The Baronies

 

The Baronies are 7 federated states that make up the kingdom of Eretria.  Each is ruled by a baron/baroness who gains their titles by bloodline.  In the case of a baron having no legal heir to inherit his/her title, claims to the title are reviewed by the king and the best candidate chosen.  Titles can also be revoked by the king in the case of treason, but this is rare.  The Barons/Baronesses, upon receiving their titles, take the last name of their respective baronies. 

 

King Peldrin rules the baronies from afar, preferring to allow the barons to settle their own disputes.

 

1.)  Barony Chandreskahr 

            Ruler:  Baron Edric Chandreskahr

            Economy:  lumber, agricultural products, stone, silver, mithril

Chandreskahr is the newest of the baronies, having been incorporated 200 years after the kingdom was established.  Paradoxically, the city of Chandreskahr is one of the oldest cities on the continent of Klondathera.  When formed, Chandreskahr consisted only of the few cities that line the coast, but rapid inland expansion has greatly increased its size.  The northern frontiers are in constant danger of humanoid raids.

            Loyalty:  Loyal

 

2.)  Barony Cambria

            Ruler:  Baroness Lorinne Cambria

            Economy:  ships, hardwood timbers, fish, salt

Cambria is a peninsula, surrounded on three sides by the sea.  It provides the backbone of the king’s navy and relies heavily on the sea and its bounty for commerce.  Cambrian ships are of master quality, whether one is looking for a coracle or a schooner.  Most Cambrians are of light complexion, with blond or light brown hair.  Baroness Cambria was awarded her title by the king when her predecessor was accused of treason.  Lorinne promptly slaughtered him and his court in a bloody coup. 

            Loyalty:  Fanatic

 

3.)  Barony Pallachia

            Ruler:  Baron Bron Pallachia

            Economy:  Iron, leather, placer gold

Pallachia is the northernmost barony, bordering the Tarvin lands.  The area that is now Pallachia has been taken from the barbarians in centuries of warfare, and the blood of the Tarvins still runs deep in many of the citizens there.  While not openly rebellious to the crown, Pallachia remains in a state of civil unrest.  Those of Tarvin blood are not permitted to own land, so still maintain a semi-barbarian existence.  The White Plume Legion maintains numerous outposts in the cities and settlements of Pallachia and are ready to stamp out rebellion at a moment’s notice.

            Loyalty:  Shaky

 

 

4.)        Eretria

            Ruler:  Prince Stephanos Peldrin

            Economy:  None-Eretria maintains trade throughout the baronies and exists  solely on income from taxes and levies.

Eretria is a tiny nation at the center of the baronies, only 8 miles long and 14 miles wide.  While it could be considered part of Barony Gallison, it maintains its borders as the heart of the kingdom.  The bulk of the White Plume Legion’s top officers are garrisoned here.  The day-to-day governing of Eretria is given over to the king’s eldest son, Stephanos, but King Peldrin occasionally steps in to settle matters of contention and to make some state decisions.  Eretria is the economic, judicial, and religious center of the kingdom and the headquarters of most of the major religions are located here.  The ancestral castle built by Elric Wolfsbane is on the northern edge of Eretria, and it is here King Peldrin holds his court.  The ruler of the barony of Eretria (traditionally the crown prince or princess) also maintains a castle complex here. 

            Loyalty:  Fanatic

 

5.)  Barony Burgoyne

            Ruler:  Baron Donal Burgoyne

            Economy:  Fishing, agriculture, wool, textiles

At the western edge of the kingdom, Barony Burgoyne is a mountainous region.  The coastline is rocky and dotted with high cliffs.  Lightly inhabited (by humans), Burgoyne’s economy depends on herding sheep, cattle, aurochs, and goats.  Its rulers have forged unlikely treaties in past years with tribes of humanoids and other intelligent denizens of the mountains.  The people are a hardy group, akin to hardship and outdoor living.  The  Burgoynes are the most independent of the Baronial families, and the attitude has spread to the populace.  Burgoynians are loyal to the Barony first, the kingdom second.   

              Loyalty-Indifferent  

 

 

6.)  Barony Hindragel

             Ruler-Baroness Foriza Hindragel

             Economy-Lumber, agriculture, precious metals, gemstones, metalworking

Without a doubt the richest of the baronies, Hindragel is also under the tightest control by the king.  Baroness Hindragel keeps no standing military; those duties are performed by the White Plume Legion.  Whether this decision was the king’s or not is unknown, but, given the gold, silver, and gemstone mines that dot the countryside it is likely.  The Barony is well patrolled and peaceful with far less unsettled land than the other baronies. 

            Loyalty-Loyal

 

7.)  Barony Gallison

            Ruler-Baron Hamish Gallison

            Economy-Leather, textiles, glass, pottery, ores

Gallison is the largest barony, bordering the Azul Mountains on its southern edge.  Gallison and Hindragel are the only two baronies without coastlines, linked to each other and their neighbors by a well maintained network of roads and caravan trails.  Gallison is tasked with guarding the passes through the mountains, and as such, has developed close  ties to the dwarven clans who control them.  Hamish Gallison is the king’s first cousin, and the family ties are strong.  Gallison’s wide expanses of farmable land support a strong agricultural economy, and its craftsmen are adept at making glass, pottery, and other essentials.

            Loyalty-Fanatic