Kethira-720TR-Harn-Kaldor-Kobing

Kobing (keep)

From "In Genin's Footsteps" by Julian Verdreth, 715 TR:

Kobing itself is only a couple hundred people, but very much the local center of civilization and a common resupply point for caravans in both directions.

Lord Orsin Firith is a very active Lord, keeping a hand in many local matters. However, he is caught in something of a political trap. In addition to being the Lord of Kobing, he is the Lord Marshal of the Oselmarch, which requires him to patrol the Genin Trail between Kobing and the Oselbridge – deep in Pagaelin territory. He has repeatedly asked the king for permission to build a crenellated keep right at the bridge, so as to be able to better protect travelers (and his men). Thus far, his requests have been denied; he seems to believe that this was because of the influence of the merchant guilds. They want to maintain trade with the Pagaelin, and – understandably – feel that a fortified keep in disputed land would give the Pagaelin tribes reason to begin a sustained general attack.

An unstated but very important point is that the mere presence of the keep would give Lord Firith the power to tax travelers for military protection and maintenance of the keep. It’s another point the merchants aren’t happy about.

I suspect that it is because of this conflict that he tends to react quite poorly to traveling merchants. In general, Lord Firith has a reputation for decisions that are rather firm but fair. Still, his support for the Crown seems to be fading.

Just 2 or 3 arrow-shots beyond Kobing lies Mornisar…