The County of the Conch
| In many ways, the County of the Conch is the jewel of the Duchy. Under Jude's direction, it has become rich in Dreamers, be they native artists, or wanderers who seek to "get away from it all." The area lays out from south of Castroville down to east of Carmel Valley, with US-101 acting as a loose border; and of course, it includes the Monterey Peninsula. Jude has held his claim here since the Accordance War, like many of his House, he took no sides. With a hold established rather than seized, a thriving community of Dreamers, and convincing arguments; he pressed his claim to the then Duke Bastian. His Grace took Jude's Oath of Fealty, and recognized his legitimacy. For a time, few others did. Had Jude been of any other House, it is likely he would not have been expected to voluntarily lower his title from Count to Viscount. For years, even his own subjects treated Jude as a both friend and scandal, while they appreciated his hard work and cultivation of Dreamers; his Oathbroken status had few willing to serve at his hold. Even his own underlings declined giving him the Oath of Fealty, though his authority was recognized. All this has changed. The Viscount (with help) has preformed more than admirably in face of the Dark Kin invasion, and other troubles. It is a new millennium, and his subjects turn to him, as if noticing for the first time that Jude is more than just a friend, he is a damn fine ruler. Jude's recent marriage to now Viscountess Taelara of Fiona, a heroine in her own right, has given him even more legitimacy, though that is not why he wed the lioness. Indeed, she won him rightfully in Quest, and is now his equal in rulership. Without her aid, the Black Horned Lord might live and threaten all still. She is much beloved for this and other reasons.
There are 4 known holds in the County currently. One is Ardent Harbor itself. The next is located near Pebble Beach, to mortal eyes White Horse Hold is merely 'White Horse Ranch'. The Barony of the White Horse is named such for both the equestrians and the white surf on the nearby shores. Lord Gregory was a boggan graybeard, who served well, alas, during the Carnival killings, he fell victim to an assassin sent by the Black Horned Lord. His former heir and Ward, the boggan wilder Wrenthia has taken up the title Baroness. While some sidhe knights mutter, the grief stricken commoners of her lands fiercely unite behind her, and she fiercely demands justice. The other hold still standing has only recently officially recognized itself as part of the County. The Descent is near the city of Carmel Valley, and more importantly, in the path of the invading Dark Kin. Unlike most of the rest of the County, the Descent is predominately Unseelie. Many do not even know that the Baron of Carmel and the Wilderlands has sworn featly to the Viscountess. How loyal this place will remain is unknown. Mistrust rings on both sides. Once, Amkane ap Eiluned acted as the Baron for much of the Monterey area, but his disappearance, his disgrace, and his hold in ruins had left his successor with a daunting task. With the death of the Black Horned Lord, the Balefire has returned to the location the old hold was. A theatre was built in that place, and the flame has taken to it with a vengeance. Baron Rafial is it's keeper, though he feels a touch uncomfortable with such a .. public freehold. Still, he has sworn to protect the "Phoenix Theatre" with his life if need be, and rules the Barony well, defering to the Viscount and the Viscountess loyally.
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