Lord Rignal wants to improve his domain, he has claimed all the land from the coast to the mountains, as far as Greenscar, and beyond. However, he needs to control it, to be able to real claim that it is his. His family descend for the founding lord, a ranger who wanted a 'natural' domain and he is happy to continue with that concept. He isn't interested in building cities (although that might come later) but he is interested in consolidating his current holding, and possibly expanding it. However, he is a pragmatic man and realises that settlements need to be economically viable, and he wants to retain a level of control over the people who finish up as landowners, and the people making the most money - after all, they will be the ones running the country, on his behalf. He realises that he will never have full control over either of those things, so has put a series of policies in place, to encourage the 'right' people and make it more difficult for others.

Unregulated: Individuals who trade in items costing 1 GP are of no real interest to Lord Rignal, they aren't going to be movers and shakers, but the do supply the workers with the small items that they need to make life bearable. OK, some of their items might cost a bit more, but so long as the average price is quite low, they are unregulated.

Regulated: Lord Rignal has supported a General Guild structure across his holdings. The guild is expected to regulate its members and control both manufacturing and trade in their province. Any business where the average price of their goods is greater than 1gp/item, comes to the attention of the Guilds. Some small, or innocuous businesses are tolerated, but others must expect to have their work overseen by the guild. Anyone who is a member of the guild, at either Journeyman or Master, is expected to meet Guild Standards, although they are overseen by the other guild members. Anyone not in the guild, is invited to join the guild (if they reach the right standards of service) or to cease trading. The Provincial Court will mediate any disputes that might arise.

Venture: Any regulated business can apply for Venture Status, granted directly by Lord Rignal or The Governor of The Western Province. Venture Companies are eligible for government funded contracts, that help meet the state expansionist aims. Most of the contracts have a military purpose, such as delivering military supplies, scouting areas or providing mercenary guards - and the Venture Company is encouraged to carry out their own business alongside the contract. If you take military supplies to Midfot, carry out your normal trading activities when you get there. The policy is intended to support military bases, while helping them develop economically, and to encourage growth in 'supportive' and regulated businesses.

Development: Any Venture Company can apply for development status, although it is only granted by Lord Rignal on the advice of his senior administrators. In The Western Province, The Governor makes a decision, but it must still be ratified by Lord Rignal, before Development status is granted. A development company is permitted to claim a piece of land as its own, be granted full ownership rights of that land, and the right to collect local taxes. However, the land parcel is actually quite small and must show an economic potential. There is support, from government, for these initial settlements, normally in the form of a small garrison and occasional, state supported, trade caravans, ostentiously to support the garrison. As an area is developed, and becomes self-sufficient, the owner can apply for further land grants close by. This is intended to reward businesses, or individuals, who succeed in developing larger, secure settlements in within Lord Rignal's domain.