The Duchy of Knorwell is the educational and religious center of Samia.  This is a universally accepted fact, though none are sure why.  Of course, there is a  university, but nobody could argue that Merryweather's libraries are more well stocked.  There are churches a plenty, but few would say that Allston or Samia does not have not only more churches, but more important clergy.  Still, thanks to the refines coastal city of Red Fern, Knorwell maintains it's reputation.

This is a medium sized Duchy with a few important cities, but the majority of it is known to be farmland or fishing communities.  The people of Knorwell are generally thought of as educated and refined, though tis is really only true in such places as Red Fern and the Fernwell area.  The rest of the Duchy tends to be fishing and farming communities with little interest in the outside world save those along trade roads (such as Dane's Grove along the Southern Trade Line). 

Knorwell is one of the largest minter of non-capital coins in the nation of Samia (though each Duchy has it's own coin, the mint in Willowlake prints more than any area save the capital) because so much of the nations money goes through Red Fern due to trade with nearby Pedrinni.  the people of Knorwell are considered less sheltered than those of Brynoch's Dagger, because they see more traffic from other places, and are accustomed to travelers from the various churches, visitors from Pedrinni, halflings (Red Fern has one of the largest halfling populations in all of Samia), and dwarves.   Very little shocks a citizen of Knorwell, but very little impresses them either.



Knorwell 

Area: 26,000 sq leagues
Population: 750,000
Official Language: Meiren
Other Languages: Foñiaro, Borrsta, Nestee, others by race or creed
Duchy Seat: Red Fern
Largest City: Red Fern (population), Windy Hollow (area)
Grand Duke/Duchess:
Primary Imports: ore, grains, stone, paper
Primary Exports: fish, oil, salt, herbs, boats
Important Locations:  Red Fern, Willowlake, Fernwell
Lesser Locations:  Dane's Grove, Cloverlore, Mistworth


Culture

The people of Knorwell are solid and dependable, with varied experiences behind them.  They appreciate hard work, solid value, and fine things such as delicate fish and fine spirits.  They have a great appreciation for religion and religious tolerance (this is the only city in the nation with a shrine to Ferrin, though it has no clergy and few venerate it openly).  Residents are predominantly of the Meiren faith, despite this, but other religions do well here more so than any other place in Samia.  Cities in Knorwell are often clumped together, but even when they are not they are within a day's travel of another city.  Popular activities include dances, field races, horse races, and kite flying. 

Climate and Travel

The climate in Knorwell varies widely depending on proximity to the ocean.  Red Fern, Fernwell and other cities along the coast get erratic weather and regularly are the recipient of ocean storms.  Winters along the coast are harsh and ice fishing is very popular in those months.  By contrast, the areas a few miles inland from the ocean have a very fair climate, if cold.  Southern winds whip across the south side of the Creeping Woods and along side the Irkin Mountains.  The Foothills alone often have windstorms and tornadoes, but most cities tend to be built in places that see less of this activity. 

Travel in Knorwell takes 2 forms.  One is either traveling by boat in which case they are staying close to shore on ships with Singers, or they are traveling along a trade road (the King's Road toward Samia and Allston or the Southern Trade Line).  The King's Road here is much like elsewhere, with regular camps and regular patrols by the Knights of the Crown and their men.  The Southern Trade Line is not well traveled by patrols of any sort and is much more prone to banditry.  There are not campsites, but there are some Inns that exist out in the middle of this sparse road that capitalize on those willing to travel it.  After a few weeks on this rough road, an inn seems like heaven to most travelers.