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{{Locations|Unaffiliated-Antagarich}}<span style="float:right">__TOC__</span>
{{Locations|Unaffiliated-Antagarich}}<span style="float:right">__TOC__</span>
A town and castle in the [[Welnin]] region of the [[Contested Lands]], near [[Tularea]]. Featured in {{mm7}}, the new lords of '''Harmondale''' being the game's protagonists. This area has been at the center of nearly half a millennium of [[human]]-[[elf]] conflicts.
'''Harmondale''' was a town located in the region of [[Forestdale]] within the [[Contested Lands]], near [[Tularea]]. Featured in {{mm7}}, it served as the home and seat of power of the game's protagonists, known as the '''Lords of Harmondale'''. For nearly half a millennium, the area stood at the center of various [[human]]–[[elf]] conflicts between [[Erathia]] and [[AvLee]]. Within the town stood [[Castle Harmondale]], sometimes referred to as '''Castle Harmondy'''.
 


== Rulers ==
* '''Unknown [[Erathia]]n ruler''' - Governed around the time of the castle’s construction in 689 [[AS]]. 
* '''Unknown [[AvLee]]an ruler''' - Took control after the Elves conquered the area in 692 AS during the Battle for Harmondale. 
* '''Baron Danforth Octavio''' - Erathian noble who ruled with cruelty until overthrown and killed by the townsfolk in 817 AS. 
* '''King Vespin I''' - Former mayor Ty Vespin, chosen by the people after Octavio’s death; ruled an independent Harmondale for six weeks before being executed by Erathian King Aaron [[Gryphonheart]] IV. 
* '''Unknown Erathian ruler''' - Reigned after Erathia reclaimed the town following Vespin’s death. 
* '''Unknown AvLeean ruler''' - Controlled Harmondale after AvLee retook the region in 818 AS. 
* '''Lord Terrence Rockwin II''' - [[Necromancer]] who seized the castle in 1008 AS; defeated the following year by either Erathian or AvLeean forces. 
* '''Unknown ruler''' - Either an Erathian or AvLeean lord who held the town after Rockwin’s fall in 1009 AS. 
* '''At least six unknown rulers''' - A series of Erathian and AvLeean lords who controlled the area at various points in time between the AvLeean rule established after the Battle for Harmondale ended and the rule of Lord Markham began. Each succession was preceded by violent, bloody conflicts and many deaths. 
* '''Lord Markham''' - Erathian noble and ruler of [[Tidewater]], who organized a grand scavenger hunt to determine Harmondale’s next rulers in early 1168 AS. 
* '''The Lords of Harmondale''' - The fair and well-liked rulers who emerged victorious from Lord Markham’s contest. They governed presumably until the opening of the Gateway to [[Web of Worlds|Webstation Beta-5]].




== History ==
== History ==
''Castle Harmondale was completed in 689 [ [[AS]] ] as the first line of defense against Elvish forces led by King Lothoe IV during the [[Timber Wars]]. In a sign of things to come, It fell to an Elvish assault just three years later at the infamous Battle for Harmondale. Since then, the castle has changed hands 13 times in bloody conflicts with hundreds of deaths.  In all but two of the cases, the castle has been controlled by either [[Erathia]] or [[Avlee]], but those two cases are remarkable.''
Construction of Castle Harmondale was completed in 689 AS as an Erathian fortification during the [[Timber Wars]], intended as a defense against the Elvish forces of King Lothoe IV. The castle fell to AvLee only three years later at the Battle for Harmondale, beginning centuries of conflict over the region. Since its founding, Harmondale changed hands at least sixteen times, most often alternating between Erathian and AvLeean control.
''In 817, the long suffering citizens of Harmondale tore the cruel Baron Danforth Octavio to pieces in the streets over his enthusiastic tax collection methods.  Seizing the moment, the mob elevated mayor Ty Vespin to King of Harmondale, and installed him in the castle. The glorious reign of King Vespin the First lasted exactly six weeks.  Erathian King Aaron [[Gryphonheart]] IV marched on the town with two veteran legions, and put King Vespin and his loudest supporters to the sword.  With this ""victory"" in hand, King Gryphonheart then marched upon the elves, who slew him in battle two weeks later.  The castle returned to Elvish control in 818.''
''More recently, the [[Necromancer]] Lord Terrence Rockwin II seized the castle as part of his expansion plans in 1008.  The few citizens who survived this conquest did so by hiding in the hills for the year he was in control of the castle.  Witnesses reported signs of a frenzied excavation taking place at the castle, but when Harmondale was retaken in the fall of 1009, no evidence of digging or construction could be found.  For that matter, no prisoners ever taken to the castle by the Necromancers were ever seen again.''
    - Wendell Tweed, Court Historian
 
