Barony of Echen
Home of Loyal Clan Echen and the fortress Echen Crag . The Barony of Echen is a bastion of Antari culture and the northernmost held territory by the Kingdom of Banteave. It is tenuously held, thanks to a working relationship between House Antyre and Loyal Clan Echen, whom they have elevated and furnished with wealth and weaponry to ensure their control over a region that chafes at the bit and bridle.
North of Echen, the Untamed Clans still hold full sway, uncounted and unyielding.
North of Echen, the Untamed Clans still hold full sway, uncounted and unyielding.
Culture
The rule of the Clans is everywhere here; ancient traditions hold sway, and traces of Banteavan culture are scant. Even the "Baron" at Echen Crag is Banteavan in name and title only. The few pockets of Banteavan settlers here are in the minority; clan law dictates settlement of disputes, crime and punishment, and the practice of old religions.
Assets
The highlands contain much good grazing ground, strong timber and deep coal mines.
History
Echen has never been conquered. Those Antari clanfolk who fell back here under the onslaught from the Norvalled invaders centuries ago held their ground to the last man, and earned their descendants a measure of self-governance. The Kings of Banteave have known for centuries that to try and bring this land fully under their sway is a fool's gambit. The generational anger towards Banteave slowly simmers under the surface, and the presence of Banteavan soldiers would handily fan those flames into a bonfire.
Demography and Population
No one from Banteave has ever been able to take a full census of the population in Echen. The census takers were either mocked, robbed or chased out of the Antari villages. The lands around and beyond Echen likely hold dozens if not hundreds of villages of which no firm accounting exists.
Military
Each clan leader maintains a militia for self-defence, and many will raise a warband during times of disputes or when raiding becomes necessary. The exact numbers and makeup of their forces is unclear, but they still hold to the old tactics and strategies of their forefathers.
Religion
The Old Gods hold full sway here. Druids sworn to the Red Sisters are common, as are those to Fenris, Mare and Carrion. Their shrines dot the roadways and the high bluffs overlooking the moors.
Foreign Relations
The leaders of "Loyal" Clan Echen, for which the territory is named, swore allegiance to House Antyre in exchange for standing and power. They have little dealings with those south of Farran and many of them have never seen a Banteavan king in person.
Trade & Transport
Roads between settlements in Echen are often little more than worn goat paths through the hills. Travel is slow and treacherous to horse and cart. There is little in the way of infrastructure; inns are uncommon, and most travellers will appeal to local steadings for the Rite of Hospitality.
We Do Not Yield
Capital
Leader Title
Government System
Monarchy, Elective
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Barter system
Currency
Many of the folk here eschew the trappings of silver and copper used by the Banteavans, dealing instead in barter.
Legislative Body
While some laws of Banteave are observed in the court of Echen Crag (begrudgingly) old Antari clan laws still hold sway here. New laws are declared by the clan leaders for their territory, which are often adopted by their neighbours if they are sensible and derided if they are not.
Parent Organization
Location
Related Ranks & Titles
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Related Ethnicities
