The Barrowberg of Althmeg

This tragedy of Colluch was keenly felt by those Halflings who had stayed on the mainland, but in its wake the most remembered Halfling leader rose to prominence: Queen Melryn the Lawgiver. She led a small town near Lake Walbern, and told everyone that the strength of the Halflings was weakened by a lack of discipline and coordination.

She denounced the Society of the Sealed Gate for turning away from magic, which had been such a source of strength for Halflings for centuries. At the same time, she criticized wizards who had reached for more simply because they could, and then reached too far. Her belief was that moderation and control were the answers. She made many laws and then set clear consequences for disobedience, and made examples of those who incurred those penalties.

Halflings were attracted to her promise of a strong new nation, and her village of Althmeg on the shores of Lake Walbern became a bustling town, and then a city. Undead creations were allowed, but only as many as could be controlled. Those who created them to excess were attacked by the forces of Queen Melryn and destroyed along with their creations. But so long as wizards kept with her law, she encouraged controlled experimentation and began to collect many great magical artifacts.

Eventually Queen Melryn’s descendants began experimenting with golems. The creatures were bound by law—they followed instructions precisely and so, it was believed, they could never turn on their creators. Soon the creatures were a common sight pulling rickshaws, building walls, or guarding the gates. They were made to protect the law, ensure those who broke the law were promptly but mercifully corrected.

One day the golems inexplicably began picking people up and moving them gently but firmly outside the gates. Once all the citizens were outside, the golems began building the walls even higher, into a vast dome. As people tried to get in, they were harmlessly but persistently removed, the holes patched, and the sealing of the city continued. Tireless workers, the golems sealed the entire city before the sun set.

Later, some would speculate that the golems had realized that the city would never become the perfect form of lawful society while living creatures were allowed. By removing them, they created a paradise of pure reason. The golems were unable to speak, however, so they never explained themselves. It’s assumed they’re still working diligently under the dome of stone by the lake.