In 1168, just after the [[Restoration Wars]], Harmondale belonged to an Erathian duke, Lord Markham, who was also the ruler of [[Tidewater]] and a decorated leader in the recent war, honored personally by [[Queen Catherine]]. The shrewd nobleman had plans of his own and did not want to be burdened with, by his own words, “a territory [he] couldn't pay to have someone take”. Lord Markham came up with a scheme to rid himself of Harmondale, staging a contest on [[Emerald Island]], with the prize being a deed to the castle and the surrounding lands. Multiple adventurers were attracted to this Scavenger Hunt, a party of four commoners eventually claiming victory. Secretly glad that his trick worked, Markham went to his manor in Tidewater, while the new lords arrived at Castle Harmondale.
 
The adventurers found that it was not only in disrepair, but also infested by giant rats and giant bats, as well as recently overrun  by small band of [[goblin|goblins]]. Clearing out their new home, the lords then garnered support from [[Stone City]], the [[dwarf]] nation of [[Antagarich]], which led to the castle being repaired, among other benefits.
 
''In gratitude for my Lords' heroic rescue of the dwarves from their old mine, Dwarf King Hothfarr IX has officially recognized them as the rightful lords of Harmondale.  Emissaries were sent to the surrounding countries to herald this declaration, and in response, Erathia and Avlee have sent ambassadors to Castle Harmondale to officially represent their positions.'' 
''More importantly, King Hothfarr was so grateful for the aid at the mine that he has sent an engineer and construction crew to make long overdue repairs to the castle and the town.  I have witnessed the work, and I must say I am impressed!  Rubble that has been in the castle since the defeat of Lord Rockwin II more than 150 years ago has finally been removed, revealing several more rooms that haven't been used since then.''
''Even the usually pessimistic townspeople have begun to cheer up.  Though most of the improvements to the town are cosmetic, the effect has been electrifying!  Business is positively booming, morale is up, and there is a real feeling that the worst days are behind us.  Providence willing, taxes will remain low, and good fortune will remain high.  The population's consensus is that nothing can go wrong!''
    - Wendell Tweed, Court Historian
 
''To my sorrow, the old rivalry between Erathia and Avlee has flared up again, and this time it is over us.  My lords' effectiveness has made this territory a valuable resource, and both powers wish to claim Harmondale as theirs.  Though currently under Erathian jurisdiction, Avlee has asserted its right to the territory under the treaty of Tularea (signed in 673).  Erathia, of course, responded to that claim by pointing out Avlee's treaty abrogation in 811 under the Declarations and Annunciation's clause.  The position of Avlee on THAT issue has been to deny abrogation under the doctrine of Traitors and Miscreants, established circa. 375 by the great warlord Sardowin One-Eye.''
''There is a response to that claim as well, and a response to the response, ad infinitum.  The subject of international relations is worthy of many books, but isn't in the scope of this history.  Suffice it to say that both sides believe there is sufficient reason to spill blood, and that spilling is likely to happen in and around Harmondale.  I fear for the future.''
''The townspeople have taken the announcement of war in stride, but there is an undercurrent of worry.  I am sure the pressure on my lords to choose a side is intense.  I am not sure what I would do, and take comfort in knowing that the decision is not mine to make.  Step carefully, my lords.''
    - Wendell Tweed, Court Historian
 
Travelling to both their de jure sovereign [[Catherine Ironfist]] in [[Steadwick]] and Elf King [[Eldrich Parson]] in [[Pierpont]], the lords of Harmodnale were given tasks by the feuding rulers, aimed at striking blows against the other side involving the burgeoning war. Several months into this conflict, the lords receive news that [[Judge Grey]], the arbiter in the Harmondale dispuite, died from a heart attack. It was now up to them to decide the course of the war.
 
