Grand Duchy of Shantal

The Grand Duchy of Shanta was the so-called Heart of the Border Kingdoms, named as after its position in the center of the western Border Kingdoms and renowned for its natural beauty and eccentric politics.

Description
The Grand Duchy's territories laid in a wide-open calm valley of endless farmlands, numerous winding roads, all sprinkled with outcroppings of tiny forests. The Duchy ended to the east at sporadically forested hills. Uncharacteristically for the Border Kingdoms, the Grand Duchy of Shanta was a land of visual and architectural order, and authority. The village of Shantal stood at the very center of the farmlands, with the Duchal Towers looming over town's cottages and homes all surrounding the Towers in am orderly circle. Shantal was surrounded by roads, orchards, and vegetable gardens. Each cottage had its own plot of lush green fertile land, arranged akin to spokes of a wheel.

Defenses
The township of Shantal was constantly protected by patrolling horseback Vigilant Bailiffs, a group of experienced warriors carrying swords, javelins, crossbows, and nets.