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The Duchy of Silverwater is a small but powerful land in the western extremes of the Keller Lands, occupying roughly 200,000 sq. miles, about the size of Spain. Formerly wealthy due to its abundant silver mines, the Duchy suffered during the chaos of the Keller Civil Wars (450-500). Since that time, it has regained its power, capitalizing on its location. The Duchy of Silverwater sits on the Keller end of the Greater Farspar Road, the long mountain path that links the Keller Lands with the heart of the Pershamon Empire. The lands of Silverwater are nearly all in the foothills of the Farspar Mountains, and farms occupy the numerous small valleys. Not overly blessed with good farmland, the Duchy has turned to its ample forests for timber, and has fostered a prosperous ranching industry. Furthermore, the silver mines still produce ore of some value, though not in the amounts of the past.
Recently coal was discovered, which promises to increase Silverwater’s ability to produce steel. The ducal capital is the castle-town of Silverwater, which has a population of about 60,000 permanent residents. In addition to the links to the Pershamon Empire, the Duchy is the terminus of the North Road to the former Imperial core and the Western Road to Gemric. Furthermore, it is on the headwaters of the Rannik River, which is navigable to the Keller Sea. The city is walled and fortified, but is more oriented towards trade than war. It is home to numerous trading concerns, most of which deal with trade over the mountains.
The Duchy of Silverwater is bordered in the southeast by the Domain of Tempelhoff, which recently joined the Ascendant Keller Empire. The two domains have long suffered conflicts, so the border between the two lands is heavily garrisoned. With the arrival of the Keller Empire on Silverwater's borders, the Pershamon Empire has taken notice; tensions and diplomatic intrigue are at levels not seen since the days of the Keller Civil War in centuries past. In recent years, goblinoids have encroached in steadily increasing numbers, plaguing the southern villages and baronies.Currently, the land is ruled by Duke Kablin Durmond. Formerly a great and vigorous warrior, the Duke is now a sybaritic ruler, spending his time on parties and pleasure. He delights in aping the customs of the Pershamon, and runs his duchy to benefit the various trading houses present here. Some say that actual rule of the Duchy falls to his chancellor, Lord Mahilian. Mahilian is a consumate political animal, a cunning enemy, and a powerful mage. Despite all of this, he seems to be loyal to Duke Durmond, perhaps even a friend. Notable Features
Ducal Garrisons: Scattered about the duchy are the ubiquitous "garrisons", sturdy two-story timber and stone blockhouses manned by Ducal troops. Resembling heavily armed feudal manors with as many soldiers as farmers, they are named for whatever feature they are nearest, (i.e. Northroad, Western Gate. etc). These small forts guard the various roads, river crossings, and borders of the duchy, and serve as local bases for patrols. Each "garrison" is run by a lord, a vassal of the Duke, and manned by about twenty men-at-arms. At any given time, most of the garrison is out patrolling the by-ways in their charge. A typical patrol will consist of a mounted sergeant and six troopers. If trouble is expected, one trooper will carry a musket. Most typically, there will be two or three farmsteads near the garrison, tasked with keeping it provisioned. The presence of these garrisons is a great help in maintaining control of the roads and keeping an eye on the fractious barons. Despite their expense, the Duke sleeps better knowing they are there.
Tekmenal Woods: About 100 square miles of coniferous forest north of Fortenbras, the Tekmenal Woods are the private hunting grounds of the Duke Silverwater, and are home to a number of large and dangerous beasts. Most interestingly, the entire forest is a "high-mana" area. The Duke employs a number of foresters to enforce his hunting laws, and limits the number of peasants allowed to live in the woods. Despite this, poaching is common; a number of the rarer beasts within the Tekmenal Woods are necessary for certain alchemical treatments, and are prized by dealers in such things. Chancellor Mahilian has a small manor deep in the woods, guarded by magical defenses and mundane guards. Within the woods are a number of ruins; some are Elven, some are not, but all are ancient.
Nivenwoods: The Nivenwoods are about 400sq. miles in size, surrounded on all sides by farmland, and criss-crossed by winding paths leading into Mismallon. Unfortunately, a number of brigand gangs hide among the trees, plaguing travelers and lonely farmsteads. The Tempel Forest is actually the western edge of a much larger forest. It is much like the Nivenwoods, with the additional problem of Goblinoids. A crafty and persistent band of orcs, ogres, and worse has made a home in the Tempel Forest, making frequent raids into the Duchy. It is thought they are being supported by the Earl of Tempelhoff, but proof has yet to be found.
River Rannik: This river flows east from the Farspar Mountains, dividing the Duchy of Silverwater nearly in half. It is fairly wide, making it useful for waterborne transport. It is fed by several smaller rivers of significant size, most of which are too rugged for serious waterborne travel. Most of the river is fairly safe, though; it serves as a source for mill power and fresh water, since it is cold, clean, and clear. In the calmer areas, fishing is a major trade, especially fishing for the tasty "Turowtfish", a robust fish known for putting up a fight. There are few dangerous animals in the Talbot River, at least not this far inland.