''Good news!  After some light skirmishes and plenty of spying and maneuvering, both sides of this silly war have decided to call a truce until a suitable arbitrator can be found. My lords have been chosen to select the arbitrator.  The future of relations between Erathia and Avlee now rests squarely upon my Lords' (so far) capable shoulders.  I am sure their decision will be a wise one.''
''In other developments, ambassadors from [[Deyja]], land of the Necromancers, and [[Bracada]], land of the [[Wizard|Wizards]], have arrived.  They have come to announce their countries' recognition of my lords as rightful rulers in Harmondale, and no doubt to secure diplomatic favors.  Politics such as they are, both sides detest one another.  I wouldn't be surprised if one ambassador tried to murder the other in the middle of the night.'' 
''Everyone is holding their breath.  Nothing can happen, it seems, until this decision is made.''
    - Wendell Tweed, Court Historian


Deyja and Bracada offered their candidates for the arbiter post, sages [[Devon Sleen]] and [[Brandis Fairweather]] respectively. [[Gavin Magnus]], Grand Vizier of Bracada, wanted to stop the war as soon as possible, resolving the Harmondale dispute peacefully. [[Archibald Ironfist]], new ruler of Deyja (who recently [[Seeds of Discontent|influenced the unrest]] in the Contested Lands), wanted to increase hostilities and, through Sleen, resume the war for Harmondale.
In 817 AS, after a time of oppression, the citizens of Harmondale revolted against Baron Danforth Octavio, killing him in the streets. They declared their mayor, Ty Vespin, as King Vespin I. His short-lived rule lasted six weeks before Erathian King Aaron Gryphonheart IV retook the town, executing Vespin and his supporters. Gryphonheart himself was slain soon after by Elvish forces, and the town returned to AvLee in 818 AS.


The decision not only meant Harmondale becoming allied with the arbiter's kingdom, but the lords' choice in this fateful moment would also put them either on the spiritual Path of Light, centered in Bracada, or the Path of Darkness, centered in Deyja. Canonically, the lords chose Judge Fairweather. The Bracadan sage presided over the tense negotiations between Catherine and Eldrich, evenhandedly dividing the contested lands of Harmondale and surrounds, which led to the Treaty of Harmondale being signed. During the ensuing celebration, Queen Catherine mused: "It's hard to believe we were fighting each other when we all know who the [[Deyja|real enemy]] is."
In 1008 AS, the necromancer Lord Terrence Rockwin II captured the castle as part of his expansion plans. During his brief occupation, citizens fled or hid in the nearby hills to survive. Witnesses later spoke of frenzied excavations beneath the castle. When the town was retaken in 1009 AS, no evidence of the dig or of prisoners taken by the necromancers was ever found.


The details of the treaty were affected by the political leanings that the lords had shown during the crisis. There are three outcomes in the game depending on the player's previous actions. Erathia can be assigned control of Harmondale itself, with AvLee getting the more outlying territories, the reverse can happen, or Harmondale can gain independence, establishing a new nation, the Kingdom of Harmondale, the four lords being its rulers.
By 1168 AS, following the [[Restoration Wars]], Harmondale was ruled by Lord Markham, an Erathian duke and war hero. Desiring to be rid of the troublesome territory, he announced a scavenger hunt on [[Emerald Island]], offering Harmondale’s lordship as the grand prize. A [[Lords of Harmondale|party of four adventurers]] emerged victorious, becoming the new Lords of Harmondale.


With the all-out war averted, the lords, having chosen the Path of Light, began to work closely with Gavin Magnus’ mysterious advisors, the [[Adventurers of Terra]]. Guided by these otherworldly chosen ones of the [[Ancients]], the lords performed several heroic deeds. The most major of these was slaying [[Xenofex]] and destroying [[Colony Zod]], the main base of the devil [[Kreegan]] after their [[Hive]] in [[Enroth (continent)|Enroth]] was destroyed. The fall of this remaining hive prevented the world from being overrun by the recovering Kreegans.
Upon their arrival, the castle was infested by rats, bats, and goblins. The new lords cleared the infestation and soon gained the support of [[Stone City]] and the [[dwarves]] of [[Antagarich]]. In gratitude for their rescue of dwarves trapped in the Red Dwarf Mine in the [[Bracada Desert]], King Hothfarr IX recognized them as the rightful rulers of Harmondale and sent craftsmen to restore the long-neglected castle and town. This marked a period of prosperity and optimism for the citizens.


