The Structure of the Grand Duchy of Meradyne

## The Political Structure

The Grand Duchy itself is ruled over by the Grand Duke Daelim Emmelos (DAY-lim EM-el-os). The enigmatic figure prefers to rule from behind a phalanx of advisors and spokespeople, and only makes public appearances from behind mask and robe, in order to provide defense via anonymity. Being more of an administrative presence, the Grand Duke adheres to the longtime tradition of dividing up the land into several Baronies, ruled over by their respective barons and baronesses. The general feel of each region can be found on this board.

### The Nine Baronies

There are Nine Baronies, all descended from the original Adamant Charters drafted and ratified in the year 344 PE (Post-Exodus).

The great Gnomish barony of Straussendor (STROW-sen-dor), known for its economic strength and wise leadership, lies in the eastern lowlands, nestled against the twin Mounts, Ferran and Lycia. Exports of clay and iron dominate the economy of the region, and there is work aplenty for all comers.

The corpulent barony of Zletograd (ZLET-oh-grad), ruled by the pompous dragonborn clan Zleto, known for its wealthy ports and unique cuisine, lies in the balmy northwest of the region. The leadership is grossly wealthy, and the populace wears the yoke of their vanity. Nevertheless, it's a city worth visiting; you'll never find a more unique blend of flavors than at The Stronghold's Son, the most famous restaurant in the region.

In the frozen southwest flatlands lies the reborn barony of Exabysm (ex-uh-BIZ-um), ruled by the tiefling clans the escaped from the clutches of the nine hells. Their right to rule in the former vassal barony of Zletograd was given them by the Grand Duke only recently, and the current barony of Zletograd retains much hostility for Exabysm. Gentle and content, the denizens of Exabysm specialize in providing rest and solace to the hurt and harried.

Lying across the River Luunia (LOON-ee-ah) to the south of Zletograd is the Drow-dominant Barony of Hexiun (hex-EE-oon), known for its military might and unique architecture. While their strength isn't in tourism, many young souls flock to the city anyways, intending to make a living in the peackeeping and warmaking business.

South of Hexiun on the River Luunia lies it's neighbor, Siolynburgh (SHO-lin-bur-rah). This quaint, quiet halfling barony is known for its rich agriculture, friendly drinking houses, and lively parties. It is a popular place for the tired workman to settle down and enjoy the autumnal years of life.

If you follow the Lodan river northward from Siolynburgh, you'll come upon the notoriously tricky Lodan (LO-dun) Delta. With a good guide and a lot of patience, you'll find yourself in Dossial (DOS-see-ul), the cosmopolitan heart of the kingdom. Majoring in trade with cultures across the sea, and being one of the sole supporters of the Barony of Kabu, Dossial is a rich, boisterous town. Keep on your toes- where there's money, there's bound to be crime in equal measure.

Set sail to the northwest from Dossial, and you'll reach the jewel of the Grand Duchy, Kabu (Kob-oo). This largely Kenku-inhabited city is a hotspot for the arts, particularly the performing arts. Flashy architecture and outfits alike, this barony is a must-see.

For those of stern constitution and good sense of the wilds, there is Cielgaard (see-EL-gard), home of the Aarakocra and Owlin populations. The leadership there is currently working on making the city more accessible to the non-winged residents of the Grand Duchy, and are eager to welcome travelers (and their money) with open wings. Find this unique barony in the southeastern forest.

Go further south yet, and you reach the tip of the inhabitable regions of the Grand Duchy, namely Yargish Ha-Raani (YAR-gish ha-ra-NEE). Formed by a confederacy of folk passionate about mining, Dwarves, Orcs, Goblinoids, Giants and Deurgar live in a wildly contrasting community, and seem to do so in peace. Gems and ores flow from the city, much of which is traded for good, strong ale.

### The Wild Lands

Outside the protection of the towns and cities under the ruling barons, the Grand Duchy is wild, unpredictable and cruel. The fiefs and outlanders dwelling in these hostile marches are presided over by Marquis, numbering eight in all. These brave individuals work in tandem with the Barons, yet they report to the Grand Duke himself, a distinction that has caused much grumbling amongst the nobility. Each Marquis has been granted the power of judge, jury and executioner over all citizens, vassals, animals, monsters, and any other entity that might draw their attention within their realm.

The Demons' Kiln is a far northern march. The Marquis in charge of this harsh desert goes by the name of Kserniyus (kis-ER-nee-us), a small lizardfolk of legendary resiliency and resource. Rumors surrounding him suggest everything from fighting off devil raids singlehandedly to secretly eating his own vassals.

The Slavering Steppe is watched over by Warden Proof, a bugbear of tall stature and kindly manner. She has a passion for justice and compassion, frequently choosing rehabilitation methods to deal with transgressing citizens rather than execution. She has even decreed relocation of dangerous beasts and monsters, rather than they typical extermination tactics used by other Marquis.

Luun's (LOON) Rock is located just to the north of Zletograd, jutting out of the sea like a dark omen. Near the top of the spire lives Marquis An-Thalenan (an-thal-in-AN), former archmage of The Academy of Arcane Dynamism in Hexiun. Willowy and courtly, the Lodelight Elf is proper to a fault, and extraordinarily powerful.

Located between Hexiun and Exabysm, The Everlode is a region of breathtaking beauty and breath-stopping danger, home to most of the Grand Duchy's megafauna. Few are familiar with the kind soul that watches over that fair, perilous region, but most seem to agree that it is in good hands.

Ironpines Incursion Zone, rumored to be the locus of the Fey's advent in the region, is watched over by Annelize Larchenine (ANN-el-eez LAR-chen-ine), a curt half-elven maid of simple dress and direct speech. They say her proximity to raw feywild energy has kept her with the appearance of a fifteen year old woman for the last century or so, unusual even for those of elven descent. Most steer clear of this region, preferring to take the long way around to get to the surrounding baronies of Siolynburgh, Straussendor and Cielgaard.

Far east of Cielgaard is another march simply called The Lighthouse, watched over by Marquis Markus Stoker. Markus changed his first name to springboard off his new title of Marquis, and has taken that chaotic, merry energy into his duties as well. The border to the hostile Shadowed Shores beyond his realm are dotted with extravagant traps, captured watch-monsters in full costume, and soldiers dressed as clowns and jugglers. Tomfoolery aside, Markus has kept the Grand Duchy safe for sixty years, and the dwarf doesn't show signs of giving up anytime soon.

Goodfellow Prospect is the Marquis of The Mines of the Buried Sun. A captain of industry and a protector of his realm, Goodfellow is a busy, busy half-orc. Most of his attention dwells on keeping the supply of Spellweave Dye and Potennium Ore, and doing it in such a way as to avoid rousing the deadly denizens of the Buried Places. He rarely surfaces from the mines, as he has a dislike of the icy climate in the south of the Grand Duchy.

A realm as wild as Glacial Pass requires an even wilder overseer, which the Grand Duke found in Licorice. This quite mad harengon is on a hair-trigger, and the line between making a life-long friend and swiftly cutting them down is perilously thin. But those that win Licorice's respect or friendship receive messages and gifts that seem to find them no matter where they are in the world.