Duchy of Eft

The Duchy of Eft is an island duchy off the coast of northeastern Long.

Territory

Eft is composed of one large island. It is surrounded by shallow reefs and rough waves making navigation treacherous. Cliffs dominate most of the southern coastline. In the northwest the island is half submerged in temperate wetlands which include a drowned cemetery.

The city of Lycia Salamandra on the east coast is the safest seafaring port and the largest settlement on the island. The ducal castle, Castle Eft, is further inland, on high ground, not far from Lycia Salamandra. The island is home to a number of small fishing villages and in the interior farmers produce wool and wine.

History and Politics

Eft is a "rogue duchy" ruled by the Neurergus clan. It was never brought under full control by the Varanus dynasty. In the early Varanus era the Dukes of Eft swore fealty to the King of Long and paid tribute (sometimes sporadically). For the last 50+ years, the dukes have stopped paying homage to the king and have acted as independent princes. During periods of war, Eft has sometimes allied itself with Hu against the King of Long. At other times, Eft supported Long or remained neutral. Thus Eft is a "wild card."

Recent Events 

The current Duke of Eft took the King of Hu captive on 28/3/FD 5 after the king's ship was caught in a storm and wrecked off the island's shore. This occurred only 9 days after the signing of the peace Natrix. Eft accused the king of killing his brother Lord Ambystoma. The king did indeed fight and kill Ambystoma in one-on-one combat during the fray at the battle of Thamnophis (15/2/ FD 5). Eft asked 30,000 gold-weight in ransom for the king's return.

Trivia

Eft is a Germanic root word for salamander (or for juvenile salamander) 

See Also: Former Dukes of Eft