When going after Xenofex, the lords received an unlikely ally in Archibald Ironfist, who was recently dethroned by [[Kastore]]. Archibald informed them of his brother [[Roland]] being imprisoned and tormented inside the horrid alien colony, and asked them to free him. He also provided a powerful Ancient weapon, a blaster pistol, that his goblin underling stole from his former advisors. The lords freed the king of [[Enroth (nation)|Enroth]] from his cage in Colony Zod and then defeated Xenofex and his [[devil|devils]]. Archibald escorted Roland to Catherine, while the lords went on to perform the final task for the Terrans, helping them obtain an [[Oscillation Overthruster]] - the final component needed to open a gate to the [[Web of Worlds]].
=== The Conflict ===
As tensions between Erathia and AvLee reignited, both nations claimed Harmondale under conflicting treaty interpretations. Although under Erathian jurisdiction, AvLee invoked the Treaty of Tularea in 673 AS, while Erathia countered by citing AvLee’s abrogation of the treaty in 811 AS.


As it turned out, the Gate was only connected to a splinter section of the larger Web, and could not bring them to the Ancients as the Terrans had hoped, though a thousand worlds now lay at the heroes’ feet. Webstation Beta 5, which they now had access to, contained many other Gates, leading to planets that were seeded by the Ancients long ago and went into decline over the course of the Ancient-Kreegan war. The lords, along with their Bracadan/Terran allies, set out to explore those worlds in hopes of one day finding the Ancients and ending the [[Silence]]. Their own world, however, would soon be destroyed.
The Lords of Harmondale, meeting with [[Catherine Ironfist]] in [[Steadwick]] and King [[Eldrich Parson]] in [[Pierpont]], were given tasks by both leaders, aimed at striking blows against the other side. Several months into the conflict, [[Judge Grey]], the designated arbiter in the Harmondale dispute, died of a heart attack, with the lords having been chosen to select his successor. Ambassadors from [[Bracada]] and [[Deyja]] arrived to present their candidates: [[Brandis Fairweather]] for Bracada and [[Devon Sleen]] for Deyja.


In a twist of fate, when he fell to the lords, Xenofex enacted a doomsday plan. He visited his servant [[Lucifer]] in a dream and charged him with constructing [[Armageddon's Blade (artifact)|Armageddon's Blade]], a fabled pre-Silence weapon capable of setting the planet on fire. Although the remnants of the Kreegan invasion were soon defeated by Erathia and the [[Great Conflux]], the Blade was forged, eventually causing the [[Reckoning]]. However, the exploits of the lords of Harmondale ultimately saved countless lives during the world’s destruction. The completion of the Gate allowed for the opening of the portals that took fortunate refugees to [[Axeoth]].
The lords ultimately chose Fairweather, aligning Harmondale with Bracada and the Path of Light. His arbitration led to the Treaty of Harmondale, which ended the conflict peacefully. During the signing, Queen Catherine remarked, “It’s hard to believe we were fighting each other when we all know who the [[Deyja|real enemy]] is.”


=== The Heavenly Forge ===
=== The Heavenly Forge (alternate timeline) ===
Prior to [[Forge (NWC)|Forge]]’s cancellation, the Path of Darkness was intended be the canonical one in {{mm7}}. The lords choose Sleen, who then takes a hands-off approach in the arbitration between Erathia and AvLee. With Catherine and Eldrich unable to agree to a proper division of lands, the negotiations swiftly end and an all-out war between Erathia and AvLee erupts. This bloody conflict allows Deyja to harvest many [[undead]] troops. Similar to the Treaty of Harmondale, the peace agreement at the war's conclusion then decides Harmondale's political status, depending on the player's actions.
In another timeline, the lords chose Devon Sleen, the Deyjan candidate, aligning Harmondale with Deyja and the Path of Darkness. Sleen’s inaction caused the negotiations to collapse, igniting an all-out war between [[Erathia]] and [[AvLee]]. Deyja exploited the chaos to raise vast undead armies.


