Duchy of Brandiar
Brandiar is a land of scattered villages, and farming is the primary occupation of the people. Once loosely ruled by the Duke of Brandebury in Goliad, that position is now empty. Ebelard, last of the Brandebury line, died of a broken heart soon after Zhengyi's ascent, for Ebelard was the first to concede defeat and surrender to the evil forces of Vaasa.
The people of Brandiar had no successor at hand, and the Witch-King never bothered to appoint one. Brandiar remained neutral during the Bloodstone Wars. Armies from Bloodstone crossed Brandiar's borders as freely as those from Morov, Ostel, and Polten. The unorganized farmers could have done nothing to stop either side, even had they tried!
After the Bloodstone Wars, when Vaasa reared its ugly head again, Brandiar did join in the Damaran rebellion. A common farmer from Goliad, Dormythyrr by name, assumed stewardship of the duchy. He gathered an army, then turned his forces over to Gareth, serving thereafter as an able commander in the Bloodstone army.
Today Brandiar is a divided land. More than any other province, Brandiar suffered under the Witch-King. "Eight of the ten" is a saying in the province: eight of the ten long years of the first war were fought almost exclusively within Brandiar's borders. The people won't soon forget what Gareth and the army of Bloodstone accomplished.
Moreover, the security promised by the new Kingdom of Bloodstone is deeply appealing. However, the southern villages of the province retain old ties to Morov and Ostel, who do not favor the new Bloodstone kingdom. Dimian Ree, the Baron of Morov, takes it for granted that Brandiar will support him, but the province is actually leaning strongly toward Gareth.
Structure
Politics of Brandiar
Overseeing the Duchy from the capital of Goliad, Dormythyrr sees much he can accomplish to improve the lives of the people of Brandiar, at least once he is appointed Duke. Unlike many of the other provinces, there are fewer political intrigues here, the Counts and Sheriffs have all lined up behind the steward. Also in the capital, Friar Dugald is completing construction of the Church of the Bountiful Harvest, dedicated to the Gods of Nature and financed by his portion of the treasures supposedly taken from Tiamat's hoard. One of King Gareth's adventuring companions, Friar Dugald will likely have a role to play in Brandiar's political future.County of Goliad
Rich black soil and plentiful rains make the County of Goliad one of the most favored provinces for farming. Rolling foothills to the north melt into seas of grain in the middle and southern areas of the province, while light breezes carry the sweet scent of clover to those working the fields. Many residents consider Goliad a veritable paradise. Bramm, Count of Goliad, is content to rule his province so long as Brandiar's steward provides defensive reinforcements against the goblins of the Galenas and the perpetuation of his creature comforts. He is an enthusiastic supporter of Domythyrr.County of Nabrien
Nabrien maintains an intense but friendly rivalry with the province of Goliad. When it comes to beer, the people of Nabrien are adamant that their ales and stout porters are superior to the lagers of their northern neighbor. Rissa, Countess of Nabrien, rules her province with all the care and calculation of a guilder. She trusts no clerk to handle her books, and so spends much of her time acting as her own exchequer.County of Hasrien
The richest province in Brandiar, Haesrien suffered greatly from the Bloodstone Wars. While its farmers and herders are as industrious as those found throughout the domain, it is trade that makes Haesrien thrive. Montros, Count of Haesrien, rules the province, but because most of the population resides in Haes he delegates many responsibilities to the city's mayor, Brynaen Shander. Brynaen is another of those rare common folk who have risen to high station in Brandiar.County of Ghonnal
This westernmost province is also the most sparsely populated. The southeastern half of the province is home to farmers and a few shepherds or goatherds. The most important products of Ghonnal are the wool and goat cheese. The Ghonnallison family has held the province for hundreds of years and was among Domythyrr's first supporters. Robin, Count of Ghonnal, is typical of his line, a physically active hunter and rider. He enjoys leading his own patrols in coordination with the Duchy's scouts.County of Helmsdale
The people of Helmsdale number among the most simple and superstitious Brandiars. Serving as Zhengyi's base of operations during the Bloodstone Wars, the village of Helmsdale has been all by deserted, with fewer than 100 people inhabiting the county seat. North of Helmsdale is Croaker Gorge, now the largest town in Helmsdale. The nearby moor that gives the town its name has a bad reputation. While it is said that any man can find a high station in Brandiar, Willam Redstaff is the exception, not the rule. Willam is one of the commoners to have risen to the rank of sheriff. He is a good and loyal servant, yet his simple, straightforward thinking is a source of many jokes and mockeries.County of Alamsreft
The Bloodstone Wars scarred the province of Alamsreft badly. For miles, barren patches mark the sites of tragic battles. These fields, and the few remaining ruins of short lived fortresses, are much shunned by the local farmers and herders. Despite the damage of the war, Alamsreft remains a productive agricultural region. Grain is the most plentiful crop, but the people of this province mill most of it into flour for baking, unlike their beerbrewing neighbors. Folks supplement their diets with their own livestock (cattle, sheep, goats, and chickens). Festivals in Alamsreft are famous for their excellent food. Blaene Carpenter, sheriff of Alamsreft, is the first of her family not to build houses and furniture, or to marry a man who does. Honored for her bravery during an unsuccessful but costly raid by brigands, Blaene was Dormythyrr's first choice to replace the retiring sheriff, Robert Locks.
Ruling House: Brandebury, presently none
Present Duke: None, currently represented by Dormythyrr, Steward of the Duchy
Family Crest: Spear-tipped Windmill
Province Population: 18,000
Capital: Goliad (3,900)
Type
Geopolitical, Duchy
Leader
Parent Organization
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