North-East Baronies

The eastern portion of the Northern Baronies is a far more stable land than the west. The years of nearly constant warfare have settled into actual peace. This has allowed the lands to prosper, growing their power and influence. This prosperity has also encouraged the more diplomatic rulers in the North-West Baronies. The region is bordered to the east by the Dragoncrest Mountains, to the south by Feylan Wood, the Blackspine Mountains to the north and the barony of Phaernockt forms its western most portions. The terrain varies from the plains of the south to the wetlands of Avolin Marsh and the rocky regions near the Blackspine Mountains.

**People**

Humans make up most of the humanoid habitants in the North-East Baronies. This population is a mix of various ethnicities and human cultures brought together by the relative stability of the region. Elves are the second most common, remnants of elven settlements whose ruins now pepper the area. Besides these, dwarves, halfling, and gnolls are common. A variety of giants make their homes in the wilds and occasionally come into conflict with settlements. Fashion in the region is influenced by social status. The common folk dress practically for work and the outdoors. The nature of the Northern Baronies has made clothing which can be worn with armor part of common dress as well. Nobles and merchants import a variety of clothes and styles from Rafiah, Tieralto and lands between.

**Climate & Geography**

Overall, the climate of the North-East Baronies tends dry with hot summers and mild winters. The three baronies are divided along geographic regions. Arkham in the north/north-east is in the area with the most rainfall and its hilly land has an abundance of woods and large forests. To the far east is a large area of wetlands where the land slopes down toward steep cliffs along the Dragoncrest Mountains. Rotheim in the southeast is mostly a region of grassy plains with scattered trees and windy weather. Rocky areas are scattered through with the land overall is good for farming and ranching. Phaernockt in the west is the rockiest region, growing more so to the north and western borders. Phaernockt also has the coldest winters due to winds from the Blackspine Mountains.

**Economy**

The North-East Baronies have robust trade among themselves as well as with baronies to the west. The region's mountains provide a good amount of mineral wealth which is traded west in the form of weapons, armor and tools. Phaernockt has quarries for the granite-like black stone found only in the Blackspine Mountains. Rotheim is the chief producer of the region's abundant grain, horses and cattle. Arkham's lumber industry keeps the baronies supplied with a variety of woods useful in construction and crafting. Merchants from the North-East Baronies take these and other crafted goods as far as Gateway and Tieralto. Such caravans are guarded by the mercenaries trained in the region.

**Government**

Of the Northern Baronies, those in the north-east are the most politically stable. A collection of smaller baronies early in the Age of Kingdoms, this changed with a firm alliance, strategic skill and diplomacy. By the end of the Age, the three baronies of the region divided the others among themselves. They allowed the former Barons of these to retain a degree of power as Lords. Over the centuries since this accomplishment, Phaernockt, Rotheim, and Arkham have held firm to their alliance and refrained from interfering with the internal politics of the others.

**Landmarks**

*The Gorgon's Woods* - A region of petrified forest in the western part of Phaernockt. This petrified state extends to even the smallest shrubs and only a few hardy weeds, lichens and mosses grow there. While it is not unheard of for a gorgon to take up residence in the area, the region is more so named for a story with little historical evidence.

*Goblin's Gorge* - A rocky valley near the Blackspine Mountains known to be the dwelling place of goblins. Tribes of the creatures have lived in the valley's numerous caves and ravines for as long as any human records indicate. Adventurers that have gone into the area report extensive cave networks that go deep under the mountains.

*Worm's Gullet* - A mud bog in the south-west part of Phaernockt. The terrain makes the area particularly dangerous by itself, but there are also rumors of various monsters including gigantic worms. Stories say that a wizard experimenting with dark forces built his lair in a cave within the bog.

*Storslat Gron* - The largest river in the northern parts of the Continent, Storslat Gron is considered to run from Raven's Fall in the Dragoncrest Mountains into Feylan Wood. The river while being miles wide is relatively shallow and travel along its length requires the use of shallow flat-bottomed boats. Legends say that in the Age of Myth the river once end at Lake Creedance. A giant jarl wished to have its waters feed the moat of his castle. So, he commanded his servants to dig the river a trench all the way to his castle in Feylan Wood.

*Lake Creedance* - A massive lake along the length of Stroslat Gron. The lake is a source of various resources for all three baronies. The lake is known for its clear waters and Drakfyr Isle. The Isle is home to the crumbling remains of a castle reputed to be haunted.

*Fulmath Ferry* - The ferry was built by dwarves near the end of the Age of Kingdoms. Built at the southern end of Storslat Gron, the ferry consists of two stone fortifications and massive chains that allow massive rafts to be hauled across the river. Its importance locally has been reduced by Fayette becoming part of Rotheim. However, it has gained in importance for trade coming from the south and headed west.

*Griffin Rock* - A series of rock formations varying in size from small tors and nubbins surrounding a rugged mesa that has been a breeding ground for griffins for generations. Though they prove a hazard to caravans and dangerous to livestock in the area, no concerted effort has ever been made to remove them. Partly due to the sheer number of the beasts found there, but also due to the location as a source of valuable griffin eggs for the very bold.

*The Titan's Grave* - A volcanic crater at the south-eastern most edge of the baronies where the bones of dead titans remain from the Age of Myth. Adventurers report a temple belonging to some unknown cult from the east among the bones.

*Avolin Marsh* - A massive wetland along the cliffs of the Dragoncrest Mountains. The area is a source of resources for the baronies as well as home to small settlements of humanoids. Over the centuries a variety of cults, wizards and sages have made the marsh their home.