Political Primer

Obtained from Ildin Aerim, in discussion with Freyden and Shades
=== What is Shades lord of? ===
Shades is the Lord of Mosswood Hinterlands and the Forest of Hope. The hinterlands is the gap between the Mosswood and the Forest of Hope, mostly made up of steep hills, mountains and cliffs with no explored mining potential.
 The only settlement encompassed by the woods is Zelkor's Ferry.
 Sandpoint is technically part of Mosswood, but they did not recognise Orlinde as their Lady, which is, in legal terms "fair enough, really" and the matter was not pursued. A similar, but significantly weaker argument could be made for Highcliff, Tarren’s Junction and Aberdeen. Aberdeen borders the Forest of Hope, but the Iron Mountains make a good border.
 The Dragonmarsh is not claimed by anyone, although Tarren’s Junction is on the northern border of it. Tarren’s Junction is part of Skor’s domain.
 Highcliff is on the border of the Forest of Hope and the Iron Mountains (thus it’s name) and is independent.
=== How do Skor, Sandpoint and Tsar communicate? ===
Sending is a relatively uncommon spell, but certainly not unobtainable. (Cleric4/Wiz5). Each town certainly has a member of court capable of casting it. Runners are very common, although exactly who or what does the running is different for each city.
=== Is Shades King of the Goblins? ===
 No more than Mortimer is King of the Britons.
 Orlinde earned her rank within Goblin society (the details are not widely known). From there, she helped the goblins organise themselves somewhat, enough that she was declared Lord of Mosswood by the High Council.
=== While we’re on the topic, what is the High Council? ===
 In theory; representatives from Sandpoint, Tsar, Skor, Mosswood, Tsuen,  Aberdeen and Doren’s hold that meet to discuss issues pertinent to the region, be they economic or martial.In practice, Aberdeen abstains, preferring to keep to themselves. Doren’s Hold does likewise, but perhaps more amiably so. With the decline of the dwarven population from Skor and Tarren’s, they have less stake in the Stoneheart Valley.Tsuen, not a known exporter of fucks, is too far south to be really relevant, and has long since focussed it’s attentions elsewhere.
=== So why is Tsuen involved at all? ===
The Coast Road one of the most famous landmarks in The Stoneheart Valley, a relatively neat and well-set road dating from about 1110E. It runs from Skor in the north to Tsuen in the south.
 As it is hard to travel further south through the Lower Dales (historically speaking, less so now), Tsuen instead associated more with it’s northern neighbours. Tsuen is an elven city, built in a large clearing in the forest. Now that the Lower Dales are clear and it’s much easier to reach the other elven towns, Tsuen does not take part in the events of the Stoneheart Valley.
=== What does the High Council do, and who are they? ===
 First off, it appoints the High Lords. Currently these are:
* High Lord Deverin, the Mayor of Sandpoint
* High Lord Rolth, the Regent of Skor
* High Lady Teyr’anaric, High Arcanist of Tsar.
 In addition, it also appoints a high priest (typically one of Mitra, although in days gone past that would have been Thyr) to act as an arbitrator.
 Currently, Viktorin of Mitra is High Priestess. She is based out of Tsar.
The High Lords meet and vote on issues, such as border disputes, trade regulation and martial matters, including setting limits on the size of standing armies (although this is less relevant now). Technically the entirety of the Stoneheart Valley is a loose alliance, with the High Lords in charge. In addition, they formally recognise new Lords and define their domain.
High Lady Orlinde Calaelen was the first and last High Lord of Mosswood.
 Anyone with enough martial or economic power in the region could declare themselves a Lord and have a seat at the council. They will be heard but can cast no votes. Currently there are a few Lords, mostly leaders of guilds. The heads of Mirrax’s Marines and Glodsson Heavy Industries are two such Lords, as is the Mayor of Tarren’s Junction, as well as an assortment of other minor nobles.
=== Does that actually work? ===
 Relatively well, considering. The High Council meets on the first day of each season to discuss all matters brought before them by the Lords and High Lords. Each matter is heard, then voted on by each High Lord. In the case of a tie, the matter is either shelved or the arbiter will decide. This rarely happens, however.
=== How does Mosswood work, as a duchy? ===
It doesn’t. Mosswood was only classified as a Duchy because of it’s organised goblin population. Before Orlinde Calaelen arrived, the goblins of mosswood were a loose collection of tribes whose informal treaties extended as only as far as raiding anyone who tried to settle the Mosswood.
Orlinde united the goblins, and managed to improve their ability to hunt and gather to the point where they no longer needed to raid nearby settlements (Such as the outer farms of Sandpoint). Once the goblins were no longer pillaging and stealing from surrounding settlements and begun to trade their unique wares (such as some of the stranger herbs unique to Mosswoord and ponies). Her husband, Arkhim also converted them to worshipping Gorum; his chaotic and warlike nature appealed to the goblins and served to give them a little guidance.
 When High Lady Orlinde left, the goblin leadership dissolved with her. The goblins still conduct trade and (for the most part) avoid raids, but tribal feuds (and their voracious appetites) have stopped them from putting forward a united front.
=== So, what now? ===
Your deed will not be recognised by the council unless those in your domain recognise it first. I understand that this may be important to you, but there has not been a lord of Mosswood in five hundred years, and you may have an uphill battle ahead of you. I am not saying to hire a food taster, but the balance of power right now is in a favorable place for those who weild that power, and they do not wish for upheavel.