A Guide To Ashbury
By Iklyn Kintraire, Journeyman Bard of the Royal Bardic College at Ashbury
Written in June 593, updated June 594

It is important to recognize that the duty of the bard is to relate events and tell of exotic locales so as to entertain and instruct. As my dissertation, I have chosen to update and edit Master Pentalairan Denethil's famous text An Atlas of Ashbury (written in 559) so as to continue the tradition of recording the history of our fair and beautiful Duchy.

First, I put forth a strict refutation of the old Rotarian adage that, "Nothing Ever Happens in Ashbury." Although it is clear that we do not take relish in an unusually high turnover among our nobles such as might be noticed within our neighbors to the east and north, it would be false to assume that our relatively stable and dependable nobility exists in a state of perfect harmony.

Furthermore, this fallacious statement seems to indicate that our land is a homogeneous agrarian Utopia; nothing could be further from the truth. While agricultural endeavors are indeed the lifeblood of our society, Ashbury is a veritable crossroads and stewpot of people and commerce. One must remember that the original indigenous peoples of Ashbury were not human, and many separate societies still exist intact within the borders.

Lastly, Ashbury is the heart of the Kingdom of Evendarr, as it sits as an archway to Rotaria, Volta, Ravenholt, and Niman. An incredible flow of trade and travelers pass on our roads and on the waters of Lake Hollym every day, and when we take into account the access of the Woodwash and Ashbury Rivers, a modest business with Quentari and Myrr can be included as well.

Ashbury is generally an exciting and interesting place to live when we explore the depths and specifics of Ashbury the true wonders are revealed.

The Ducal Fiefs
The beginning of any journey of the Duchy would naturally begin in the capital itself. The city of Ashbury is divided into several estates many of which are self-governing bodies given a charter to remain independent. Since the city covers so many square miles, it is hard to tell where one estate ends and the other begin, so we leave that to the Royal Cartographers. Residents generally know in which section they reside but cannot pinpoint the boundaries.

The capital city sprawls about the beautiful Ash River, and is the largest single trading port in the north that is not upon an ocean.

Of course the grandest sight in the capital is the Royal Bardic College of which I am a student. This institution was founded nearly two hundred years ago under a Royal grant from the office of the High lord Seneschal Roric Buttons in 431. In addition to becoming a repository of written music and literature, the teaching branch of the College instructs the most talented entertainers in the entire Kingdom. The staff of the Academy teaches all the known languages of Avalon in addition to giving each student a solid background in Rhetoric, Mathematics, History, Music, Painting, and Biology. One can find students from all over the Kingdom at the Bardic College, for it has become the premier site of education in the duchies above Lake Hollym. When visiting the College, be sure to visit the Vault of Lore and the Harmosium which offer live renditions of the works of literature and music collected by the college daily at noon and again at four.

One would be hard pressed to miss the imposing spires of Midnight Guildshall. This is the home of the Ashbury Mages' Guild. Midnight Guildshall holds the Kingdom's second largest library of magical knowledge in perhaps all of Evendarr. Sorceress Shalizar (creator of the spell "Detect Magic") runs the Guild like a general runs an army, and she earns the respect of all those in her guild (but not usually their friendship).

In addition, the Mages' Guild owns the estate of Diron on the other side of the city of Ashbury. The estate provides the Guild with the income needed to keep the Guild running smoothly. Many visiting mages stay there and study tax-free as long as they share their research with the Guild.

After visiting Diron, one might visit Safehaven, another section of the city of Ashbury. Duke Oliver placed this freehold under the direct control of the Royal Healers’ Guild in 504. Mother Merry of Evendarr and Guildmistress Isabella Nault currently run the Healers’ Guild.

Safehaven also is the sight of the Lord Britmore School of Alchemic Studies. The School itself specializes in analyzing newly discovered toxins in an effort to create antidotes and was propelled to kingdom recognition when they saved the life of King Frederick Endarr in 438.

The two sister ports of Yegril and Dockside were built at approximately the same time in the late third century. Yegril is a Royal port of the King's Navy. A powerful squadron of Dreadnoughts is stationed here and often can be seen majestically anchored just beyond the elegant jetties. A warning might be in order for those in the vicinity of Yegril, as the cheering sailors of the Royal Navy often find it amusing to aid in recruiting and one might find he or herself fighting pirates after recovering from a night of carousing.

