About ten years ago, the unthinkable happened. The Royal Family and most of the Golka Clan disappeared overnight. At the same time, the city of Skywatch closed itself off (magically) from the rest of the world. The political climate of Brevoy changed overnight – and it still hasn’t settled down yet. King Noleski Surtova has claimed the throne, but only has limited support from the other Great Houses, trouble is brewing in the east of the country, new developments in the south threaten the balance of power, and traditional patriarchal practices are being challenged. Will Brevoy survive? And, if it does, what will it look like in the future?

Noleski Surtova has claimed the Dragonscale Throne, and rules from the Ruby Fortress in New Stetven. He has left his own lands surrounding Port Ice in the capable hands of his uncle, Domani Surtova. The Surtova rule in Port Ice is firm and he has established control of the capital, New Steven, and it's surrounding area. However, his grip on the rest of the nation is fairly fragile.

Recently, the threat of Civil War forced the hands of the Brevoy Peers - and they forced the regent to sign a treaty limiting his powers.

Together, the Peers form to Council of Brevoy and have powers to limit the Regents actions. This is mainly restricted to taxation, Noble tiles and grants of land.

Five other great lords all control large swathes of land in Brevoy, and while they have not challenged King Noleski’s claim to the throne, they have opposed him either. Each Lord is the absolute ruler in their own domain, and claim the royal title of Duke. While none of them are strong enough to challenge the Surtova rule, King Noleski isn’t strong enough to guarantee victory over any of their duchies – without risking his control of New Stetven and its surrounding area. The Dukes of Brevoy are:-

• Lord Howlan Garess, Duke of Grayhaven
• Lord Lander Lebeda, Duke of Silverhall
• Lord Kozek Lodovka, Duke of Acuben Isle
• Lord Gurev Medyed, Duke of Stoneclimb
• Lord Poul Orlovsky, Duke of Eagle’s Watch

Many members of these great houses originate in Ioberia, and the priests of Gorum have some influence. Because of this, the Great Houses hold themselves separate from each other and tolerate skirmishing and raiding between neighbouring duchies. Lives and blood lost are seen as a just sacrifice to the Lord in Iron.

A number of lesser Nobles, mainly in the south east, claim a share of power within Brevoy, while they have a voice in affairs of state, they are less influential than the great houses.

Lady Jamandi Aldori Countess Rostland is the leader of the Rostland Aldori, has a presence in the City of Restov. While not quite considered as one of the Great Houses, the Aldori are equal in power to some of the great houses.

Lady Varya Rogarvia-Green Baroness Sopan and Viscount Skywatch, claims the lands around the sealed city, in northeast Brevoy, as her domain Sshe doesn’t control much land, nor any large settlements, but her title and appointmetnt are protected by the Council of Brevoy.

Lord Henry leMaistre Baron Gates and Viscount Midmarch.

Baron Khavortorov does not control much land, but he has a significant presence in New Stetven. The house is an off-shoot of the Aldori, who pledged their swords to Choral the Conqueror after the battle at the Valley of Fire. Initially there was bad blood between the two groups, but over the years that has died down to occasional bad words and minor arguments. House Khavortorov control some of the most effective mercenary units in Brevoy and are renowned for their great skill with the Aldori duelling sword.

Baron Hannis Drelev whose holdings are a Marcher Lordship at Fort Drelev, some miles south of the Brevic Border. He is charged with cleaning up Lake Hooktoungue and protecting shipping.

Baron Varn of Vin and minor lord with a holding between Skywatch and House Garess.

March-Lord Domitius Aldori-Solanus whose holdings are a Marcher Lordship of south of Restov. He is charged with securing the border between Brevoy and the Centaurs of the southern plains.

March-Lord March-Lord Zelona Veralia whose holdings are a Marcher Lordship west of Tusk.

Lord Mayor of Restov - an independent city on the south-eastern borders of Brevoy, its Lord Mayor has long been treated as an independent noble and his control over that region has never really been tested. There is a strong Aldori presence in the city, as well as many dwarves who may still bear some allegiance to House Golka.

Lord Mayor of Tusk - an independent city on the southern borders of Midmarch, its Lord Mayor is treated as an independent noble and his control over that region is protected by the Council of Brevoy.

Mayor of Bundeston The Lord, mines and holdings of this Dwarven house were lost on the night that House Rogarvia disappeared. However, the Dwarves have rallied around - and have developed a new 'home' in the town of Brundeston. They also have holdings in Grey Haven, Restov, New Dawn (in Midmarch) and New Stetven. While they have less influence than before, they aren't out of the game yet.

The Great Houses: The six great houses are strong, independent, all recognise Gorum as one of their patrons – but are pragmatic. Two hundred years ago, before Choral the Conquerer came, Northern Brevoy was ruled by independent warlords dominated by the Surtova ancestors – they don’t want to go back to that situation. However, they all benefited from Rogarvian rule making the houses work together for the benefit of Brevoy – and they don’t want to lose those advantages either. They all have distinct territories and indulge in Gorum led skirmishing and raiding between the houses. They don’t trust each other much and don’t work together very well. They are more inclined to work with smaller powers and all of the major houses have good to neutral relationships with the Khavortorov, Ventus and Cartan families, and others as well. The Great Houses will work together for the defence or clear benefit of Brevoy.

The Traditionalists: Traditionally power in Brevoy has been patriarchal, male dominated and transmitted through the male line. Women have married to form alliances and extend the reach of a house, but they are expected to work in the background. That philosophy persists in the north - but this is starting to change in the south and New Stetven. Many traditionalists find this difficult.

The Aldori: Two hundred years ago, the Aldori ruled the whole of the Rostland Plains as an independent nation, but they were conquered by Choral the Conqueror, and then held in check by the Rogarvian kings. Countess Jamandi Aldori has been granted control over most of the Rostland plains - after the Peers forced the Regent's hand. But there is still a lot of tension between Aldori and Sortova over powers, rights and responsibilities.

Lady Rogarvia-Green: A female leader in the male dominated and patriarchal north! She claimed power in her Ex-husbands name, but has then married again and declared her son as her heir. However, she has stay quietly in her own small patch of land and hasn’t troubled the Great Houses or their control of Restov. While her rules as Vicount has been confirmed, there is still concerns about a female ruler in the North of the country.

House Khavortorov: Once a ‘client’ of House Rogarvia, the Khavortorovs are now a minor independent house. They have ties with all of the Great Houses and New Steven, but they share a philosophy with many of the Aldori. They have started to claim more land - but much of it is already populated.

The Dwarves: Since House Golka disappeared ten years ago – the dwarves have been reorganising, and they now have a presence in Brunderton, Grey Haven, New Steven, Restov and Midmarch. Is this just a realignment, or are the deliberately strengthening for a purpose?

The Colonies: Will Fort Drelev allow the Surtova to control the trade routes to the south? How is Southern Regoion growing so quickly, and who benefits?

Restov: Since Lady Janandi has regained control of Rostland, the Aldori presence in the city has reduced. Will this affect the balance of power, and general wellbeing of the city?