Harrowdale

Harrowdale (formerly Velarsdale and Halvan's Dale) was the oldest of the surviving Dalelands. It mainly consisted of human inhabitants, as well as some elven and half-elven people. Its main town was also known as Harrowdale.

Inhabitants
Inhabitants of Harrowdale were known as Harrans, and, as of 1368 DR, were primarily farmers and foresters.

Politics
As of 1368 DR, Harrowdale was ruled by the Seven Burghers, who were the wealthiest people in Harrowdale, and each held his or her position until death or opting to step down. This system of burghers was introduced after Halvan the Dark's rule ended.

The burghers levied a "small" tax upon the people and used this money for road and port maintenance as well as other community services. They were also bestowed with the power to pass new laws, although this was rare: as of 1368 DR, the dale was under the same rule of law used in Halvan's time.

In 1368 DR, the council was made up of:
 * Alosius Grimwarrow : A human silver merchant.
 * Captain Durana Shaleel : A half-elven female.
 * Erethun Rivenstave : A human wizard.
 * Gunderman Brewmaster : A half-elven male brewer.
 * Halfgar the Strong : A human sea captain.
 * Helena Treskeden : A female merchant.
 * Sheera Goldenleaf : An elven ex-adventurer turned stable owner.

Geography
The dale comprises a river valley, although the river, as of 1372 DR, had long since disappeared, thought to have been lost during Underdark mining. The marshy areas in prior times had, by 1372 DR, mostly been consumed by irrigation of agricultural lands in the dale, although, at that time, many small creeks and ponds remained.

History
Between 1120 DR and the 1180s, the dale, then known as "Velarsdale", was often invaded by adventurers and hireswords, often coming north from Sembia, who would proclaim themselves "Lord" of the dale.

In the 1180s, Halvan the Dark seized the dale, and renamed it "Halvan's Dale".

In 1356 DR, Lord Lashan Aumersair of Scardale invaded and conquered Harrowdale in the second inter-dale war, but his forces were soon defeated. After the misfortunes of the neighboring Scardale, which was in a relative state of chaos after the war it started, Harrowdale started to strive and became one of the biggest ports into the Dales.