An Overview of Modern High Rock

Politics: After many a cold month in the harsh terrain of Skyrim my bones ached for a warm fire in a warm hall and so I made my way West to continue my report. I came to the land of High Rock in high hopes, leaving behind a war between brutal folk. I found that the covert wars that are fought daily in High Rock are no less frightful. The kingdoms of High Rock are not unlike those of Cyrodiil, with a large percentage of the population made up of merchant and peasant classes. This strong base leaves the rulers with much power to draw from though the sword remains in its sheath unlike their Nord cousins who are quick to fight. Instead the Bretons use less obvious means to wage war. Dining tables and halls are the arenas of war here with treachery, betrayal and power grabs a common occurrence among the aristocracy. Though hierarchical there is plenty of room to move in Breton society and this has led to many in the lower castes to attempt for glory. This has often been done through intellectual purposes and many of our greatest thinkers are Bretons. I would advise your majesty to keep this in mind when looking for more expert advice. Despite this fractured and individualistic style of politics, the Bretons are made one by their cultural norms and have shown an incredible ability to join together in times of hardship such as the wars with the Redguards and the Orcs. This brings to light the issue of the Orcish homeland or rather, their claim to one. There is little love lost between Bretons and Orcs even still after the Warp and there is little doubt that the problem of Orcish settlements in the Wrothgarian Mountains is a major factor in the Bretons keeping military force readily available.

Economy: The cultural sophistication of High Rock has transferred to its economics as well. Banking and capital investment are some of the top ways for one to make money and gold from the coffers of Breton noblemen can be found backing businesses and investments across the continent. The lands are fairly fertile and there are enough surpluses for farming that some can be sold and exported elsewhere though this is by no means a large part of the market. Next to capital the largest export is works by craftsmen. The affluence of the Bretons allows many to spend time on crafts such as fine clothes, shoes, furniture and tapestries. Many of the leisurely goods are made here and I believe your Highness’ favorite lounging chair was actually made by a well respected craftsman of Wayrest. There is little doubt that money and goods such as food are finding their way to the Forsworn rebellion in western Skyrim from the gentry here. Lastly, the most important and influential thing to come from within the borders of the Breton homeland are those who share my profession. Shrewd diplomats are often from the drawing rooms of Breton castles and are bested perhaps only by those from Colovia and Nibenay. This gives them the influence over foreign dealings as they can be found in the court of almost every ruler in Tamriel and use this leverage to help their kin back home, though I have no intention to imply that they are under-handed or untrustworthy, they mearly play the political game as good as anyone.

Conclusions: I would urge your Majesty to strengthen your relationships with the rulers of the Five Kingdoms as they can be powerful allies and dangerous enemies. The resources at their disposal are vast enough that they alone should draw interest from the Empirical court, not to mention the resources in the people. The Bretons have produced many note-worthy and brilliant military historians and tacticians along with political thinkers and authorities in nearly every field of study; I would humbly suggest that your Lordship keeps these brilliant minds close by.