Three hundred years ago – A conglomeration of humans, halflings, and dwarves petitioned the Elves of Beevale, especially Countess Sariandi Ulaquinov to establish a barony in the area of what is now Poordirt.
The area was not good for farming, but the humans were interested in ranching and orchards, the dwarves in mining the foothills, and the halflings in the commerce that could come with the confluence of three rivers, which would be where the group would establish their settlement.
The elves signed a 300 year lease with the group, letting them develop the area on the condition that a portion of the forest would remain available to the elves, but otherwise agreeing to the terms. After 300 years, the barony would revert back to the rule of the elves. And the name had to be unattractive to humans, so there would not be a rush on the land. The name Poordirt was chosen.
The first baron built his fortress on a hill overlooking the Three Rivers Ford, and from there the humans, dwarves and halflings spread out. The Elvish reserve was protected, but used for hunting on occasion. The elves kept to themselves, but watched the growing town with interest.
The town grew over the next 200 years at a moderate pace. Ranches and orchards were established, dwarven mines were initiated, and warehouses were built for the halflings to direct trade. Wool, fruit, and metals were sent downriver; finished goods, sugar, salt, and weapons were returned from elsewhere in the Efrian kingdom.
For most of these 200 years, the barony was relatively quiet. There would be the occasional humanoid raid from goblins or orcs, but the elvish forest kept the majority of the issues at bay. The kingdom of Efros fought wars with other human kingdoms to the East and South, secure that it’s northern and western flanks were protected by the barony.
100 years ago, the town had grown to moderate size, when four heroes came and saved the town from the ravages of an undead horde. The town commemorates them as the Four, and there is a great statue in the square to remember their efforts and goodness. The Temple of All Gods, also known as the Cerulean Sanctuary was raised by Friar Tuck, one of the heroes. The Mage’s Guild was started by Althos Nicros, and another of the four. Champion Gilbert the Honorable began training the Baron’s guard, and his techniques are still taught today. Pepin Bolger, the halfling of the heroes, started The Grange, a combination marketplace and event hall.
The lease expired 6 months ago, and to the amazement of the town fathers, dwarven mineholders, and halfling traders, the Countess was still alive, and asked the current overlord and his troops to leave, rather than renew the lease. She has not asked the current baron to step down, as he has been willing to swear fealty to the Countess. She has not interfered with the governance of the barony at large, nor the industry and enterprise of the inhabitants, but with bemused interest is allowing her treasury to increase and is taking stock and inventory of her new domain.
The Efrian kingdom, and the former Count Nico Kroll, have contested the reversion of the barony of Poordirt to Elvish rule, but are trying to have a diplomatic solution rather than a war. None the less, the armies loyal to Count Nico have gone just over the border into the neighboring county of Susava, and are camped at the border.