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Harrowdale
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Harrowdale is a farming Dale of gentle slopes and old, well-worn roads cut deep into the land that reaches from the Dragon Reach to the forest along Halfaxe Trail. It is the oldest Dale still in existence, and was originally known as Velarsdale. Its capital is the town of Harrowdale, often a stop for ships traveling to and from the Moonsea (though in the past few generation Ylraphon has captured much of that regular trade).

The northernmost of the coastal Dales, Harrowdale?s survival has in the past depended upon good relations with the elves. Much of the food it produces went to elven markets, and the Elven Court supported it, along with Mistledale, Deepingdale, and Shadowdale, because its ideals blended with the Court?s own. While a few elven survivors still call at Harrowdale, and large number of half-elves live along its northern reaches, for the most part the old trade is gone.

Harrowdale was overrun by Lashan?s forces in the recent war, and it was the appeals of the Dale?s Council of Seven Burghers that resulted in mobilization of the northern countries against that threat. The people of Harrowdale escaped the war relatively unscathed and have already returned to their simple, pleasant lives.

Harrowdale?s armed forces consist of only a handful of soldiers (the watch) in the town, and about 20 mounted rangers of various levels. The chief duty of these rangers is to ride to some other location in case of attack and get help. With the passing of the elves, it has been suggested that a more formalized method of protection be instituted, but the Council has been resistant to change.

The Council of Seven Burghers comprises the seven richest people in the community, judged in terms of total land, money, and holdings in the community. The position of burgher is for life or until resignation, when a new survey is conducted to judge the richest person present. Zeboaster of Ordulin called this gathering the “Council of Seven Stones” when it was visibly unresponsive to his suggestions to put a little life into the community. The burghers have ruled since the days of Halvan the Dark, who built the Halfaxe Trail and earned the enmity of the elves.

Harrowdale has temples to Chauntea, Oghma, Tymora, and Mystra. The temple of Mystra has just been rebuilt after being destroyed in the Scardale war. Natives of Harrowdale are often portrayed as a bit slow and provincial by the other Dales, but they are content in their lives.

With the abandonment of the Elven Court, they are seeking new markets for their products, and are emphasizing trade with Tantras and Ravens Bluff across the Vast.