Major Vassal Domains
Barony of Evered: The Barony of Evered is a prosperous land in the northeast, blessed with some of the richest farmland in the region, and is a true "breadbasket". Due to it’s closeness to Mismallon, it is the most frequent victim of raiding during the current wars. The Baroness Fiora of Evered, a matronly woman with a commanding presence, is a vocal proponent of conflict between the Duchy of Silverwater and Tempelhoff. She hates Tempelhoff with a passion for personal reasons, and can be counted on to stir up trouble when there is none. Her wealthy lands support many landed knights, and she is a personal friend of Lord Mahilian. The town of Evered is notable mainly for its large farmer’s market.
Barony of Niven: Niven is a large and forested domain wedged between the Rannik River and the Duchy's historical border with Mismallon and Tempelhoff, earning most of its income from timber. The Baron Stefan of Niven is relatively well to do, but prefers not to interact with the Duke or the other barons much. It is an open secret that the Baron conducts trade with his opposite numbers in Tempelhoff, through forest pathways, avoiding taxation and scrutiny from the Duke. Nevertheless, because Niven supports a large retinue of skilled archers, numerous knights, and a ranger militia, his indiscretions are overlooked. Evered and Niven are antagonistic to one another, cooperating only under duress.
Barony of Fortenbras: This barony sits the closest to Silverwater, and has long benefited from traffic along the roads. A number of toll booths are set up on the various small bridges along the road, making for an expensive stretch of road. The current Baron Chessel of Fortenbras is a large, blustery man, fond of battle but not terribly bright. His lands are dominated by cattle and sheep. The barony hosts many landed knights, most of which are found carousing in Silverwater when not called to serve. Baron Fortenbras and the Duke were long time friends, but have fallen away in recent years. Gossip suggests this is due to the influence of the Chancellor Mahilian. Currently, Fortenbras is in dispute with Rannikbridge over a ten mile strip of arable land between the two fiefs.Barony of Rannikbridge: The Barony of Rannikbridge is more sophisticated than its northern neighbor Fortenbras, growing wealthy off bridge tolls and the numerous water mills along the Rannik River. The barony controls the single large bridge across the Rannik River, an enormous stone construction that forms part of the defensive works of Rannikbridge Keep. The domain supports a large host of knights and controls the taxation along a long stretch of teh old Imperial road. Baron Baden of Rannikbridge is a mage, albeit not a very talented one, and has dreams of gaining control of the area. Consequently, his territorial ambitions include the lands to the north in Fortenbras. It is whispered that there is some connection between the ambition baron and Chamberlain Mahilian, but none know details.
Barony of Rondhoff: Rondhoff is a bit different from the other baronies in Silverwater, in that it is not mainly agricultural. Since half of the domain is rugged mountains, there is little agricultural surplus. There are farms in the eastern part, and ranches in the western part, but Rondhoff frequently must purchase food from outside. Rondhoff does have other assets. First, it has its own silver mine, so it has ready cash to buy food. Second, it is positioned well on the start of the Farspar Road, leading to the Pershamon city of Susa. In order to survive recent intrigues, the current Baron Dureth married into House Nurbanu, an embattled family in the eastern Pershamon empire. They gained silver and a safe base at a time when they had none, and he gained long-term wealth through trade. Now that fortunes have changed for House Nurbanu, Rondhoff has grown wealthy by serving as a way-station for Pershamon traders who do not want to risk the guilds of Silverwater. Rondhoff has a small but defensible keep, and a moderately large but well equipped military of a semi-Pershamon pattern. The barony stiffens its forces with mercenaries, since it does not have much arable land to give to new vassals. Given enough warning (months at least), Rondhoff can call for aid from the Pershamon Empire, in the form of Nurbanu troops. This fact has alienated Rondhoff from the other barons, who mistrust his connections. On the other hand, Duke Silverwater is openly envious of Rondhoff’s ties, and consults with him on cultural matters when possible.
Barony of Suthriver: The Barony of Suthriver is a large area of farmland beyond the south bank of the Rannik River. The barony survives largely by road tolls and a few baronial-owned mills. Somewhat isolated from most of the politics of the Duchy, Suthriver is the first stop on the road south. Suthriver has no stomach for politics, occupied with expanding its frontier into the woods to the south. Baron Kaeric of Suthriver comes from old Keller noble blood (former princes of Terathmin, he claims), and has an abiding contempt of all things Pershamon. This makes him a frequent antagonist of the Duke, Baron Rondhoff, and the Pershamon companies that do business with the Duchy. However, he is thought highly of by the Prince of Gemric and by Tempelhoff. For the most part, Suthriver treads lightly, limiting his offenses to harassing Baron Rondhoff.
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