Duchy of Summerfast

**Ruler**
 **Ruling House**
 **Resident Houses**
* House Mysticos
* House Thale (formerly)
* House Barakos
* House Northbane
 **Seat**
 **Settlements**
* Minervica
* Alba
* Lakones
 **Beliefs**
 **Founded**

Nestled in the heartland of the Kingdom of Stormwind, The Duchy of Summerfast is a fief within Elwynn Forest. A fertile and temperate land like the rest of Elwynn; Home to many a hamlet, small village and town, the occasional castle-fort, and above all farms, fishing docks, olive groves, apiaries, and vineyards, Summerfast is a wealthy and well populated region of Stormwind.

## Culture

The people of Summerfast are a proud, yet righteous folk. They have strong memories and ties to their Arathorian heritage despite their loyalties to the Kingdom of Stormwind.

Like the rest of Stormwind, the humans keep to the faith of the Holy Light by and large. Proud citizens and subjects of Stormwind, many a son and daughter of Summerfast has served, fought, and died in the service of their overlords in Stormwind.

They are, however, stubborn by nature. They hold strictly to their customs and the foundational mindset that they are not only Stormwindians but descendants of the Empire of Arathor where they left over 1,200 years ago despite their mixture with the surrounding peoples. As such, the subjects of the Duchy are generally considered arrogant by others and the more conservative of Summerfolk regard other humans as barbarians for their practices such as arranged marriage.

Among nobility and leading gentry in Summerfast, marriages of suggestion are performed where individuals are strongly encouraged to marry. The people of Summerfast insist that this is somehow different.

The people of Summerfast have a fondness for public bathhouses. Among upper class and commoner alike, it is the primary method of social gathering.

Women of all social classes are free socially and politically. They share the same inheritance rights as their brothers in all facets. However, for the inheritance of the Duchy itself, an inheriting female Bennas must keep her name regardless of her marital status.

The commonfolk enjoy reading and scholarship generally beyond the ken of the common peasant of the world. They are not, however, a people of scholars like the gnomes are. The common person can read and write but has only a passing interest in the sciences and the arcane.

They tend to wear bright colors regardless of wealth though purple is reserved for mages and the ducal family.

They hold strong attachments to their local political systems and the electoral process.

### Religious Beliefs

The people of Summerfast are but most believe in the Church of the Holy Light. Non-Light revering peoples, as few as they may be in Summerfast, are free and accommodated in the practice of faith so long as they are accepted by the Alliance at large.

Small groves have been set aside in public places for reflection for those of druidic persuasions.

### Local Holidays

As for holidays, the people celebrate the holidays of the Alliance at large. However, they also celebrate the festival in memory of the foundation of Summerfast, Ariannia, beginning on the 23rd day of the Fifth Month to commemorate the founding of Summerfast, lasting five days. During this feast, the commoners dress in purples, purples, golds, and royal blue and celebrate in the streets and there is much eating and drinking. During the festivities, a girl or young woman with red hair, dyed or natural, is chosen from the people and is dubbed Lady Arianne for the day. She is permitted to act as she will and plays central role in the ceremonies. On the final day of her reign, she, adorned in a crown of laurel leaves, stands either in the town forum or in the Castle’s great hall if weather does not permit and affirms the reigning Duke or Duchess’ right to lead Summerfast before the people and the kneeling lord, lady, or their representative before placing the crown atop their head.

Other festivals and holidays include the Hunt of First Frost after the first snow of the season where hunters compete to take the largest prey for a prize which they can keep or donate. The Duke or Duchess’ birthday in which the ruling Lord or Lady is to give a speech as well as gifts to the commonfolk. Feasting is expected to occur. In lean times, austerity in the ruling noble’s dress and demeanor is looked upon favorably though feasts are still expected.

The Celebration of the Return is another holiday to commemorate the retaking of Summerfast from the Horde at the end of the Second War. The celebration ends with the Lord or Lady riding through the primary town road on horseback with an effigy of an is orc dragged behind it in remembrance of how Duke Edward Bennas dragged the corpse of the orcish warlord that had taken residence in his home. Children and onlookers may pelt the orc effigy with fruit or rocks before it is burnt outside the town. This celebration occurs in autumn.

