The Barony of Ystern
by Mark HowardThe Barony of Ystern is situated in the south-east of the Duchy of Foxhill, and sits at the confluence of the Ansarna, Steva and Brudon rivers.
A small barony and once wealthy region, that was almost entirely destroyed in the War of the Seven Shamen over a hundred years ago. It owes its recovery to the survival of the monolithic castle situated on a cliff over a bend in the River Ansarna, and the annual spring fair when the dwarven and gnomish trade caravans come down from the mountains to the south and east. Despite this recovery, much of the land has been reclaimed by forest and the fey creatures that reside in it, and only narrow strips of land close to the roads and the rivers that they follow are farmed.
The old town of Ystern now lies in ruins, and the smaller, better fortified Ystern Shades stands on the opposite bank of the River Brudon, with the brooding Castle Ystern watching over from the northern bank of the Ansarna. There are several small villages and hamlets along the roads through the barony, but most of these are seasonal, being abandoned in the winter when the snow and ice makes travel almost impossible and the farmers shelter in Ystern Shades.
Amid the forests are several ruined grand houses and hunting lodges, reflecting the former wealth and status of the Barony.
