In the year 151 of the Third Age, amidst the growing resentment towards the oppressive rule of the Silver Dominion, the Barony of Greenfield stood on the brink of rebellion. At the forefront of this brewing storm was Baroness Victoria Shores, a charismatic and determined leader whose fervor for independence ignited the hopes of her people.
Victoria Shores, a woman of formidable presence and unwavering resolve, had long harbored dreams of a free Rivermond. Born into the noble Shores family, she inherited not just a title but a legacy of leadership and courage. Her father, a respected baron, had instilled in her the values of justice and the importance of standing up against tyranny. As she ascended to the role of Baroness, Victoria vowed to fulfill those ideals, even at great personal risk.
The growing discontent among the people of Greenfield was palpable. The Silver Dominion’s heavy-handed control had eroded the autonomy and prosperity of the baronies. Despite the cautionary advice of the Council of the Gylder—composed of representatives from the neighboring baronies of Redmond and Bellmond—Victoria believed that the time for action had come. The Council urged patience and preparation, fearing the devastating reprisals that the Dominion would surely unleash. However, Victoria's fiery determination and the simmering unrest among her people compelled her to act.
In 151, Greenfield boldly declared open rebellion against the Dominion. Victoria's leadership and magnetic oratory skills rallied her barony, and her forces, composed of passionate commoners, seasoned knights, and even some disgruntled nobles, mobilized for war. The declaration was a call to arms, not just for Greenfield, but for all of Rivermond, in the hope that neighboring baronies would join the fight for freedom. However, as Greenfield braced for conflict, no aid came from the other baronies. The Council of the Gylder, cautious and concerned about the Dominion’s retribution, opted to remain neutral. This isolation left Greenfield to face the might of the Dominion alone, testing the resolve and resourcefulness of its people and leaders.
For two grueling years, Greenfield engaged in a valiant but increasingly desperate struggle against Dominion troops and their allies. The rugged terrain of Greenfield’s hills and forests became a fierce battleground. Utilizing guerilla tactics and daring skirmishes, Victoria led her forces with unmatched courage. Her presence on the front lines inspired her troops, and her strategic acumen led to several early victories. However, the Dominion’s superior numbers and resources gradually wore down the rebellion.
In 153, Dominion forces launched a decisive assault on Greenfield’s fortified positions. Victoria, steadfast and undeterred, fought bravely alongside her soldiers. Despite her efforts, the overwhelming might of the Dominion eventually broke through Greenfield’s defenses. The rebellion was crushed, and many of its leaders and fighters were slain or captured. The fate of Baroness Victoria Shores is shrouded in mystery. Some tales speak of her dying heroically in battle, fighting to the last breath alongside her soldiers. Other, more somber accounts suggest she was captured and executed in secret by the Dominion. Regardless of the truth, Victoria's legacy was cemented in the hearts and minds of her people.
Baroness Victoria Shores became a martyr and a symbol of defiance against Dominion tyranny. Songs and sagas immortalized her bravery, ensuring that her spirit would continue to inspire future generations of Rivermond’s people to fight for independence. Her sacrifice was a poignant reminder of the cost of freedom and the resilience of the human spirit.
In the aftermath of the rebellion, her son, Marcus Shores, ascended to the position of Baron of Greenfield at a young age. Raised amidst the ruins of his mother’s dream, Marcus harbored deep resentment towards the neighboring baronies of Bellmond and Redmond, whom he blamed for abandoning Greenfield in its darkest hour. This simmering animosity would shape his rule and his relationships for years to come, as he sought to honor his mother's legacy and keep the flame of rebellion alive.