Origins and Ascendancy (First Age)
The Thornhill family rose to prominence during the tumultuous years of the Barony War in the First Age. By the year 902, they had established themselves as one of the wealthiest and most influential noble houses within the region of Bellmond. In a decisive and controversial move, the Thornhills forged a secret alliance with the Barony of Redmond. Together, they launched a surprise attack on the Barony of Windelcrest, a prominent faction in the conflict. This betrayal not only shifted the balance of power but also prolonged the war, solidifying the Thornhill family's reputation for cunning and ambition.
In the aftermath of the Barony War, Baron Mordred Thornhill emerged as a formidable figure known for his cruelty and ambition. However, his reign of terror came to an end during the "Beheading of the Wicked" campaign in the year 920. Led by Alistair Rivers, forces loyal to Rivermond laid siege to Thornhill's stronghold and captured Baron Mordred. His public execution symbolized justice restored and marked a turning point for the Thornhill family.
Prosperity and Compromise (Second Age)
During the early Second Age, under the full rule of the Barony of Bellmond, the Thornhill family sought to capitalize on the annexation of Rivermond by the Silver Dominion in the year 35. Rather than resisting the Dominion's influence, they opted to forge trade agreements with various merchants and guilds from the Dominion. This strategic maneuver proved highly profitable, catapulting the Thornhills back into prominence as one of Rivermond's strong noble houses. Wealth flowed into their coffers, and they regained their status as influential players in regional politics.
However, their success was not without controversy. As tensions mounted under Dominion rule, the Thornhill family faced accusations of being too friendly towards the Dominion's interests. Local nobles within Rivermond viewed them with suspicion, seeing their actions as compromising Rivermond's autonomy and heritage for personal gain. Simultaneously, the Dominion accused the Thornhills of greed, further straining their relationships and trust within both local and Dominion circles.
Decline and Disintegration (Third Age)
The zenith of the Thornhill family's power came to an abrupt halt during the "War of the Burning Fields" in the year 482 of the Third Age. This conflict spilled into the Thornhill's lands within the Barony of Bellmond, where Rivermond's defenders employed guerrilla tactics to protect their homes and baronies from Dominion aggression. Despite their valor, the Thornhill household suffered devastating losses. Much of their fertile fields, crucial for their wineyards and prosperity, were ravaged and never fully recovered. The Thornhill family descended into financial ruin, burdened by debts incurred from the war and unable to maintain their former influence.
By the end of the Third Age, the House of Thornhill had crumbled. The Wilds family assumed control of the town that bore their name, Thornhill, continuing the tradition of working its renowned vineyards. Members of the Thornhill family dispersed, some marrying into other noble houses while others sought fortunes abroad. Despite their downfall, the legacy of the Thornhill family endured in the collective memory of Rivermond, particularly through their esteemed wineyards, a testament to their once great influence and prosperity.
Today, when Rivermond's people speak of wine, the name Thornhill immediately springs to mind, a reminder of a family that rose to greatness, only to be undone by ambition, alliances, and the ravages of war.