IC Material: The West

Geography:

The main focus of this event is the western forests and coastlines, collectively known as the Fierdsvain. They are comprised of the Valonbray Peninsula (5), Ironoak county (12), Ansen County (13), Gunder's county (14), Dawnbreak Reach (21), and the Woods of Knudarr (22). The West is full of rivers, plains, forests, and a mountain range near Dawnbreak Reach.


Population:

Currently, in the Western lands that we control, there are-

230,655 people

45,819 live on the Valonbray Peninsula

27,075 live in Ironoak County

36,967 live in Ansen county

40,091 live in Gunders County

39,050 live in Dawnbreak Reach

41,653 live in the Woods of Knudarr

Vanskerry Raiders:
The Vanskerry presence has been greatly reduced in the aftermath of the Unification, and any attempted resurgence of activities has been savagely resisted by the efforts of the Dawn. Fewer and fewer raiding parties travelled to Pendor as its reputation as a strong kingdom spread. However, a combination of the Fierdsvain's invitation and spreading knowledge of unrest amongst the nobility have brought a number of particularly hardy bands back to the shores of Pendor. Some of these men are listening to the Fierdsvain and only attacking shipping, wheras others are simply taking advantage of the worsening situation to indulge themselves. The men arriving are a combination of experienced warriors and youths out to prove themselves, so expect tough fighters and negotiators.

Economy:
The majority of the economy in the west is based on mercantilism and agricultural produce. The Fierdsvain have reacted to Hamid very aggressively, as trade is a large proportion of their interest. The most important local good is flax, but the north also produces large amounts of wool. In addition, fishery is the main subsistence employment, and the coastal villages operate a large fishing presence. The fishing trade especially is now being threatened by some of the less self-controlled Vanskerries, with the effect of severely damaging the local peasantry.
The royal velvet manufactories are also present along the coast, with many of their important supply routes taking the sea lanes. They have become increasingly vulnerable to raiding as the coastline is being picked clean by raiding bands.

Banditry:
Low levels of banditry in the area, occasional highwaymen and caravan raids, but almost no intimidation of villages.

Mettenheim trade:
The Mettenheim operate a single large trade station in the shelter provided by the landmass near Javiksholm. However, they do not work directly with any nobles or orders, simply using the area as an embassy and exchange post. Their main concern is the trade of timber and food products to send back to the homeland, in exchange for high quality metal products. They are growing very concerned with the local situation, as it could jeapordise their food supply. Other powers interested in Mettenheim have begun to notice this, and are watching eagerly to see if they can become involved.

The Astraean Church:
While it has not shrunk by any means, the church has not felt any major growth in recent times, with the faithful indoctrinating their children but not exactly spreading the gospel far and wide. The split of the Dawn has also divided regular worshippers, and the sudden reappearance of the Vanskerries has convinced people on both sides that Astraea is punishing them for their heresy. The resolution of the troubles could have an effect on popular support for the Dawnite factions.

Western Lords: (waiting for clarification)

Western lords:
Recently many of the Western lords have declared their support of Aelfwine's and Wulfric's demands and have signed the Marleons Charter - the exact contents of which are still undisclosed and have not yet been presented to the king. They are worried about the possible trade war, but so far have stood firm in defense of more rights for the nobility. Scouts have reported more intense patrolling in respective counties.

Some of the other regional lords are faithful to the Dawn. Others, as it is expected, are still deciding the best path to take, and while they are not very sympathetic to the royal orders in general, they will most probably cooperate with them - for the right price.

Dawn Defense:

Valonbray Peninsula (Hex 5): 50 Knights, 100 Retainers under the command of Sir Fabien

They are accompanied by 2 Galleys, and are assisted by the harbor watch galleys

Ironoak County (Hex 12): 27 Knights, 60 Retainers, and 100 Militia Archers under the command of Sir Arceon, Rineheart, and Mattias

They are not accompanied by any ships at all.

Ansen County (Hex 13): 25 Knights, 50 Retainers, 100 Wyverns, and 100 Militia Archers under the command of Sir Roderick and Sir Andreas.

They are accompanied by 1 Barque, 1 Galley, and 1 Cog. They are also assisted by the harbor watch galleys

Gunder's County (Hex 14): 25 Knights, 50 Retainers, 100 Militia spearmen, and 100 Militia Archers under the command of Sir Varis

They are accompanied by 2 Galleys.