Dockside is a center of the Ducal merchant fleet, and many powerful merchants have warehouses just beyond the docks. The often-rowdy sailors of Dockside frequently brawl in the taverns that clutter this section of the capital, but luckily the stalwart Ducal Marines patrol the area to keep injuries and damage to a minimum. Be sure to visit the retired Dreadnought HMS Richard, which in addition to being a masterpiece of engineering contains an excellent restaurant said to serve the finest seafood in the entire Duchy!

No true visit to the capital city of Ashbury and the Ducal Fiefs could be considered complete without a stop at the Ducal summer residence of Dover. The beautiful rolling hills and forests surround the most beautiful castle in the entire kingdom (save the King's palace). Dover serves not only all the headquarters of the Duchess' Army, but as the site of many Army tournaments.

Ashbury River: The Ashbury River forms a physical border between Ashbury and Volta. The river is wide and is a major method of trade and transport for items shipped to Lake Ardynn. The riverbeds are rocky, and here are found convenient smoothed cobbling stones for the repair of roads throughout the kingdom of Evendarr.

Kalaloch Plateau: This plateau is an extension of the Quentari highlands. The Ashbury River originates here, and flows across the plateau, falling off forty miles after the river Current joins it. The plateau encompasses parts of Trellheim, Jennith, and Anym. Although the altitude is not in excess of 3000 feet, the climate is much drier than would normally be expected, giving rise to dust storms often in the early spring and late autumn.

The Barony of Blythedale
The oldest of the baronies, Blythedale has a rich and noble heritage. Having the privilege of bordering Rotaria, Blythedale has become a large assortment of trading communities. Although Blythedale does not have the rich farming lands of the other baronies, it has over the years has benefited greatly in its rapport with Rotaria, and trade has flourished.

The citizens of Blythedale tend to have an elitist streak. They feel that since they were the first barony of Ashbury established, they are purer or better than the "late-comers" of the other baronies. Their arrogance may also have something to do with the fact that most of them are related to prominent families in Rotaria. A common pastime among the elite is discussing and researching their family tree.

The people of Blythedale are hard working and industrious folk mostly involved in shipping and trading (as opposed to the agricultural economies of the other baronies). I once met a Nordenner who referred to Blythedalelanders as "penny pinching fops who care for nothing more than profit and privilege." While it is clear that many Blythedalelanders are concerned with moneymaking ventures, they by no means are effete in character as a whole. Perhaps this observation's origins can be traced to the Blythedalelanders genteel nature and tendency to dress in as fashionable way as possible. The nearness to Rotarian silk merchants of course would have this kind of effect on any people.

In any case, the high standard of appearance and interest in education can be refreshing at times, especially when so many citizens of the Duchy seem content with their own ignorance of the virtues of civilization and gentility.

The most prominent city of Blythedale is its capital, Greenstone. Founded by a Rotarian merchant named Abner Greenstone, the city has developed as the "Door to the East." Greenstone has become a truly beautiful city, possessing many awesome mansions of powerful merchant families. The bazaar of Greenstone is known to be a bustling place where good buys can be found -- of course I hope you plan to buy in bulk! Greenstone is also the city of artisans, where many talented sculptors and gem cutters live comfortable lives off of wealthy patrons.

Just down the road from Greenstone can be found the cities of Manchester and the Freehold of Dale. Manchester is known of course for its linen and wool mills. Manchester is more of a huge complex than a city, containing hundreds of businesses and merchants that fuel the entire clothing industry in the Duchy.

The Dale was the first community formed in the entire Duchy, and has since become a vital site for visitors to meet and conduct business. The Dale not only is a site in which foreign merchants come to distribute their wares, but a place for political intrigue, and not surprisingly, this means that the Thieves' Guild in The Dale is one of the largest and most profitable in the Duchy.

Grimsby is known for the Ducal hunting preserve. Many nobles are rewarded for service to the Ducal throne with the privilege to hunt on the verdant hills of Grimsby. Poaching is of course punishable by stiff fines and sometimes death. The elves have been trying to stop this barbaric practice for years, but so far to no avail. This town is also known for being the family home of the paladin Sir Angus Grimsby.

