Batarostra

The County of Batarostra
House von Mazina
Liege	Haizea von Mazina
Resources	Undefined
Population	138180
Income	0 weekly, 0 per annum
Size	3948 km^2 (1525 mi^2)

The County of Batarostra is located in the center of Vandago and, despite being landlocked, boasts a flourishing maritime economy due to the prominent location of the Andirian River flowing through it. The wide river coils through northeastern Vandago and has served as a source of freshwater fishing and as a conduit for trade with the Ducal Demense throughout history. Argvard's Canal, built in 130 SC provides a much quicker mode of transportation and opened trade routes with the northeastern kingdoms.

The seat of Batarostra is the fortress of Cal Domir, a mammoth structure that sits high at Lake Drothaine (the inland endpoint of the canal) and marks the furthest point inland that the river was initially navigable by ocean-worthy craft. The river down was widened and several impressive dams keep water levels manageable even in the flood-prone spring months. The county boasts a beautiful countryside rich in natural resources, and two products in particular have become iconic: sumptuous Batarostran musk oil used in luxury perfumery, and Batarostran Alexandrite, which became an unofficial symbol of the County after it was discovered to glimmer in both County colours (brilliant crimson in candlelight and sea-green in daylight).

House von Turtor has lengthy ties to the area stretching back even before the formation of the Empire; the land was appointed as a gift and burden when the canal was constructed and the great fortress assembled. It is said that Cal Domir has never fallen to invading army or seige, though this might be due more to the fact that invaders are able to control the inland port while ignoring the fortress-town itself.

The last of the von Turtors to rule, Count Derwin, had a reputation every bit as galling as any noble could possess. There are widespread rumors about his infidelity to his wife, the Lady Joriel Velvanoss ab Turtor, and the family has a rapscallion reputation throughout the church and with many of their peers. On his death in a tragic ceremonial sledding accident in 365, his favored niece, Haizea von Mazina inherited his title; a last spiteful gesture towards her mother.

The Lady Haizea von Mazina has resolved to turn the debaucherous legacy of her uncle on its heel and see a return of her people to proper Vandagan order and morality, though due to her age much of the actual governance of the County is left in the hands of her council and the advisors who travel with her. Vandagan bards have written sonnets about her legendary beauty, but she boasts a somewhat sinister reputation in common circles for her militaristic and iron-fisted disposition.