Contemporaneously with Hallow’s end, the festival of Ithicala is celebrated that celebrates the defeat of Lady Ithica Bennas by her grandson Karl Bennas after the Gnolll War. During this festival, containers of pottery and cloth are filled with sweets and fruits, hung up, and beaten with sticks (or poleaxes by some soldiers). These containers originally began in the shape of a person but expanded to others. These containers are also thought to house evil spirits who are banished when the container is destroyed. Political satirists will often create containers in the shape of unpopular political figures of the time.

## Economy & Resources

The Duchy subsists off wheat and barley for grains. Fruits such as tomatoes, apples, grapes, pears, and of course, olives are cultivated for the famous olive oil of Summerfast. Potatoes are grown as well and are considered a “noble yet humble vegetable” for their inclusion in many dishes in contrast to the turnip which is also grown. They lack in citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges and trade eagerly for them.

For meat, the citizens of Summerfast eat primarily lamb, pork, fish,  and poultry such as chicken and turkey. Regardless of wealth or class, eggs are available. In fact, it is said in Summerfast that should a working man be unable to afford a dozen eggs, he is either a fool with his coin or the world was ending. Game such as venison and rabbit are harvested. Beef is a rare delicacy among the people as cows are primarily used for milk and cheese.

Summerfast, however, is famed for their honey which they prefer as their sweetener of choice. Summerfast does not naturally produce sugar nor cacao beans but as of late, the people crave such exotic goods and sweets such as chocolate.

For drink, they ferment wine. Though Summerfast wine is adequate but not legendary. Beer is also drunk though is popular more amongst the dwarven and Gilnean immigrants. Mead has gained ground but whiskeys, vodkas, and other intoxicating beverages have been hitherto unknown by all but the most discerning.

Summerfast has ready access to mines and thus harvest coal, copper, iron, and lesser amounts of other metals.

The city of Summerfast is the main industrial heart of the region and the home of its various guilds who operate manufacturing sites under ducal contract throughout the region. Outside of the seat, varies cottage industries and formal manufacturing sites operate in service to the guilds and the Duchy.

## Political Structure

### The Duke and Duchess

Summerfast’s government is headed by her Duke or Duchess. Colloquially, they are known as the First Citizens of Summerfast, terms that have followed their Lord and Lady since the foundation of the territory. Even among these two supreme titles, there are legal distinctions. The reigning ducal title is the Duke or Duchess of the Blood in reference to the blood relation of the individual to Arianne Bennas and to the Bennas bloodline. When the Duke or Duchess is married, their spouse is legally referred to as Duke or Duchess Consort of the Law.  By law, the Duke or Duchess of the Blood is considered the true power in Summerfast but by fact, that has varied over time. What has remained constant is the primacy of the bloodline and the pure primogeniture nature of inheritance regardless of the gender of the inheritor.

The Duke may call the Senate and Public Assemblies at will. He formally authorizes taxation within Summerfast and is the supreme commander of Summerfast’s forces. In name and practice, he holds the highest legal authority in Summerfast and may convene the Court of the One to hear any case he deems fit within the borders of Summerfast. Such a power is rarely enacted and is considered extraordinary.

### The Role of Regent

In times of severe illness, incapacity, or infancy, a regency can be declared by the Senate and a regent appointed, usually fulfilled by the current (or former) Duke or Duchess Consort. The Regent acts with the authority of a Reigning Duke or Duchess but cannot imprison the ducal family absent treason to Stormwind or Summerfast. When crisis strikes Summerfast and the Duke or Duchess is unable to rule, the regent is empowered with the title of “Master of Summerfast” usually reserved for the Duke. This title conveys absolute authority in the Duchy, the power to unilaterally act without the Senate’s recommendation or permission.

### The Senate

The Senate of Summerfast act as advisors to the Duke and Duchess as well as a legislative body. However, they are not hired or even appointed by the Duke. The Senate of Summerfast is elected by the populace of the Duchy via the Public Assemblies.

The Senate of Summerfast’s membership consist of those elected to political offices known as the Path of Honors. Membership in the Senate is for life and tends around 100 men and women. Senateors can be removed if they are found to be morally incompatible for the position or if they retire. Membership is not hereditary though it conveys social status on the bloodline.

The speaking order is based on seniority with the Duke or his representative able to speak directly after the official that called the meeting to order, then the former consuls then the consuls, and then so on and so forth.

The Senate introduces and votes legislation and budgets for the Duchy. The Duke or his representatives can also introduce legislation, but it must be approved by the Senate through simple majority.

The Senate also ratifies treaties entered in by the Duke with a simple majority.

