The County of Westhollow is a prosperous and orderly lowland county defined by rolling farmland, wind-swept coasts, and a deeply ingrained culture of knightly honor. Unlike more intrigue-ridden border regions, Westhollow is governed with a steady hand by @Count Alard Westhollow who values stability, oaths, and continuity above ambition. Loyalty to the Empire is sincere rather than opportunistic, rooted in the belief that peace and predictability allow the land—and its people—to thrive.
Westhollow’s culture closely mirrors that of the Kingdom of Valcarre. Knightly houses dominate local politics, tournaments are celebrated civic events, and martial honor is treated as both social currency and moral compass. Westhollow knights are a common sight at tourneys in Carre, where they are respected for discipline, clean combat, and adherence to formal codes.
Westhollow consists of fertile plains and gentle hills stretching from inland river valleys to a rugged, wind-lashed coastline. The soil is rich and well-managed through centuries of crop rotation, irrigation channels, and stone-lined granaries. Coastal cliffs protect much of the shoreline, broken by a handful of natural harbors used for fishing fleets and grain exports.
Stone farmsteads, hedgerows, and watch-posts dot the countryside. Small forests and copses are preserved deliberately, both for timber and as traditional hunting grounds for the knightly houses.
Westhollow is ruled by a single Count whose authority is reinforced by a council of landed knights and reeves. Governance is practical and conservative: taxes are predictable, laws are clear, and punishments are consistent. Innovation is slow but carefully tested.
The Count maintains strong ties with Valcarre and frequently exchanges envoys, judges, and tourney invitations. While loyal to the Empire, Westhollow avoids entanglement in imperial court intrigue whenever possible, preferring to be seen as reliable rather than powerful.
The county’s strength lies in its knights and levied footmen. Westhollow fields well-trained heavy cavalry supported by disciplined militia spearmen drawn from farming villages. Military service is framed as duty rather than glory.
Tournaments are both training and celebration. Jousts, melee contests, and archery fairs are held regularly, often coinciding with harvest festivals. Young knights earn reputations here before seeking renown abroad, especially in Carre.
The bustling capital of the County of Westhollow, Westport is a medium-sized city perched precariously on the edge of a towering cliff. Highcliffe Castle stands as a formidable guardian, overlooking the city and the expanse of the sea beyond. Trade thrives thanks to a network of underground tunnels leading to a small, secluded dock where a fleet of caravels awaits to ply the coastal trade routes.
Highcliffe Castle, built upon a cliff overlooking the city of Westport, the Castle is the bastion of House Westhollow a symbol of safety for the region.
Brineholt is a proud coastal town set amid rolling green hills that slope sharply down toward the cliffs and harbors of the Western Colldria Sea. Known across Westhollow and beyond for its exceptional horse breeding, Brineholt supplies destriers, coursers, and hardy coastal mounts to knightly houses, imperial couriers, and tournament riders alike.
The town’s reputation rests on the belief that the sea air and hilly terrain produce horses of uncommon endurance, strong lungs, and steady temperaments. Many knights of Westhollow ride Brineholt-bred mounts, and owning one is considered a mark of seriousness rather than vanity.
Horse breeding and training dominate Brineholt’s economy. Large communal stables are maintained by guild-like breeder families who share bloodlines, grazing rights, and training knowledge. Foals are raised collectively before being claimed by their breeders at maturity.
Agriculture is the backbone of Westhollow’s wealth. Grain, barley, wool, and salted fish are exported inland and across the sea. Coastal villages specialize in fishing and ship repair, while inland towns focus on milling, storage, and livestock.
The county is comfortably wealthy but not extravagant; surplus is reinvested into roads, granaries, and defenses rather than luxury.
Honor, restraint, and reliability define Westhollow society. Oaths are taken seriously, disputes are often settled through arbitration or formal duel, and hospitality is extended with quiet courtesy rather than flamboyance.
Westhollowers tend to distrust excessive ambition and see political scheming as a sign of weakness or moral failure. This cultural rigidity makes them dependable allies—but sometimes slow to recognize changing threats.