Hopewell, the community of my birth, is the home of one of the largest community of Hoblings in the Duchy. The Hopewell wineries provide stout vintages, and several breweries make visiting this town a pleasure in any season.

The Two Towers are large citadel on the eastern border of the Duchy. The Towers are a symbol of a past and perhaps future time in which relations with our neighbors weren't on such an amiable level. The surrounding town has dwindled during peacetime, as the garrison now has become quite small.

The town of Kelanor is named after a Dwarven prince of the second century. Kelanor was said to have died near this small community in an ambush provided by the then-numerous Hillraiser goblin tribe. His heroic death in a battle where he held back the hordes is a story of great telling. Dwarves still to this day journey to the small shrine of this Dwarven hero and to listen to the 12-hour-long Story of the Battle. Unless you have a Dwarf's patience, you probably want to avoid this.

Stony Brook is the site of the largest deposit of marble and granite in the Duchy. This town of cutters tends several large quarries that supply much of the Duchy's building needs.

To the west of Stony Brook is the estate of Amaranth. The Fen of Amaranth contains a small deposit of very resilient Lizardmen that have thus far managed to avoid destruction despite hundreds of years of effort from local citizens. Even now, Lizardmen in the area are rarely seen, and in most cases in only twos and threes. The name Amaranth comes from the Amaranth family, who has served as nobles for generations. Amaranth used to be known for their lizard skin products.

It is of course important to note Dragonhart as the estate and birthplace of our former Duke, Alaric Dragonhart. The people of Dragonhart have become negative and belligerent since the removal of the previous Duke. Many loyalists have retreated to this estate, and it has become an armed camp of bitterness and resentment towards the new Duchess and her nobility. This factor alone might be reason for Baron Nordenn's recent active solicitation for funds from the Duchess to rebuild the falling-down ruin that is Nordenn Keep.

The Barony of Nordenn
Nordenn began originally as the location of a penal colony for the Kingdom of Evendarr. A low ranking noble of a forgotten family was given the privilege of building a prison on the northern shore of Lake Hollym to oversee those undesirables who were exiled to this new frontier. The ruins of this prison are now Nordenn Keep. The name of the family that has since ruled this Barony is thought to be a corruption of either "Northern" or "Warden."

Nordenn is the second largest Barony in the entire Duchy and possesses a population nearly equal to that of Trellheim. The mainstay occupation of Nordenn is farming. The estate of Partridge is perhaps the most fertile area in all of Evendarr, and it is said that grains grown there make the finest breads.

The city of Jared is the market place of the Barony, serving as the largest trading center of foodstuff in the Duchy outside of the capital itself. Jared not only is the market place of grains and vegetables, but the sight of a grand auction of horses, cattle, and other animals.

The estate of Goldstone, which is usually considered to be mostly part of Jared, is the site of huge plantations of horse and cattle raisers. Goldstone, originally named for a small deposit of gold found in a local stream, has become the site of an annual series of horse races. The festival accompanying the races is complete with the finest foods, incredible gambling events, and entertainment from wandering theater troops. It is suspiciously whispered that the fine stock of horses from the Barony of Westmarch to the north in Ravenholt probably originated from the stock of Goldstone, for on several occasions, the Westmarch Baron's personal stable has defeated the stock of the Horselords of Goldstone.

The town of Stormwood is the site of the Baron's armies. Baron Bryan, the current leader of the Barony, made a claim upon his ascension that he would possess the finest troops in all of Evendarr to guard his family's lands. Thus the small community of Stormwood, which was originally known for its various wood products, has become the training center of a rapidly growing army. The Baron claims that the location of the Stormwood allows for rapid deployment in case of danger.

The obvious location of this center for martial training would be the castle known as Shadowkeep. Unfortunately, the keep itself was abandoned under the order of Duke Alaric Dragonhart after a series of strange incidents in 589. Citizens living in the area are convinced that the place is haunted or controlled by some evil power—perhaps the spirit of old Lord Douglas Nordenn.