The power of the Senate has waxed and waned over the course of Summerfast’s history but has been weaker since the retaking of Summerfast by Duke Edward Bennas I after the First War. In the past, some dukes and duchesses have been nothing but puppets of the Senate. In the modern era, the Senate is far less powerful than it once was. In the present day, the Senate have a moderate degree of autonomy over the day-to-day affairs of Summerfast. When legislation is introduced by high-ranking members of the ducal family, however, such legislation is prioritized.

In the modern era, the favor of the Duke greatly shifts the balance of Senateor elections.

### The Path of Honors

The Path of Honors are magisterial offices held by Senateors of Summerfast. These magisterial positions permitted a man or woman membership in the Senate for life barring intervening circumstance even when their term of office has ended. For members of the ducal household, age and military service requirements are waived though the progression through the Path is mandated to ensure the legitimacy of both the system and the office.

The prerequisite to political office in Summerfast is ten years of military service in the Companion Cavalry, the Stormwind Military in any form, or service as part of the staff of a Strategos of Summerfast.

A prestigious but nonmandatory first step to the Senate is as a Military Tribunein the service of a senior Summerfast officer. Generally, six of these tribunes existed for each senior officer. The tribunes were given tasks and delegated command over units by their general.

The first step in the Path of Honors is the position of Quaestor. Twenty such positions open up each year and assigned to the counties and baronies of Summerfast, military officials. In this role, they become ingrained in the inner circles of their benefactors and it is not uncommon for these quaestors to become high ranking advisors, administrators, or allies for the years to come. Four are retained in Summerfast to oversee the physical treasury as Urban Quaestors and are forbidden from leaving town. Two are assigned under the two consuls. The urban and consular positions are not as prestigious as the two consuls often had many men and women vying for their attention and recognition. This position function as a senior civil service position and held no inherent military power though it could be delegated to them. Men and women become eligible for this position at 30.

At the age of 36, Quaestors and former Quaestors are eligible to stand for election to the position of Aedile of which there are four in Summerfast, two of the Old Families and two from the rest of the population. This is a non-mandatory step in the Path of Honors. As part of their duties, they tend to upkeep churches and act as liaisons to the Church of the Holy Light in Summerfast.

Aediles also organize games in the Grand Circus, maintain Summerfast's food and water supplies and handle the logistics of public works. This is a highly sought-after position for those who wish to curry favor with the public. The Aediles also serve as senior judges for cases brought in Summerfast involving merchants. Currently, this is also a particularly good position for those who wish to make impressions on Duke Bennas and the public at large.

A previous holder of the title of Quaestor or Aedile becomes eligible for the office of Praetor at the age of 39 years old. At present, eight praetors are elected per year to serve for a year.

Without the Duke, Duchess or Consuls present, these praetors wield the right to command armies and serve as military commanders of garrisons in the duchy or even in the town itself in dire need. Such a need is rare and usually they would fulfill the roles of criminal and civil court judges. Two praetors take precedence over the other in prestige, the Urban Praetor, and the Foreign Praetor.

The Urban Praetor wields the greatest power of their fellow praetors as they could overturn the verdict of any court in Summerfast save for the Duke's own and bring it before the Praetorian Court, or the Court of the Eight. In cases regarding the everyday citizens, the Eight would hear the case and decide on a ruling and vote on the verdict. The Urban Praetor and the Foreign Praetor had no vote unless the six other praetors had reached a stalemate. If the case involved only citizens of Summerfast, the Urban Praetor would cast the deciding vote and if the case involved foreigners, the Foreign Praetor cast the final vote. The Urban Praetor is traditionally the judge when other high ranking Summerfast officials, including Counts and Barons, face criminal charges. The Urban Praetor is forbidden from leaving the town of Summerfast for more than ten days in a year while the Foreign Praetor or any other praetor is under no such obligation.

Praetorship is assigned by the ruling Duke or Duchess on their assessment. The Foreign Praetor is generally the individual with the most experience abroad, the deepest connections to other noble families, or a born foreigner themselves.

Following their year in service, they are sent out to the rest of Summerfast to assist the local counts, countesses, barons, and baronesses as military advisors and commanders.

