Dunadale (Duchy of; Empire of Thyatis)
Location: Known World, Isle
of Dawn (east of the continent of Brun; southwest of the New
Alphatian Sea), northeastern corner.
Area: 168,605 sq. mi.
Population: 61,000, including 19,500 in Dunadale, the
capital.
Languages: Thyatian (official), Alphatian.
Coinage: Thyatian Standard: Emperor (pp), lucin (gp),
asterius (sp), denarius (cp). Coins of many other nations are in
common circulation here.
Taxes: 25% income tax collected quarterly (Va. 1, Ya. 1, Fy.
3, Ei. 1). Citizens abroad must still pay. 5% sales tax on all but
food and clothing.
Government Type: Duchy under the jurisdiction of the Empire
of Thyatis.
Industries: Agriculture, lumber, fishing.
Important Figures: Duke Edmondo Tiberia (human, male, F11),
Tastalgarth Lunn (ex-king, now hermit, human, male, M14).
Flora and Fauna: Standard for its climate. Dangerous
monsters include goblinoid hordes scattered throughout the Isle of
Dawn as well as bandits.
Description: by Favonius Viator
The province of Dunadale was conquered by the mighty Thyatian legions in AC 1010. The Thyatian claim to the area was confirmed and reinforced with the Isle of Dawn Treaty signed on Klarmont 13, AC 1012, by a fearful Thothian King wishing to pacify our leaders and prevent his kingdom from falling. Thus did Edmondo Tiberia become the Duke of Thyatis' new Duchy of Dunadale.
The Land
The vast majority of the landscape of Dunadale was unexplored by the former Alphatian inhabitants. Most of the land is therefore covered with virgin forests and unknown resources or treasures.
The area along the coast of the New Alphatia Sea is relatively flat and ideal for farming. In fact, most of the rural population is scattered in various villages and homesteads along this coast, with only the occasional hermit more inland that 75 miles.
More inland, large hills start to dominate the landscape, creating a maze-like network of valleys and passes.
To the far north, past the bogs and near the border of the Kingdom of Helskir, lies the Herdane Escarpment. This 500-foot high cliffside is known for the large number of caverns and entrances to the underworld present on its face.
Dunadale is also famous for the vast number of swamps and peat bogs, where numerous types of insects and monsters make their home, preying on travellers. These bogs fill up all the valleys between the hills, creating rivers of swampland with the occasional island of dry land. In fact, imperial prospectors believe that almost 50% of the land is one huge bog, unsuitable for inhabitation. Despite this, the Emperor continues to send Thyatian colonists in the area to increase the population, securing our hold in the area for eternity.
The People
The inhabitants of Dunadale are an even mix of Alphatians and Thyatians. Before, the Alphatians were more numerous, but with the signing of the Treaty of Dawn [Also called Isle of Dawn Treaty. Ed.], many of the Alphatians left for territories remaining under Alphatian control.
The number of Thyatians is on a steady rise, however. This is mainly due to the Emperor's wise decision to increase the colonisation of the Isle of Dawn and other Thyatian dominions. To date, the new inhabitants have been able to fill in the empty places left by the departing Alphatians, so there is no pressure on communities to expand nor is there any shortages of supplies or room.
The former inhabitants, however, are not completely pleased with their new status of Duchy. They ungratefully complain about their lack of influence with the government compared to when Dunadale was a confederacy under Alphatian control. Back when Alphatia was in command, nothing ever happened; Dunadale remained stagnant. Can't they see that now, with proper Thyatian rulership, Dunadale shall grow into a great Duchy? Already the population is climbing and the land is being explored. And they have their say by voting for the Senators for the region. What more could they possibly want?
The only bad part about such a vast and uninhabited territory is the lack of proper control. Many bandits and deserters have fled into the swamps, preying on helpless Thyatians. It is even rumoured that the infamous Mario's Marauders are somewhere within the borders of Dunadale. Travellers be warned.
Don't Miss
The main attraction of Dunadale is its raw, natural beauty untouched by man. As mentioned, most of it is virgin forest, so anyone who desires the feeling of exploration and discovery can enjoy his stay in the area.
Another sight is the Herdane Escarpment. When atop the high cliff, one can see the New Alphatian Sea to the East. This, along with a rising sun in the early hours of the morning, makes a golden/orange ocean covering the horizon line. From what I hear (since I have not visited myself), for those with the patience and endurance to hike the several hundred miles overland for this sight, it is well worth it.
Unfortunately, the Herdane
Escarpment is not very well known by the locals and, in fact,
hardly ever appears on any map. The only map I have seen with the
escarpment is the one given with the Dawn of The Emperors novel
[boxed set. Ed], detailing the history of the Thyatian Empire
(obviously a Thyatian publishing). However, it is not named on this
map. Simply take the map of the Isle of Dawn, and the long
cliffside to the southeast of Helskir is the Herdane Escarpment.