THE DUCHY OF VELEN

An isolated peninsula of highly-forested land, the Duchy of Velen was once part of the Kingdom of Tethyr. It seceded about 70 years ago (1423 DR) and has been building relationships with its former rulers ever since. After years of precarious peace between the two states, it seems that finally they can call each other allies.
However, due to the fact that Velen borders not their ally of Tethyr but, in fact, the ogre kingdom of Miranndin, its safety is fragile. It's only land-based access to the rest of Faerun is essentially blocked and monster marauders threaten the peace of this small state. This means that sea travel and trade is essential for contact with the outside world but herein lies another threat - the pirates from the Nelanther Isles, which lie to the west of Velen.
With these threats from all sides, it is perhaps hardly surprising that the rule of law has been getting steadily harsher in Velen over the recent years, although this is shrouded in rhetoric of honour.
The current Duke of Velen is Duke Calchais, who rules from a small, tidy castle that has belonged to the family to generations. His son, LARS DE VELEN is currently exploring regions to the north, hoping to forge alliances with more powerful and wealthy allies. Perhaps the best they can offer in return for alliances is the stalwart defence that they offer the rest of the region against the pirates from the Nelanther Isles. Veleans have formed a well-trained city guard and a formidable naval force and pride themselves on the centuries of defence they have provided the rest of the region against such raiders.

The city of Velen, with which the duchy shares its name, is the nations's only major urban settlement