Following that, the lords are allied with Deyja and Kastore’s faction of the Terrans, performing tasks for them, but also killing Xenofex, destroying the Kreegan Hive and freeing Roland, like they would on the Path of Light. Ultimately, the same final piece that is needed for building the Gate is required for the completion of a restored Heavenly Forge from the [[Time of Wonders]]. Using this machine, Kastore makes countless copies of a blaster. Arming goblins and undead with these Ancient weapons, the Dark Terrans and the lords of Harmondale set out to conquer the planet.
Following the outbreak of war, the lords aided Deyja and the [[Adventurers of Terra|Terran]]s Tolberti, Dark Shade, [[Maximus]], and their leader, now King of Deyja, [[Kastore]], in his plan to restore the legendary [[Heavenly Forge]]. Recovering the final component needed to activate the machine, Kastore succeeded in creating weapons of the Ancients and equipping his forces of undead, goblins, ogres, and other creatures with advanced technology.


This would set the stage for the scrapped original version of the {{ab}} storyline, with the equipment created by the Heavenly Forge explaining the existence of the Forge faction. In this alternate timeline, Armageddon's Blade would be used by Erathia to defeat the Forge army.
Together, Deyja, led by the dark Terrans, and Harmondale, led by the Lords, sought to conquer the world with this army. However, they were ultimately defeated by Erathia using the [[Armageddon's Blade]].


== Trivia ==
== Trivia ==
* Based on how it is shown on the maps and described, Harmondale is located in [[Forestdale]].
* Before [[Forge (NWC)|Forge]]’s cancellation, the Path of Darkness was intended to be the canonical route in {{mm7}}.
* Depending on the player’s choices during the character creation, there can be humans, elves, dwarves and goblins among the four lords of Harmondale.
* Depending on the player’s choices, the Lords of Harmondale may include humans, elves, dwarves, or goblins.
* The choice of the Path of Light is explicitly canonical, but Harmondale's political status is ambiguous. It is rather likely that the lords chose Erathia, since Lucifer calls them "heroes from Erathia" in [[Seeking Armageddon]]. A devil in [[Catherine's Charge]] also relays Lucifer’s regards to Catherine for "a small part she played in his ascension to the throne". However, both statements are open for interpretation.
* While the Path of Light is canon, Harmondale’s political alignment remains ambiguous. It is rather likely that the lords chose Erathia, since Lucifer calls them "heroes from Erathia" in Seeking Armageddon. A devil in [[Catherine's Charge]] also relays Lucifer’s regards to Catherine for "a small part she played in his ascension to the throne". However, both statements are open for interpretation.
* Devon Sleen and Brandis Fairweather both appear in the [[Armageddon's Blade (campaign)|Armageddon's Blade]] campaign as supporting characters. Judge Sleen provides information that helps [[Xeron]] assemble the Blade, and Judge Fairweater corresponds with [[Gelu]], advising him on the [[Sons of Erebus]].
* Devon Sleen and Brandis Fairweather both appear in the Armageddon's Blade campaign as supporting characters. Judge Sleen provides information that helps Xeron assemble the Blade, and Judge Fairweater corresponds with Gelu, advising him on the Sons of Erebus.
* The later games do not explore what happened to the lords of Harmondale and the Adventurers of Terra. However, [[Jon Van Caneghem]] briefly [https://rpgwatch.com/show/newsbit?newsbit=23942 mentioned] that before [[New World Computing]]’s dissolution there were plans to finalize the Kreegan storyline and depict a visit to the Ancient homeworld. This would have likely tied into the lords and Terrans travelling through the Web of Worlds.
* The later games do not explore what happened to the lords of Harmondale and the Adventurers of Terra. However, Jon Van Caneghem briefly mentioned that before New World Computing’s dissolution, there were plans to finalize the Kreegan storyline and depict a visit to the Ancient homeworld. This would have likely tied into the Lords and Terrans travelling through the Web of Worlds.
* The detail about the portals to Axeoth comes from [[Jennifer Bullard]]. She said in [[Jennifer Bullard/Acid Cave Interview|an interview]] that the portals were opened by [[Corak]], the android Guardian of the Web’s section that has been accessed through the Gate.
* The banner of the independent kingdom of Harmondale is based on the New World Computing logo.
* The banner of the independent kingdom of Harmondale is based on the New World Computing logo.


