Environment
The Katak Barony is located along the river route from Dorchak into the plains held by his son Garret. Thick forest lines the riverbank at both sides and the town of Katak is located where the Dorchak river joins the Mist Flow River. Weather in the Katak Barony is relatively mild and sheltered due to the forest environment, though still temperate in nature. Plant life is diverse both in and out of the water.
Ecology
Katak Barony has yet to classify all of the creatures dwelling within its confines, but Scribe Ellis Torinis of House Toevass has prepared a limited report of the common fauna;In my travels from one outlying village to another I spotted several species of animal life prevalent to this region. Though many more creatures inhabit this region I have as yet only received detailed accounting of these few. Common indigenous life includes the Shaggy Nestrit which is a large relatively docile tusked beast that feeds in the shallows of the rivers. It travels in small family groups and uses its four foot long ivory tusks to sweep the silty river for food and defend itself. The creatures are extremely protective of their young and best not to approach during the foaling season. At other times they are friendly and a few have been domesticated by especially skilled breeders.
Another inhabitant common to this region, though of less use and more danger is the Brown Tree Snake. This three foot long reptile lives in damp earth or overhanging branches and waites for its prey to stride by. It then launches itself from its position and uses the ring of fangs imbedded around its mouth to burrow into the victims soft internals and eat its way out. The death is extremely painful and gruesome to watch. Many of the riders and draft animals here wear hardened leather barding over stomachs and necks to protect themselves from this invasive predator.
The third creature of common interest in the region, and one of great profit to its woodsmen is the lesser forest wyvern. These creatures dwell mostly in the southern region of the province and are increasingly rare. They are approximately eleven feet in length when full grown and a mottled green in color. Unlike their larger plains dwelling cousins these wyverns have no poison. They are hunted for food, and their skin which is of great value to the leather workers for cloaks and boots that water runs off of in the most damp conditions. The unfortunate side effect of hunting these creatures is that the large airborne bellows fish, a creature which inflates itself with flamable vapors and uses its long stringy tentacles to prey on fish and livestock; are increasing in numbers.
The Towns
Katak
Produce: Grains, Small pottery, Iron goods, wood crafts.
The town of Katak was decimated by the invasion of Harrison’s troops. They slaughtered off any who stood against them which created a severe deficit of men. Currently the Knight Sir Guire Tarc serves as constable and maintains the peace with an iron fist. The original constable is deceased and the council disbanded. Notables in residence are Alfred Kofka judge advocate of house DeVris in hiding. Ellis Torinis of House Toevass, held in the Keep for conspiracy against the Peace of Harrison. Nathan Laudimer capenter and member of house Jackoric. Lastly Bauson McVerden Alchemist(Hedge Doctor), also a member of house Jakoric. Katak contains a smithy, a kiln, boat launch, mill, granary, and inn.
NorthWorth
Produce: Fine Lumber, some meat from the Shaggy Nestrits.
Northworth is a small outlier settlement under the support and protection of the town of Katak. After the Barony was taken by Harrison Northworth has been left primarily to fend for itself other than infrequent food gathering expeditions by Harrison’s garrison. Northworth has a lumber mill, smithy, small overnight guesthouse.
SouthWorth
Produce: Fine clays, pottery, and ceramic shingles.
SouthWorth is another small village previously under the protection of Katak. Due to the clay rich soil SouthWorth does a thriving business in pottery. It also contains a small boath launch, wheat mill, and a clay foundry.
Marset
Population: 175, Principle Industry: lumbering, hunting.Produce: Fine wood, rare animals.
Marset is a small community of foresters and their families located deep within the wilderness. It is 5 miles to the west of Katak, and that has proved to be five miles too far from the help of the garrison. Several times in recent days the stockade has been assaulted by strange tree creatures. With no help forthcoming Marset may disappear back into the wilderness at any time. Marset contains a small guest house for overnight visitors.
The Keep
Products: Weapons and Armor
The keep has been taken by Harrison and his trusted ally Istan Tesu given rulership of the Barony. In his service are Sir Guire Tarc who guards the outlying towns and Sir Nevel Sar who maintains the Keeps garrison. Each of the knights has fifty hardened soldiers, 20 of whom are equiped with chain armor stripped from the previous garrison. An additional 10 archers rotate between keep and town duty. One healer and one lesser battle mage were left with Istan Tesu in case of emergencies. The previous Baron was killed along with his wife, but their two sons (13 and 7) escaped to the southern barony of Garret. Currently held prisoner are Ellis Torinis of House Toevass and the original captain of the Guard Sir Elar Gunter.