Southern Territories

There are seven Southern territories, which are called Thanedoms. Each is governed by an old southern clan, lead by one of the seven Thanes. In each Thanedom reside the Barons, who each govern a smaller section of land in their respective Thanedom. Under the Barons are the minor nobility (lords, ladies and lairds) and common folk, who govern nothing but their own homesteads.

## The Thanedom of Crannach

House Cranna governs Crannach which stretches from the outskirts of the Taghan Woods to the east and the boarders of Skovva to the west, the boarders of the east to the north and southernmost edge of Morloch Lake to the south. It’s seat is Crannach Fast. These lands are some of the most fertile farming lands in the South, and like their neighbours in Lobhdain, they maintain close worship of the goddess Fifalda.

## The Thanedom of Dubhdris

   House Blackthorne rules Dubhdris (Duh-drish), as they have for almost a thousand years. Their seat is Dubhdris Tower, and their lands stretch down the western coast of Ásaterra, bordered to the east by the Cladag Mountains. The current Thane of Dubhdris is Alecto Blackthorne.

### Dubhdris Castle

Dubhdris Castleis the ancient seat of Clan Dubhdris, headed by House Blackthorne. The Blackthorne lands stretch along the stormy west coast, and encompass several small towns and hamlets. The lands have been ruled by House Blackthorne for almost a thousand years, and are currently under the command of Lady Alecto Blackthorne, the last remaining blood member of the Blackthorne line. Clan Dubhdris makes up her retainers, household and council.

The town of Dubhdris is set in the foothills of the Cladag Mountain and is built of sturdy grey granite, with stunning views of the Azulian Sea. It is set within heavy stone walls
and fortifications to keep out both enemies and the winter wolves. It is set near several major roads, making it a popular stop for travellers on their way around the coast. The Tower itself is an ancient castle. It’s western side is plain and worn down over the years by the storms coming in off of the sea, but it’s eastern side is more decorative, carved with intricate detail. Like many southern buildings, its windows feature heavy oak shutters, treated with tar in the same way as boats,. When a storm rolls in, the shutters are locked up tight against the howling of the winter wind, keeping the occupants snug and safe
inside. During particularly nasty winters, it is not uncommon for the entire town to take refuge in the main keep for warmth. The great fires are lit, and the whole town, including the nobility, will huddle in the main hall to share both their body warmth and cheer. Mulled wine will be passed around, songs will be sung and stories will be told whilst the winter rations are eaten. Even the livestock are invited inside, and they spend the winter quite comfortably in one of the lesser halls, kept away from the winter predators.

Dubhdris is also famous for its temple to Lady Death. During the warmer days, when the shutters are rolled back, the setting sun shines through the western windows, which are set with intricately crafted stained glass, ordered from the west by the Blackthorne family hundreds of years ago.

### Cailcton or ‘The Chalk’

Located on the South-eastern coast, Cailcton is more often than not simply referred
to as ‘the Chalk’, taking its name from the white cliffs which it is situated
on. The area is not a very wealthy one, and is sometimes referred to as ‘Cheap
Shore’. The people on the Chalk are renowned for their strong faith, especially
in regards to Omar. It is custom for many sailors to throw a handful of fish
from a catch back into the sea in defence and respect for the ocean deity.
There are two main taverns in the town. The Corner Tavern is the oldest, and is
more popular with the locals, whilst The Forty Crabs is less of a drinking establishment
by this point and more of a boxing ring, frequented by visiting sailors and

travellers.

## The Thanedom of Glas

Glas is above the Thanedom of Dubhdris, and is one of the northernmost southern thanedoms. House Grey governs it, with their seat in Glas Haven. Their land, like that of Dubhdris, is bordered on the east by the Cladag Mountains and the west by the Azulian Sea. The family is renowned for their patronage of the arts, and hold Mordon in high esteem.

## The Thanedom of Lobhdain

The House of Lothian rules Lobhdain, with their seat in Lobhdain Castle. Their lands stretch from Salmarsh in the south, and encompasses most of Taghan Woods. Glas and Crannach boarder the land on either side in the north, giving Lobhdain its distinctive diamond shape. The House of Lobhdain pride themselves on their hunting and navigational skills, and are famously dedicated to the goddess Fifaldia, hunting all creatures by the deer.

