Elderholt

Elderholt is a small village with a population of 327, located within the territories of the Vimor Empire. Once a quiet and self-sufficient settlement, Elderholt became infamous for its involvement in a failed resistance movement against the empire. In 781 NE, the village was subjected to a brutal purge by the Knights of the Rose, who sought to eradicate the rebellion but indiscriminately slaughtered both rebels and innocent villagers alike. The massacre left Elderholt scarred, with its population drastically reduced and its survivors forced to rebuild under the watchful eye of imperial forces. In the years since, Elderholt has become a refuge for outcasts, exiles, and those who no longer have a place in greater society. Its people live on the fringes of the empire, wary of outsiders and bound together by a shared history of suffering and survival.

History

Foundation and Early Years (425–550 NE)

Elderholt was founded in 425 NE as a small logging and hunting settlement on the edge of the vast Eldermere Forest. The village was originally established to provide timber and furs to larger cities within the region, and its remote location made it an ideal home for those seeking a quiet, self-sufficient life. The early years were defined by slow growth, with families migrating to the village for work, and by 500 NE, Elderholt had become a thriving rural community.

Growth and Prosperity (550–700 NE)

With the increasing demand for timber and crafted goods, Elderholt expanded during the 6th and 7th centuries. A sawmill was built along the River Vash, and trade routes connected the village to larger towns. The community was known for its skilled woodworkers, trappers, and herbalists who made use of the abundant natural resources surrounding them. During this period, the village saw relative peace, avoiding major conflicts or invasions.

Shifting Loyalties and the Fall of the Theocracy (700–774 NE)

By the early 6th century, Elderholt fell under the rule of the Theocracy of Brafon, a religious state that exerted control over much of the region. The theocracy imposed strict religious laws, but Elderholt—being on the outskirts of the empire—largely avoided heavy enforcement. When Ashur Vimor led his military campaign against the Theocracy of Brafon in 688 NE, the village was swiftly absorbed into the Vimor Empire with little resistance. Some villagers welcomed the change, while others remained skeptical of their new overlords.

The Resistance and the Massacre (775–781 NE)

Tensions between the empire and dissenters grew as Emperor Vimor consolidated power, and by 775 NE, whispers of rebellion spread throughout the region. A resistance movement seeking to overthrow imperial rule began to operate in secret, and Elderholt became a key hideout for its members. The village's remote location and distrust of the empire made it an ideal staging ground for rebel activity, and many villagers—whether by choice or coercion—provided shelter and supplies to the movement.
In 781 NE, the empire discovered the presence of the resistance in Elderholt. Viewing the village as a den of traitors, the Knights of the Rose, an elite order loyal to the empire, were dispatched to crush the rebellion. They attacked Elderholt with overwhelming force, killing not only rebel fighters but also civilians suspected of aiding them. Houses were burned, families slaughtered, and the once-thriving village was left a smoldering ruin. The massacre left Elderholt devastated, with only a fraction of its population surviving the purge.

A Village of Outcasts (781–Present, 797 NE)

In the years following the massacre, Elderholt was largely abandoned by the empire. The surviving villagers, traumatized and resentful, rebuilt their homes with what little remained. Many outsiders, including exiles, escaped criminals, and those shunned by society, found refuge in Elderholt, turning it into a village of outcasts. Distrust of the empire runs deep, and while the village remains under imperial rule, it exists in a state of quiet defiance.
Today, Elderholt is a place of wary travelers, hardened survivors, and those seeking a life outside the empire’s watchful eye. It stands as a grim reminder of the cost of rebellion, yet also as a beacon for those who refuse to be forgotten.

Founding Date

425

Type

Village

Population

327

Location under

Region of Brafon

Owner/Ruler

Akelis Returar

Ruling/Owning Rank

Mayor

Owning Organization

Vimor Empire