The Fortress city of Dwarvenholm is perhaps the most amazing wonder in the entire Barony. Dwarvenholm is said to be the home of nearly eight thousand dwarves, although the dwarves claim there are less than 300 in the area. Built into the side of an entire valley, it is thought that this fortification could withstand the siege of ten times its number of defenders. Dwarvenholm was built two hundred years ago after the overrunning of Trollsgate in the infamous "Underearth Wars". Ever since, the dwarves have been building a stronghold in preparation for a supposed second war that will happen any day now. Despite a strong tie to Trollsgate, the dwarves have never returned, claiming it to be indefensible. In addition to building, the dwarves sometimes find the time to craft sturdy steel weapons and armor. The dwarves of Dwarvenholm are a determined, cautious, paranoid lot.

The area of Nordenn known as the Barrow-downs is known particularly for the ancient Elven tombs that line the rolling hills that lie near the edge of the forest. These tombs strangely were not built by the elves, but by barbarians who fought the elves in a short war in the early third century. Since the Elves will not disturb a body once it is laid to rest, there they will stay for all eternity. Reports hold that disturbing the graves will anger powerful spirits, which guard the dead.

I advise travelers to steer clear of The Haunted Marsh.

Two of the most beautiful sights in the Barony must be experienced -- the forest of Immervale and the hidden marvels of the Crystal Falls.

The forest of Immervale is thought to be the dying place of a life elemental, for one small area within the forest possesses trees that glow with a beautiful white light. Most interesting!

The Crystal Falls are another beautiful attraction, hidden beneath the ground inside a cave. The falls themselves descend from holes in the ceiling into a luminescent room of crystal. The basin, as it has been called, holds the water for a short time and then the water escapes into a chasm below. A group of enterprising dwarves offer guided tours of the caves, but are thought to be looking for gem deposits.

Unfortunately, the beauty of Nordenn ends here, for when we finally examine Port Frederick, Nordenn Keep, and the small village of Thrommel we see anything but the beautiful.

Port Frederick is perhaps the vilest place in all of Tyrra. Although supposedly named after King Frederick Endarr, it is jokingly said that the city is named after this King's illegitimate son Frederick the second. This place is the location of all sorts of shore washing—not to mention pirates. Although there is a battalion of Royal Marines, Port Frederick is overrun with nasty sorts that traffic in less-than-legal goods. Steer clear of Port Frederick—all intelligent people do.

The city of Nordenn Keep is merely a larger and nastier version. First of all, the Keep itself was once used as a prison for Evendarr criminals. Many of those in the Duchy who don't like the Nordenn family claim that it was built to keep them in, not anyone out.

The village of Thrommel is not mentionable for anything grand with the exception that it is predominantly the home of a large group of Biata. The Biata clan moved into Thrommel in the 540’s and has since taken over the town—however, because to all outward appearances the Biata looked human until the last Great Celestial Change, no one was aware of this. Many claim that these beings are involved in disreputable dealings, but the Baron seems to be unaware or uninterested in this fact. It might have something to do with the (act that he, too, was shown to be a Biata when the ‘Change’ happened.)

Green River: Slicing through Nordenn Vale, the Green River bounds Rotaria from Ashbury. The river is so named for the lush plant growth that abounds on its banks. Just after it leaves Lake Hollym, the river carries peculiar phosphorescent algae, which illuminates its channel at night for several miles down stream.

The Barony of the Ash Forest
The denizens of the Ash Forest are believed to have arrived in the general area of Ashbury over seven hundred years ago. Originating from the Quentari area of Avalon, it is believed that the elves of the Ash Forest left their brethren as a result of some political dispute.

It is important to note that Master Pentalairan carefully omits any mention of the origins of the elves of the Ash Forest or their reasons for taking up residence in the wood on the northern shore of Lake Hollym.

One demographic historian at the Bardic College, Aren Nelzer, has declared that his studies have uncovered mentions of a great evil that inhabits the darkest reaches of the forest and thus concludes that elves have taken it upon themselves to guard and protect Tyrra from a dangerous force.
Although almost the entire Forest is open to the citizens of the Duchy, the ruling body of the elves of the Ash Forest (The Amani Council) still forbids entrance into several areas of the Forest. The elves claim that the off-limit areas are kept secluded to preserve the habitat of many magical creatures such as the unicorn, the ffolk, and many other fabled creatures.

In addition to protecting these rare and beautiful beings, the elves wish to protect the Spirit Tree. It is rumored that this tree is the keystone of the Forest and that all its inhabitants benefit from its health. The elves jealously guard this wonder, preventing all from viewing its splendor, fearing that if non-elves come in contact with it, it might become polluted or corrupted. In any case, the Amani council exists to maintain the tree and protect the denizens of the Forest.

