County of Flen, Keoland

Governed by Countess Allita Elgarin

The The City of Flen (pop. 11,900), third largest in Keoland, is nestled in a small valley formed by the northwestern verges of the Good Hills. This city of low towers and squat dwellings is surrounded on three sides by steep bluffs. Its fortified walls guard the way to the major ford across the Javan leading to the Earldom of Sterich and its capital at Istivin. It was during the second century of Keoland’s existence that the borders of the growing kingdom first expanded over the Good Hills, all the way to the Javan River. The Throne of the Lion desired a strong presence along this mighty riverway, which Keoish cartographers maintain is the longest in the Flanaess (this is disputed in Furyondy, which maintains the preeminence of the Velverdyva). Two large city-states were subsequently founded along the eastern bank of the river valley. Later expansions would lead to the establishment of Sterich a century later, increasing the strategic importance of the northern province, called Flen. The county was awarded to a clan of primarily Oeridian descent, which promptly took a seat in the Court of the Land.
County Flen and County Cryllor have traditionally been strong rivals. While the Javan River is navigable by small sea going vessels all the way to Cryllor from the south, only shallow-drafted barges can approach Flen in either direction. Therefore, while the former styles itself as more of a port, Flen makes do as a crossroads, the major stop between Istivin and Niole Dra. No bridge can span the river near Flen. Instead, the Ford of Marich, located north of where the swift Davish joins the Javan near Godakin Keep, channels most of the traffic into and out of Sterich. A steady flow of trade trickles south from Hochoch, and elven traders can be found in Flen from as far north as the Dim Forest. Unlike its rival, Flen maintains very good relations with the gnomes, dwarves, and halfings of the Good Hills, who prefer to travel to Flen to sell their wares, much to the consternation of Count Manz in Cryllor. A great many demihumans make their home within the city and elsewhere in the county, and trade between Flen and the community of Black Top, located in the hills three days west of the city, is brisk.
The County of Flen has become more of an armed camp in recent years, with greater concerns over the security of the western border of the kingdom than traditional economic rivalries with its neighbors. Incursions by giants and other humanoids from the Jotens remain a constant bane to its lord, the wintry Countess Allita Elgarin (N female human Clr5 of Xerbo), whose family has ruled the county for centuries. Allita has been a strong ally of King Skotti, and she directly supported the recent recovery of Sterich, which brought raids to a relative lull in that state. The countess had hoped the invaders could be discouraged once and for all from harrying Flen, but activity picked up in the county two years ago after the hobniz village of Kilm was razed. Forces dispatched from Godakin Keep were too late to capture the raiders. Last year, a party led by the countess’ son, the Lord Garson Elgarin (NG human male Ftr11), departed for the mountains on a mission to discover the source of the raids and put a stop to them. The party has failed to return, with no evidence of their fate, and the countess remains inconsolable.

Capital: Flen
Other Towns: Javan's Ferry, Godakin Keep, Gribli, Ringhold, Kilm, Caer Glys
Areas of Interest: Vale of Buckshold

Location in the Flanaess