Sturrowshire Overview

Sturrowshire is part of the political alliance of the Three Shires. After the events of the Battle of Worldbreaker's Howe, the actions of Lurgrak and his faction of Orcs was clearly leading towards The Fourth Conclave of the Seven Kingdoms recognizing their sovereignty over the Orcish Steppes (events which ultimately led to the formation of the orcish nation of Aiyolhast). This led to great discontent among the Halflings of Dalenshire , who were well aware that some of the lands likely to be formally ceded to the orcs were once theirs. Those who lived in the northernmost bayous of the land were among the most vocal opponents, calling themselves “Sturrowers”, after an old halfling word meaning “those who refuse.”

In 1083 SKR, the Granperes and Granmeres called a Boucherie Grande to discuss these matters, and the Sturrower faction, including the powerful Willowshade family, made plain their opposition to the idea of a sovereign orcish nation. Nobility from Summerlund attended these events, and, finally, an agreement was made that Summerlund would cede land grants to the halflings in the northern and eastern areas of Dalenshire. The lands divided politically, with the Sturrowers settling furthest in the north, claiming some of the best bayou-lands (including Longwillow Bayou) for themselves as well as rich farmland along their northern borders.

Sturrowshire only nominally acknowledges the existence of Aiyolhast, often referring to the area as “our former lands” or the “Orcish Steppes”. They control a great deal of agriculture, including excellent Swamp Pepper and Pipeweed crops, which contributes to their wealth. Already, a number of grand houses and abitasj have been built in the region, and many Sturrower clans, including the Willowshades, consider themselves the aristocracy of the Shires.