The Region of the Thale is controled by the “Shield of the North”, Darius Crowe, Baron of Castle Crowe. Under the Shields rule, citizens are required to join constription into the military, known as the Crowe Brigades. The region is primarily barren with few forested areas between two mountainous passes running north to south. Baron Crowe made his name as a blood-thirsty mercenary for merchants within the main lands, which also gave him a secure foothold into the world of politics, with the backing of many well off merchants; as long as his political actions backed their coin, or personal motives.
Having seven off-spring, the eldest is in line for Baronhood upon his fathers untimely demise, Thomas Crowe, the pride of the Shields children. The second eldest isNathan, whom was groomed into leadership of the Brigades of the Thale upon his brothers sussession, to act as his military advisor. Third in line is Emily Crowe, the eldest daughter, and a savant in the arcane; her grasp of knowledge has sought Thomas to make her his political advisor and right hand, due to her extensive knowledge of the surrounding regions as well as the merchant guilds throughtout the land. The lowest born in his family fall to Garret, Delphine, Flavius, and last Mason.Due to his focus on the elder childern of the seven, Darius’ care for those other then them has been a bit harsh and unjust; feeling as though they are just reaping from the name Crowe, and not truely “earning their keep”.
The region is the main depositry for Mithril, throughout the “Old North”, and possibly the entire known world. This has caused the Thale to be highly sought after and an important commodity to the Merchant Guilds ruling the main body. Due to the loss of knowledge since the fall of the Empire, the knowledge to work the ore itself, or harvest it as quickly as Dwarves would be capable of, has caused them to be nothing more than a raw supplier to the Merchants, who in turn keep the location secret for their own agenda as they trade it to the Dwarves and Elves. This is in turn to prevent the Dwarves and other races capable of working it from finding its location, pillaging it; or taking it over from the Merchants and Ruling House.
The mines themselves are manned by prisoners and those incapable of providing for their families while in military service.