Painting of a farm with a church and a field of crops

The Duchy of Branch Article DRAFT PUBLIC Located in the heart of the kingdom's rolling interior plains, Branch is an agricultural land known as the “bread basket of the realm.” Abundant wheat and produce farms feed royal subjects across the kingdom. Ruled by Duke Wilson from the palatial country estate Branch Mills. A patchwork of fertile croplands, orchards, and grazing meadows covers Branch’s landscape. Industrious farming folk cultivate bountiful harvests of wheat, corn, apples and livestock. Mills operate along the flowing waters of the St. Joseph River and its tributaries. The bulk of Branch’s bounty makes its way by flat-bottomed merchant barge downriver to feed hungry provincial towns and military garrisons protecting the kingdom’s border marches. Some goods also reach the royal capital to grace the tables of nobility, royalty and visiting diplomats. When not working the land, Branch commoners gather in quaint villages dotted across the countryside. Community life centers around bustling general stores, taverns, church parishes, Sunday picnics and seasonal fairs showcasing prized produce, jams, ciders and baked goods. Though lacking glamour, the essential grains and victuals flowing from Branch’s farms sustain the kingdom’s growing populace, strengthening its economy and stability. The relative prosperity also enriches local landowners like Duke Wilson and makes for generally contented peasants.