Dern
The march of Dern serves as the Hereditary seat of the van Tollenaar Family, who serves as the Margraf and Elector of the province. One of the provinces gained in the 2nd Conquest, it holds the North-Eastern border of the Empire. While remote, the march as becoming a major thoroughfare of trade with the far-east, due to passes through the mountains into the wildlands, which caravans going to and from the City of Brass must make the arduous passage through.
Historically, the Margraf of Dern has delegated administration to several mediate nobles, such as the Viscount of Moerasuitzicht overseen by the Brandt family, the Barony of Dunkelwall overseen by the van Kühnbauer, and the Ritter Fiefdoms of Hakkerburg overseen by the ban Brugwachter, Hern by the van Kaal, and Tussen by the van Stoer.
Recently, due to internal turmoil, a tenuous second Barony as arisen, in the forest of Rend, granted to Their Excellency, Laddy Ameera Mahdavi Van Scheuren, Baroness of Rend.
Geography
The March of Dern is most noted for its large forests and marshes, that dot this north-eastern province. Hemmed in by a semi-circle of mountain ranges, including the dwarvish range of Kar-Golovkin, that captures the winds coming in off the North Sea, feeding the many creeks, streams, and rivers, that eventually merge into the Geld river that runs out and forms an estuary and Natural harbor, that Dernstadt sits upon.
The Province of Dern, due to the abundance of water, humid and often waterlogged. Rain is common all year, but particularly in late Spring and early fall. Summer highs range into the Low 80's F, with lows in the high 50's. Come Winter, heavy snow due to damp air is common, and high in or around freezing are the norm, with lows in or below the single digits not unheard of.
Fauna & Flora
The heavy waterfall of Dern has developed several old-growth forests of a diverse set of flora, including such hardwood as Maple, Its cousin the Ophalum tree used in the making of Krrf, various Oaks, Pines, evergreens, and other hardwoods, along with a menagerie of other bushes, wildflowers, herbs, wild fruit trees, and other flora that dots the landscape.
The creation of marshes and bogs are greatly aided by Beevers and their larger cousins, native to the area, which has brought in and supports a wide variety of waterfowl and insects during the summer months. Grey wolves, brown and black bears, whitetail deer, hairs, foxes, and other cold-weather suited animals thrive in Dern's temperate climate.
Natural Resources
Dern is a major producer of bog iron, lumber, peat, and furs, due to its natural resources. Maple syrup and cold climate orchards, which support the making of distilled wines and spirits make up minority market of Dern's exports.
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