### Sàlmarsh Bay

Sàlmarsh Bay is a place surrounded by superstition. In 200BU, a battle was
fought between two forces from the places now known as the Taghan Woods and the
Chalk. The Woodland forces forced the opposition into retreat and left them
stuck in marshes between the woods and the Southern Ocean. Once the Chalk
troops were trapped, they were massacred, although it is notable the Woodland
Folk did maintain their own substantial losses. Thus, the area became known as
Deadman’s Marsh.

Although the battle is long over, it is said that if you head
out into the marsh on dark nights, you may see the spirits of men, drowning and
trapped in the marshland once more. These days, the area is normally known as
Sàlmarsh, and the town neighbouring it is Sàlmarsh Bay, although the old name
still lingers. The people of Sàlmarsh Bay are known to be relatively
easy-going, and the actual town is considered rather wealthy in relation those
surrounding it.

## The Thanedom of Seagha

Seagha is the northernmost thanedom, and it is ruled by House Shawe. Seagha Keep is their home, and their lands encompass much of Taghan Wood, as well as good quantity of farmland. They are bordered by the Cladag Mountains to the south, and the east to the north.

## The Thanedom of Sudrach

House Soutar rules Sudrach, which sits on the border with Skovva. The Soutar family makes much of its money through trading, situated as it is on the southern coastline. It contains many port towns, including the infamous Blackwater, and much of its power is at sea. The family reside in Sudrach Seat.

### Blackwater

Blackwater, formerly known as Dubhburn, is a bustling port town on the south-easternmost
point of Ásaterra, on the delta of the Díleann River. It is one of the larger
coastal towns in the south-eastern Ásaterra , and it notorious across the
south, often being referred to as ‘Bilgewater’. It is known for its many taverns,
which stay open all hours, and is known by many as a place of disrepute. It is
known as a home of sorts for pirates and smugglers, many of whom use the access
to the river to ship stolen goods to Skovva. Blackwater is generally poorly
regarded by outsiders, and they have a reputation for being sly and

untrustworthy. The town’s name is often used in common southern insults, for example: ‘You’re a trustworthy a Blackwater man/woman’ or ‘I’d rather go to Blackwater than see you again!’.

## The Thanedom of Tàileach

The ancient House Tallach holds the land from the Southern Ocean up to the Bealach Keep, the Southern capital in the Cladag Mountains. Bordered Dubhdris on the west and Gealach Bay on the east, it’s seat is Tàileach Hold. Historically, Clan Tàileach spawned a line of kings, and they held most of what are now the southern lands for four hundred years. The Thane of Tàileach, Ealasaid Tallach, is currently on the High Council of Ásaterra.

### Bealach Keep

Bealach Keep is one of the oldest
citadels in the south. It is located in the Cladag Mountains and is the seat of
the Warriors of the Dark Sun. Although it is not the biggest city in the
south, it is considered the safest; the keep has never been taken and is often
considered impenetrable. The city is only accessible by a single mountain road,
although there are rumours of secret tunnels running through the mountain which
only the highest ranking leaders know of. The city itself is comprised of high
granite walls and backs into the mountain range itself. It is said that there
are great caverns underground in the darkness of the mountain where food is
stored in case of a siege.

The Keep, unusually for a military
stronghold, is often renowned to be quite beautiful. The grey granite walls are
covered with ivy, trees grow in the market places and town square, and climbing
flowers bedecking the houses. It is also coupled by stunning views out over the
mountains and surrounding country side, which look especially beautiful during
the snowy winter months. The city of Bealch Keep is full of people from many
different walks of life, but is also where many Dark Sun members are trained.
Although basic training takes place at other Dark Sun strongholds, the Keep is
the main base of operations.

### Breaker’s Point

Breaker’s Point is names for the rocky outcrops which extend from around its
location and into the Southern Ocean. The rock formation rises out of the water
like a natural sea wall, and many ships have found themselves surprised by the
swift currents around The Breakers, to their peril. The Point itself is located
on the western side of Gealach Bay, and used to be known as *Rubha an Bodha* in the days before the
annexation of the south. The local people hold dear the values of most
southerner, although they have a reputation for being hardier and more stoic
than most, although are also very charitable. The local tavern, The Leviathan,
doubles as a town hall and a shelter from the dangerous storms which batter the
point on winter nights, and from the howling winds which echo through the
darkness.
*Lore contributed by Kat Mills.*

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