The Lands of Warlderia

The Barony of Maelfasan

The Barony of Maelfasan occupies the southern reaches of the former Iron March and stands as one of the most disciplined and controversial provinces of the Divine Empire. Renowned for its highly organised society, strong military traditions, and fierce belief in human self-reliance, the Barony has long followed a path distinct from that of its neighbours. The province traces its origins to the turbulent years following Kaegor's Rebellion. Its founder, Aemos Maelfasan, rose to prominence during the wars against the Hovarden Dwarves that accompanied the collapse of Dwarven authority east of the Stalen Mountains. A charismatic soldier and gifted organiser, Aemos united the scattered human settlements of the region and established a state dedicated to ensuring that humanity would never again live beneath the rule or influence of another race.

The guiding philosophy of Maelfasan is often summarised by the provincial motto: "Man First, Foremost, Forever."

To outsiders this slogan is frequently interpreted as a declaration of racial superiority. Within the Barony it is viewed rather differently. Most citizens believe it represents self-reliance, unity, and the conviction that humanity should determine its own destiny rather than depend upon Dwarves, Elves, Fey, or any other power. While this outlook often produces suspicion towards non-humans, many inhabitants see themselves not as bigots but as guardians of human independence. The dominant faith of the province is that of Bralm, goddess of industry, diligence, and cooperation. Her teachings permeate every aspect of society. Hard work, discipline, obedience to lawful authority, and service to the community are regarded as virtues of the highest order. Individual ambition is respected, but only when it contributes to the prosperity of the whole. Visitors often compare the people of Maelfasan to a hive: organised, industrious, and relentlessly focused upon their collective goals.

This philosophy has produced a remarkably efficient society. Crime is rare, roads are well maintained, and public services function with impressive reliability. The Barony's workshops, farms, and foundries are amongst the most productive in the Empire. Yet many outsiders find the province unsettling. Public criticism of the government is uncommon, conformity is encouraged, and those who repeatedly challenge the established order often find themselves isolated from their communities. The military forms the backbone of Maelfasan society. Every citizen is expected to contribute to the defence of the province, and service in the provincial brigades is considered both a duty and an honour. Training begins early and emphasises discipline, cohesion, and sacrifice. The famous Fields of Order serve as both parade grounds and training camps where generations of soldiers have learned that the success of the unit outweighs the glory of the individual.

The current ruler, Baron Aemos Maelfasan, is a thoughtful and calculating leader rather than a fiery demagogue. Courteous, intelligent, and personally austere, he genuinely believes that his policies protect his people from the instability and outside influences that have weakened other provinces. Many foreign visitors find him surprisingly reasonable in conversation, a quality that often makes his uncompromising views all the more unsettling.

Despite the appearance of unity, change is slowly coming to the Barony. Younger merchants who trade with Hushain, Summerswane, and Iron March increasingly question the old hostilities. Veterans returning from Imperial campaigns have fought alongside Dwarves, Elves, and Half-Elves and discovered virtues they were taught did not exist. These views remain a minority, but they are becoming more common with each passing generation.

For now, however, Maelfasan remains steadfast in its beliefs. Wealthy, disciplined, and fiercely proud of its history, it stands as a province apart from much of the Divine Empire. To its supporters it is proof that humanity prospers when united. To its critics it is a warning of what happens when fear and pride become the foundations of a society. To both, it remains impossible to ignore.

The Men of Maelfasan have been busy recently with brigades successfully fighting in Everwatch, Harmonias and Aelfshaw. Some say they have acted illegally and recently a Divine Legion was sent to arrest Baron Amos, they tried to forcibly do so. Unfortunately the force was beaten, routed and fled back out of the Barony. Since then an uneasy truce has developed between the nobles of the Capital and the Baron.

Background History

At the time of the Wars of Liberation a human called Maelfasan led a revolt against the Dwarves of the Shield Wall. They had dominated central Western Warlderia in the area that is now Maelfasan and the Iron March. He was ruthless and merciless in his war inflicting great suffering on the Dwarves and their loyal human followers. He left no room for neutrality and he waged pitiless conflict against all that were not with him in his Crusade. Repeatedly the Dwarves smashed his rebellion and drove his men before them but always at a price in Dwarven blood. Again and again he fought and refused to give in till in exasperation the Dwarves withdrew beyond their Shield Wall abandoning their human followers to ‘Maelfasan Mercy’. Only the personal intervention of Kaegor prevented a bloodbath of humans who fought with the Dwarves, proven or otherwise. They were settled in the Iron March while Maelfasan was made lord of the central lands.

The last great Dwarven Offensive took place in what is now the Autirre Desert where they sought to smash the humans who now threatened the Shield Wall. In a devastating battle the Dwarves were victories but at a horrific price with the area blasted in to a magical desert and the Dwarven Host deeply wounded. They sued for peace and have remained unhindered beyond the Shield Wall ever since.  Maelfasan was made a Duke and his successors ruled a wide and wealthy area. With the decadence of Kaegor XIII and the rebellion of, soon to be Emperor, Innocence the family remained loyal and fought hard for the Old Kaegorian regime to the bitter end. After the final defeat the Dukedom was split up and a rump Barony all that remained.

