Barony of Woodwych
Overview
Prior to Archbold III crowning, this land was managed by the Baron Bastrayne. While Bastrayne feigned support for the king, he and Bailiff Radnen Gryppe managed to skim of some 30-40% of the taxes for themselves. Bastrayne himself was a very charasmatic ruler, and knew well how to manipulate his population, and his king. He denounced the “terrorists” of the Celadon Forest and gave glowing accounts of how his troops are imposing order and protecting the vital trade of the kingdom. As time progressed he imposed martial law on Woodwych and had his Baronial Guard harass and arrest anyone threatening to bring the truth to the king. The militia were very loyal to the Baron, as the king had not paid them for several months until the Baron himself started paying them. In fact, Bastrayne had intercepted the wages. He had then convinced the militia that the people of the lands could afford to pay the taxes, and would wax eloquent on Nyrond’s need for a strong army, so that the militia would believe what they were doing was right. Opposition to Bastrayne had sparked anger and violence in the lands around the walled city, especially within the Celadon. Archbold wasn’t as naive as his father, and quickly uncovered the truth. He appointed Verin Talnith, a powerful southern noble, the Baroness of Woodwych, giving her unprecedented autonomy in running the province. She immediately ordered a handful of lesser nobles exiled for their role in the Bastrayne Affair, and sacked most of the former Baronial Guard, a body that had become unacceptably corrupt. Bastrayne and Gryppe however, managed to flee. It is rumored that he managed to get away with wagonloads of gold, and speculation on where he, and that gold, can be found run hot. So far, the Baroness’s rule has not been too successful. Woodwych’s biggest resource is the Celadon Forest, and that remains in a state of near-revolt where no Nyrond soldiers dare go. Things are slowly returning to normal, but it takes time for injuries on both sides to be forgotten and in the meantime, the provinces economy, and tax collections, suffer. Talnith has tried to assure the forest folk that she is no threat to the forest, but she has been only moderately successful at this. The new regime may be considered a great improvement, but all know that Nyrond needs gold, and that means pressure to consider the short term uses of the forest. Further, her new and lofty construction projects require a great deal of wood. So, for now, any entering the forest had best have permission in advance, and is likely to face a few sudden and none too pleasant conversations with elves who seem eager to give the visitor a final home.
Type
Geopolitical, Barony
Capital
Leader
Leader Title
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Feudal state
Parent Organization
Comments