The Baroness and her people have served the Duchy in a loyal but somewhat disconnected manner. Ash Forest, the smallest of the Baronies, is inhabited mainly by some nine thousand elves with a scattering amount of humans and Hoblings around the edges of the forest.

When traveling in the Ash Forest, one should always remember that he or she is a guest. The elves keep an eye in some fashion or another on all visitors, so it is important to respect the forest and mind one's matters at all times. The Amani Council is very strict about preserving the forest, and many would-be troublemakers have found themselves escorted to the border by a group of Amani Rangers in a less than gentle manner.

The two most accessible and comfortable towns in the Forest are Tenebrous and Entholm. Tenebrous is the only logging community sanctioned by the Amani Council. Special guides selected by the council locate sick or dying trees for the lumberjacks of Tenebrous, carefully assuring that over-harvesting does not occur. The humans of Tenebrous have become accustomed to this arrangement, and have managed to so far accommodate the elves. The rare woods that are cut from this area are often supplied to woodworkers in Entholm to create artistic masterpieces of furniture and sculpture.

Entholm however exists as an oddity in the Ash Forest as no elves live there. It seems that a conflict erupted years ago between a woodworker and a group of Amani rangers. The woodworker in question had hired some lumberjacks to illegally enter The Ash Forest to harvest a particularly rare tree. The tree unfortunately was the home of a dryad, and an enraged group of Amani rangers burned down the woodworker's house, accidentally killing his wife and child. Rioting and racial slayings occurred until the intervention of Baron Gunther Nordenn in 513. Since then, an uncharacteristic phobia and hatred of the elves has flourished in the area, and the Amani Council, recognizing this, has always appointed human knights to administer the estate. Elves should be on their guard in the town of Entholm, as "accidents" frequently happen.

Kiri-Ashton is a lovely community of elves and Hoblings whose primary vocation is the growing and cultivating of the famous Asitikir Mushroom. Considered a delicacy in wealthy circles, the mushroom has a harmless euphoric affect on most races. Sarr should avoid ingesting this fungus at all costs.

Nymphwood to the south is rumored to be the home of - surprise - nymphs! Well, perhaps the beautiful streams, brooks, and ponds generate a foundation for such rumors, but rest assured you would have better luck finding a dragon.

The greatest attraction to all travelers in the Ash Forest is the lakeside resort of South Point. Here along the white sand beaches, one can find the true definition of paradise. This small community of two hundred exists only to serve and cater to its wealthy visitors. One should be warned however that paradise has its price, and only the wealthy, the famous, and the noble can usually afford a vacation stop at South Point.

Zaiinahk's Keep is the most interesting fortification in the world, as it is perhaps the only castle that is alive! Zaiinarik's Keep is the largest tree known to the intelligent races, and the elves have carefully guided its growth to be a castle of no small worth. One might think that a tree poses no invader much of an obstacle, but the Keep itself is completely resistant to magic and fire attacks, and its bark as hard as stone. Zaiinarik's Keep is an interesting and innovative form of protection for the inhabitants of Ash Forest. Rumors circulate that fabled Wizard Zalinarik (the creator of the spells "Destroy" and "Shatter") still lives in the highest reaches of the Tree, studying Dragon Magic.

The community of Aldin Mirk lies high above the floor of the Ash Forest. In carefully raised giant Redwoods, the citizens of Aldin Mirk have created an entire city in the trees. Although such a format for a community is common in larger Elven communities like those found in Quentari, the elves claim that most of the Ash Forest is too young to have trees suitable for support of a tree town. Also, in Quentari, tree cities are for protection whereas in Aldin Mirk the town was raised to make the very fertile ground beneath the city available to the herb growers. Aldin Mirk specializes in the raising of rare and special spices, in particular feyander, a delightful spice similar to a combination of chocolate and cinnamon.

Off the coast of Ash Forest is the small island of Synvia, a place of gently rolling hills of pastureland and small copses of trees. Originally used as an outpost for pirates in the fourth century, Synvia has become a haven for the races that humans have classified under the misleading term "Scavenger." The races that inhabit Synvia are mainly of an herbivorous stock. Perhaps the greatest attraction of visiting Synvia is meeting the Equaris, a handsome people with horse features. Synvians openly accept anyone in their presence; and although conflicts erupt between those sub-races (cats and dogs, sheep and wolves, etc.), a loose knit council of elders manages to keep a quiet peace. It is technically part of the estate of South Point.

