The Steinvault Pass is an essential Concordian malady. As the only known route through the Steinvaults from Weiland to Windholme, it is essential for trade and defence of The Concord. But the region is rugged beyond belief, home to enemies of The Concord now under Concordian rule, and is frozen solid for half of the year. It is the duty of the Warden of the Pass to govern this region, to see it safely managed, and to make a tidy profit for their woes.
Election
The Warden of the Pass is elected every year during the Autumn Summit. Any Iron Valleyfolk or Bordevarians can stand for the title. This title is elected by Senate vote.
Term
The Warden of the Pass holds their title for one year, including the Summit where they gain the title. They may immediately stand for reelection and there is no term limit.
Powers and Responsibilities
Witness - The Warden of the Pass is a member of both the High Reeves Council and the Ducal Council of Weiland. Like the Monarch of Bordevar, the Warden is permitted to attend the Ducal Council and vote, but is not required to attend and their presence does not count towards quorum. The Warden of the Pass is permitted to attend and vote on the High Reeves Council. The Warden of the Pass is not a member of the Reeves Council of Windholme.
Tollmaster - The Warden of the Pass receives an income based on the production of the Steinvault Pass. During the Winter Season this will be in the form of currency gained from tolls on those who travel the limited paths during the frozen months. During the Summer Season this will be in the form of mine resources obtained from the limited mines within the region. This income will vary based on the circumstances within the Pass.
Governor - The Warden of the Pass is responsible for maintaining travel and safety within the Steinvault Pass. They are also responsible for controlling the population of mountainfolk that reside in the Steinvault Pass who are not Concordian citizens. They may be required to attend to crises, lead confluxes, raise funds, or make decisions in regards to this responsibility.
History
The Steinvaults have long been the hideaway of monsters and malcontents, but it wasn’t until 223 when The Concord made contact with a clan of mountainfolk known as the Boar’s Head Clan that there was greater interest in these high mountains. The Boar’s Head Clan reportedly held hidden paths through the Steinvaults from Bordevar to Windholme and were willing to guide Concordian merchants through these passes for a substantial fee. However, as time passed it became clear that the Boar’s Head were not only full of avarice, but also disdain for the people they saw as ‘Lowlanders’.
While the Valleyfolk continued to attempt to foster peace, it aw Bordevarian steel that pushed the issue, striking the first blow in the Wolfden Woods against Boar’s Head raiders. This would quickly escalate to a short war throughout the year 224AE, which came to an end when the Iron Brawlers (aided by Valleyfolk Summiters, King’s Rangers, and Concordian Mercenaries) defeated the Boars Head Clan in the mountain pass in early 225.
Following this capture of the region, The Concord required a title to administer to its coldest territory. In order to best govern the strange set of requirements that the Steinvault Pass has, the Warden of the Pass was created and first elected at the Spring Summit of 225.
Historic Wardens
| Name | Date | Realm |
|---|---|---|
| Sir Merek the Mercantile | Spring 226 - Incumbent | Kingdom of Bordevar |
| Revna of Bolsterlee | Autumn 226 - Spring 226 (vac.) | Iron Valley |
| Revna of Bolsterlee | Spring 225 - Autumn 226 | Iron Valley |
| Count Arawn Lindwyrm | Autumn 225 - Spring 225 (dec.) | Kingdom of Bordevar |
Game Design Notes
While the title of Warden of the Pass may have some additional responsibilities, it may not always be so. Primarily, this position is one of economic focus and boon. Players should not assume that this title comes with additional downtime actions or special reports as this may not be the case summit to summit.