their best shield.