The highlight of a visit to the Ash Forest is the majestic city of Zinfelendin. Zinfelendin is the capital of the Ash Forest Barony—but of course, the Amani elves consider their individual capital to be The Wold. Zinfelendin is an example of living beings working in perfect harmony with nature, as the buildings and dwellings themselves seem to have grown out of the ground itself. One section of the city is a remarkable mushroom village in which houses have been carved out of immense toadstools.

One should always visit meticulously tended park of Zinfel, the original King of the Elves. The pond itself in the center of the park glows various colors after nightfall, coating the whole park in a chromatic aura. The center of the city is dominated by a graceful single spire that ascends far into the sky, towering over the forest to an estimated height of two hundred feet. I recommend visiting the fabulous Elven weavers and the amazing Elven armories in the small but busy merchants' quarter.

Although I can find no written account within the records at my disposal of the two areas ruled by the Amani council—The Wold and Tir'kandir— I would issue you a stern warning against trespassing in these areas. Not only is a person violating a sacred trust between the Elven people and the Duchy itself, they could be placing the denizens of the forest in grave danger.

There is magic and there are beings that transcend our meager imagination in this world of ours, and it is best to leave them to their own business and out of ours. Even I, a person with an unending appetite for information and knowledge, recognize that some things are best left unknown.

Barony of Trellheim
The Barony of Trellheim is the newest of the Baronies of Ashbury. Although it is almost a hundred years old, it still closely resembles more of a frontier than a true community of civilized peoples. Trellheim is of course named after is most populous race, trolls.

The trolls of Trellheim have made war against the civilized races for hundreds of years. Recently, they have escaped their underground prison in the Trellheim hills and have renewed their battle with the people of Ashbury.

As you might imagine, most of the Baronial Army is constantly deployed in Trellheim to keep the tentative peace. The Ducal army also maintains a large presence under the Baron's command.

Visitors to Trellheim should take careful note that there are several variations within the troll race. Hill trolls are smaller then their full-fledged cousins and are generally redder skinned. The larger brown skinned troll is reasonably intelligent and is easily capable of mastering the skills of the civilized nations. Hill trolls are the most numerous kind of troll, living above ground and foraging for food. Full trolls generally live below ground, which explains their darker features. Over the years people have reported grey trolls living near the border of Ravenholt, and it is not clear if these are true trolls or some variation of the beings that live in Ardynn Dale.

Many of the towns of Trellheim have been named after some of the immense battles that have erupted with the trolls. For example, the towns of Battlewoods and Deathwatch are the sites of incredible battles for supremacy over the troll nation. After evacuating the town of Battlewoods of non-combatants and children, the forces of Connor Arawyn met the combined troll army under Troll King Fangthorn in 476. The conflict apparently lasted for three days until Connor and the Company of Storm were forced to retreat to the small fort of Deathwatch. The remaining troops held out at Deathwatch for two weeks until they were relieved by a force of Elven archers under the banner of The Wold. The grim battles left their mark on these two lumbering towns, forever causing the peoples to have an unending hatred of trolls.

The city of Blackboume, original home of the present Baron, has never been attacked by trolls for some mysterious reason. The city was founded in the year 508 after some adventurers discovered a strange black obelisk hidden in the hills. The Obelisk of Blackboume cannot be damaged or moved, and no markings mar its surface. Contact Earth rituals have proved fruitless. Since trolls have never attacked the town, it is rumored that the obelisk actually repels trolls!

The small hamlet of Brandywine is the second largest community of Hoblings within the Duchy. Brandywine competes ineffectively to become the largest supplier of fermented beverages to the people of Ashbury. Unfortunately, they have mastered quantity but not quality.

The royal estate of Oliver sits upon the lake of the same name. Oliver, named of course after the founder of Ashbury, is the location of the largest deposit of silver in the entire Kingdom. Several battalions of the Royal Footmen guard a series of fortified warehouses. The mines have shown signs of running "dry" and many citizens in this mining community fear what closing this mine might do.

