A Brief Tour...

The Shire of Taras has become the single largest territory in Nothgate with the acquisition of the land area of the former Northern Freehold.

The four Freeholds were established in 1009 AL. as part of the reformation after the Northgate-Servosan War and were set up as independent, self-governing bodies to ease the difficulty in finding homes for refugees.

Two of the Freeholds, Barlow and Battice, were also established as a thank you to the great number of adventuring persons, a traditionally fiercely independent group.

"The Freehold was having tremendous economic difficulties," said Victor Taras, acting Lord of the Shire of Taras. "Something needed to be done."

The most prominent winery in the Northern Freehold suffered catastrophic losses with the death of their Master Brewer, and a short time later a major fire at its principle estate.

The raging fire destroyed several years of product, as well as the only recipe and process documents ever recorded. The losses were great enough to forever close the doors on the Northern Winery. "Our two Shires, in part, have similar economies, we can work together to ensure that no one has to find other means of employment. And no one needs to go hungry," said Taras.

With the acquisition of the Freehold, the Shire of Taras has allowed for an infusion of capital to rebuild the burned winery and allow workers to shortly return to work. "It is just common sense that a merging of our two lands would be beneficial," said Taras.

No formal name changes have been proposed for the area of former Freehold as of this time. It is currently being called the Protectorate of Taras.

There are now only three remaining true Freeholds, Barlow, Battice, and Grandwood. Taras now encompasses nearly the entire span of the Northern border.