Wardship of the North (inc Northwood Manor) Domain

See Level Demographics

Lady Lirael, Warden of the North

Wardship of the North (Barony)
Lord: Lady Lirael, Baron Warden of the North, Knight of Loudwater.
Vassal to: Lady Moonfire, High Lord of Loudwater.
Manors
Northwood Pop 1208
Greywood Pop 123
Azul Karak Pop 322
Total Population 1653 (M6 1484 est.)

Wardship of the North Manors
1. Northwood  pop. 1208
Manor Lord: Baroness the Lady Lirael Widdershins-Sirocco (Cha 14)
Reeve: Dame Aryn Blackthorn of Tavysburg
Resources
Northwood Manor - stronghold/hamlet (wood, farms)
Tavysburg - village (farms, water power)
Elfstree (farms, water power)
Eastfarm thorpe (farms)
Westbrook thorpe (farms)
Old Mill (farms)
Notable NPCs: Sir Jorah Blackthorn, Ranger and Steward of Northwood, Lirael's husband
Income: -5gp in 1483 DR (see below)

2. Greywood population 123, 41 able bodied
Manor Lord: Sir Pealias (Cha 10)
Resources: Greywood Thorpe (wood, trading post with Graywood Elves, farms)
Pealias followers: 1 Min-12, 1 Min-11, 3 Min-10, 30 Min 1-9.
Notable NPCs: Anaveth, half-elf Paragon Silverstar (religious, arcane & healing rituals)
Income 1484: Tax 123x2=246gp, Elf Market 300gp, total +546gp

3. Azul Karak ('Dwarf Stronghold') population 322 (101 able bodied, dwarf, half-dwarf & human)
Manor Lord: Sir Dunstan Ironforge (Cha 19)
Resources: Quarry, river dock, farms
Dunstan Followers: 1 Min-14, 2 Min-13, 2 Min-12, 4 Min-11, 7 Min-10, 75 Min 1-9
Notable NPCs: Cerdic Ironforge, warrior-smith and cousin of Dunstan,  (can craft +3 enchanted arms/armour, and Lvl 16 masterwork chain, scale & plate armour)
Income 1484: Tax 322x2=644gp, Quarry 300gp, total +944gp

Anaveth

Cerdic Ironforge

Extent: The Warden of the North is tasked with protecting and patrolling the lands from the Unicorn Run river and the Graywood in the west, to Covere manor and the Barony of deTrevani in the east; from the Grayflow River in the south to the edge of the Dire Wood to the north. Most of this land is currently wilderness. Actual land of Northwood Manor (previously Travys Manor) is about 60 square miles (in 1481), covering 10 miles east-west and 7 miles north-south at the greatest extent. The area is mostly light woodland, with farming and most of the population concentrated along a narrow strip for about 2 miles north of the river, and around Northwood Manor house (from 1481).  The forest verge is used for herding pigs and sheep, for firewood, hunting, and some logging.

Northwood Manor
Total Population: 1208 (1484 DR)
Acreage farmed: 60 square miles
Resources
Northwood (Travys) Manor house - fortification & thorpe pop. 108
Elfstree, hamlet - pop. 321
Tavysburg, village - pop 445. Feudal: 55 peasant asseigns (farmed strips of land) to Dame Aryn Blackthorn, Reeve of Travys Manor.
Eastfarm, thorpe - new 1482, pop 54
Westbrook, thorpe - new 1482, pop 43
Old Mill, thorpe - new 1482, pop 86
36 farmsteads - pop 235
Associated Resources
Fiery Spire (neighbouring) - Arcane College, Ritual Level +5. Leader: Ashara of Akanul
Dragon's Milk Beer (food resource): 1055gp+3%=1087gp
Vale Honey (food resource from 1482): 5 hives/sq mile x60=300 hives, +300gp
Annual Tax Cash Income (M6): 2gp/person (1208x2= 2416gp). 80% (1933gp) net to Lirael, the Lord of the Manor. The Reeve of Tavysburg (Dame Aryn) takes the other 20% cut of the annual cash revenue.
Total 1484 DR Revenue to the Warden, Lady Lirael: 1087+300+1933=3320gp

Expenses
Salaries: Military 3132gp, School Teachers 4x120=480gp.
Childbirth Stipend: 4+1=5% of pop. 1653=83 children born, 83x5=415gp.
Total expenses 4215gp.

1484 DR Net : 3320-4215= -895gp

School Construction 1484 DR -500x4=-2000gp
_________

Feudal Service: 40 days annual per able-bodied person.
Muster Strength: +180. Typically min-7 trained levy.

Jorah Blackthorn

Travys Manor House (see NPCs page) 
Lady of the Manor: Lirael Widdershins, Knight of the Vale, wife of Jorah Blackthorn
Steward & Consort: Sir Jorah Blackthorn, husband of Lady Lirael (Lvl 15)
Captain of Guards: Jareth of Orlbar (Lvl 18, Cha 9, Leadership 17)
Keeper of the Larder: Dunstan Ironforge
Other senior inhabitants: Arya (or at Fiery Spire)
PCs often not Resident:  Pealias (at Green Regent or Tammy Hill's house)
Cook/Housekeeper: Milla Strong, the Tavysburg Baker's Daughter
Senior Personnel: 6

Milla Nistral (nee Strong), Housekeeper

Civilian Staff: 6
Staff Dependents: 9
Guards: 32
Smith: Dendry Nistral (from M6 1481 DR)
Total Inhabitants: 53
Capacity: 80; 40 in main manor, 40 in Guard Barracks.

Dendry Nistral, Northwood Smith

• •   

Manor Expenses
4 Sergeants at 15gp/m = 60gp/m
4 Corporals at 10gp/m = 40gp/m
23 guards (17 infantry, 6 archer) at 6gp/m = 138 gp/m
Cook/Housekeeper at 8gp/m
5 servants at 2gp/m = 10gp/m
1 Smith at extra cost 5gp/m
Total Salaries: 261gp/m= 3132gp/year.