Consuls are the highest elected officials in Summerfast. Two are elected per year. A consul serves for a year. Considered the peak of a person's political career, the very fact that a person's ancestor served a term as consul could, in some cases, assist a political aspirant in securing a junior political office. While once they were Summerfast's chief judges, that power has been taken from them and given to the Praetors. By law, the consuls can only preside over criminal cases of the highest importance, potentially concerning the Duke's family, and only with the express request of the Senate and the Duke. They can summon the Public Assembly at will. They possess the ability to arrest citizen but cannot punish them without trial.

In the military sense, the Consul served as commanders of a field army known as a tagmata of the Armored Companions usually with an equal amount of limitanei from the countryside. When called to war, the consuls would gather the Armored Companions in the Field of Arianne and then lead them out past the gates of the Theodorian Walls where they would gather the limitanei at the Field of Wyrnn before marching to campaign. With all soldiers together, the Consul or Duke would then administer an oath of loyalty to the Duke.  While on campaign and absent the Duke's presence, they have absolute over authority over all Summerfast soldiers and can punish them as they see fit.

As diplomats, they are often tasked on diplomatic missions and are given the Duke's right to negotiate on behalf of Summerfast.

### Other Magisterial Positions

Various Colleges of Magistrates exist in Summerfast. These colleges act as ducal agencies. Unlike the executive magistrates along the path of honors, these positions do not have pre-requisites and do not convey membership in the Senate. Its leadership is elected by the popular assembly directly with staff appointed and hired by the magistrate itself.

Each College is created by Senate legislation and popular affirmation. Similarly, each college can be dissolved by Senate legislation and popular approval.

The colleges are diverse in their scope and purpose. The College of the Census, for example, is the eldest of the colleges and oversees the conduct of the census once every ten years for the purposes of taxation and popular assembly elections.

### The Public Assembly

The Public Assembly is the mobilized political branch of Summerfast’s population. Organized by geographic location, blocs of citizens affirm or deny legislation and elect the magistrates of Summerfast every year.

The Public Assembly can be called at will by the Duke and dismissed by the Senate under the Final Act in times of crisis. They meet in Arianne’s Forum in Summerfast.

## History

### Founding

The foundations of Summerfast were laid in 1200 B.D.P when Lady Arianne Bennas, an Arathorian general, settled her soldiers and their families in the region following their departure from Arathor. The original camp was the site upon which Strongheart Castle and Arianne’s Forum would later be built. The outer walls of the camp would serve as the spiritual border of Summerfast even to the present day.

The families of the dignitaries and officers that followed Arianne would become the Founding Families of Summerfast.

### Decline and the Gnoll War

Formally a part of the Kingdom of Stormwind, Summerfast’s fortunes waxed and waned. During the opening days of the Gnoll War, the legions of Arianne and the old glory of Summerfast were nothing more but memories of the past.

The then-Duchess Ithica Bennas was faced with dire fiscal crises, an outdated defense force, and disloyal vassals. In an effort to reassert the prominence of the position of her House and herself, she offered the hand of her daughters and granddaughters to other nobles in marriage which shocked and horrified both the Senate and the commonfolk alike.

Summerfast, however, adapted and endured as it always had done. Sir Karl Bennas served in the Gnoll War as an elite knight and returned to his home both a hero and a rebel to his grandmother. Bringing with him the friends he had made and new equipment and tactics to a populace eager for change, he was able to overthrow his grandmother. He was able to capitalize on the state of the rest of the Kingdom to propel Summerfast back into a state of economic well-being.

### Loss and Return

The city and castle of Summerfast was captured during the First War by the Orcish Horde, but was liberated by Duke Edward Bennas when Stormwind was liberated by the Alliance of Lordaeron. After capturing the castle, Duke Edward tied the surviving orc commander of his garrison to the back of a chariot and dragged him through the streets of his home thus setting the tradition for the Return. Strongheart Castle is rebuilt in the style of many Kul Tiran forts.

### The Crowmore Treachery

Emboldened by the jovial atmosphere following Summerfast's recapture, Lord Arnaud Bennas, Duke Edward’s younger brother, began courting Lady Julia Crowmore much to her father’s disapproval. When the girl’s father, Lord Januviel Crowmore, informed Lord Arnaud that this arrangement did not have his blessing and demanded he ceased, the young Gryphon referred to him as a barbarian. The couple eloped and Lady Julia was welcomed into the House of Bennas and soon gave birth to a daughter.

After the birth of his granddaughter, Lord Januviel Crowmore extended an invitation to his son-in-law offering reconciliation. Lord Arnaud accepted and journeyed to Castle Crowmore with his retainers and companions. Once there, Lord Arnaud was taken prisoners and his companions slain.

