<div class="floatleft">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/8/8e/Mieres.jpg)</div>Mieres was the first baronry following the establishment of the Barony of Avanil and with Avanil is one of the two that border the Kingdom of Unther.  Most of the baronry is covered in forest, with the remnants of the Deismaar hills to the south.  It used to be that the people lived in fear of the Elves who claimed the forests as their own; now locals fear the baron's militia and might even welcome a new conqueror.<br/><br/>The river port of Riverward, a hive of scum and villany, seems to harbour not a single reputable person - though residents certainly can put on a good act when they need to.  The capital town proves a favourite inland retreat for pirates to sell their ill-gotten wares.  It's also<em>the </em>place to pick up any items forbidden in other parts of the Border Kingdoms, the only problem is getting them back into the other baronies unnoticed.<br/><br/>Thus far Duke Avan has turned a blind eye to the activities of Vaumel and the immoral baron thinks that his 'business interests' are below the duke's attention.<br/><br/><ul class="bbc_list"><li><strong><em>Regent: </em></strong>Aaron Vaumel, a scheming little wretch, seems more interested in personal gain than in serving as Baron of Mieres.  Unfortunately for him, his domain lies inland from the coast which prevents him on capitalising on piratical ventures in the Lake of Steam and watery points westward.  Vaumel completely controls all trade, guild and black market activity in Mieres.  He brooks no competitors for the gold the network brings him; those who try opposing him usually wash up sooner or later on the banks of the barony's many rivers.  The baron feels less than concerned about the law; everyone knows that if they try anything, his squad of thugs and swords-for-hire will make examples of them.</li><li><em><strong>Capital:</strong> </em>Riverward</li><li><strong><em>Important Towns:</em></strong> Brenlie and Dhalier</li><li><strong><em>Trade Goods:</em></strong> Much to the chagrin of the Elves, Mieres has begun to export timber to various trading concerns further south.  Otherwise Mieres has no appreciable industry and generates its revenue via a booming furs trade.</li><li><strong><em>Important Persons:</em></strong> Besides Vaumel the only other notable figure in Mieres is the hermit wizard Mhistecai.  This female human secludes herself in a warded tower in Riverward rarely venturing forth, unless summoned by Darien Avan himself.</li></ul>