Sigil of Jareth

Military - Northwood/Travys Manor - 1482 DR
8+15=23 heavy infantry, greatsword & scale armour.
4+4=8 bowmen, longbow & leather armour.
Total: 31

Equipment for Jareth's guard force - first 13 (1480)/second 19 (1481)
4/4 longbows, with arrows & quiver - 120gp/120gp
4/4 sets leather armour - 100gp/100gp
9/15 greatswords - 270gp/450gp
9/15 sets scale armour - 405gp/675gp
Total: -895gp/-1345gp: deduct from treasury.

At time of recruitment (first 13 M3 1480 DR) they are 'lackeys' (standard level 1/minion level 7); with Jareth & Lirael training them they go up 1 level/month to standard level 7 (13th level minion) 'crack troops' after 6 months; initial group M9 1480 DR. Further advancement would need significant combat experience.

The North Manor Guard, (levels for 1483)
24 23 Heavy Infantry - commanded by Jareth. 
Master Sergeant Boulder, lvl 13 standard, Goliath (from the Greypeak Mountains), male (fullblade) (RIP M1 1483)
Master Sergeant Crag (M3 1483 DR-), Goliath, brother of Boulder
Minion levels.
5 NCOs
lvl 16, infantry, human, male, Watch Sergeant Jakys Aylmer 
lvl 16, infantry, human male, Watch Sergeant Reynard Zell 
lvl 16, infantry, human, male, Corporal Faris Gladstone 
lvl 16, infantry, human, male, Corporal Alcindor Bartram
lvl 16, infantry, human, male, Corporal Kain Rowland
lvl 16, infantry, human, male, Watch Sergeant Marcus Dewarl (glaive, veteran, former Orlbar Royal Guard) - RIP 3/6/1481
17 Soldiers
lvl 14, infantry, human, male, Aran Lodwicke (twin) 
lvl 14, infantry, human, male, Mansel Symond
+15 level 14.
8 Bowmen/Rangers - commanded by Lirael, Jorah or Jareth
2 NCOs
lvl 16, bowman, half elf, male, Sergeant Kevril Baldric
lvl 16, bowman, half elf, female, Corporal Carcaryn Silverkin 
6 Soldiers
lvl 15, bowman, human, male, Orrick Arroway
lvl 15, bowman, human, female, Gylda Lodwicke (twin) 
+4 level 15.

Barracks building has a dorm for each of the three watches (red, blue and green); at any time one watch is on duty, one is sleeping / has free time and one is studying or training - they rotate once a week. Skeleton staff for feast days! Canteen is a tented area outside to avoid tasty food smells distracting those training in the great hall.

NORTHWOOD MANOR INFANTRY

Master Sergeant, Goliath Guardian		Level 13+ Soldier
Medium natural humanoid		XP 800
HP 88; Bloodied 44 AC 29; Fortitude 26; Reflex 25; Will 25 Speed 6		Initiative +11 Perception +8
Traits
Warrior's Leap
A goliath guardian can jump without provoking opportunity attacks.
Standard Actions
m Fullblade (weapon) • At-Will
Attack: +20 vs. AC
Hit: 2d12 + 8 damage, and the target is marked until the end of the goliath guardian’s next turn. If the target is prone, it cannot stand up until the end of the guardian’s next turn.
M Ram's Charge (weapon) • Encounter
Attack: +18 vs. Fortitude
Hit: 1d6 + 5 damage, the target is pushed 2 squares and knocked prone, and the goliath guardian shifts 2 squares and makes a fullblade eattack against the target. Special: When charging, the guardian can use this power in place of a melee basic attack.
Move Actions
Stone's Endurance • Encounter
Effect: The goliath guardian gains resist 5 to all damage until the end of its next turn.
Skills Athletics +16, Insight +13, Nature +13
Str 21 (+11)	Dex 16 (+9)		Wis 15 (+8)
Con 18 (+10)	Int 12 (+7)		Cha 12 (+7)
Alignment unaligned     Languages Common, Giant
Equipment scale armor, fullblade

Northwood Manor Guard Sergeant  
Level 16 Minion Soldier
Medium natural humanoid (human) XP 350
HP 1; DT 18/9
AC 31; Fortitude 28; Reflex 29; Will 28
Speed 5
Initiative +12
Perception +15
Standard Actions
m Glaive (weapon) • At-Will
Attack: Reach 2; +21 vs. AC
Hit: 13 damage.
M Powerful Strike (weapon) • Encounter
Attack: Reach 2; +21 vs. AC
Hit: 16 damage, and a small or medium  target is knocked prone.
R Crossbow (weapon) • At-Will
Attack: Ranged 15/30; +20 vs. AC
Hit: 9 damage.
Skills Streetwise +14
Str 21 (+13) Dex 15 (+10) Wis 15 (+10)
Con 18 (+12) Int 12 (+9) Cha 13 (+9)
Alignment any     Languages Common
Equipment scale armor, glaive, crossbow, crossbow bolts (20)

Northwood Manor Swordsman Guard 
Level 14 Minion Soldier
Medium natural humanoid (human) XP 250
HP 1; DT 16/8
AC 29; Fortitude 26; Reflex 27; Will 26
Speed 5
Initiative +11
Perception +14
Standard Actions
m Greatsword (weapon) • At-Will
Attack: +20 vs. AC
Hit: 12 damage.
M Powerful Strike (weapon) • Encounter
Attack: Reach 1; +20 vs. AC
Hit: 15 damage, and a small or medium  target is knocked prone.
R Crossbow (weapon) • At-Will
Attack: Ranged 15/30; +18 vs. AC
Hit: 8 damage.
Skills Streetwise +13
Str 20 (+12) Dex 14 (+9) Wis 14 (+9)
Con 17 (+10) Int 11 (+7) Cha 12 (+8)
Alignment any     Languages Common
Equipment scale armor, crossbow bolts (20)

