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Atherdale is a province in the Utheriath region of the Kalhastian Empire, mostly known for being the origin of the Owlknot River, which runs across the length of Utheriath. It is currently governed by Lady Anise Taranil, a local lord that is beloved by many in her home of Bucktuck City.

Politics

Government

As with other provinces in the Kalhastian Empire, the province is ruled over by a noble of high station appointed by the Crown's Bulwark, specifically the Bulwark of Utheriath. This governor is afforded oversight over legislation, but must defer to the laws and rulings of the governmental bodies above them in the Empire's hierarchy, the most important being the crown. Historically, the governors of Atherdale have been lords.

Law

Atherdale has a Lower Court that is based in Bucktuck City. It carries out the judging and sentencing for criminal, public, and private infractions, deferring religious crimes to the proper authorities residing within the province, such as the Church of Fectovarano. Despite the Empire being a relatively secular nature, the bodies of law in Atherdale are particularly lax about allowing religious institutions to carry out their own version of rule, provided it does not significantly cross the laws of the province.

Foreign Relations

Atherdale comprises the border of the Empire against the country of Midradir, and thusly handles much of their diplomacy. As there is very limited trade with Midradir, and the reserved nation generally does not initiate contact, Atherdale's involvement with the country is primarily to secure the Empire's border, and handle the travel of peoples in and out of the area. As it stands, travel between the countries on the main roads is not restricted, but is recorded by the province for safety. However, due to the size of the border and the low population of Atherdale, much of the area cannot be patrolled, and it is relatively easy to pass between the kingdoms without being noticed. While Midradir does not seem to mind this travel, it is a constant point of tension for the legislators of the province.

History

Being a decent distance from the capital city of Adalhast, Atherdale remained undeveloped for many years, settled only by simple farmers that appreciated the relative lack of oversight by the crown. As the area grew in population, the Empire began to take notice of its potential profit, and began demanding land taxes from Atherdale's citizens. While the taxes were comparatively low, settlers in the province found the payments distasteful as they received very little benefit from the crown in return, due to their remote location. Eventually, the Bronze Aegis was deployed in a limited capacity to the province in order to sate the demands for services as well as enforce the law, a role which had been filled by the Claw of Arali and private guards up to that point.