The old bloods of the Maelfasan family are bitter to this day for their lost glory and the present Baron, Aemos, has no love for the Divine Emperor and the upstarts he promoted. The Barony is an agricultural region with strong militias and frequent temples to Bralm, goddess of goddess of Insects and Industriousness. It is very ordered and structured with Baronial Wardens travelling province dispensing justice and above all keeping the peace. Baron Amos has seven sons, all of a martial disposition, and his charge is a golden bee on a green field. The main settlement is Maelfasan which straddles some prosperous trade routes and is unsurprisingly a very ordered settlement.  

Settlements

Maelfasan, Large City: Alignment: LN, Population: 13,500 (99% Human, 1% Other)
Authority Figures: Baron Aemos Maelfasan (human male, noble), High Priest Labaorus of Bralm (human female, cleric)

The capital of the Barony and by far its largest settlement, Maelfasan is a city of broad avenues, orderly districts, and impressive public works. Dominating the skyline is the Great Hive Cathedral of Bralm, a vast structure of stone and bronze whose towers resemble the cells of a honeycomb. Within its halls the virtues of discipline, industry, and service to the community are preached daily.

The city is also home to the famed Fields of Order, where generations of Maelfasan's youth have received military training. Here recruits are taught that victory belongs not to heroes but to disciplined formations acting as one. Individual glory is regarded with suspicion, while sacrifice for the unit is celebrated. Soldiers of the Barony possess an almost fanatical trust in their comrades, and while they may retreat in good order when necessary, panic and rout are virtually unknown. Critics often claim the armies of Maelfasan lack honour or individuality, though rarely within earshot of their officers. Whatever their faults, the brigades of Maelfasan remain amongst the most effective military formations in the western provinces.

Hestea, Small City: Alignment: LN, Population: 6,750 (96% Human, 4% Other)
Authority Figures: Lord Berefol Maelfasan (human male, noble), Priest Fergos of Bralm (human female, cleric)

Hestea serves as the agricultural heart of the Barony. Surrounded by vast fields of grain, orchards, and carefully managed livestock holdings, the city feeds much of Maelfasan and exports surplus produce throughout the region. Its markets are amongst the busiest in the province, attracting merchants from neighbouring lands despite the Barony's reputation.

As a centre of trade, Hestea is somewhat more tolerant of outsiders than the capital. Foreign merchants are welcomed provided they obey local laws and customs. Whilst the city remains firmly loyal to the ideals of Maelfasan, its traders tend to be more pragmatic than ideological. Some of the younger merchant families have quietly begun questioning whether the Barony's traditional suspicion of non-humans remains economically beneficial in an increasingly interconnected Empire.

Gerian, Small Town: Alignment: TN, Population: 650 (97% Human, 3% Other)
Authority Figures: Sheeva (human female, rogue), Mistress Sandros (human female, wizard)

Situated upon the edge of the dreaded Autirre Desert, Gerian exists largely because adventurers are foolish enough to venture into it. The magically scarred wasteland beyond the town contains countless ruins dating back to the Higher Races and the Liberation Wars. Most expeditions vanish without trace, but those that return often bring valuable artefacts, forgotten lore, and occasionally terrible dangers.

The town thrives on this trade. Merchants, treasure hunters, scholars, mercenaries, and charlatans fill its taverns and markets. Unlike most settlements within the Barony, Gerian possesses a somewhat rough and independent spirit. Local authorities often turn a blind eye to activities that would be prohibited elsewhere so long as they contribute to the town's prosperity. Gerian is also notable as the birthplace of the legendary wizard Arralun the Great, whose exploits remain a source of immense local pride.

Rint, Small Town: Alignment: LN, Population: 950 (97% Human, 3% Other)
Authority Figures: Phelan Riordan (human male, fighter), Priest Tadgh of Bralm (human female, cleric)

Rint is a fortress town situated upon one of the principal roads leading into the Barony. Though unremarkable at first glance, it serves an important role as a recruitment, training, and supply centre for the provincial brigades. Most families in the settlement have produced soldiers for generations and military service is regarded as both an honour and a duty.

Visitors often remark upon the town's cleanliness and efficiency. Crime is almost non-existent and public order is maintained with remarkable effectiveness. To some this reflects the virtues of Maelfasan society; to others it suggests a population accustomed to watching both itself and its neighbours very closely.

Pilgesh, Hamlet: Alignment: CN, Population: 310 (90% Human, 10% Other), Authority Figure: Aenus McAll (human male, rogue)

Pilgesh is an embarrassment the authorities prefer to ignore. Nestled amongst ancient ruins and forgotten tombs, the settlement survives by catering to adventurers, smugglers, fortune-seekers, and those who wish to avoid official scrutiny. Its inns are notorious, its merchants unreliable, and its laws highly flexible.

Despite its dubious reputation, Pilgesh performs a useful function by attracting the sort of individuals that respectable communities would rather not host. Numerous adventuring expeditions have been launched from the hamlet, including the famous journey of Galsitan and the Everwatch Heroes. Local residents proudly recount these tales, usually while attempting to sell visitors maps of questionable accuracy or relics of highly uncertain authenticity.

The Autirre Desert

The Autirre Desert is a magically devastated area of the Barony of Maelfasan that also is the source of some of the greatest magic users, such as Arralun the Great. The Baron would like nothing more than to cure the blight that hangs over the desert but that is highly unlikely. Sometimes twisted things will slither out of the Autirre but they rarely ever slither back in. Bandits and other fugitives sometimes go in to the desert but again, rarely return as it is home to all sorts of twisted magical creatures.