Lily's Valley & Sable's Rest

Caviltown

Josephine's Grotto

The Barony of Lily's Valley is nestled within the darkened woods of Duskwood, located not far from the decrepit remains of Darkshire. It is a stopping point along the main traveling road that runs as an artery through the region and boasts of the convenience of an inn and blacksmith for the comfort of those passing through. Compromised up mainly of a cooperative of farmers, they work hard to produce what resources the territory will sufficiently provide despite the curse hanging over the lands.

Sable's Rest was once a growing barony on a peninsula of Westfall with prospering mines and farmland, along with a harbor for convenient sea trade. After the land fell into the hands of a necromancer it became a sight of tainted magics and spreading death. The territory has grown stagnant but efforts are underway to rebuild and restore what was lost.

## Culture

Duskwood's atmosphere is considered a harsh climate on account of its cursed history and the haunting presence which shrouds over it. The residents of it are hardened by having endured their lifetimes trying to make something out of nothing. They are guardedly friendly to strangers, understanding the need for those who wish to seek refuge while traversing through the territory. Most would not miss the sight of the farmer's militias that maintain eyes beyond the walls. What those protective barriers keep out, none would wish to let in. They balance this hardened presentation by acting as an agreeable cooperative, assisting their neighbors through the pressures of hardship, with the understanding that only through working together can they withstand the gloom of the territory of their homeland.

The few who fled Sable's Rest before the grand battle and took refuge in Lily's Valley still seem scarred by their experiences within that territory. They mainly keep to themselves tucked away towards the forested area of the Valley -- as far away from the mines as they can be.

### Religious Beliefs

While their house Matriarch displays no religious belief, there is a small chapel built within Lily's Valley for those who wish to worship the Light. The faithful there are treated to regular blessings as a means to fortify them against the unnatural dread that underlies the region.

A small band of Kaldorei Druids displaced from their homeland were provided shelter in the Valley, lending their aid to the growth of crops. Plans are in motion that they will soon move their focus upon Sable's Rest to begin the process of healing the land from the damage it had sustained in the Battle of Sable's Rest.

### Local Holidays

June 21st is designated as memorialized to honor the birthdate of Baroness Jessiria Sable. It is encouraged that people take a break from all duties for the day to reflect upon lost family and friends, with candles and lanterns lit throughout during periods of meditation.

April 13th is recognized as Lady's Bounty, where all within Lily's Valley are invited to partake of a generous feast hosted by Baroness Misel in celebration of her birthday. She spares no expense in importing foods and wines for the event for the people to enjoy. The night is spent with music and dancing and magical delights to raise the spirits of the partygoers.

Sundays are considered days of learning. It's encouraged by the Baroness that people take the day off from their weekly toil of hard work to have a day of relaxation, and she uses this opportunity to tutor those who wish to learn how to read and write with weekly lessons hosted in Wisdom's Grace Tower.

## Economy & Resources

Lily's Valley has the unique challenge of trying to make success out of ruin. The soil is highly immune to the efforts of trying to grow a steady, flourishing crop of standard farm fare. Foods spoil quickly. Grains grow weak. An irrigation system was established to try to counter the negative impact of the grounds and vigilant effort keeps the growth patterns in a stable condition. They harvest quickly what they can for market trade and benefit to the Crown.

In order to stop fighting an uphill battle, the crops of the Valley were selected to work with the region. So it became a source of important herbs that have managed to endure in the territory. Mageroyal and Kingsblood are its largest herbal exports. They also grow Briarthorn and Swiftthistle as these herbs remain in high demand for medicinal alchemist use, though the call for them has diminished slightly in the aftermath of the Fourth War.

There are also mines that have been opened into the mountainous area nearby. Tin, Iron and Silver have been gathered from them and put into reserves for sale or trade. Reserves of it remain on site for use at the blacksmith shop within the Valley in the event that repairs are needed. The shop has been adept at crafting arms or creating metal pieces of artwork which have some popularity among the discerning Mecha-gnome or two.

The inn also provides income for the area since it hosts lodgings for travelers among the trade route. It boasts of having some of the plushest beds this side of Stranglethorn having come from Dalaran itself. Three course meals are served out of its kitchens with fresh produce brought direct from the farms.

Financial support is also provided to the lands by Baroness Misel's outside endeavors, including the investments that she has made in foreign businesses that have boomed during and after the Fourth War. She uses these funds to keep the territories supplemented with stable economies even when things become more difficult in the winter months.

Sable's Rest once hosted spreading farmlands, trade industry and a bounty of mines upon its location. Most of this was lost in the Battle for Sable's Rest. There are fledgling efforts to get it recovered so that it can once again became an output of resources for the Crown.

## History

### Founding

Lily's Valley was founded in 631 L.C. House Misel rose to nobility with the support of other Lords Temporal she was familiar with.

### Destruction

Sable's Rest was left briefly ungoverned after the sudden disappearance of Baroness Jessiria Sable. Efforts to locate her were to no avail and soon the land defaulted to the heir apparent, Sara Misel. Unfortunately, during this waiting period a powerful necromancer came into the territory and overtook Castle Blackhall, its seat of power. Some of the people fled from the region as it reached the attention of Lady Misel that ritual sacrifices were being made, with citizens being stolen from their homes in the dead of night. Blood magics and necromantic rituals tainted the territory as the necromancer grew further in power until a coalition of people rose with Lady Misel to reclaim the land, eventually slaying the necromancer. Grisly discoveries were made in the mines, the structures built upon the land were left in ruins during the battle, and none of those who survived that harrowing time have shown any desire to return. Those who are charged with monitoring the lands have often claimed to hear the phantom echoes of screams in the night.

### Present Day

Lily's Valley acts as a home for those displaced by the horrors enacted in Sable's Rest. The Valley has been working to build up a stockpile of resources to assist in the rebuilding efforts of its sister site. Village council representatives have teamed together to create a workable plan for cleansing the lands using the aid of the Druids who have taken shelter in the Valley. Teams will soon be assembled to establish a full-time camp at Sable's Rest to start the initial cleansing efforts.

## Settlements

### Wisdom's Grace

This acts as the capital of Lily's Valley, home to the main keep and Wisdom's Grace Tower.

### Barley Burrows

A central network of farmlands that are in the heart of Lily's Valley. These are maintained with a community effort by a cooperative of farmers who reside on location.

### Caviltown

This small settlement just within the main gates of Lily's Valley is home to its inn, "The Duskberry Rose" and the blacksmith shop. Those looking to travel or trade may find this charming little cluster of commerce to be a cheerful escape from the surroundings of Duskwood.

### Josephine's Grotto

A mausoleum built where the gravesite of the Misels was once left to wither to ruin. The area carries with it a solemn silence but is decorated beautifully with stone benches, statues and a reflective fountain. Those who perish within the territory are laid to rest here. A memorial marker for Jessiria Sable is posted here despite there never having been a trace of her found.

## Houses

House Misel rules Lily's Valley & Sable's Rest. As a newly established House and Land it does not yet have any vassals or secondary Houses within its territory as of yet. Much of the internal workings or disputes are handled by a coalition of village elders who work in cooperation with Baroness Misel.