A Closer Look Inside...
History
The area that is now the shire of Rawlinswood has been a border area between Servosa and Northgate for many years. The territory has changed hands many times and the residents have relatives and connections on both sides of the current border.

The area became part of the Barony of Northgate when it was won from Sevosa in a border conflict during the summer of 1002 A.L. The population was pleased to find the Baron of Northgate was much less repressive than the Servosans. They became enthusiastic about remaining part of Northgate.

During the last war the Rawlinswood area was over-run by Servosan troops quickly, because they had no standing Garrison from the Northgate army. A prominent local, named Sigfried Carlsget recruited a company of irregulars to fight in this woodlands region.

All during the war, Carlsget's irregulars inflicted heavy damage to the Servosan supply lines and garrison troops. In woodlands fighting they proved to be more than a match for all but the largest groups of Servosan regulars. Due to pressing needs elsewhere, the Servosan generals were never able to move enough troops into the area to deal with Carlsget's men.

At the end of the war, Sigfried Carlsget was given Rawlinswood for his service to the Barony. He has maintained his irregulars to defend Rawlinswood and the border from attack.

Geography
Most of the Shire is wooded with low rolling hills. Its' forests are part of the central forests of Northgate. Unlike the old growth areas of the forest to the east and south, Rawlinswood is mostly new growth forest. The reason is that the trees provide a serious economic resource. Many of the trees in the area are choice hardwoods, and are especially good for fine crafted wood items. The woods are heavily used, but well managed.
Unfortunately for most travelers, Rawlinswood remains underdeveloped by human standards. There are few farms, just growing enough to support the population of the shire and pay their taxes. There are also very few roads, as all available space is used to grow new trees for harvest. And only a handful of small villages dot the countryside with no large towns to speak of and thus no inns.

Economy
Rawlinswood produces fine crafted wood products for export. Fine wood furniture, and other items made from the trees of Rawlinswood are in demand in many towns and estates in the south. Recently, the are has had a boost from increases trade, due mostly to the turmoil in the Barlow and Belnick areas. Merchants find it much safer to move through Rawlinswood on their way north and south, even if it is harder traveling with the lack of roads in the area.

Population
The people of Rawlinswood are mostly humans. The majority of them are of Servosan ancestry. However, it does have a small demi-human population, made up of mostly Elves, Half-Elves, and Half-Orcs. The demi-humans do tend to live in their own villages, apart from the humans. Although there is no sign of violence, old habits are hard to break.

Continuing Trends
The constant border threat and political maneuvering in Stormhaven are the only serious threats to the area. The shire has started to settle down into "normal" Northgate life following the war.

The Carlsget Family (ruling family)
The Carlsget family is relatively youthful, only four generations old. The family was formed by the marriage of Otto Von Car ( a human Servosan border guard) to Anna Ls'get (a half-elven tracker). They had one son and two daughters. Hans, Helga, and Mildred.

Unfortunately, Hans and Helga both became adventurers and both became dead without ever having children. Milderd had a son named Manfred, there is no record of who the father is.

Manfred Carlsget married Inga Styles. Inga was from and old and respected Servosan family that tied to almost every important family in Servosa. They had two sons, Sigfried and Owen. Manfred died in 1006.

Sigfried distiquished himself during the War with Servosa and now is lord of the Shire. As he is often away, his brother takes care of the daily problems of the Shire when he is gone.