Barony of Salkar
Barony of Salkar – This is a mid-sized barony in the foothills of the Northern Spine currently ruled by Baroness Jirella Salkar with the support of the Zalarite Order. The Barony is a subdivision of the Kingdom of Tarrel. The Barony is centered around the twin cities of Upper and Lower Elden, populations 12,000 and 17,000. The Barony also includes the predominately Dark Corgerian Community of Vollis (population 5,000) in its southern highland region. Rumor has it the Upper Elden is an important outpost of the Salyite Sisterhood, which is protected by the Baroness. The area around Vollis contains a major mining complex of at least a half dozen large mines producing copper and lead. The northern lowlands of the Barony include heavily cultivated river valleys and grasslands that are home to large herds of cattle. Horse breeding to support the Zalarites is becoming a major occupation in the grasslands.
Structure
The Baroness acts as an absolute ruler with strong support and advice from the leadership of the Sisterhood of Zalara and the Sisterhood of Salya. The Baroness has appointed governors enforcing her will in the Barony's towns and cities.
Culture
The region has a mixture of Northron and Mountaineer culture which are especially blended together in the areas of food, music and clothing.
Public Agenda
The Baroness is seeking to promote her legitimacy through strong, direct rule over her province.
Assets
The Baroness derives considerable income from taxes collected from the mines and from the trade generated by the region's urban centers.
Demography and Population
The Barony has a population of 110,000 and is unusually urbanized with a full third of its population living in cities and towns. This area has large minorities of Dark Corgerians (6,000), Danites (1,000), Northron Corgerians (11,000), Mountaineers (20,000) with the balance being Northron Humans.
Military
The Baroness maintains some 300 personal troops with additional guard forces of 200, 150 and 100 being posted in the main population centers. Additionally 3,500 trained soldier may be levied if needed. The Barony may also call on the forces of the Zalaite Order which has a force of anywhere from 1,000 to 3,000 circulating in and out of the Barony.
Religion
The Zalarites have become the dominant religious group in the region and have established a temple in each of the major population centers. The Salyite cult is also present and protected by the Baroness. Most of the other major northern gods are also worshiped here, but do not enjoy official favor. The Alyites are kept out.
Agriculture & Industry
The area around Vollis contains a major mining complex off at least a half dozen large mines providing copper and lead. The northern lowlands of the Barony include heavily cultivated river valleys and grasslands that are home to large herds of cattle. Horse breeding to support the Zalarites is becoming a major occupation in the grasslands.
Trade & Transport
The Barony has a decent network of wagon roads and the twin cities are at the head of navigation for the area.
Education
The Dark Corgerians of Vollis host the school of the Gray Tower which trains students in sorcery and alchemy. Upper Elden is home to the University of Elden which has some 120 students studying law, mathematics, engineering and history..
Infrastructure
The major towns of the Barony are connected by well-maintained trade roads. These roads are typically surfaced with gravel with careful grading and ditches. Bridges are either stone or study wood constructions. North from the Eldens, the river si navigable and is used for barge traffic. Both Upper and Lower Elden have a stone wharf or barges.
Type
Geopolitical, Barony
Capital
Leader
Ruling Organization
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Traditional
Judicial Body
The High Court of Salkar. This is the highest court with additional city courts sitting in Upper and Lower Elden and the town of Vollis. The Baroness may overrule, suspend or reverse the judgement of any of these court. The Zalarite Sisterhood also maintains the High Court of Honor, which has jurisdiction over members of the Order.
Official State Religion
Location
Controlled Territories
Related Ethnicities
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