Duchy of the Riverlands

**Ruler**
 **Ruling House**
 **Resident Houses**
* House Dualstar
* House Montgomery
* House Hillegas
* House Chivay
* House Rivers
* House Willow
* House Bradford
 **Seat**
 **Settlements**
* Witch Water
* Devalon
* Forester's Vale
* Harvest Moon Vineyard
* Maiden's Grove
 **Beliefs**
TideMother
 **Founded**

What was once a small fledgling barony on the Eastern coast of Westfall has sprung up into northing short of a powerhouse of industry, innovation, power, and prosperity know to its people as the Duchy of the Riverlands.

On the Western border - Westfall stands as the originator of the seat of its power. The rebuilt County of Westwood spanning from Westwood in the North to the Southern Westfall coastline in Kirkwall - and while her vassals in the Lord Chivay, Lord Bohannnon, and Lord Montgomery extend this border of the Duchy further South with Grovemarch and Sagebrush Shore - the primary Westfall county remains Westwood.

In the Norther Border of Southern Elwynn, the County of Wildwood Reach ruled over by Sawyer's vassal, Lord Burchard Hillegas, maintains a steadfast watch over the Northern most border in treacherous but beautiful deep forests and valleys.

In the South, the County of Brightwater - Nicolette's first major ascension and passion project sits as the mainstay of her network of River Control. From Gallow Tree to the eastern depths of Duskwood with her vassals in Lord Gregor Rivers maintaining Forester's Vale, and Zyavea Dualstar in the umbral forested rivers.

Rounding out further East into Redridge, the domination of the Kingdom's main river network is heralded by Brienne Willow, Baroness of Hidden Hollow. Further expansion is expected on the Redridge front as the expansion and control of the riverways of the Kingdom of Stormwind is cemented in the King's name, of course.

## Culture

The people of the Riverlands are steadfast hunters and defenders of the river. With death and loss as an accepted part of daily life they revere solemn occasions instead with revelry and feasting - placing decorations, chimes, and lantern lights as waystations to guide the departed souls lost to the curse of Duskwood into the calming rivers.

With the recent addition of the House Sawyer to their lands an addition of Willow branches and blossoms as been added as a wreathed small vessel, set alight but an arrow of flame as they end one adventure and begin another under the moonlight.

In all things they are hunters, rifleman, tradesman, and are quite contented as a Bulwark as one of the few remaining bastions of life within Duskwood's little corner.

### Religious Beliefs

Some residents can be considered superstitious, but most believe in the Church of the Holy Light.

However, worship of the Pantheon of Titans, Elune, and even the Tidemother are welcomed within its borders.

### Local Holidays

The March of Marshes - ides of March - a Lantern lit walk through the wetlands between the rivers of the wood to guide forgotten souls back to a warm tavern.

Lamp Light Nights - December - the trees all through Duskwood be they giant spider infested or cursed burrow are dressed in glowing lights and cheerful warmth to ward away the next year's bad omens and ill-spirits.

## Economy & Resources

Brightwater's economy is split into several aspects:

The first and most prominent generation of coin is House Sawyer's toll on the rivers for the value of all vessels passing through her waters on the way to and from Stormwind. While few exclusions remain the bulk of the revenue generated is reinvested into infrastructure, military structure, river security, and most importantly the holdings and people of Brightwater - in the latter half of 634 Nicolette Sawyer, Countess of Brightwater, released a surplus of gold revenue to her subjects totaling 100 gold each.

Supplementing this is an expansive trade in lumberyards specializing in web treated oak and Willow wood ; A small mining operating in the middling mountain range of common gemstones and silver and finally, Nicolette's new pride and joy - the Harvest Moon Winery - using experimental distilling, fermentation with the local ingredients infused being a closely guarded secret.

Westwood once stood very much the same destitute pillars of Westfall as its own - with the inception of the river tax and its scrupulous investment into people and infrastructure over the past four years Westwood has become a robust powerhouse of paved roads, banking, fine craftsmanship, and specialized farming techniques so much so that the tax burden of its people pales in comparison to the massive output of glittering gems, silver, and specialized lumber craft. Its fletchers and bowyers are something of a local legend now and the gifts of Willow Blossoms from its local fauna a traditional march of generated coin in the markets throughout the Kingdom.

Redridge ordained as a mining barony venture has turned squalid mine shafts into well-ordered quarries of marble and stone supplemented by a new find of gold - a rush is expected soon from the rest of the Duchy into these lands as the start up finds itself the ideal of new opportunity.

The Elwynn holdings typically vested in lumber, game, and fish has also found itself a main producer of interesting cavalry such as the Hillegas Bearvalry as well as a new venture into efficient metallurgy with coal veings being sniffed out in mines previously carved out by gnolls and kobolds - a new dawn of steel is upon the Riverlands.

## History

### Founding

County of Brightwater was founded in 634 K.Y. when the College of Arms led by Earl Marshal Reignsford approved the merger of The Barony of Brightwater and The Barony of Uveton

As of now the County is in a state of rebuilding and reinforcement of its place within the world following the devastating Civil War of 634.

## Settlements

### Gallow Tree

Is the County seat of power and the last remaining major holdfast against the curse of corruption lingering in Duskwood. Situated and comprised of many of the lost cities former citizens it remains a prominent river trading port and support structure for artillery encampments.

It is currently undergoing major renovation of stone, marble, and lumber to replace rot and decay from constant attacks of undead, worgen, and dark magi.

### Devalon

The seat of the Barony of Uveton and a final stop for those wishing to venture into the dark woods towards Raven Hill cemetary. A bustling trading post exists here for adventurers to purchase gear here before venturing forth, and a Pawn in the back for lucky mercenaries returning like-new gear found amongst the shambling dead.

## Houses

House Sawyer rules the Riverlands . It is known for its valiant victory in the defense of Sentinel Hill being one of the last standing against the rebellion.

House Dualstar and House Montgomery are vassal houses of Sawyer, residing within Brightwater and Westfall respectively.

House Hillegas

House Willow

Lord Elrodore Tate

House Bohannon

House Rivers

House Bradford