¶ Manston
| Continent | Lormyrrian |
| Territory | Manston, County of |
| Ruler | Count Alcibard of Manston |
| Capital | Manston (6,000) |
| Population | 8,000 (95% Lormyrrian, 5% other) |
| Demi-Humans | Gnome, Halfling, Dwarf, Elf |
| Humanoids | None |
| Resources | Foodstuffs, Wine |
| Gov. Type | Monarchy |
| Gov. Stability | Stable |
| Gov. Popularity | Slightly Popular |
| Allies | Neldoreth, Khwarizm |
| Foes | Wizard Gold |
| Languages Spoken | Common, Gnomish, Dwarvish, Uugar, Elvish |
¶ General Information
Manston is a small city (or large town) nestled on the shores of Lake Greensward between the Dwarves of the Anchor Mountains and the Elven Kingdom of Neldoreth. It is an old town dating back further than even the early Lormyrrian Empire. Once a Hadashim trading town, it was sacked and later incorporated in the Lormyrrian Empire and would represent the furthest extent of that realm in this region.
Throughout its history it has been primarily focused on trade. Though not overly large, it is the primary funnel through which goods from both demi-human kingdoms pass onward to human realms further west. The humans of Manston are quite friendly with their demi-human neighbors, who view the town as a much-desired buffer between their lands and other humans. For most Elves and Dwarves of this area, this is their only exposure to humans.
The townsmen are excellent rivermen, and their small craft ply both the lake and the mighty Blueflood River, the primary mode of transporting bulk goods downriver. This trade has ensured Manston a great deal of prosperity, and the people here are generally quite happy and peaceable. In addition to their demi-human friends, numerous of Rin-Hurin occasionally make their way to the town to trade. These visits have decreased in recent times, though this does not upset the townsmen who look with mistrust on the nomads. Other trade comes from the north, via the town of Far Andor and Andorland
After the fall of the Empire, Manston became a mayoral republic, albeit one dominated by the increasingly powerful Traders Guild based there, a guild which has grown to influence towns all along the ancient Dwarf Road that leads from Manston to Wellington. More recently, the town was occupied by the forces of the so-called Giant King, Gulliveg in 1272-73 YM. The Blueflood War was largely centered on Manston, though the town itself only suffered minor destruction during the course of the war. In the aftermath of the Giant King’s destruction, a local lordling named Alcibard was able to proclaim the town as the center of a County, with himself as the Count. Alcibard’s popularity among the townsfolk was sufficient to overcome what resistance to this move existed. The old mayoral system, much maligned for failing to defend the city properly, was scrapped rather bloodlessly. The new County controls a rather indeterminate area, generally between the Blueflood, Lake Greensward, and the Durn Flow. Subordinate to the Count are several minor noble holdings, including Hisarlik, Southpass, Westvale, Tol Esser, and Durnbridge. Each is controlled by a Baronet. In addition, there is a semi-autonomous region of Gnomish settlements, the center of which is the Gnome town of Ardvale.
In all, this is a peaceful, quiet town given over to trading between humans and demi- humans. Despite its relative remoteness, it is a common stop for travelers from throughout the Three Lands and beyond and is surprisingly cosmopolitan for such a rustic place. Such travelers find a hearty welcome from locals desirous of hearing of events in the outside world. Once an outpost of the Lormyrrian Empire, the city has been largely forgotten by the outside world, something not wholly unagreeable to the townsfolk.
The name “Manston” was originally a shorthand name for the town, used in conjunction with “Dwarfton” (Inziladûn) and “Elfton” (Elsinore). The name stuck, and the original name of Willimere has fallen into disuse.
¶ Map of Surrounding Lands
¶ Baronies
| Territory | Baronet |
|---|---|
| Hisarlik | Mordecai |
| Southpass | Sirius |
| Westvale | Zhuld-Zir |
| Tol Esser | Hovalt |
| Durnbridge | Morcar |
| Gnome Lands | Aripine |
¶ Campaign Events
TBD, such as the decapitation of the Giant King's puppet masters in session 202, or the slaying of Lammoch in session 198
¶ Notable Locations
¶ Notable NPCs
Ravenna - Guildmistress of Thieves
Alcibard - Count of Manston