The Mage-Prince Lakaster

Prince Lakaster of Winetha has a brilliant, cold, evil mind. He is a mage with few equals in all the Flanaess. He always takes the long view; with his magical aids to longevity, he can afford to.

During the wars, Lakaster cooperated fully with Ivid's orders regarding the use of Winetha as a vital supply port and in cooperating with the Sea Barons. Lakaster saved himself that way, and he also saved the Winetha navy which he confined to port for fear of barbarian sea raids. Indeed, shortly after Ivid demanded that Lakaster dispatch his vessels to Asperdi to support the Sea Barons (an order Lakaster refused), the barbarians raided the city and the defensive value of Winetha's six war galleys was vital in preserving the city. Ivid did not issue the same order to Lakaster again.

Lakaster is undisputed head of the House of Torquann in these lands. He has many liegemen, minor Torquann Princes, with small militias in the lands west and south of his city, and by and large he has been a responsible lord to them. He has not extracted heavy taxes and tithes from them, not needing to do so. Trade levies provide Winetha with enough wealth.

So, after the wars Lakaster is in a strong position. His military forces are intact. Winetha is subject to barbarian coastal raids, but these are not as severe as those inflicted on the Sea Barons. Trade has declined somewhat with Roland taking the lion's share of cargoes from the south, but the city is still reasonably affluent.