Barony of Brandoux

*"Despite the truth and power of the Light, the people of Brandoux hold our religion and all of our members in open contempt. They will be shown the right, one way or another."* - Emment Laroux, Light of Arkland

## Brandoux

The Barony of Brandoux sits between Debordoux and Chavriselle in the northern arm of Arkland. Known as the education center of Arkland, Brandoux's three "sister" colleges are the pride of every citizen of the barony. Many of Arkland's brightest youth dream of traveling across the bay to attend one of the schools, and it is all but expected for the noble families to have passed through their doors.

Outside of the school system, Brandoux is generally a county of farmers and nax herders. While the coastline is enclosed by the Saunier Wood, beyond it are fertile pastureland that stretches all the way north to the high plains. This area has sustained enormous nax herds for hundreds of years, providing the perfect environment of grassland, sunshine, and moderate temperatures to help the great beasts thrive.

In the early struggles with The Stars of Ixohtl, nax herding was viewed as an affront to the way the animals lived in the wild. However, the years of peace brought about by the joining of the Republic allowed the herders of Brandoux to learn from the horsemen and now match their semi-nomadic styles in husbandry.

## The Three Sisters

Brandoux's three sister colleges are the most advanced and well respected centers of higher learning in the Kingdom. Poulin College, the oldest of the three, focuses on economics and government studies. Much of the Kingdoms administrators and politicos count Poulin as their alma matter.

Suchet Duval, founded just four years after Poulin, has a number of programs focused on the sciences of biology and medicine. Its graduates are highly sought across the land of Indagar, and its top students frequently find quick employment in the aid of nobles or even the King or Queen. Suchet Duval is also the smallest school, with rigorous admission standards that even the richest families can't purchase their way around.

Rochefort University, the youngest of the sisters, is best known for it's engineering programs. Rochefort was founded by Sander Rochefort in 681 AF, after he had spent much of his earlier career working in apprenticeship with the Engineering Corps from Konagara. Returning home to Arkland, he knew that much of his knowledge could benefit the people around the bay. With a small loan from the Baron of Brandoux, he began his small school outside of Dimont, along the coast near the ports of Debordoux. Today, the graduates of Rochefort are sought in all areas of life, and the school has grown to be the largest of the Sisters.

## The Baron of Brandoux

The high families of Brandoux all claim residence in Bay-front estates just outside of Celice, Brandoux's largest city. The families' power comes from a variety of places, and no family truly overshadows the rest. It is a unique quality in the lands of Arkland, but also presents a challenge for declaring a Baron to join the King's council and represent the interests of Brandoux. So, rather than squabble over what many view as a distraction from their parties, the Baron of Brandoux is selected from Academia, most usually the Headmaster of one of the Sisters.

While some view this position as another plaything for the lords and ladies in their mansions, the position is highly respected by educational leadership, and being chosen is seen as a profound opportunity to bring a level head and pragmatism to the King's council.

## Contempt for Religion

Brandoux has been openly against the spreading religion of the Light ever since it's founding. Possibly because of the firmly rooted educational background of the county, or maybe because of the careless follies of Brandoux's high family, the Light is viewed as a silly fools tale at best. What few temples there are in Brandoux are poorly visited, and seem to disappear almost as quickly as they appeared.

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--Neil (talk) 22:29, 15 October 2016 (AST)