Latest revision as of 17:28, 10 December 2025

Enroth
Antagarich
Erathia
AvLee
Bracada
Eeofol
Deyja
Nighon
Krewlod
Tatalia
Great Conflux
Vori Vori
Contested Lands
(Unaffiliated)
(minor places)
Jadame
Regna
Terra Nova Horn of the Abyss
(Unaffiliated)
Enroth
Enroth
(Historical Locations)
(Other Enroth Locations)
(Other Non-Enroth Locations)
Erathia
Regions:
   Angel Gate
   Avauntnell
   Battlestead
   Cloverfield
   Emerald Hills
   Emerald Isle
   Erathia Plains
   Fire Coast
   Forestbury
   Forestdale
   Forestdon
   Forestlow
   Grainrich
   Griffin Cliff
   Hillbridge
   Klondike Horn of the Abyss
   Marble Garden
   Marshland
   Minewell
   Mosswood
   Rionpoint
   Southport
   Strongwillow
   Woodgrove
Towns:
   Claxton
   Cloudfire
   Clovergreen
   Dunwall
   Hartferd
   Marishen
   Steadwick
   Stonecastle
   Tidewater
   Whitestone
Other:
   (minor places)
AvLee
Regions:
   Brighton Point
   Dagrond
   Gaia's Crest
      Shantanna
   Northern Cape
   Racken Cliffs
   Tularea
Towns:
   Bath'iere
Other:
   (minor places)
Bracada
Regions:
   Bracada Desert
   Bracada Highlands
   Bracada Mountains
Towns:
   Celeste
   Tarach's Cove
Eeofol
Regions:
   Land of the Giants
Towns:
   Dry Ryehill Horn of the Abyss
   Kreelah
   Kleesive
   Laboratory Horn of the Abyss
Other:
   (minor places)
Deyja
Regions:
   Deyja Badlands
   Deyja Moors
Towns:
   The Pit
Other:
   (minor places)
Nighon
Regions:
   Land of the Giants
   Mount Nighon
   Rancor Coast
Levels:
   Bright Lands
   Deep Caverns
   Lower Caverns
   Surface Tunnels
   Upper Caverns
   Upper Tunnels
Towns:
   Death Kiss
Other:
   (minor places)
Krewlod
Towns:
   Ulgak
Other:
   (minor places)
Tatalia
Towns:
   Stillbog
Other:
   (minor places)
Vori
Regions:
   Frigid Coast
   Volee Glacier
   Vori Frostland
Towns:
   Volee
Other:
   (minor places)
Contested Lands
Regions:
   Cloverfield
   Forestdale
   Mosswood
Towns:
   Welnin
(Unaffiliated)
Regions:
   Evenmorn Island
   Harmondale
Bodies of Water:
   Nighon Straits
   Quiet Sea
   Shandar River
   Skyline Bay
Towns:
   Utopia Horn of the Abyss
Enroth
Regions:
   Blackshire
   Bootleg Bay
   Castle Ironfist
   Dragonsand
   Eel Infested Waters
   Free Haven
   Frozen Highlands
   Hermit's Isle
   Kriegspire
   Mire of the Damned
   Misty Islands
   New Sorpigal
   Paradise Valley
   Silver Cove
(Unaffiliated)
Regions:
   Alvar
   Couatl Islands Horn of the Abyss
   Dagger Wound Islands
   Garrote Gorge
   Ironsand Desert
   Murmurwoods
   Ravage Roaming
   Ravenshore
   Shadowspire
Bodies of Water:
   Ifarine Sea
Regna
Towns:
   Harecksburg
Other:
   (minor places)
Terra Nova Horn of the Abyss
Regions:
   Southlands
Towns:
   Burton
   Orca's Maw
Other:
   (minor places)
(Historical Locations)
Amberlian Empire
Barbarian Empire
Regions:
   Barbarian Steppes
   Raider's Plateau
   Wastelands
Towns:
   Tarnia
Bracaduun
Regions:
   Wallpeaks
Towns:
   Castle Steelhorn
Other:
   (minor places)
Nixaar Empire Horn of the Abyss
Phynaxian Empire
Underworld
(Other Enroth Locations)
Bodies of Water:
   Endless Ocean
   White Ocean
Islands:
   Cursed Bone Horn of the Abyss
   Island of the Vengeful Serpent Horn of the Abyss
   Karigor
(Other Non-Enroth Locations)
   Axeoth
   CRON
   Elemental Planes
   Fiery Moon
   Hall of Judgment
   Paradise
   Sparkling Bridge
   Terra
   VARN-4
   Web of Worlds
   Xeen

