Barony of Willip
Overview
The Barony of Willip is a vital strategic region of Furyondy. The barony has a pivotal location on the Nyr Dyv, and Most visitors to Willip arrive by sailing vessel here and is the first port of call for almost all visitors arriving across the lake from Greyhawk, Urnst, Nyrond and points beyond. The Furyondian Royal Navy is based here, and keeps Furyondy’s coasts free of sea monsters and pirating. The Willip Arsenal, the dockyard, has grown considerably in the last six years, and is one of the largest in the Flanaess. The city of Willip, the Barony’s capital, is the largest city in the Kingdom and its baron plays a pivotal political role. The Barony of Willip has some quirks compared to most of the rest of Furyondy. Willip is ruled by the Baron Xanthan Butrain. He is popular, yet stern disciplinarian, and Willip has policies of “canon law” administered by clerics of Saint Cuthbert and Zilchus. This often means long delays waiting for trials. Only members of these faiths are allowed to adjudicate criminal and court matters, and even then, the presiding cleric must be of significant standing to hear the case. Most taxes have odd names. For instance, the Noble Tax for lesser nobles is the “Baron’s Gold” and the Freesword Tax is called the “Blade Coppers.” This can be confusing to outsiders. The Baron is resistant to further increases in taxation, but he also knows that since Francessa pays for the navy, and the navy brings vast revenues into Willip, that he is beholden to his Queen on that score. Should the navy be increasingly diverted to a developed Gold County port as a base, the barony would suffer economically. Butrain thus plays a waiting game. He insists on agreements between all provincial rulers before he will agree to raising taxes, knowing this is unlikely to happen. But in the end Butrain is likely to give in to the Queen's demands. Arcane spell casters are carefully monitored in the Barony unless in the service of the baron or the crown. All wizards, sorcerers, and spell-using bards must pay a Dweomercrafting Tax of 10 wheatsheafs (gp) per month, and register their residence. Any wizard spending more than a few days in the Barony who does not pay this tax may be forced to pay up to 100 ‘sheafs in reparation. Sorcerers are viewed with particular suspicion here; many believe that sorcerers are in league with demons and other outsiders, as their innate spellcasting ability defies traditional wizardry. Sorcerers are best served hiding their presence in Willip. The heir apparent to the Baron of Willip is William Butrain, and has a reputation for being irresponsible and for excessive gambling. In his early 30’s, William is in excellent physical condition. He has dark brown hair and his father’s gray eyes, but lacks his father’s court etiquette. Lastly, Butrain has a nemesis. His cousin Gregen claims the title of baron. The true bloodline is disputed. Gregen is believed to have fled to Admundfort. This is a carefully concealed secret which only major nobility in Furyondy, and a few sages, know. Most do not believe Gregen and the fact that he is a cruel, despicable wretch is reason enough to back Xanthan.
Type
Geopolitical, Barony
Capital
Leader
Leader Title
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Feudal state
Parent Organization
Comments