County of Avercroft

**Ruler**
 **Ruling House**
 **Resident Houses**
* House of De Vere
* House Mathis
* House Delhoussie
* House Ryll
* House Culvene
* House Carlyle
 **Seat**
 **Settlements**
* Village of Mayberry
* Township of Oryn
* Barony of Thorns
* Town of Halton
 **Beliefs**
 **Founded**

The **County of Avercroft** is known mostly to those in the southern parts of Elwynn Forest, with a small town and even smaller village with a quaint little port for ease of trafficking and plying goods for trade. The structures are newer as most of the area was obliterated during the First War, the land gifted to the late Count Michel De Vere for his unwavering duty to the late King Llane.

It is relatively tucked away, shrouded by forestry and the local wildlife. The residents and their families are a proud people and most are capable of defending the small county should it come to that, though Eastvale, Redridge, and Darkshire are near enough to summon aid if necessary.

## Culture

Traditional in the sense that it is a small county, nearly everyone attends the same Church, nearly all residents travel to Halton for their shopping, practically everyone knows everyone. Privacy isn't really something that exists here. People here don't steal from one another, or bed their neighbour. Someone is bound to find out and within the hour the entire county will know of your misadventure.

Yearly the late Count Michel De Vere would hold a picnic in the Manor Gardens in celebration of his late wife Charlene, and to celebrate any new births or those due that year. It was a celebration of life and something the residents all looked forward to. However in her first year as head of House, Livia De Vere did not host the yearly picnic and no mention of it was ever made. Many fear she has become withdrawn after the loss of her late father, others whisper of contention within the family. Nearly two years later, through the official betrothal of Livia De Vere, Daevren Tarrenhol is now the ruler over the county.

### Religious Beliefs

All residents are devout followers of the Church of the Holy Light, nearly every one of them make the weekly trip to Halton and join together in sermon and prayer, held in the small Halton Chapel.

### Local Holidays

The annual Celebration of Life picnic is usually held July 4th, located on the De Vere estate, in the Manor Gardens. During this time all residents within the county congregate at the estate to celebrate the lives lost as well as to celebrate the beginning of new lives.

The second Saturday of October is known as Family Feasting, and is a holiday celebrated by the county in the town of Halton, at the town hall. It is an evening of Feasting and Dance. It is widely known throughout the county that many families conceive around this time as celebrations carry well into the night and following morning; thus many of the children throughout the county are similar in age.

## Economy & Resources

The County really does not have much to sustain itself alone and frequently imports goods from Eastvale and Lakeridge primarily, but have a monthly caravan from Stormwind as well. Some families have small personal gardens to grow their own herbs, fruits or vegetables, but most consumables are imported to include dairy.

## History

### Founding

Averton was officially founded in 588 K.Y by Michel De Vere, who was recognized for his unwavering duty to the Brotherhood of the Horse and the Knights of Stormwind, having been elevated to nobility by House Wrynn years prior.

### Destruction

Much of the County was destroyed during the First War when the Orcs invaded Stormwind and neighbouring areas. Efforts to rebuild did not take place until after Stormwind was Liberated by the Alliance of Lordaeron.

### Present Day

The County is presently under the rule of Lord and Lady Tarrenhol, having acquired both land and title through Lord Daevren Tarrenhol's marriage to the Countess, Lady Livia De Vere.

## Places

### De Vere Manor

The manor is rather large, more of an estate when you look at the size and land in which it sits. It is made of exquisite stonework and stained redwood, and showcases ornate iron sconces and gating. The halls are dimly lit with rich tapestries and fine arts and sculptures. It features seven bedrooms, five bathing rooms, a dining hall, sitting room, study, galley, dry and cold storage, and resting quarters for the staff. The blue tapestries have recently been changed out for red, as the manor now belongs to House Tarrenhol.

### Village of Mayberry

A short horse ride away from De Vere Manor is a sleepy little village. It has a farrier, general store, butcher and local midwife but little else besides the families of the staff that service the De Vere Manor.

### Township of Oryn

The cluster of homes represents a budding community with younger families and a new carpball team called the Oryn Orioles.

### Barony of Thorns

The Barony is located southeast of De Vere Manor and northeast of the main town of Halton in the easterly area of **Avercroft**, and is where Lord Jared De Vere resides. It is small with a few dedicated farms, and two well-respected noble families. Within the Barony itself, it has a small township called Crossings, which is where the four roads leading into Thorns connect. It is not frequently visited and the residents keep a low profile. It is heavily shrouded by forestry and the local wildlife, as well as a few rolling hills. The township of Crossing has a few essential shops that consist of a butcher, general store, and farrier.

### Town of Halton

With soaring population this riverside town has blossomed into something of a capital town for the entire Duchy of Wyndmere. It boasts a newly renovated town hall, moderate chapel, a variety of shops, a physicians office, a counting house and post office. It also has a weekly market and two inns (with taverns) that service travelers, or friends and family from out of town.

### Port Staverton

At the base of the Slate Cliffs, along the Nazferiti River, this moderate and growing port town is home to all of the dock workers, warehouse staff, regular traders, privateers, and ship crews. It also has a riverside tavern that is often over crowded and very rowdy with several run down, dusky rooms upstairs for weary travelers who don't want to travel to Halton for something more upscale, or for local prostitutes to handle their business.

## Gallery

House De Vere shieldHouse Tarrenhol shield