Springdale

Located on the banks of the river Silverlight amongst the central plains of Avalon, Springdale has grown from the little trading town into a bustling and prosperous city.

Founding | Introduction | Avalon Intro | Barony
Government | History | War Record | Temples

View the Large Map

See prominent active citizens.

Founding History

The settlement of Springtown had been known to exist on the banks of the River Leithe where Springdale now stands for centuries; the castle of Springdale being one of the oldest constructions within the land. The small town of Springtown was a lively trading centre, run by the enigmatic Klassi, a former Baron of Thakria, and one-time betrothed to Snowlock, master of the Great Mercinaen Invasion. After Klassi was ordained into Andromeda, the goddess of Dreams, she continued to care for the town, though its growth for a while was stagnated.

Introduction

Springdale is located on the banks of the river Silverlight amongst the central plains of Avalon, it has grown from the little trading town into a bustling and prosperous city.

Springdale is the youngest of the Avalon cities; newly founded upon the ancient town which stands upon the banks of the River Springlight. It was brought into being by the efforts of Andromeda and her loyal followers. The new city which draws its citizens from across the continent of Avalon is young, vibrant and cosmopolitan. Above all Springdale treasures talent which it nurtures and feeds to create many of the most powerful individuals of the land. Indeed the essence of her citizens are their individuality and creativity which with the aid of our divine patron Andromeda, Goddess of Dreams, is freely expressed to create a formidable power within the land.

Words from the barony

*The city of Springdale was conquered and subsequently destroyed by Thakrian invasion in the 13th century: in the year 1268. The conquest culminated on the 13th day of Leaflost 1268 where the razing of Springdale was complete and the city's destruction ensured. It is said its ruins can be found by the curious, under the ground buried 'neath the soil of those that came after it.

Here is the final HELP SPRINGDALE, for posterity:

Springdale, City of Dreams; located on the banks of the river Silverlight amongst the central plains of Avalon, it has grown from the little trading town into the bustling and prosperous city that you now see. It is currently in a phase of economical and military expansion, famous for the strength of its high forts, a tribute to the dedication of its miners.

Life is generally based around Springdale Square; where all the main commercial and governmental buildings are located, and of course the public houses and taverns, also, a short distance away is the Wolfhound stadium where people can gamble away their hard earnt gold in the hope of getting rich quickly

The Government has emerged from being the theocracy that it was in the past, to being a highly dynamic and responsive democratic body to the people, all dedicated to ensuring Springdale's future growth and prosperity. The Barons represent people from all walks of life to the appointed agents of the Government in the form of the various ministers and aides.

Springdale is a city based on teamwork, friendship and cooperation.

Life can be hard, but the rewards gained from it are more than worth the effort we all put in and dedicate to it.

History

Springtown, as it was known a century ago, was set on the road to expansion and citydom by Klassi the Loremistress. Klassi's efforts quickly made Springtown into a lively trading centre. Klassi's elevation to deity status saw a change in approach towards Springdale and Klassi's divine incarnation, Andromeda goddess of dreams, began to bring in her new followers to the town. Imzadi the Mage was the first to follow in Klassi's footsteps and together with Tarkus the Artisan, Casimian the Mage and Dankworth the Woodsman the town began to blossom. Despite the betrayal of Imzadi but a few years after her arrival in Springtown the town continued to attract citizens. Sirrus joined as its ninth citizen and soon made the role of town financial manager his own.

Springtown's most rapid growth period came at this time, its government was motivated and keen to push the town forward in honour of the goddess of dreams. Citizens began to flock to the bustling town and the goddess' influence grew. Some three decades after Andromeda's appointment Springtown proudly reached the goal it had been working towards; status of a city. In its centre opened a university to deal with the new influx of novices and new shops were built to cope with the expanded demand. However all was not well for the city of dreams for as it continued to enjoy peaceful prosperity the goddess of dreams, Andromeda, beloved to all Springdalians suddenly lost her will to carry on. Her appearances grew more seldom until eventually she was seen no more. Her citizens awaited her return, hoping for a resurgence of their patron, but it was not to be. Still in Springdale some wait for the goddess' return and her temple remains active and filled with offerings.

As can be expected the loss of Andromeda had negative repercussions throughout Springdale. The pace of its growth slacked to a crawl, the vigour and joy of its people became veiled and pensive. Arguments began to spring up between prominent citizens, taxation was introduced and raised to fund an ailing economy. Tarkus, long-time Prince, had retired when the goddess vanished and none could fill his shoes. The city continued to slump for two decades until new blood from the city grew old enough to inject new life into the city government.

Most significant of the new citizens in government were Orielle and Warfarin, who took command of the state and trade ministries as a team (they are married also) and pushed Springdale's economy into strong upturn once more. Tarkus returned after his long period of mourning to take up the position of Prince once again symbolizing a new unity in the city and with the opening of a handful of new guilds and the appointment of wily Johnii to the post of Field Marshall Springdale's recession was but a memory.

And through to modern times now, Springdale is strong, cohesive, reasonably stocked with resources and supporting a sizeable well-trained military. Their sphere of influence reaches the edges of Thakria's influence to the west and Parrius' to the east and skirmishes involving smaller legions continue to break out around the countryside. Alliance with Mercinae leaves Springdale feeling confident and secure. The city prospers and the memory of its lost goddess has almost faded. Most recently despite relative prosperity the Springdalians witnessed a bitter and unexpected dispute for the title of Prince and overall leadership of the city. Tarkus, the old and respected Prince had early retirement imposed upon him and Amygdala of the Wizards gained the princely title at the expense of Orielle, then Minister of State. The appointment caused a split among the citizens, Orielle resigned her posts in disgust leaving the city weakened and its future uncertain.

War Record

Springdale's expansion to the west brings it into opposition with Thakria's sphere of influence. For the early decades of its new-found city status Springdale trod a neutral passive line, avoiding conflict with its neighbour city states. However as Springdale's security, confidence and resources grew this passivity began to subside and by around 960ADW Springdale had amassed a sizeable, well-trained, well-equipped army. Border battles against Thakrian legions to the west and northwest were inconclusive but Thakria's primary focus is against Mercinae to the south and an uneasy truce seems to have been struck up.

To the east Springdale face a less menacing prospect in the battle to expand its sphere of influence. Parrius remains smaller than its neighbour city-states and Springdale have taken advantage of this to push their legions into what was previous Parrian territory. Though the Parrians have renewed their military efforts on their western and northwestern borders the Springdalians still hold the numerical advantage. Skirmishes continue to crop up on a regular basis but as yet no full-scale conflict has ensued.

Temples