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(Taken from A Traveler’s Guide to Evendarr by Shifter Gileen, Master Trader. Original to be found in Ember's Library of Ravenholt) Ravenholt-
Ravenholt is run by Duke Basil Ravenhurst, a man of impressive stature, and with
a real appetite for life. Among Dukes, he is one of the nicest, and
although he tends to spend his time hanging out in the local tavern in
the capital city (town really) of Ravenholt, no one seems to mind. He
has had quite a few problems in the last few years, however. With goblins
attacking, and elementals trying to take over…- but then again, most of the
other duchies have had similar problems.
Because Ravenholt is a frontier duchy, there is obviously more fighting
and monster activity than in the central parts of Evendarr. When traveling,
always try to travel in large groups. This danger actually attracts many
adventurers who come to the area seeking fame and fortune, so expect any local
gathering to have lots of armor and weapons shining, as there are so many
adventurers present.
This newer society also means that most if the nobles obtained their
positions not from inheritance, but by appointment, and as such, usually tend to
be more sympathetic to the plight of the under classes. (There are exceptions of
course…) The people there are less concerned with formality and court pomp and
circumstance than in any other duchy save perhaps Volta. As long as you are a
friendly sort, not wishing to cause trouble, you should find many friends.
The best time to visit Ravenholt is in the spring, when the Duke hold his
annual tournament, patterned after Volta’s. If you are a gambler, that is the
best time to travel to the capital city (also called Ravenholt) because the town
is full of people willing to bet on the various teams.
The Baronies of Ravenholt Capulus The barony of Capulus is the richest in Ravenholt. Most of its business is
done in the port city of Sercia. Many
traders wishing to trade with Ravenholt by sea must use this port and thus,
Capulus may charge high tariffs on incoming or outgoing trade.
Most other sea ports of Ravenholt are small and only recently
established.
Along the bay, there is a famous sculpture of a sea serpent which
spans two city blocks! It is a great sight and attracts many tourists to the
region.
The Stonewood Forest is lovely as well, but as the natives do not
appreciate visitors, it is not a tourist attraction.
The Capulans have made trade with the elves a priority, and are able to
lumber small areas. Primarily this wood is used in producing ship’s masts and
massive furniture pieces. Since this special wood hardly burns, it is used as
well to make homes safe from fire, and has saved many lives and towns in
Ravenholt.
Capulus has some minimal farming communities. These farms produce
primarily grains and rice.
Capulus was originally founded and populated by traders from
Rotaria. As such many of them feel no great loyalty to Duke Ravenhurst. They
remember the governance of that southern duchy fondly. Why they should prefer
this is a mystery to me. I suppose that they liked having to bribe everyone to
get things done?..(Or maybe they were the bribe-ees?! )
If you are traveling from Westmarch, you should be forewarned that
the current Baron is building a wall to separate his Barony form the others, and
has imposed a small toll to assist in financing it. The amount of the tools are
not high, but it helps to be aware of it just the same.
Baron Cynric Sagramore has proven to be a fair, and just Baron
since the departure of the evil Countess Xerina Montesque. (although he still
bears the skull of a death elemental on his Arms.) His fighting skill and the
skills of his knights are respected throughout Ravenholt. As of this writing (early 592) Capulus has been invaded by a very unfriendly army from the Sessuar Imperium from across the sea. These people, and I use that term loosely, are evil in every sense of the word, and have overrun some of the minor cities on the coast. They have disrupted trade and caused much suffering. Travelers are advised to stay away. Cumberland The Barony of Cumberland is the youngest barony in Ravenholt, and
still (along with Eastwyck) has many problems with barbarians and goblins.
The primary activity in Cumberland is farming. While grains are
the primary crop, potatoes, corn and carrots are also richly cultivated. Cattle
ranches near the Blood River provide meat and dairy products. There are a few
major cheese producers, and sharp Cumberland cheddar is a big favorite. The
people of Cumberland are in general, among the most honest and friendly folk you
may meet. I have never yet been turned away form a farmhouse when requesting
hospitality.
These simple, and hardworking folk live widely dispersed from each
other and often meet only at festival times. (Planting week and Harvest week are
the big holidays here.) If you find yourself traveling in Cumberland , you may
want to see these festivals. These week long events are full of feasting,
dancing, music, and storytelling. A tradition has sprung up in some areas where
the bravest fighters attempt to wrestle a boar into submission. This task is
made all the more difficult by the fact that disarm spells are allowed from the
audience, as long as it remains comical. The
biar is served as dinner at the feast, the following night.
Brenden Dwyer, the current Baron of Cumberland is a quiet type,
who leads by example rather than by loud preaching.
His style suits this barony well. Cumberland is well known for its
fighting force. Galen Cumberland, the great war hero led many battles and his
tactics have been studied by
fighters since. Fighters from all across Ravenholt often travel to Gadren Castle
where excellent training is provided by the local fighter’s guild, (for a fee
of course!)
