The Old Frontier

A few years ago, this was the frontier and the Military Road connected the small fortified outposts that were ready to give warning of invasion. However, the frontier has pushed onwards, and now this line of outposts now feels secure, and the settlements have grown into small towns and villages. Some of the original troops settled down and made this their home, while the different sponsors, the nobles who had funded the expeditions claimed their share of the land. However, there is no central government and most places still maintain a military presence as much for basic security and to maintain law and order.

Lord Falke was the instigator, and raised funds for the expedition from the nobles of Tusk, although it hasn’t quite worked out as he hoped. While he gained business, income and a minor title, he doesn’t own or control these new lands. Instead, the ‘Council of Nobles’ who provided funding have claimed their shares and appointed Sir Kendric (Edgemoor) as their Marchwarden. However, he doesn’t have much authority, can only collect a minimal tax, and is only required to watch the borders. However, is is a conscientious man, and does the best that he can. Fortunately most of the people appointed to manage the settlements support him in his efforts - after all, they are nearer the front line …

• Coal Lake is named for its dark-coloured water, rich with silt delivered by the streams that feed it. Mud Eels, Silver Grunters and Gar are perhaps the most commercial fish in the lake, although there are other fish, turtlesand water fowl as well. There are said to be giant gar, turtles and eels in the depths of the lake capable of taking a man as a meal. It is said that 'The Big Ones', a Giant Gar and Turtles, can capsize small boats and actively hunt people on the surface.
• The Swamp is, in reality, a mixed wetland with marshy, swampy and boggy sections. As well as abundant waterfowl, the swamp is home to many mud eels, as well as a crocodiles, reptiles and a few semiaquatic mammals. Reeds, Mint, Chives, Marsh Mallow(1), Cattail, Watercress, Darmera and Water Chestnut all grow in great abundance. Occasionally you will find Bone Reed and Leech Wort - two powerful Alchemical healing components. Mud Eels, Turtles and Waterfowl are often hunted, or trapped for, in the swamps.
• The Forest is probably larger than shown on the map, and likely extends up into the mountains. We know that there are Wolves, Kobolds and Goblins in the lower part, but no one is really sure what lives higher up (or just hasn't been seen yet). Badgers, Boar, Deer and Donkey Rat abound, and the occasional giant beetle might make an appearance.
• The Mountains - we know there are orcs, ogres, and giants, as well as small dragons and giant birds of prey - but they still haven't been properly explored.
• The Moors are very sparsely populated - there could be anything living in the wild centre.

The first phase of development saw Edgemoor established as a'beach head', with Granton as its forward base, all supported by the Delem Road, which stretches right back to Eastgate, in Tusk.

Only a couple of generations ago, Edgemoor and Granton were military bases that formed the frontier. However, the frontier pushed forwards, and they became the heart of this new land, and they form the communication hub, supply base and core of operations. Both Edgemoor and Granton are developing into proper, functioning, towns in their own right.

Core Settlements

The Military Road, was originally a line of watchtowers, that guarded the approach to Edgemoor and Granton, however, an expansionist phase saw them start to develop. Northhold was the control centre for the original troops, and grew into a small keep, surrounded by a town and villages, while Junction had a fort, which is growing into a village. Reedham and The Ranch, at the ends of the road, had small watch towers, and both now have growing settlements.

The Military Road

Once settlements were established along the Military Road, the watchtowers and outposts needed to move further forward. Originally four simple towers, the dwarves have taken a liking to their tower, and have started developing it into a small keep. Eventually, the border will move forward again, and each of the towers will become the heart of a new small settlement. It is already happening around Dverg Tower, and the dwarves are building a new road to connect the tower to Ironkeep and The Quarry.

The Frontier Road

These settlements are outside the formal March that Sir Kendric is responsible for, and have been settled by entrepreneurs looking to make a name, and a home, for themselves.

The Outer Settlements

Background information that can be easily found out by PCs, who wish to do a bit of research. Information that can help put things in perspective, but might also guide the PC towards people who can help them. The more important the person, the less likely you are to get to see them easily :P

Groups who can be found in a range of settlements throughout the frontier region. This includes formal and informal groups, and covers everything from government, frontier guards, healing and trade.

Frontier People who PCs might come across or be interested in. This is a short Who's Who, with very brief descriptions of NPCs. Some started life as PCs, and were kept as their game was incorporated into my Consolidated World, others represent favourite NPCs that were important in the game. DMs, of course, have the prerogative to make changes as they see fit :P

Religious Coverage a rough guide to where different deities are representedm and where you might find healing and religious support.

Investors is a brief directory of the main investors in the frontier. While PCs are nor expected to come into contact with any of the family leaders, their basic scope of their investment and rewards are fairly common knowledge.

Northern Developments The growth of Tusk, Sunsmarch, Old Keep and the Old Frontier - and how these Northern states are linked.