Duchy of Waterdown



Overview of the Duchy
The Duchy of Waterdown is a prosperous section of the Empire centered around the Nevan Lake. With this large lake, and three major rivers running through the duchy, Waterdown is a very wealthy trading center for the western side of the Empire. With the expansion of the smelting town of Valley Pass, trade and commerce has improved even further. Waterdown also has profitable mining and agricultural sectors.

The Duke of Waterdown, Torin Hollack is an experienced spell sword with a healthy respect for everyone in his care. His seat of power is the City of Waterdown which lies along the western coast of the Nevan Lake. From there he rules the duchy, Hollack county, and the city itself. Duke Hollack is quite shrewd and can easily sense a good bargain or a lousy deal from even the toughest merchant. Duke Hollack is open, generous, tolerant, patient, and exceptionally driven. He is exceptionally skilled in Imperial politics and despises foreign instigators.



Political Information
Currently the Duchy is not currently embroiled in any political maneuvering or feuds. This is a significant change from the past few years in the duchy. Duke Hollack has recently been embroiled in a nasty political fight with Lord Timothy Rothgar. Timothy Rothgar was at that time the Minister of the Imperial Overwatch, an organization dedicated to securing the borders and safety of E'gathin citizens from elven interference. Timothy Rothgar had learned of Hollack's true heritage, one of the best kept secrets in E'gath. He kept pressing upon alleged treasonous acts and the attempted asassination of Emperor. At one point Rothgar had succeeded in isolating Hollack with a seige led by the Imperial Army and the Emperor himself. At the last possible moment a group of adventurers, led by a Paladin of Valarian, arrived with proof of the Duke's innocence.

Rothgar was temporarily foiled, but his long term ambitions came to fruition soon after. Even after he was cleared of the charges brought against him and his son, he and Rothgar continued to be at odds over the direction they wished the Empire to travel politically. Hollack always chose a well-balanced path of honor and freedom. Rothgar seemed to pursue a far more totalitarian and paranoid view for the Empire. They remained at odds during the election for the Regency, and have settled down to long term scheming and backbiting.

The Duchy has always supported the Emperor and all Imperial edicts, and had excellent relations with the Imperial Family. Recently the Duke has been interpreting some Imperial edicts to best serve his people and the safety of the Empire. This loose interpretation has not set well with many of the E'gathin nobility, especially Regent Rothgar. Duke Hollack sees the day where the pair of them will go to war. While Hollack regrets the loss of life, he will fight to his last breath to defend his duchy and keep it safe from anyone.

The significant pirate situation has been stifled of late. The tireless efforts of the Scarlet Scarf and other notable sailors in the area have diminished the prevalence upon the Nevan Lake and associated rivers. Some strange rumors of sea serpents or kraken have been told within the Nevan Lake area.



Historical Information
The Duchy was one of the first founded during the Great Rebellion against the Warlon Empire. A commander in the elven army named Mordred Hollack defected to the side of the lesser races. One of his servants who fought by his side took his family name when the original Hollack was killed in battle. That particular Hollack and his decendants have kept the Hollack tradition alive for the Duchy of Waterdown.

Imperial Siege of Waterdown



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