NORTHWOOD MANOR ARCHERS

Northwood Archer Sergeant/Corporal 
Level 16 Minion Artillery
Medium natural humanoid XP 350
HP 1; DT 18/9
AC 30; Fortitude 28; Reflex 29; Will 27
Speed 6 Initiative +13
Perception +16
Standard Actions
m Short Sword (weapon) • At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +21 vs. AC
Hit: 9 damage .
r Longbow (weapon) • At-Will
Attack: Ranged 20/40 (one creature); +23 vs. AC
Hit: 12 damage.
R Rapid Shot (weapon) • At-Will
Attack: Ranged 20/40 (two attacks); +21 vs. AC
Hit: 9 damage.
Skills Athletics +16, Nature +16
Str 17 (+11) Dex 20 (+13) Wis 16 (+11)
Con 15 (+10) Int 13 (+9) Cha 13 (+9)
Alignment good     Languages Common, Elven, Giant
Equipment leather armor, short sword, longbow, arrow x30

Northwood Archer
Level 15 Minion Artillery
Medium natural humanoid XP 250
HP 1; DT 17/8
AC 29; Fortitude 27; Reflex 28; Will 25
Speed 6 Initiative +11
Perception +14
Standard Actions
m Short Sword (weapon) • At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +20 vs. AC
Hit: 8 damage .
r Longbow (weapon) • At-Will
Attack: Ranged 20/40 (one creature); +22 vs. AC
Hit: 12 damage.
R Rapid Shot (weapon) • At-Will
Attack: Ranged 20/40 (two attacks); +20 vs. AC
Hit: 9 damage.
Skills Athletics +15, Nature +14
Str 16 (+10) Dex 19 (+11) Wis 15 (+9)
Con 14 (+9) Int 12 (+8) Cha 12 (+8)
Alignment good     Languages Common, Elven, Giant
Equipment leather armor, short sword, longbow, arrow x30

Northwood Manor Smithy
Smith: Dendry Nistral (1461-) from M6 181 DR. Dendry is the more talented of Megana Nistral's two brothers. He married the manor housekeeper/cook Milla Strong M9 1481 DR.
100gp to set up the smithy, gives 50% discount on suits of armour for soldiers. The reduced cost of maintaining 40 soldiers' armour & gear (by sending it to Loudwater for repair) equates to the cost of having one armour smith, so net cost ca 5gp/month. Dendry spends the time he's not needed for maintenance on forging scales, helms etc for extra suits of armour so they can be swiftly put together if you recruit more men. Also spear points and shields if you need to raise a levy, etc.

Staff (By Kimberly Pauley)
Lirael's Uncle Vetch (human) and his two sons Rhenn (half-elf) and Vail (half-elf) are handy. Vetch is also good with horses and oversees the repair & bringing up to date of the stables. He's a bit of a drunkard, though, Dunstan keeps an eye on him around Anwyn's ale. His wife Adina (Moon Elf) is a bit sickly and weak but very handy with herbs and potions and growing things; she'd be happy to keep the kitchen gardens (likely with the help of Anwyn's kids.
Lirael's younger brother Arvis (half-elf) is a young ranger, being trained by Jorah, Lirael and Pealias - he spends most of his time in the surrounding woods. He likes to camp and  supplements the food stores with wild game...he's particularly good at snaring rabbits.

Staff (1482 DR)
Cook: Milla Nistral (nee Strong) (previously Anwyn Pyro - now managing Green Tankard). 

Scullery Maid: Breton Pyro, Anywn's daughter.

Stable Master: Vetch and his two strapping (well, as strapping as half-elves can be) lads Vail and Rhenn) that are happy to do whatever task is at hand. 

Housekeeper: Bevra, a cousin of Lirael's, the daughter of Lirael's Aunt Syrah. Keeps the rest of the house (not the kitchen) in order.

Dependents (1480 DR)
Adina (who will help with the gardens/herbs, etc.); Anwyn's 6 other children: Bessye, Cullen, Abbella, Devra, Ethel, and Frist) where not at Green Regent. Arvis doesn't fancy being on official payroll, but is picking up ranger skills from Paelias and Lirael and some moves from Jareth as well.

Tavysburg (pop. 402)

Dame Aryn Blackthorn

The palisaded hamlet of Tavysburg is notable for the well-fortified Blackthorn manor; the Blackthorn family are traditionally the Reeves (tax collectors) and Stewards of Travys Manor. Dame Aryn Blackthorn-Covere, 1418-, thin, slightly birdlike) of Hartsfont is current Reeve, succeeding her deceased husband Sir Michael Blackthorn (1412-1463). Dame Aryn is the aunt of Sir Brandini Covere, the lord of Hartsfont, and first cousin to the Baroness Amara deTrevani. A sharp head and cool, Aryn is known to be ambitious for her children; she has long wished to see a Blackthorn as Warden of the North.
She has three sons - the second Sir Jorah (1444-) is a famous Ranger and the Steward of Travys Manor. A mighty warrior, he is said to fear only the sound of his mother's voice... Aryn Blackthorn's eldest is Sir Michael (1442-, big, bluff, bearded, wields flail), the Vice-Reeve and heir to the Blackthorn estate. Few argue when he comes for the taxes... The youngest is baby bother Sir Arren (1450-, lean, fair hair, handsome, wields greatsword). Michael and Arren were also Rangers in their younger days, but their woodland skills have now fallen into disuse. They are both married, to Jara & Mara, two of Sir Otto Falthis of Malt's daughters, now with young families - a son to Michael, a daughter to Arren. But they prefer to spend their time sparring, or drinking and carousing at the White Wolf. Sir Jorah is teetotal since the terrible night in M6 1479 DR when Travys Manor was sacked as he caroused with his brothers at the White Wolf.

