County of Balsam

The County of Balsam, in the Duchy of Appalachia, is a part of the fae Kingdom of Willows in Concordia.

Overview

The Black Mountain Range, northeast of the Blue Ridge Mountains, contains Appalachia's highest peak: Mount Mitchell, which rises 6,684' and contains three distinct zones of forest: oak and hickory at the lowest levels, deciduous growth in the middle elevations, and spruce-fir at its highest regions. Once endangered by excessive logging, the mountain has been saved from ravaging by the tourist industry. It is now a favorite spot for hikers and campers, many of whom make the difficult journey to the observation tower at the mountain's peak where they are rewarded with a spectacular view of the area on clear days.

Near the top of the mountain is an abandoned campsite, its popularity surpassed by others in more accessible locations. Here, the Countess of Balsam, the Lady of the Black Dome (a former name for Mount Mitchell) has an elegant freehold. Seelie changelings, nobles and commoners alike, make frequent pilgrimages to Countess Toireasa's court. A treaty with local Nunnehi, who have their own village nearby, has kept the two strongholds at peace with one another. The exchange of hostages, or fosterlings, further guarantee that neither group will initiate hostilities against the other.

Occasionally King Meilge will journey from his freehold to enjoy the mountain scenery and lament with the countess over the plethora of rebellious kithain in the area, especially on Roan Mountain.

References

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