The biggest threat to this operation is the incursion of Lizardmen from the Misrak Fens. The Fens - which are named after the seemingly immortal leader of these lizard-men are nearly completely impassable. The Lizardmen of the Fens are ferocious and often boast specimens that are capable of spell casting and learning civilized skills.

The towns of Dor-Lilth and Raquantri, located near the King's Road dividing Quentari and Evendarr, are home to many Quentari elves. There they trade with the local people and arrange for transportation for their goods, including many artistic marvels.

The Tower Hills are currently a war zone. Enter at your own risk -- the trolls have become quite active in their attacks. Apparently there are human mercenaries helping the trolls, so any people found in the area are immediately arrested and assumed to be guilty. I'm also sure that the current Baron would be happy to discuss mercenary contracts of his own to use against his adversaries, so be sure to bring references.

The northern marches of Trellheim are in fact partially civilized. The community of Medicia's Bridge is famous for it -- you guessed it -- bridge. In all seriousness, the bridge is a marvel of architecture, built by former Baron Justin Medicia. The bridge itself ascends to a remarkable height, spanning the swiftly moving Ashbury River linking our Duchy with Volta. The community is the site of a bustling trade with our rowdy neighbors to the northwest, and it is said the purchasing their famous Voltan ale is significantly cheaper on the other side of the river.

The smaller community of Taija's Ferry also thrives because of a great trade with the Voltan city of Grunsfeld. Taija's Ferry is also known for their unrivalled soaps.

The area known as “The Badlands" exists at the crossings of the estates of Bristol, Battlewoods, Deathwatch and Kurash. It is here that a small Sand Tiger Tribe of barbarians still reside. The area is a small desert and dust bowl, but the barbarians hunt and trade with local merchants and manage to survive.

The people of the small village of Gunther's Knee still retain and follow much of their former barbarian heritage. It is rumored that there is a barbarian graveyard somewhere hidden in the surrounding countryside. Be sure to visit during their annual Gunther's Knee celebration.

Not far south from Gunther's Knee is the small village of Bartleby. Do not be mistaken by its mild appearance for it is a place of immeasurable evil. There has rarely been a Lord of Bartleby that has ruled for more than three months without being assassinated at least once -- the reason being that the Nimani prefer a "governor" appointed to manage this small town in the effort to improve relations with our western neighbors. Make no mistakes -- Bartleby is the home of the largest slaver's ring operating outside of the bound of Niman itself. Be very careful when traveling in or near Bartleby, for it's only a stone's throne from slavery itself. Needless to say, Lords of Bartleby are few and far between, just the way Duke Vordan Nicadaemus likes it.

Although many of the original Capulans moved at varying times northward to the Ravenholt Barony of the same name, a small group of them still live on the grand estate that holds their name. Although many carry the honorary title of Lord or Lady due to the influence of the bloodline, there are presently no Capulan knights in Ashbury. Mandrake's Manse, a popular pub of the area, features a tremendous selection of Capulan memorabilia including a shield rumored to have come from the heartscale of a dragon and a staff reputed to have been carried by Mandrake himself. Be sure to sit in the lavish sheepskin seats.

Finally, be sure to visit the festive villa of Reeves. This small community originally began as the summer residence of the famous Evendarrian playboy Lord Ashton Reeves. He made this fief a hamlet of pleasure and excitement, financing all sorts of "distractions" within the boundaries of this town. The people of Reeves are optimistic and frolicsome beyond any moderation, and they have festivals at the drop of a hat. (There seem to be a lot of Mystic Wood elves who live there, too.) Beware, for visitors to Reeves (although welcome) are often the butt of their elaborate practical jokes.

Almost directly opposite of those of Reeves are the people of Trellheim, the barony's capital. Trellheimers are practical and abnormally serious to the point of nearly abject boredom. They are, however, fierce fighters, originating from barbarian stock and devoted to only one thing -- killing trolls.

In Trellheim, it is considered an art to kill these aggressive bloodthirsty creatures, and many citizens have been known to run weaklings out of town for not meeting quotas. The general outlook among the populace is best summarized by Baron Morgan's statement "The only good troll is a dead troll."

Although Trellheim is as civilized as any modern city in Ashbury, it is rumored that there are still establishments that only take troll ears as currency.