County of Roy
Framed by Judge’s Road to the east, the Blackrock Mountains to the southwest, and the main cities and roads of the Kingdom of Foere itself to the north, the County of Roy is a land of broad, rich fields and lightly forested hills. Farms, vineyards, and homes throughout this region are largely safe and well-protected. Not only are these lands close to the main seat of power of the overking in Foere but they are also under the strict control of the county’s military, with its fields, mines, and businesses focused entirely on supporting the preparation, training, and deployment of the many varied military branches of Foere.
Walled mansions and castles belonging to some of the wealthiest merchants and nobility of the kingdom can be found in isolated parts of the County of Roy, though these residences are generally considered “summer homes” by those wealthy enough to keep and maintain them. The militia stationed within Roy do not usually interfere with the possessions of the wealthy or the powerful, even though the orders of the overking provide them the right to investigate or even take control of any home or building in Roy. Only those in favor with the overking are given leave to maintain holdings here.
History and People
The County of Roy was one of the first earldoms handed out by the overking of the Kingdom of Foere to one of his loyal generals, Earl Corwin Geoth, and remained in that family for many generations. One of the most steadfast supporters of the crown during the early centuries of Foere’s growth and expansion, the Geoth family and local nobility ultimately fell into sloth and decadence. When Overking Oessum was killed in battle in 3207 I.R. and Overking Graeltor took the throne, the decay in Roy was too much for the new overking to stomach. While calling his troops to arms, the overking not only discovered that the leaders and nobility of Roy were engaging in parties dedicated to bloodshed in which servants and commoners were being tortured, murdered, and abused, but also that money assigned from the crown for the maintenance of troops and arms for the defense of the nation was being embezzled and that troops were poorly equipped and poorly trained. While the first offense angered Graeltor, it was the latter that caused him to dissolve the title of the Geoth family and have the family, and all nobles involved, put to the sword.
The overking then put the County of Roy under military rule and placed control of the iron mines near the base of the Blackrock Mountains and the entire area at the disposal of his generals for supplying and training troops during the Foerdewaith Wars of Succession. During the hundreds of years since, the tactically important location near the Iron Kingdom of Dorriden and the Kingdom of the North Heath has remained under strict military control. Facing continuing decay of the eastern provinces and potential threats nearby, it is unlikely the overking will make a change here any time soon.
A vast body of militia are held here, kept as a reserve location for troops due to easy support with the nearby fields and vineyards. Horror stories of the time before military control keep the common folk satisfied with their place as they are well-cared for and Lord-Commander Lorant has firm regulations against any abuse of commoners by his troops. Iron ore from mines at the base of the mountains is transported to Ems for smelting and working into weapons and tools. Fields and grazeland near Ems provide food for the troops, and vineyards near central Roy provide a number of fine wines, much of which is transported to Courghais for the crown. Although slavery in Foere might be illegal, prisoners of war kept here are put to work in the fields and mines as virtual slaves with any attempt to escape bringing a swift execution.
Religion
In addition to a number of smaller temples and shrines dedicated to a variety of gods throughout the area, a massive cathedral dedicated to Stryme, God of Strength, is located in Ems. Many soldiers here follow Stryme as a result of the cathedral, with a number of others following Solanus or Archeillus.
Trade and Commerce
Most of the resources in Roy are used to support the military troops stationed within the county, with a substantial surplus available to be sent by wagonload to other locations of military importance. Fields here are largely dedicated to grains and other foods that can be easily transported, as well as feed for cattle and horses. While some of the surplus iron ore mined from the base of the Blackrock Mountains is sold or traded with other parts of Foere, most is reserved for weapons and armor. Vineyards in central Roy produce excellent wines with the best of these reserved for the overking’s cellars in Courghais. A number of smaller businesses support the troops in various ways, particularly with regard to entertainment, but relatively few travelers or merchant caravans spend much time in Roy.
Loyalties and Diplomacy
The military leaders here are among the most faithful and loyal to the crown and are ready to respond to the overking’s orders at a moment’s notice. Trade caravans entering from the Kingdom of the North Heath to the west are allowed to travel through without harassment, but it is always clear that one of the reasons for the military stationed here is to remind the Kingdom of the North Heath, and even Reme farther to the northwest, that Foere is ready to go to battle. To the feudal baronies and principalities nearby, Roy serves as notice that they all serve at the pleasure of the overking.
Government
The entirety of the County of Roy, including the capital city of Ems, is under strict military rule. Military officers and judicial systems oversee all actions, including any crimes, of the military here. Lord-Commander Norgrim Lorant was assigned control of the County of Roy directly by the overking and is well-established in this position. One concession to the civilian population is a civil court system that handles any crimes or disputes between civilians. All law enforcement is handled by specially trained militia, as are all guard duties and training throughout the area. By law, the military can enter and investigate any home or building throughout the County of Roy at any time, for any reason. They can also examine any merchant goods traveling through and seize them if they see fit. In truth, it has been decades since any military official has taken advantage of these laws. Lord-Commander Lorant insists on evenhanded and steady enforcement of the laws of the Kingdom of Foere. Any officer violating or abusing the rules and privileges granted here is court-martialed.
Military
Troops stationed in Roy total almost 75% of the population, such that military troops are used during harvests and planting times for some of the fields. Assignment to Roy involves a great deal of training exercises but is generally considered a “good” assignment. Cavalry, infantry, artillery (ballistae and trebuchet), and specialized troops are all trained in different parts of the county. Most new recruits from the surrounding principalities receive their basic introductory training in Roy as well. This means that there is a mix of highly trained, experienced veterans and fresh new recruits. While senior officers look forward to closing out their service in Roy, junior officers prefer other assignments to increase their chance of promotion.
Major Threats
The constant military drilling and patrols throughout Roy make it one of the safest areas of the entire Kingdom of Foere. At one time, civilians could have expected the threat of soldiers taking advantage of them, but the present strict rule means that there is little likelihood of even that happening. Some fear the continuing decay of Foere’s domains to the east might mean a major campaign using most of the troops that reside here, which would leave a power vacuum in the county, as well as leaving the area largely unprotected.
Wilderness and Adventure
Constant military patrols and training exercises make Roy one of the most heavily-guarded areas in Foere, leaving few opportunities for adventure. Adventurers might seek out excitement at the base of the Blackrock Mountains where some giants or orcs sometimes make an appearance. Military leaders here view adventurers with some caution as they are suspicious of possible spies.
Region
County of Roy
Parent Organization
Controlled Territories
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