Duchy of Dorlin
Overview
This vast province extends north from the city of Niole Dra along the Sheldomar River to the border of the Axewood. It continues north and west nearly to the edge of the Rushmoors, and is the largest territory in the kingdom. These grasslands arc the ancestral lands of the Neheli, an ancient Suel noble family whose roots date back to the migrations following the Twin Cataclysms. The Duke of Dorlin is the title usually held by the leader of the house, save when the Neheli bold the Throne of the Lion in Niole Dra and another prominent member of the family assumes the dukedom. Dorlin is carved up into various petty baronies and counties, all of which are enfeoffed by the duke to members of his extended family. These lands arc not as well-worked or as richly harvested as the central marches of the kingdom, but have primarily agricultural economics nonetheless. Sleepy towns and villages dot the landscape, many of which are ruled by absentee lords. The people of these lands are meek and highly superstitious, often ascribing supernatural explanations to events that require none. Most Neheli are firm believers in the concept of noblesse oblige, but rulership that was once considered just and honorable is now seen as patronizing and neglectful. The Neheli, like their rivals the Rhola, abhor slavery (banned by the Founding Charter) and only a very limited form of indentured servitude is practiced in isolation. The current Duke of Dorlin is Cedrian III, a young and ambitious lord who has worked hard to hold together his once-great house’s somewhat flagging fortunes. At one time. the lords of House Neheli were the most influential in the kingdom. and it was largely from their wisdom that the Founding Charter of Keoland was fashioned. The last king before Temend I Sedenna was Trevlyan III, a member of this ancient house and uncle to Duke Cedrian. This was decades ago, after years of disease and disquieting rumours of madness damaged their prospects for a long-lived royal dynasty. The current duke has tried to reclaim his family’s reputation from the incessant rumour mongers, for he styles himself a prime candidate to succeed Temend on the throne one day. Chatter about midwives caught at the edge of the Rushmoors carrying freshly born children to be exposed in the wastes is not helping his cause. Cedrian’s chief opposition within the family is from the ill-famed Count Orloc, a baleful lord who rules a small corner of Dorlin near the Rushmoors. In the Council of Niole Dra, Cedrian numbers Baron Markos Saisset and other members of the current royal faction among his chief competitors, though the centuries-old rivalry with the Rhola still simmers, as always.
Type
Geopolitical, Duchy
Capital
Leader
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Feudal state
Parent Organization
Comments