County of Ulek
Proper Name: County Palatine of Ulek
Ruler: His Noble Mercy, Lewenn, Count Palatine of
Ulek, Archdruid (N male human Drd13 of Berei)
Government: Hereditary feudal monarchy; count
must be member of druidic hierarchy and fulfill ritual
requirements unique to this county
Capital: Jurnre
Major Towns: Jurnre (pop. 13,100), Kewlbanks (pop
10,900), Courwood (pop. 7,800)
Provinces: Various human and nonhuman viscounties,
baronies, townships, etc.
Resources: Foodstuffs, copper, silver, gems (I-II)
Coinage: Goldsun (gp), mirrorpool (ep), silvermoon
(sp), coppercask (cp)
Population: 370,000—Human 79% (OFS), Gnome
8%, Halfling 6% (lightfoot 45%, stout 30%, tallfellow
25%), Elf 3%, Dwarf 2%, Half-elf 1%, Half-orc 1%
Languages: Common, Gnome, Keolandish, Halfling
Alignments: N* LN, CN, LG, CG
Religions: Berei, Beory, Ehlonna, Obad-Hai
Allies: Ulek states, Keoland, Gran March, Verbobonc,
Dyvers, Greyhawk, Knights of Luna, Celene
(in theory), Knights of the Watch (weak), druidic
circles (particularly in the Sheldomar Valley)
Enemies: Pomarj, Iuz
Overview: The mid-most of the three Ulek States, the county is separated from the duchy to the north by the Kewl River, while the Old River to the south forms the border with the principality. The eastern limit of the county is marked by the Handmaiden River, beginning several leagues north of Courwood, continuing through the Suss until it joins the Jewel River, and another 20 leagues beyond. The , county has retained its territory in the Lortmils, due primarily to the staunch efforts of the Suss Rangers and mountaineers who protect the forested eastern highlands.
The county's defenders are organized into racially separate companies. Medium and light cavalry units are made up of humans wielding lance and sabre. The heavy infantry units of the western regions are human pikemen and billmen, supported by gnome and halfling slingers and archers. Gnomes and halflings also form their own companies of spearmen. In the eastern county are ranger-led mountaineers wielding axes, swords, and spears. These are on very good terms with the elves and half-elves of southern Celene.
Agriculture is the main occupation in the County
of Ulek. Halfling and human farmers from the
rolling countryside of the western and southern
county provide grain to the mills of Keoland, while
Gnome brewers and woodworkers produce goods for
export as well as local consumption. The county benefits
greatly from druidic oversight in all these areas,
and the count himself is required to belong to the
druidic hierarchy. The current count and his family
belong to the faith of Berei, but many folk are devotees
of Ehlonna and Obad-Hai. The nonhumans especially
favor Ehlonna, but the county's citizens are not
given to conflicts based on faith or creed, caring
more about their land and fellows than differing religious
beliefs.