Avoid the city of Haven, (formerly Garth) if at all possible. It
was set up by former Baron Malignarr Jakorren as a place where criminals can
become useful citizens.(Or so he claims) Others state that it is merely a place
where the vilest can roam freely. They claim that the thieves guild has
corrupted and infiltrated all
aspects of the local economy and government, and that necromancers control the
local healer’s guild. ( Not that I would ever imply that the experiment was a
bad idea, mind you…) Cumberland is a nice place to visit if the small town life is for you.
Eastwyck Eastwyck has some of the nicest areas to visit in the duchy. The
capital city of Ravenholt, although not technically in Eastwyck offers a
magnificent view of Lake Ardynn and the surrounding countryside. There are also
many wonderful views of the Blood River from high points along its banks.
Burnisham Falls is one of the largest falls in the country, and many couples
travel there to vacation, as it is very romantic.
Eastwyck is a major stopping point for many trade routes from east
to west. Any traveler going to or from Volta, Niman, or the elven kingdom of
Quentari generally passes through Ravenholt. Because of this, the capital city
has a thriving market for many types of goods.
Fishing and lumbering are mainstays of the local economy. There
are also many small farms dedicated to raising livestock. Wool from this region
is shipped to markets all over Evendarr.
The town of Griswold has an annual affair that is very
interesting. It is called the “Lost Children’s Fair”. Many, many years
ago, so the story goes, a group of five children wandered into the village. None
of them could speak, or tell from where they had come. None seemed to have a
home. After much debate, at the local healer’s guild, as to what to do with
these children, Lord Griswold deemed that a fair should be held to raise money
for their upbringing. The fair has continued to this day, and is used to support
a wonderful orphanage in the area. Many prominent citizens proudly admit that
they grew up here.
A large contingent of dwarves live peacefully among humans in te
small silver mining town of Lonely, hidden high up in the mountains.
South of the city of Ravenholt is the Dale of Ardynn. This dale is
home to la local tribe of people known as the Ardynnites. These short dark folk
are excellent crafters in stone, metal, and wood. They have some of the most
unusual and wondrous architecture in the kingdom. Some say that these folk are
the descendants of the Stone Elves, but they have none of the elven
characteristics. They are a shy folk and keep mainly to themselves, but journey
sometimes to Ravenholt to trade. Eastwyck was until recently held by the duke himself. ( The Duke still holds the capital city of Ravenholt.) The current Baron of Eastwyck is Alaric Malinruin. Born and raised as a commoner before becoming a knight in Westmarch, Alaric was appointed Baron by the Duke in May 591. He had established himself from the outset as a fearless hero, and none denied that he deserved the title. He has brought together the nobles of the region who were in disarray from the leadership of the previous Baron, Nathaniel Kent. Alaric seems well on the way to becoming a well loved Baron.
Westmarch The people of Westmarch tend to be distrustful due to years of living
under an evil Baron. That seems to be changing
under the leadership of Barn Aurora Blakeny, who is doping her best to undo the
work of the previous Baron, Vandal Northridge.
Blakeny is a flashy leader who was once a loyal knight in the
service of Galen Cumberland. This does not endear her to many of the noble of
the region who objected to her appointment, and who see her as an outsider. She
has done her best to appease them and things are relatively peaceful now in the
Barony.
One piece of advice: Do not call her “Baroness”. She prefers
the masculine title, because, as the story goes, she doesn’t want anyone to
think that there is a man in the Barony with more power than she. I personally
think that she just likes tweaking pomposity.
Westmarch has lots of open fields. The breeding of horses is the
primary occupation. Westmarch is well known for its thoroughbreds. Many nobles
from all over the kingdom have purchased fine steeds from this area. Festival Field, a large horse racing arena was recently built in the
capital city of Ironvale, and so far it has been a success. It is visited by
nobles and commoners who place bets on the outcome of the races. Profits go to
offset the taxes whenever possible.
Nearer to the mountainous regions in the south there are large
apple groves, which produce some of the finest ciders in the duchy. The small
town of Darkmoor boasts the orchard of Alexander Pickwick, producer of a bitter
apple wine which is very popular, though personally I can’t see why.
Westmarches main source of income is its mines. These produce most
of the iron ore in the duchy. These mines are also the source of occasional
precious gems, but nothing to compare with other sources. Major forges produce
many of the duchy’s weapons here. Not surprisingly the mining towns of
Ironvale, Copper and Tarinthon’s Mines have the largest dwarvish populations
within Ravenholt, many of whom have been hired into managerial positions within
these mines.
Westmarch has three beautiful waterfalls. The greatest of these is
in Garson’s Bridge. Many barrels
are made in this town. The bridge itself offers a beautiful view of the falls,
where every autumn the Festival of Barrels is held. Brave and foolish
adventurers take bets and travel over the falls in a barrel. This idiocy is also
a major event for the local healer’s guild as well. They endeavor to handle
all of the resurrections that are necessary after the festival.
If you travel through Westmarch, beware if you are a necromancer.
Westmarch has the strictest laws against necromancy in all of the duchy. Obliteration has been used against first offenders who showed no remorse
for their actions.
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