Westford

> Westford is threatened. Westford fell in the past but by The One it will not fall again! Do your duty to our city! To our world! To Verra!
>
> Thomas Pierce, Lord of Westford

## Westford

### Leader

King of Westford (formerly)Lord of Westford

### Build Theme

Medieval

**Westford** is the biggest city on the western hemisphere. The city has stood for hundreds of years and has been humbled once by the Barodian Empire.

## Lore

### Third Era

#### Liberation of Betony

At the end of the Betony Rebellion there was a celebration for liberating their newfound freedom from an oppressive government. However, in later years fear and resentment grew in the wake of the rise of the Barodian Empire. A few sought to abandon their homeland in favor of establishing a colony far away from Revenna's influence. Several people came to petition King Fabien Beaumont for resources to travel in search of distant lands. Originally, he had initially denied this request out of the necessity of rebuilding. After many months, the King relented. An expedition was carried out to travel westward in order to find islands to build outposts on. They did not expect to uncover an entirely new continent!

#### A New City

Various settlements appeared across this new continent. One settlement in particular was more westward than any other on the continent. And thus it was named Westford. At the time, Westford was a growing backwater settlement where it was an agricultural power. While it was known as the "furthest west from hell", it also served as a trading hub between the other settlements. Westford became the capital city of the continent.

#### The Barodian Incursion

In 3E 972, a letter had reached King Joseph Bartley that the Barodians have crossed the Geminae Mountains in Betony and have begun a conquest of the region. Word spread throughout his court about this and soon rumors. King Bartley was swift in stamping out rumors of a potential invasion, trusting in the strength of his army. He did not receive a notice that the Betony capital of Arces was razed to the ground days later.

A wayward Knight Errant named Alastair Haden rode into the city with nothing but his armor, longsword, and chestnut stallion. He demanded an immediate audience with King Bartley, but was denied entrance at the front of the castle. He was later admitted after persuading the guards of the Barodians incoming attack. Once in front of the King, Alastair pleaded to utilize their army and snuff out the incoming Barodian offensive. King Bartley was amused that Alastair demanded the use of his army without any other proof than "divine insight".

Alastair left the castle, angry at the king's arrogance. He figured that if he were to be denied help, he would recruit from volunteers. When asked who among the citizenry would join with him in defending against the coming onslaught Edward Reeves, a common stonemason, was the first volunteer. Satisfied with gathering a force of 1,200 men, they set off to face their destiny.

Twelve days from Alastair's depart from the city, a raging fire was seen at the walls of the city. It had crumbled and the Barodians poured into the city. Death covered the city as buildings burned and people were slaughtered. It wasn't long before King Bartley surrendered to Mace Barodia and pledged allegiance in return for mercy. Mace demanded a quarter of all resources to be sent to Revenna annually. Without any choice, Bartley accepted. Upon leaving, the Barodians took half of their gold and crops. This certified their dominance over the western world.

The citizens were infuriated when the truth was leaked that Alastair raised the alarm and the King ignored his plead. So much so that Edward Reeves came marching back into the city with the other survivors and confronted the King for his cowardice and ignorance. Edward called the King unfit to defend his citizens and his own life. Edward Reeves left the city with more people than anticipated and traveled south to pay his respects to where Alastair fell.

#### Lessons Learned

Facing an angry city, King Bartley took heed to the lessons given to him from what had transpired. He ordered larger walls to be constructed and worked to rebuild Westford's standing. After a hundred years, Westford's influence was contested and eventually defeated economically and politically by the southern city of St. Alastair.

### Sixth Era

#### The Battle of Westford

Westford was rediscovered and claimed by Edmund Tress who was declared King Regent of St. Alastair. Thomas Pierce was appointed as Westford's lord and would work to restore this once ancient city. His dreams were cut short when he received lord from King Tress about an incoming invasion. He met with his war council and started planning the defense of the city. Elvar and Rowan later joined in the defense of the city, as well as the Brooks brothers. Cael Blackstone had arrived with the tome that Elvar believed would be instrumental in fighting against Shang's magical prowess.

The Amber Hoard made themselves known when Shang Wei spoke across the land and demanded for an immediate surrender or face his wrath. Lord Pierce defied Shang's request and rallied the military and citizenry to face this threat. A large magical barrier was erected to surround the city. As a show of power, Shang Wei stepped onto the field and sent a burst of energy that decimated the magical barrier and ripped through the front gates. An army of over 50,000 soon descended upon the city. The defense was admirable, but it was a losing battle. Shang Wei captured Cael Blackstone and ordered a retreat of his forces, giving them time to collect their dead. He ordered for an eldrich relic called "The Sight" to be given or else Cael would be slain.

Rowan met with Shang Wei at his camp and demanded for Cael's release. Rowan presented The Sight, however they outsmarted Shang by using a rune drawn on their body to teleport back to Westford. Infuriated, Shang ordered all of his army to attack the city once again. With several thousand soldiers running towards them, Elvar comitted a necessary evil and laid a curse upon the incoming force. The forces of the Amber Hoard soon turned to stone, imprisoned and kept alive until the end of time.

Shang teleported him and a few of his soldiers to face the combined efforts of Rowan and their companions. The battle seemed evenly matched and was soon over when the vial of magical blood was ripped from Shang's neck and burned. In a fit of rage, he impaled Cael with his blade. Elvar, enraged, unleashed hell upon the remaining soldiers by using his deep magic. Even Shang tried to run, but was dragged back to face Elvar's Judgement. Shang was spared, but Elvar removed his ability to speak. Elvar had decided to sacrifice his magic in order to resurrect Cael.

Shang Wei was imprisoned and Lord Pierce ordered the reconstruction of the city, noting that a new dawn was on the horizon for Westford.