The White Wolf Inn

Vera Strong, the Innkeep's wife

Bartolomew Strong the Innkeeper

Tavysburg has one Inn/Tavern, The White Wolf, run since 1478 DR by Bartolomew Strong (1438-) and his young wife Vera Strong (nee Thane) (1452-), younger sister of Algrim Thane of the Fisher's Friend in Loudwater.  Bartolomew is certainly strong, but not too bright,  quick-witted Vera is the brains of the outfit. The White Wolf serves as a popular local watering hole, and as a stopping point for travellers on the road from Secomber over the river to Loudwater, or to points east (DeTrevani-Erstlin-Orlbar). Bartolomew's older brother Tom Strong (1436-) is manager of the Reeve's bakery, where all the villagers must bake their bread; the Reeve collects the baking tax in flour or bread. Despite this, Tom Strong's eldest daughter Milla Strong (1460-) is a hardworking good-natured lass, and exceedingly popular, Unmarried, when not working she visits the tavern for a cup of ale, and was often found there on the lap of Sir Arren Blackthorn. She never let him go too far, but his wife was unlikely to approve... 

Fr. Clintus Moonwatcher

At end M7 1480 Milla Strong was hired by Lady Lirael as the new Northwood Manor cook/housekeeper. In 1481 DR she seems to have an eye for the newly matured Arvis, Lirael's baby brother... In M9 1481 the Northwood smith Dendry Nistral made an honest woman of Milla, probably to Lirael's relief. 
The local priest in Tavysburg is Father Clintus Moonwatcher (1424-). Regarded as affable but absent-minded, he primarily reveres Selune, but his shrine also holds small altars to Mielikki and Silvanus, the primary gods of the Vale. Fr. Clintus can perform Religious Rituals to 4th level. Fr. Clintus has a telescope, and spends many hours observing the night sky. In mid M6 1480 DR he spotted a new red star on the eastern horizon, just before dawn - the sign of the approaching Death Cyst incursion.

Neighbouring Domains
West: Kingdom of the Graywood Elves, King Cirallon Swancloak & Queen Avaranme
North: The Direwood Tigerclaw Uthgardt, Bitterstrike the white dragon, & Prince Konn, son of Scargash
East: Covere Manor (Sir Brandini), Barony of deTrevani (Lady Amara deTrevani)
South (beyond R. Grayflow): Brooke Manor (Sir Halvard), Jameson Manor (Sir Cottel), Loudwater Town/Moonfire Manor (Lady Eclara Moonfire)

West of Tavysburg there's a lot of fallow land along the north bank of the river where new manors have now (1482) been founded within the Wardship of the North. The area had been abandoned decades ago due to Drow raiders from the Endless Caverns carrying off slaves.

Anaveth, Silverstar of Selune		Level 12 Controller (Leader)
Medium natural humanoid		XP 700
HP 82; Bloodied 41 AC 26; Fortitude 23; Reflex 24; Will 25 Speed 6		Initiative +9 Perception +7
Standard Actions
m Staff (weapon, radiant) • At-Will
Attack: +17 vs. AC
Hit: 2d6 + 8 radiant damage.
r Lance of Stars (implement, radiant) • At-Will
Attack: Ranged 15; +16 vs. Reflex
Hit: 3d8 + 8 radiant damage.
M Moon Strike (weapon, radiant) • At-Will
Attack: +17 vs. AC
Hit: 3d6 + 8 radiant damage, and a Small or Medium target is pushed 2 squares and knocked prone.
C Oath of Selune (implement, psychic, radiant) • Daily
Attack: Close Burst 5 targets enemies; +16 vs. Will
Hit: 4d8 + 8 psychic and radiant damage.
Miss: Half damage.
Effect: Three Allies in the Burst may spend a healing surge and regain Surge Value +1d6 hit points.
Skills Religion +15, Arcana +15, Heal +17, History +15
Str 11 (+6)	Dex 16 (+9)		Wis 22 (+12)
Con 15 (+8)	Int 19 (+10)		Cha 19 (+10)
Alignment good     Languages Common, Goblin, Elven
Equipment holy symbol of Selune, lvl 16 masterwork cloth armour, radiant staff of Selune
In 1482 DR the half-elf Silverstar Anaveth was sent by Selune's High Priestess Amathea of Waterdeep to serve and advise the Eladrin hero Pealias of Loudwater. Anaveth is still young and perhaps a little unsure of her mission, but already wields considerable divine power.

Cerdic Ironforge		Level 15 Brute
Medium natural humanoid (dwarf)		XP 1,200
HP 118; Bloodied 59 AC 27; Fortitude 30; Reflex 26; Will 27 Speed 5		Initiative +9 Perception +10 Low-Light Vision
Traits
Stand Your Ground
When an effect forces a dwarf to move—through a push, a pull, or a slide—the dwarf moves 1 square less than the effect specifies. When an attack would knock the dwarf prone, the dwarf can roll a saving throw to avoid falling prone.
Standard Actions
m Thundering Hammer (thunder, weapon) • At-Will
Attack: +20 vs. AC
Hit: 4d8 + 10 thunder damage, and a small medium or large target is pushed 2 squares.
Minor Actions
Faster Than He Looks • Encounter
Effect: Cerdic shifts 2 squares.
Triggered Actions
Cerdic's Wrath • Encounter
Trigger: An ally is hit by an adjacent enemy.
Effect (Immediate Reaction): Cerdic makes a thundering hammer attack against that enemy.
Skills Insight +15, Dungeoneering +15, History +15, Intimidate +14
Str 18 (+11)	Dex 14 (+9)		Wis 17 (+10)
Con 22 (+13)	Int 16 (+10)		Cha 15 (+9)
Alignment lawful good     Languages Common, Dwarven, Giant
Equipment lvl 16 masterwork chainmail, dagger, hammer
A cousin of Dunstan Ironforge from distant Cormyr, in 1482 DR this doughty warrior-smith led a band of Ironforge dwarves west to join Dunstan in working to restore the fallen Kingdom of Ammarindar.

