Viscounty of Halton

**Ruler**
 **Ruling House**
 **Resident Houses**
* House Ryll
* House Culvene
* House Mathis

The **Viscounty of Halton** is located in the mid-southern region of the Duchy of Avercroft. It is the second largest land holding, and is under the joint stewardship of the De Vere siblings.

The town of Halton is the main town of the Viscounty, as well as the whole of the Duchy of Avercroft. It services all residents, as well as transients and travelers alike. Halton also has a newly renovated town hall, a modest chapel, counting house and post office, a new hospital that is presently under construction as well as a number of other shops, services, and other amenities.

To the east, leads a road alongside the Nazferiti river into the neighbouring Barony. To the west, leads to both Crawford Sound and Port Staverton which is a very busy thoroughfare between towns, given the exchange of goods and services from the Port.

It should be noted that the Viscounty of Halton is considered part of the dowry provided through marriage to the Marchioness, Lady Livia De Vere.

## Culture

As a large and rather traditional Viscounty, the main town, Halton is the most traveled among the lands and towns of the Duchy proper. It serves as the primary location for services of the church, often seeing citizens traveling on Sundays from all over the March to attend services. Within Halton, one will find several notable amenities including, the Minstrel’s Market Place where a monthly farmer’s market takes place bringing farmers and buyers alike from all over. Other notable locations within Halton are; the Town Hall, the Halton Chapel, Halton Post Office, and the famed Glass Phoenix Shoppe.

Built at the mouth of the Surging Run river with the Nazferiti to the south and with a population of around 457 citizens, the town is always bustling with activity. The climate of the town is one of great importance to the March, however, it is also one with a friendly atmosphere for all who find themselves within its borders. Town meetings are held often to address citizen concerns and disputes through the judgment of the mayor in the past. That responsibility now lay with Lord and Lady De Vere.

### Religious Beliefs

All residents are devout followers of the Church of the Holy Light, nearly every one of them make the weekly trip to Halton and join together in sermon and prayer, held in the small Halton Chapel.

### Local Holidays

The annual Celebration of Life picnic is usually held July 4th, located on the De Vere estate, in the Manor Gardens. During this time all residents within the county congregate at the estate to celebrate the lives lost as well as to celebrate the beginning of new lives.

The second Saturday of October is known as Family Feasting, and is a holiday celebrated by the Viscounty in the town of Halton, at the town hall. It is an evening of Feasting and Dance. It is widely known throughout the county that many families conceive around this time as celebrations carry well into the night and following morning; thus many of the children throughout the county are similar in age.

## Economy & Resources

The Viscounty has an incredible amount of readily made resources, everything from fish, meats, hides, herbs, vegetables, ores and grains. The lands are rich in soil and minerals, making it an exceptional place to buy and trade at a lesser cost than what you might find in large cities. Some families have small personal gardens to grow their own herbs, fruits or vegetables, but most consumables are imported to include dairy.

## History

### Founding

Wyndamere was officially founded in 588 K.Y by House Bassett, and it became the seat of three counties and nine baronies. Halton was one of the first towns to be established and has since blossomed into the main hub of the entire Duchy.

### Destruction

Much of the Viscounty was destroyed during the First War when the Orcs invaded Stormwind and neighbouring areas. Efforts to rebuild did not take place until after Stormwind was Liberated by the Alliance of Lordaeron.

### Present Day

The Viscounty is presently under the Stewardship of Marchioness Livia De Vere.