Vale of Meargensdale
Near the headwaters of the Gallu river (the southernmost in Rhyl) lies a cleared vale, surrounded by the Rhyl Forest, the river its southern edge. The Weslay Road goes easy to the The Barony of Craynth, and connects to the Rodgensen Road leading southwest to Danbevy. The strange and ancient Lonely Road goes to the north from the vale into the unknown. The Viscount has maintained good relationships with the Pine Tribes in the area, and there are the occasional tribesmen for trading, or even some local celebrations – such as the spring fair in honor of Ezrilus. Religion in the area is mixed, mostly those who venerate the Wyld Faith; the Green Church has a presence as an organized flock in Correl – the capital of the vale. The Lightbringers maintain a small following – radically vehement and constantly preaching. Mizras has a small enclave which exists solely to train and supplement for the defense against the constant raids by Orrish in the night.
Culture: It is somewhat remote, and like of all Rhyl its people follow most of the Freelander culture – they are independent, self-sufficient and distrustful of outsiders. Outsiders are especially distrusted in the vale, as the potential for disturbing the long dead spirits and bones of the giants is great with the many treasure seekers, archeologists, and historians.
Each year there are games and challenges (“Test of Seven”) and from the region is sent the best to be a candidate as a High King’s ranger; a source of great pride in the region.
Population 18,000-21,000 permanent (some transient during harvest season); It is primarily human in population, with the occasional elven trading party, a few half elves and elven outcasts. The elves and leaders of the vale have age old treaties for logging and forest management.
Rulership: The Vicount of Meargensdale rules the vale. Each town and settlement has either a mayor or hetman. Each major settlement also has a council or merchants and/or land owners that have a say in local affairs.
Major Places
[1] Capital:
Correl (‘Kor-el’; population 9000 permanent civilians + 2000 transient)
> Viscount Sir Sven Tallstag and extended family rule the vale (dynasty has lasted almost 1000 years)
[2] Homlet: Feathlay Hollow (collected population 850)
[3] Town: Feath (population 2350)
> Mayor:
[4] Town: Terraway (population 2620)
> Mayor: (town hall)
Iron Forge Inn – a famous Inn for its whiskey and as a gathering point for mercenaries and adventurers.
[5] Flatrock/Temerry Hall (an large Inn/caravanserai) – where Weslay Road and Rodgensen Road meet.
Villages (8): 4 along the Riverlands, 4 in the vale Greenlands (population 3500 approx.)
Steadings (30): (population 550 approx.)
Goods and Services
orchards, lumber (managed w/the elves), iron, coal, wool, mead, honey, some elven goods – silks, dyes, leather, perfume, oils (Rhysvelaugh Clan along The Lonely Road), boats, wagons, carts
> Some adventurers come to search for the remains of the battle of the giants or search for Ducateon ruins in the hills and mountains northwest.
> Archeology in the area is booming. Unfortunately, every so often, a giant skull is found and tampered with – potentially causing havoc for days or weeks at a time.
History
Relations with the Duke: The Duke of Rhyl’s family is seen as mostly positive, having always supported the freelander way, and interceded and gotten help from the High King when it’s been needed.
- Common Knowledge
It is named after Meargan Hothwillow the High King’s Ranger who killed the Cloud Giant Krael Bolga in the river’s headwaters.
The Lonely Road actually goes nowhere. It is said that there is both elven enclave and a half elf outcast enclave, friendly to the druids, living near the path of the Lonely Road.
- Uncommon Knowledge
The Prince’s Revolt of Gladnor almost spilled over into the area.
Battle of Giantsford.
There are many rumors about why the Lonely Road ends and there are no real settlements in the north. The elves and fringe elements of the Lords of Bronze once fought over the area, with the elves stopping their northward advance in the Rhyl forest. Rumors abound of a lost soul tree, ancient battle sites, and elven-Pine-Tribes battle sites all over the region.
It is said the Stone Giants fought the hill Giants in the area and the battle cleared the area of trees from almost the headwater to a distance of near 50 miles on the north side of the river. The Weslay Road is said to be the path the stone giants pushed the hill giants back on until a great free-for-all battle took place that is mainly cleared of trees now.
> The spirits of the giants can be awakened by desecrating the dead
Some texts cite that Formorian giants fought alongside the hill giants, and fled back into the deep earth waiting for a time to return and wreak their vengeance.
Ancient texts also talk about an old Ducateon fortress in the hills SE of Mount Lenaides – they once fought the giants and were defeated long ago.
> Sometime Ducateon battle songs are heard echoing in the hills.
- Hidden Knowledge
Typically a DC 15 or higher Check
Typically a DC 20 or higher Check