 ___________________________________

Dominion Confidence Level

Status M6 1484
Initial (M6 1483): 414
Schools instituted across the Northwood: +5
Stipend paid for each child born: +5, +1% to population growth.
Total: 424
Status: Thriving (8+1=)+9%.

Post M6 1483 DR: Lirael is building schools in the Northwood villages, and seeking to attract teachers for them. She is also paying a 5gp award to each child born in the Northwood.


Status at M6 1483 DR
Initial (M6 1482): 400
Queen of Cold Defeated: +5
Lirael is the Legendary Sovereign (Leadership 23): +9
Total: 414
Status: Thriving +8%

Status at M10 1482 DR
Initial (M6 1481): 385
New Manors founded: +10
Lirael named Baron: +5
Total: 400
Status: Thriving +8%

Status at M6 1481 DR
Initial Dominion Confidence Level 329
+3 Ruler Level Gain
+2 Steward Level Gain
+5 Peace with Tigerclaw
+10 Manor Guards force increased
+10 Death Cyst threat defeated, Lirael & co acclaimed Heroes of the Gray Vale
+10 Green Regent effect
+5 Lady Lirael Widdershins to marry Sir Jorah Blackthorn
+5 Lirael wedding cash disbursement 3sp/person
+5 Lirael weds Jorah 21/6/81
Total: 385
Status: Prosperous. Growth +6%

Status at M6 1480 DR
Initial Dominion Confidence Level 242
+14 Lirael's ruler level
+6 Jorah Blackthorn is Steward
+20 Spring tax redistribution
+10 popular local ruler, Lirael
+10 good weather from Mielikki
+10 Jareth's guards force trained
+2 Troll raiders defeated with light losses
-5 fear of Tigerclaw Uthgardt to north
+10 good lambing season (Green Regent effect) & high crop growth
+10 Travys Manor repaired
Total: 329
Status: Healthy. Growth +4%

Dominion Confidence Levels & Annual Growth
450+: Ideal +10%
400-449: Thriving +8%
350-399: Prosperous +6%
300-349: Healthy +4%
270-299: Steady +2%
230-269: Average +0%
200-229: Unsteady +0%
150-199: Defiant -2%
100-149: Rebellious -4%
50-99: Belligerent -6%
0-49: Turbulent -8%

Economy & Taxation
Economically active persons are 40% of total population. Each economically active person produces on average 50gp worth/year GDP, or 100gp/1000sp per household of 5 (2 active, 3 inactive).  This breaks down into 5gp/month per person labouring, with average 10 months of labour each year, and 2 months inactive.
Therefore total annual GDP averages 20gp/person
Up to 1/3 of GDP is taken in taxes:
10% coin - 2gp per person
10% non-coin levies - milled flour, textiles etc
13% in labour - 40 days service per active person

Coin Taxes average 2gp/person
20% to High Lord (0.4gp)
20% to Reeve (0.4gp)
60% to Warden (1.2gp)
Most of the Coin Tax is levied following the harvest, with levy completed by the start of the following year (M1).

The future?
Sufficiently long-term the Wardship of the North could be a prosperous farming Barony of ca 140 square miles settled land (without significant logging), probably at a max population density of around 80 people per square mile in the fertile upland valley, or ca 11,200 people. That could support a standing military of probably over 150, depending on composition etc - elite troops and cavalry are more expensive.

Cohort NPCs
Players can level up their Companion character PCs each time the PC levels up, using the electronic copies of the NPCs on the web page. Cerdic gets +6 hp/level. Jorah & Boulder +5 hp/level, Anaveth +4 hp/level. Everyone gets +1 to attacks & defences each level. Everyone gets +1 to damage every even-numbered level, Cerdic gets another +1 at levels divisible by 4. At 21st level they add another damage die to damage and gain an additional Encounter Power.
Initiative, Attribute Checks, and Skill Checks are calculated normally, +1 every even numbered level.
PC Level Jorah/Cerdic Level - Anaveth/Boulder Crag Level
21                       18 - 15
22                       19 - 16
23                       20 - 17
24                       21 - 18
25                       22 - 19
26                       23 - 20
27                       24 - 21
28                       25 - 22
29                       26 - 23
30                       27 - 24

Session 45: Chimeric 7/3-13/4/1480 DR

13/3/1480 DR: Lady Moonfire speaks with Quinn about aid with matchmaking at the Midsummer Ball. Sir Brandini Covere of Hartsfont seeks to marry off some of his daughters to eligible bachelors such as Sir Joran Amainas of Sunstone. Quinn suggests Jareth, if they wipe some of the gore off first.

Prisoner exchange with Najara east of the High Moor - Lyath the wereserpent for Lady Eclara Travys. Agree that humans will not enter Najara (including the High Moor) and Najarans will not enter the Gray Vale.

14/3/180: Agreed with Edmund, Lady Moonfire's factotum, that Lirael will buy out Eclara Travys' position as Warden (3000gp+200gp/year for 15 years). Eclara will retire to Waterdeep.

20/3/180 DR: Lady Eclara is sent off on a boat west to Waterdeep.