Harmondale was a town located in the region of Forestdale within the Contested Lands, near Tularea. Featured in Might and Magic VII: For Blood and Honor, it served as the home and seat of power of the game's protagonists, known as the Lords of Harmondale. For nearly half a millennium, the area stood at the center of various human–elf conflicts between Erathia and AvLee. Within the town stood Castle Harmondale, sometimes referred to as Castle Harmondy.

Rulers[edit | hide | hide all]

  • Unknown Erathian ruler - Governed around the time of the castle’s construction in 689 AS.
  • Unknown AvLeean ruler - Took control after the Elves conquered the area in 692 AS during the Battle for Harmondale.
  • Baron Danforth Octavio - Erathian noble who ruled with cruelty until overthrown and killed by the townsfolk in 817 AS.
  • King Vespin I - Former mayor Ty Vespin, chosen by the people after Octavio’s death; ruled an independent Harmondale for six weeks before being executed by Erathian King Aaron Gryphonheart IV.
  • Unknown Erathian ruler - Reigned after Erathia reclaimed the town following Vespin’s death.
  • Unknown AvLeean ruler - Controlled Harmondale after AvLee retook the region in 818 AS.
  • Lord Terrence Rockwin II - Necromancer who seized the castle in 1008 AS; defeated the following year by either Erathian or AvLeean forces.
  • Unknown ruler - Either an Erathian or AvLeean lord who held the town after Rockwin’s fall in 1009 AS.
  • At least six unknown rulers - A series of Erathian and AvLeean lords who controlled the area at various points in time between the AvLeean rule established after the Battle for Harmondale ended and the rule of Lord Markham began. Each succession was preceded by violent, bloody conflicts and many deaths.
  • Lord Markham - Erathian noble and ruler of Tidewater, who organized a grand scavenger hunt to determine Harmondale’s next rulers in early 1168 AS.
  • The Lords of Harmondale - The fair and well-liked rulers who emerged victorious from Lord Markham’s contest. They governed presumably until the opening of the Gateway to Webstation Beta-5.


History[edit | hide]

Construction of Castle Harmondale was completed in 689 AS as an Erathian fortification during the Timber Wars, intended as a defense against the Elvish forces of King Lothoe IV. The castle fell to AvLee only three years later at the Battle for Harmondale, beginning centuries of conflict over the region. Since its founding, Harmondale changed hands at least sixteen times, most often alternating between Erathian and AvLeean control.

In 817 AS, after a time of oppression, the citizens of Harmondale revolted against Baron Danforth Octavio, killing him in the streets. They declared their mayor, Ty Vespin, as King Vespin I. His short-lived rule lasted six weeks before Erathian King Aaron Gryphonheart IV retook the town, executing Vespin and his supporters. Gryphonheart himself was slain soon after by Elvish forces, and the town returned to AvLee in 818 AS.

In 1008 AS, the necromancer Lord Terrence Rockwin II captured the castle as part of his expansion plans. During his brief occupation, citizens fled or hid in the nearby hills to survive. Witnesses later spoke of frenzied excavations beneath the castle. When the town was retaken in 1009 AS, no evidence of the dig or of prisoners taken by the necromancers was ever found.

By 1168 AS, following the Restoration Wars, Harmondale was ruled by Lord Markham, an Erathian duke and war hero. Desiring to be rid of the troublesome territory, he announced a scavenger hunt on Emerald Island, offering Harmondale’s lordship as the grand prize. A party of four adventurers emerged victorious, becoming the new Lords of Harmondale.