The news of his brother’s kidnapping reached the Duke not long after and sent him into a fury. The Senate’s vote was unanimously in support of Duke Edward as such treachery was a personal affront to each citizen of Summerfast. Mustering the Armored Companions, Duke Edward, his wife, the Duchess Alyssa Bemnas, and his retinue stormed Castle Crowmore under cover of night. What had been initially a rescue mission turned into one of revenge when Duke Edward found his brother’s corpse in the dungeon.

In the apartments of Castle Crowmore, Duchess Alyssa Bennas challenged the Lord to combat on her husband’s behalf, much to the Duke’s protests, and slew the Lord of House Crowmore in single combat. The experience changed Duke Edward and Summerfast assumed a more standoffish approach to the outside world.

### The Valerius Defiance

Sensing the somewhat volatile nature of Stormwind and Summerfast’s political system, The Count of House Valerius, citing Duke Edward’s welcoming policy towards outsiders and his Lordaeronian wife specifically, rose in revolt.

After several battles, Duke Edward demanded a duel from the renegade Count. In sight of their armies and their families, Duke Edward slew the Count in single combat causing the rebels to capitulate.

### The Second Valerius Defiance

Following the retirement of Duke Edward and the ascension of his son during the conflict against the Legion, Duke Theodore, change again came to Summerfast. The Duke’s wife was a quel’dorei and his son and heir, a half-elf. This brought concern to the more conservative circles of Summerfast society. In conjunction with Duke Theodore’s welcoming of outside nobles and peoples, some grumbled of the erosion of the traditions of Summerfast.

It was in the wake of this and following the defeat of the Burning Legion that Countess Clarensia Valerius, still upset at the death of her father at the hands of the former duke, raised her banners in revolt.

Duke Theodore moved decisively in rallying a field army and the limitanei to counter the movement. When the two armies met, the Duke arrayed his men on the high ground and encamped. During the night, he sent Gilnean allies to harass the army bellow and ravage their supplies. For three days, Duke Bennas, making himself scarce from the field himself, arrayed his lines for battle but did not leave his high ground. After the third day and with the men of Alba demoralized, hungry, and sleep-deprived, the Master of Summerfast made his appearance on gryphonback. Like his father before him, he challenged and defeated his Valerius opponent in single combat. But unlike his father, when his foe was defeated, he offered her clemency in exchange for loyalty. An exchange grudgingly accepted.

### Present Day

Summerfast flourished under Duke Theodore’s rule. Trade and commerce from around Stormwind and beyond has flowed into the Gryphon Lord’s home. Under the close watch of Summy Sparklesprocket, the defenses and infrastructure of Summerfast has seen significant improvements. The assault from the Scourge reached the very gates of Summerfast itself and cost the Duchy most of Minervica but it still endured and in the minds of many citizens, it ever would.

## Settlements

### Summerfast

Capital of the Count of Summerfast and the Duchy at large. The city is the thriving heart of commerce and government within the Duchy of Summerfast. The hilly land bears home to its residential districts and especially Strongheart Castle which overlooks the land protectively. The tripartite Theodorian Walls boast Summerfast’s economic and martial power to the world.

### Minervica

The town of Minervica is the seat of the County of Minervica and the second most populous town in Duchy of Summerfast. The County of Minervica was settled long ago by Arianne’s magical advisor and lieutenant, Illuminos. Though his bloodline has long been extinguished, his tower continues to loom over the town. This historic town thrives off commercial trade and agriculture as well as the boons of arcane magic. It boasts its own school of magic: the Schola Arcana. The town is well supplied by its myriad of farms and villages. The closest road that connects Stormwind and Summerfast runs through the town’s center.

It is currently ruled by the House of Mysticos. During the Scourge’s attack, Count Anastios lost his life defending the town. His daughter now rules and presides over the restoration and reconstruction of the town and the countryside.

### Alba

Expanded to accommodate the needs of a growing Summerfast, Alba was settled by other humans prior to falling under the dominion of Arianne and her heirs. It was very quickly brought into the fold and governed by a Count put into place by the Mistress of Summerfast. What was once a small village is now a thriving castle town governed by the troublesome Valerius family. Twice in recent memory had House Valerius risen in revolt and twice had they been laid low. Under the watch of grim Countess Clarensia Valerius, time will only tell if there shall be a third.