21/3/1480 DR: At the Spring Equinox, a day sacred to Mielikki, Lirael Widdershins is made a Knight of the Vale and invested as Warden of the North, lord of Tavysburg and Elfstree and protector of the lands beyond the Grayflow, from the Unicorn Run in the west to the Fiery Spire in the east. Sir Jorah Blackthorn will resume his position as Steward to the Warden, while his mother Dame Aryn is Reeve, in charge of the tax collection.

Lirael redistributes this year's taxes as alms to the needy, including the widows of the troll attack on Tavysburg. There is much rejoicing.

12/4/1480 DR: After three weeks, the repairs to the Travys Manor are coming along well. Lirael has recruited six of her extended family to staff the manor, while Jareth has recruited thirteen strapping young men to serve as a guard force. Lirael finds four who are not hopeless with the bow. Rumour from the east is that Queen Esmerelda of Llorkh is with child. Under the influence of the Green Regent, spring has come warm and flower-bedecked to most of the Gray Vale. However within the Dire Wood an unnatural winter lingers.

13/4/1480 DR: On a sunny spring day, Captain Harrowleaf of the Loudwater Patrol visits with worrying news from the Graywood elves - elven rangers visiting Grimnoshtasdrano, the famous Riddling Dragon of the Endless Caverns, who has guarded the caverns for two centuries since the fall of the great wyrm Grax Rekax, have found him dead, ripped apart by a powerful beast or beasts. Lirael & co leave Jorah at the manor and head west with Harrowleaf to consult with his brother Quen, commander of the Rangers of the Nine. But just west of the Unicorn Run river, as night falls the party are attacked by two three-headed Chimerae, and a terrible battle ensues. Soon the party are on the brink of defeat...  

XP
Level 13 Major Quest - recover Lady Eclara from Najara: 800
Level 13 minor Quest - Lirael becomes Warden: 200
Level 13 minor Quest - secure the Trayvs Manor: 200
Level 13 minor Quest - Jareth recruits guard force: 200
Total: 1400+ 42507=43907
Need 47000 for 14th level

Loudwater Provisional Summer Schedule

s45 - Tuesday 25th June
s46 - Wednesday 10th July (Crosse Keys landing?)
s47 - Tuesday 23rd July
s48 - Monday 5th August (Craig visit)
s49 - Monday 12th August (Craig visit)
I'm away rest of August.
s50 - Tuesday 3rd September
s51 - Tuesday 17th September

Session 44: Travys Manor Trollocaust 28/2-6/3/1480 DR

28/2/1480: PCs head north from Loudwater, Lirael & Paelias scout, evade trolls. Talk with Lady Aryn Blackthorn.
29/2/1480: PCs assault Travys Manor, wipe out group of six trolls including a Fomor-troll and a plaguechanged two headed hopping troll. Lirael hires her relatives to clean up the manor.
6/3/1480: Word from Lady Moonfire: prisoner exchange with Najara to be held east of the Empress Cairn in 1 week (13/3/1480).

XP
Roleplay/Lady Aryn: 150
Trolls: 5000/8=625x1.5=937
Level 11 quest - regain Travys Manor: 600
Total: 1687+40820=42507
Need 47000 for 14th level.

Session 43 23/2-27/2/1480 DR - Chastity and the Wereserpent

Capture and interrogate Chastity Blair, Snaketongue Adherent
Capture Najaran wereserpent 'emissary' Lyath
Plan to exchange Lyath for Najaran kidnap victim Lady Eclara Travys
Investigation and roleplay XP: 900 + 39920=40820

Need 47,000 for 14th level.

Session 42 Reach Level 13 - 23/2/1480 DR - Beating Up the Little People

Algrim 'Al' Thane, The Pub Landlord

Lirael's Account
“If Meliekki be with me, I shall return,” said Halvath. 

Dunstan watched as the priest closed his eyes, his head slowly nodding forward until his chin was buried deep within the green of his beard. The dwarf nervously rolled and flipped a gold coin back and forth across his broad knuckles, over and over again. He didn’t like all this mystical nonsense; this walking into the land of the dead. If that evil god Cyric were in front of him, he’d simply head butt him or give him a punch or two where it counted. But this was the priest’s territory. He settled down to wait, the coin flashing across his hand.

Meanwhile…

Lirael thrust a shovel at Jareth and pointed to the portal. “Dig!” she said in disgust. “Just dig.” They had discussed to death what to do with the portal stones for what felt like hours. It was obvious they had to do something. At the very least, they could make them inoperable.

Jareth took the shovel and started digging, apparently glad to have something to do that didn’t involve talking. He was soon making good progress, the dirt piling up in random clumps around the deepening hole.

Jorah was keeping an eye on the Zhentarim prisoner, proving himself useful once again. Strangely enough, Galion was hanging around their captive as well. Perhaps he felt guilty for not arriving at the fort in time to do anything but walk through the door. As a mercenary, he certainly hadn’t earned his keep.

“Hey, Lirael,” said Paelias, appearing at her side (as always) with an almost gymnastic flourish. “Come with me, please. I want to ask Galion something. I don’t quite trust him.”

She nodded and followed the Eladrin as he motioned to the mercenary to join them. She held back a yawn as Paelias began asking some pointed questions. Galion seemed to be telling the truth but then he suddenly made a break for it. Blast it! 

Paelias, who didn’t appear at all surprised by Galion’s sudden bid for freedom, took off after him with a yell. Lirael took a shot as well and neatly pinned the mercenary at the door so Paelias could pummel him at his leisure. Jareth, perhaps itching for a fight after digging for so long, came leaping out of the hold he’d dug. Not waiting to find out what was going on, he plowed through the Zhentarim captive and made short work of him. Ah, well, he was likely to run anyway and the only good Zhent was a dead one.

It was over in a matter of minutes. Galion, it seemed, was the Loudwater spy. Perhaps not the only one, but definitely in the employ of the Zhentarim.