Upon their arrival, the castle was infested by rats, bats, and goblins. The new lords cleared the infestation and soon gained the support of Stone City and the dwarves of Antagarich. In gratitude for their rescue of dwarves trapped in the Red Dwarf Mine in the Bracada Desert, King Hothfarr IX recognized them as the rightful rulers of Harmondale and sent craftsmen to restore the long-neglected castle and town. This marked a period of prosperity and optimism for the citizens.

The Conflict[edit | hide]

As tensions between Erathia and AvLee reignited, both nations claimed Harmondale under conflicting treaty interpretations. Although under Erathian jurisdiction, AvLee invoked the Treaty of Tularea in 673 AS, while Erathia countered by citing AvLee’s abrogation of the treaty in 811 AS.

The Lords of Harmondale, meeting with Catherine Ironfist in Steadwick and King Eldrich Parson in Pierpont, were given tasks by both leaders, aimed at striking blows against the other side. Several months into the conflict, Judge Grey, the designated arbiter in the Harmondale dispute, died of a heart attack, with the lords having been chosen to select his successor. Ambassadors from Bracada and Deyja arrived to present their candidates: Brandis Fairweather for Bracada and Devon Sleen for Deyja.

The lords ultimately chose Fairweather, aligning Harmondale with Bracada and the Path of Light. His arbitration led to the Treaty of Harmondale, which ended the conflict peacefully. During the signing, Queen Catherine remarked, “It’s hard to believe we were fighting each other when we all know who the real enemy is.”

The Heavenly Forge (alternate timeline)[edit | hide]

In another timeline, the lords chose Devon Sleen, the Deyjan candidate, aligning Harmondale with Deyja and the Path of Darkness. Sleen’s inaction caused the negotiations to collapse, igniting an all-out war between Erathia and AvLee. Deyja exploited the chaos to raise vast undead armies.

Following the outbreak of war, the lords aided Deyja and the Terrans Tolberti, Dark Shade, Maximus, and their leader, now King of Deyja, Kastore, in his plan to restore the legendary Heavenly Forge. Recovering the final component needed to activate the machine, Kastore succeeded in creating weapons of the Ancients and equipping his forces of undead, goblins, ogres, and other creatures with advanced technology.

Together, Deyja, led by the dark Terrans, and Harmondale, led by the Lords, sought to conquer the world with this army. However, they were ultimately defeated by Erathia using the Armageddon's Blade.

Trivia[edit | hide]

  • Before Forge’s cancellation, the Path of Darkness was intended to be the canonical route in Might and Magic VII: For Blood and Honor.
  • Depending on the player’s choices, the Lords of Harmondale may include humans, elves, dwarves, or goblins.
  • While the Path of Light is canon, Harmondale’s political alignment remains ambiguous. It is rather likely that the lords chose Erathia, since Lucifer calls them "heroes from Erathia" in Seeking Armageddon. A devil in Catherine's Charge also relays Lucifer’s regards to Catherine for "a small part she played in his ascension to the throne". However, both statements are open for interpretation.
  • Devon Sleen and Brandis Fairweather both appear in the Armageddon's Blade campaign as supporting characters. Judge Sleen provides information that helps Xeron assemble the Blade, and Judge Fairweater corresponds with Gelu, advising him on the Sons of Erebus.
  • The later games do not explore what happened to the lords of Harmondale and the Adventurers of Terra. However, Jon Van Caneghem briefly mentioned that before New World Computing’s dissolution, there were plans to finalize the Kreegan storyline and depict a visit to the Ancient homeworld. This would have likely tied into the Lords and Terrans travelling through the Web of Worlds.
  • The banner of the independent kingdom of Harmondale is based on the New World Computing logo.

Gallery[edit | hide]

  • Harmondale as depicted on the MM7 map
    Harmondale as depicted on the MM7 map
  • Harmondale depicted on the MM7 Town Portal map (the highlighted icon)
    Harmondale depicted on the MM7 Town Portal map (the highlighted icon)
  • Kingdom of Harmondale heraldry (containing the NWC logo)
    Kingdom of Harmondale heraldry
    (containing the NWC logo)
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