Barony of Baldenar
The Barony of Baldenar stretches from an area 50 miles south of Corvusrook, north along Judge’s Road to the intersection with the King’s Road, and then east to Nyham Chae. Its principal farms and settlements are found in the well-watered lands between Malan and the Shadrack Forest, particularly along the Gilded River. On official maps, the barony includes all of the Shadrack Forest to the base of the Rampart Mountains. In practice, the forest is little patrolled.
History and People
Baron Gaitan Baldenar is a young, charismatic, and forceful leader that many consider a throwback to the first Baron Baldenar granted these lands by the overking in Courghais for his heroism in battle. But recent generations squandered much of the goodwill once granted the barony by the overking. The Baldenar family lineage is one of the longest continuous family lineages in the kingdom, with some throughout history having served with such distinction that the Baldenar coat of arms is displayed in the halls of the overking. As with all long lineages, there are sometimes less-effective rulers, as the past few barons of Baldenar have demonstrated. The crown has noticed Gaitan’s hard work eliminating the corruption that grew in the province under his father’s rule. While the light of the Duchy of Saxe may be fading in the halls of the overking, the Barony of Baldenar is rising.
Corruption and mismanagement grew over several recent generations until it reached a point where something had to be done. Gaitan had his father declared incompetent, with approval and encouragement from the overking, and took over the barony at the age of 24. Well-educated, driven, and disgusted by what he felt were the failings of his own family, Gaitan replaced all of his father’s leaders and advisors with individuals who were both competent and trusted. Several of the new advisors were brought in from other parts of the kingdom but the initial distrust these advisors faced receded due to the startling changes in the barony under its new ruler. Additionally, nearly all of the mayors and other local city leaders were also relieved of duty and replaced with appointed mayors and staff loyal to Gaitan himself.
Trade and Commerce
Much of the barony’s income is generated from control over the King’s Road and Judge’s Road and the trade these routes generate. Gold-mining operations near Corvusrook along the Gilded River are well-protected and owned by the Baldenar family. Recent generations spent income on opulent mansions and castles and large parties, but Gaitan ended this practice and focused on shoring up the reputation of the barony. Farming operations help support the larger cities while logging operations in the Shadrack Forest are relatively minimal and mostly restricted to areas near Nyham Chae.
Loyalties and Diplomacy
Baron Baldenar is completely loyal to the crown. His goal is to become important and recognized enough to increase his position in the kingdom and to consolidate his control over the region he now possesses. He has an excellent relationship with Lord-Commander Lorant of the County of Roy and active trade agreements with the Iron Kingdom and the Duchy of Mains. He has a tense relationship with Duke Mercur Saxe, however, as Saxe believes that Baldenar’s efforts to increase the use of the King’s Road as a trade route to the east hurts the trade coming through Saxentry.
Tasked with the upkeep and protection of both the King’s Road and Judge’s Road from Corvusrook to Nyham Chae by the overking, Gaitan performed necessary repairs and upkeep to make merchant traffic smoother. Increased patrols reduced the number of brigands that moved into the area during past rule to the point that the trade roads are now largely considered safe.
Government
The baron’s rule has been forceful, direct, and on occasion, violent. His swift punishment of the corrupt elite earned him the love and respect of the more common folk, particularly members of the various guilds. The court system is presently run with judges handpicked by Baron Baldenar with the approval of the overking. The baron’s service in the Foere military began at the age of 14, with several years of education at the University of Mains in Arbo, through which he came to know a number of highly educated, dedicated, and loyal servants to the crown, from among whom he picked many of his advisors.
Military
Officially, all military forces within the barony are under the charge of Baron Baldenar, although the military forces stationed in Nyham Chae are under Mayor Piers Touriq, who orders regular patrols near Shadrack Forest and the Rampart Mountains. The forces presently stationed at Nyham Chae come from regions outside the barony in hopes of reducing the corruption that was prevalent here recently.
Major Threats
Being near the seat of power of the kingdom, and the close proximity of the military forces in Ems, make this one of the safer areas on all of Akados, particularly now that the baron has eliminated the major abuses and corruption that were so prevalent before and taken steps to reduce or eliminate brigands along the major trade roads. Creatures from the Shadrack Forest and the Rampart Mountains still pose a threat but the newly invigorated barony is now taking steps to reduce them as well.
Wilderness and Adventure
The baron is still looking for knowledgeable people with no link to the past rulers and leaders to help investigate some of those who are still in power. Some who were already taken and convicted hid their wealth, and the baron is always seeking to recover such lost treasure as well. Shadrack Forest is largely unexplored, as there has been so little of value discovered there and few want to deal with the gnolls living within. Rumored ruins in the Rampart Mountains, as well as the hill giants and stone giants that are reported to live there, also attract explorers and treasure seekers.
Region
Barony of Baldenar
Parent Organization
Controlled Territories
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