“Damnation,” cursed Paelias. “We have to get word to Lady Moonfire! I will never forgive myself if she winds up torturing that old drunk wizard.” He looked ready to run all the way to Loudwater, but Quinn came to the rescue with a new ritual she had learned. It took two tries, but she was able to get word to Lady Moonfire and also to Dunstan that all were to meet in Loudwater.

Then it was only a matter of prying Paelias away from the fort. For a rather basic palisade, he had taken a shine to it. As they left, he spied two goblins eying the hastily erected sign he had posted on the side. “Paelias’ fort!” he yelled back at them and they scarpered off, probably to return in far greater numbers later. The ranger grunted in satisfaction. Lirael was surprised he didn’t beat his chest for emphasis.

They took leave of Jorah, or rather, he took leave of them to return to the North. Quinn surprised them all, including the normally taciturn ranger, by kissing him soundly and rather sloppily. She looked well pleased with herself. Lirael and Paelias both turned away, each uncomfortable in their own way. Perhaps it was a ranger thing. The only things that grabbed you for illicit kisses in the forest weren’t things you wanted to grapple with.

The rest of the journey to Loudwater was punctuated periodically by Paelias making plans for his fort. No one had the heart to tell him it was probably already completely infested with goblins.

They all headed immediately for the Green Tankard and a rest, where they also learned that Halvath, who had been successful in his bid to win back Lana Jameson and Sir Halvard Brooke from the clutches of Cyric. Now his mission was to request help from Lady Moonfire, but the changeable and rather flighty aristocrat deflected his earnest pleas rather quickly. 

They were hanging out in the Tankard when it became obvious that Jareth was itching for a fight and he was bound to find one, perhaps with Megara (if he decided to follow Quinn’s suspect love advice). 

“Perhaps we should check out the Vicious Friend,” said Arya. “Not our normal drinking spot for sure, but Galion’s betrayal doesn’t explain away what Valtar saw.”

Lirael and the rest agreed, though there was some reluctance on Halvath’s part. The Friend definitely wasn’t a place he would normally set foot in. Even so, they decamped immediately. A light rain began falling and the streets were empty until they had reached the docks.

“A few coppers, my lord?” wheezed an old beggar with a bowl. 

“Begone, wretch!” Jareth, still itching for the fight, knocked it from his hand. The beggar cringed away.

He was only an old man and a cold wet one at that. Lirael picked up the bowl and pressed it back into the old man’s hand, along with a gold coin. “Sorry, old father,” she said. “He’s an impatient one.”

“Bless you!” said the old man, peering up at her. “Why, it’s Lirael, ain’t it?”

“Yes,” she said and with a few quiet words more learned what tales he had to tell about the Docks. It seemed a vicious and mercenary band of cut throats and thieves had taken over The Vicious Friend, led by a Halfling named Kelson and a half-elf. Lirael shot a glare at Jareth, who merely rolled his eyes. How many times did she have to tell him? Honey always worked better than vinegar.

Except on chips, as Halvath liked to say.

When they arrived at the Fest Hall (i.e. brothel), Jareth and Quinn went in immediately while the rest stationed themselves near the doors and windows, straining to hear what was going on.

Inside, what wasn’t covered in grime seemed imbued with the very smell of the docks; mildew, fish, and sweat. Tollin, the barge master, greeted Jareth as he came inside. Jareth skirted around a half-drunk dwarf (how much ale did that take, anyway?) and joined him at the bar for a chat.

Quinn decided on a more direct approach and soon insinuated herself into Kelson’s group. Jareth raised an eyebrow at her across the room when the pulled her down onto his lap. She merely giggled and jiggled. If she took a deep breath just so…yes, good, the button held. Barely. The halfling’s eyes goggled.

The rain picked up and the rest of the group slowly came in, last of all Lirael, Arya, and Dunstan. They girls in particular felt out of place and headed for the fireplace to dry out. They all studiously avoided looking at Quinn, who seemed to be enjoying herself mightily.

 Jareth, by this time, had competed (and lost) to a local dwarf in arm wrestling. They were now bonding over the watery ale. The dwarf didn’t seem to like the look of the Halfling and his group. Lirael caught a few words of complaint. Halvath, at the bar, seemed to be making the barkeep nervous. Perhaps it was the trail of grass that he’d doodled across the bar. They were a suspicious but simple lot down by the Docks, even if they did give their due to Meliekki.

Then things all fell apart at once. Jareth and the belligerent dwarf suddenly rounded on the Halfling and his band of cutthroats. Lirael set her almost untouched ale down on the mantle next to her. Dunstan shook his head, picked it up and quaffed it in one go and then slammed the mug back down. Lirael smiled at him and resisted the urge to pat him on the head. 

One of Kelson’s men growled down at Dunstan. “Dunno who you are, dwarf, but you’d best be off if you know what’s good for you.”

Dunstan burped in his face.

They readied themselves, just in case, not sure what to expect. It didn’t take long to find out.

Combat
Reaper of Cyric: 800x1.5=1200
Galion & Zhent Trooper: 1400x1.5=2100
Kelson & Gang (2 Guttersnipes, 3 Kneebreakers, 1 Grifter):  1225/2=612
Total: 3912/7= 558
Quests
Save Lana Jameson & Sir Halvard Brooke - L13 Minor: 200
Unmask Galion as Zhent spy - L11 Minor: 150
Kick Kelson's Gang out of Loudwater - L5 Major: 200
Roleplay bonus (esp Quinn on Kelson's lap)! >:) : 175
Total: 1283 + 38,462 = 39745
Lirael session account +175 = 39920
39,000 for 13th level = LEVEL 13 REACHED

Need 47,000 for 14th level.

