The Lands of Warlderia

Casterton

The Free Town of Casterton stands upon the southern edge of the haunted forests bordering the Necropolis, where civilisation finally gives way to wilderness and the lingering horrors of the Higher Wars. Although small by the standards of most Human settlements, Casterton occupies one of the most strategically important positions in eastern Warlderia. It serves as the principal base for those who patrol the cursed forests, hunt the restless dead and prevent the darkness of the Necropolis from spreading south into the settled lands. Long before the town existed, the site was occupied only by an abandoned manor and a handful of ruined cottages. Following the devastation of the Higher Wars the surrounding forests became increasingly dangerous as undead creatures, corrupted beasts and darker things emerged from the shattered lands of Elgathrond. For many decades the neighbouring kingdoms attempted only to contain the threat, establishing scattered watch posts that rarely survived for long.

Everything changed a little over a century ago when the adventurer Savis Casterton arrived with a small company of companions. Rather than merely defend the frontier, Savis carried the fight into the forests themselves. Over many years his company destroyed countless undead lairs, recovered ancient watchtowers and established a chain of fortified camps that greatly reduced the number of incursions reaching the southern kingdoms. His achievements soon earned the respect of neighbouring rulers, and in recognition of his service he was granted the title of Baron, together with lands surrounding the old manor. The kingdoms of Combel, Roseguard and the Golden Fortress of Marrak each pledged men, supplies and financial support to ensure the new settlement survived. The town grew slowly but steadily. Soldiers, craftsmen and farmers arrived first, followed by merchants eager to supply the expanding frontier community. Others came seeking a second chance. Many had been exiles, former criminals, political undesirables or simply people with nowhere else to build a new life. In Casterton, a person's past mattered far less than their willingness to defend the frontier. Over the generations this has created an unusually tolerant settlement where Humans, Half-Elves, Dwarves and even the occasional Elf live and work alongside one another with remarkably little prejudice.

Today the restored Casterton Manor remains the headquarters of the Guardians of the South, an organisation dedicated to containing the dangers of the Necropolis. Their patrols venture deep into the forests, destroying undead wherever they are found, mapping forgotten ruins and ensuring that no significant threat reaches the settled lands. Their work is relentless, for the forests never remain quiet for long. No matter how many monsters are destroyed, more always seem to emerge from the darkness beyond. Guarding the western approaches to the town stands the fortified compound of the Knights of the Star, a respected military order drawn from across the Successor States. Unlike many knightly orders, membership is open to both men and women, many of whom are younger children of noble families seeking honour upon the frontier rather than comfortable lives upon their ancestral estates. The Order maintains a permanent force of mounted knights supported by experienced men-at-arms, and works closely with the Guardians during larger expeditions into the forests.

The present ruler, Baron Treval Casterton, is the great-grandson of the town's founder and continues his family's tradition of leading from the front. Despite having a young family of his own, he still accompanies many of the patrols into the forest, believing that no commander can ask others to face dangers he is unwilling to confront himself. Assisting him are two of the Guardians' most experienced captains: Velgin Stonecleaver, a veteran Dwarven warrior renowned for his calm judgement, and Tessa of the Blood Isles, whose skill as a ranger has saved countless patrols from ambush. The day-to-day affairs of the town are largely entrusted to Dorin Elatish, the Baron's closest adviser and steward. Dorin's family arrived in Casterton some forty-five years ago under circumstances they have never fully explained. Although they claim no noble title, their education, manners and considerable wealth have long fuelled rumours that they were once members of an important family elsewhere in Warlderia. Dorin himself has little interest in such speculation, preferring to concern himself with ensuring the town remains supplied, prosperous and ready for whatever horrors may next emerge from the north.

In recent years Casterton has become increasingly popular amongst adventurers. Tales of forgotten temples, abandoned towers and treasure-filled ruins hidden within the cursed forests have spread across the Successor States, attracting a steady stream of treasure hunters seeking fame and fortune. Most begin their journeys from one of the town's three inns or its well-known boarding house before disappearing into the wilderness. Many never return. Those who do often carry little more than scars and grim stories. Yet every so often a company emerges laden with relics from the ancient world, ensuring that the legends, and the adventurers, continue to come. Life in Casterton is lived beneath the constant shadow of the Necropolis. Every citizen understands that the peace they enjoy has been purchased through vigilance and sacrifice. The bells of the watchtowers are never ignored, every able-bodied adult knows where to report when the alarm is sounded, and strangers are watched carefully until their intentions become clear. Despite this ever-present danger, the town has developed a fierce sense of community and quiet determination. The people of Casterton know that they stand upon one of the last lines of defence against the darkness of the Necropolis, and they have no intention of yielding that ground.