"Independence" Magazine

"The Stolen Lands are a region located between Brevoy and the River Kingdoms, a realm so disgusting that it makes both its neighbors look almost cozy. Miles and miles of impassable woods, putrid swamps, muddy lakes and barren wastes, infested by various monsters and bandits — this so-called "treasure" is still contested only because neither of its neighboring countries wishes to concede before its rival. For the last several years, the Restov Swordlords have been promising the title of Baron to any person who proves capable of curbing the chaos of this patch of land. One by one, adventurers and knights of fortune have gone there in search of action, and must have found more than they expected, for no one has returned. Recently, though, one of those challengers managed to succeed, and received the grand prize. And since His Grace has promised me a session of decapitation for backbiting, I'm going to remain positive in my review from now on. The newly-made Baroness of the Stolen Lands has managed to resolve the issue of banditry in his domain completely — now if a traveler encounters a group of people with sharp swords and earnest faces, they may be sure that these are not just mere robbers, but rightful law enforcers. Though "the road" is a hyperbolic definition, of course: except for an overgrown and ancient dwarven tract, there are no other roads here. The brave traveler who comes here submerges knee-deep in their first steps into a marvelous world of local wild nature and gets a refreshing mud bath. And next comes acquaintance with the local flora and fauna: various centipedes, trolls, owlbeasts and giant spiders roam around freely without any interference from forestry officers, and all this wildlife is eager to take food right out of your hands. While I was approaching to the capital, the first thing I noticed was the smell. Then I heard hammers thumping, handsaws squealing and builders cursing. And finally, the settlement itself appeared before my eyes. Its splendor can be matched only by your average Brevic village. If you are a carpenter, a stonecutter, or — especially — a janitor, you'll be embraced here gladly, though I doubt they can offer you any other payment besides the embraces. Anyway, I am convinced that a great future lies before this young barony, so I've decided to stay here a bit longer, to record all of the Baroness's great exploits and deeds in glorious detail — for their descendants' education and for your entertainment. If I don't become a head shorter after this review gets published, wait for the updates in the next issue!"