Session 41 22/2/1480 DR - The Zhent Portal

XP
20 Zhent Troopers killed, 1 captured: 200x21=4200
Zhent Battleguard killed: 600
Zhent Red Wizard, escaped: 350
1 Zhent trooper escaped: 100
Total: 5250/6 = 875 (EL 13)x1.5 = 1312
Level 11 Quest - Secure Zhent Fort: +600
Total: 1912+36,550=38,462
Need 39,000 for 13th level.

Magical Treasure Found
Paragon Shield of Warding (Lvl 14, PHB pg 245) - Daily Interrupt when adjacent ally hit, reduce damage by 15, v. 21,000gp(!)
Level 7 Desert Rose (AV pg 193), v. 100gp

 Consumable (Free Action)

Expend this reagent when you use a arcane or divine power of up to 5th level. You do not need to use an action on the following round to sustain that power (sustaining it for subsequent rounds does require the appropriate action).

Vanak's Book of Portal Rituals (8)
L1 Hold Portal
L4 Arcane Lock, Knock
L6 Portal Jump
L8 Seal Portal, Linked Portal, Analyze Portal
L12 Reverse Portal

Seal Portal

You close a portal between two locations safely, ensuring that nothing can come through it in the future.

Component Cost: 100 gp
Market Price: 680 gp
Key Skill: ArcanaLevel: 8
Category: Binding
Time: 10 minutes
Duration: Permanent

You sever the magical connections that bind one place to another by way of a portal. The completion of this ritual successfully shuts a currently active portal and seals it. No creature, object, or energy can pass through a sealed portal. The portal is not destroyed, though it becomes both invisible and intangible, meaning that it cannot be perceived or interacted with while sealed. If the portal would normally disappear after a certain amount of time, it does so.
    At the completion of this ritual, make an Arcana check. A sealed portal can be reopened with the linked portal, planar portal, or true portal rituals, but the creature performing the ritual to reopen the portal must make an Arcana check that equals or exceeds the results of the Arcana check you made when performing this ritual. You can remove the seal on a portal you have sealed by performing this ritual on it again.
    The magic of a sealed portal can be detected with the Arcana skill. The level of the magical phenomenon (the seal, not the portal itself) is equal to your level at the time you performed this ritual.

Published in Dungeon Magazine 160, page(s) 27.

Conduits

• There seems to be a range limit for which Portals can be linked, and not every portal can be linked. The Amarindar Southwood Portal seems to have been towards the maximum range for linking to the Darkhold portal.

  8 medium size creatures per day can use a conduit in each direction without overloading it; or 16 Small, 4 Large, 2 Huge, 1 Gargantuan. (Can replace creatures with inanimate objects of similar size, eg a 3' chest would be Small)

Session 40 21/2/1480 DR - Assault on Brooke Manor

Arkos' Vampire Spawn

Zhents Everywhere

XP
9 Vampire Spawn - 1125
10 Assault Troopers - 2000
6 Darkhold Troopers - 1200
4 Archers - 1400
3 Battleguard - 1800
6 Templars of Cyric -  3000
War Captain Arkos - 1600
Total: 12125/7=1732 (EL 17!)x1.5=2598 each
Free Brownstone - Level 13 Major Quest: +800 each
Total: 3398 + 33,152=36550
Need 39,000 for 13th level.

Postscript: You find several survivors of the Zhentarim occupation in the manor house cellars, including Halvath's sister-in-law Terriss and her children Ralf and Kara. They had been hidden by the serving maids the Zhents had kept alive to serve on them.
Halvath communes with Mielikki overnight as he seeks to resurrect Sir Halvard Brooke and  Lana Jameson. But they were killed in dedication to Cyric, God of Murder, and dark forces hold their souls in thrall. Halvath realises that if he wishes to attempt to rescue them from eternal torment, his spirit must journey into the Shadowfell - alone - and face the forces of Cyric in contest...

Zhent War Captain Arkos, vampire (RIP)

Session 39: 21/2/1480 DR - Brownstone Zombie Inferno

Quinn tried to talk her way into Brownstone.

Halvath falls out of the tree.

Arya's Fireball lands.

One shot, nineteen kills by Arya - 17 zombies, 1 Zhent assault trooper, and an unfortunate zombie dog.

Mopping up.

Quinn:
Quinn looks around the chaos left behind in the wake of the battle. Smoking bodies litter the ground around us. Halvath stands in the middle of the battle, his face a constant battle between despair and righteous fury. 

There don't seem to be anymore Zents to attend to and everyone relaxes slightly, glancing warily toward the barricaded mansion in the North Western corner of the village. 

With everyone's attentions elsewhere no one notices a handful of the undead villagers begin to stir. Three of the smoking bodies rise unsteadily to their feet and begin to shamble towards the group, Halvath's brother among them. 

It is mere moments before Jareth sees the danger and launches himself towards the trio of corpses, felling two with one swing of his giant sword. He rounds on Halvath's brother, the final one standing and prepares to strike him down. Quinn sees the stricken look on Halvath's face and steps forward, putting a hand on Jareth's shoulder, shaking her head slightly as he looks at her. 

She steps forward and waits for the zombie to approach her. When he is almost within arms reach Quinn looks him in the eyes sadly and whispers something so low that no one else hears. "You're dead."

The corpse of Halvath's brother stops and sways for a moment before crumpling to the floor, whatever dark magic that was pushing it forward evaporating. 

Quinn turns and walks back to Halvath, putting a hand on his shoulder before making her way towards the mansion, suddenly afraid of what else is going to test Halvath's resolve before the day is over.

XP:
3 Darkhold Troopers - 600
5 Assault Troopers - 1000
1 Cenobite, Kaloth - 500
4 Archers - 1400
18 Zombies & 1 zombie dog - 950
Total Kills 31
Total XP: 4450/7=635 (EL 11)x1.5=952 XP each
952+32,100=33,052
Quinn account +100=33,152
Need 39,000 for 13th level.