Geography
There is no appreciable cartography talent in the Kingdom, so very rough explanations will need to suffice until situation improves. (This takes into account the info received in the latter part of this post.)
The following counties are to the North of CryptoTown:
North Face, believed to be the furthest north
Tavastia
Petrichor
Stonehaven.
Apart from the initial detachment sent back from the Duke's troops, no information from the far north has been obtained.
North Face
The well-equipped force of the Duke of North Face has met no resistance from the locals - if there even were any! The locals live a nomadic life drinking vodka (if they can get it) and only gather together to slaughter their animals. No foie gras is produced here, and very few VEG. "If only this god-forsaken place was closer, that meat would be of value!" The locals pay no attention to the preparations, and are apt to trade and cheat in the trading, but don't produce anything. Silver and copper have been sighted but none of the strange coins.
The only question is, what in the world are we doing here? Does it make sense to build a town here? Some rivers are flowing to the south but because of the orders received, the colony has been kept in a hedgehog formation without venturing outside. The locals tell that far in the north is a snowy mountain range that few can cross, far far in the north is an open sea, then a sea that is frozen all-year round, then it becomes warm again, and Ultima Thule is in the far north. The VOD and MUS enjoyed by the reciter of the tale may have contributed. Still, the question is whether to stand against Nature and go further north, or to south, or to home...
After a longish time of questioning around, trying to get the whereabouts of Louhi, the same envoy appeared. Discussion was, if possible, even shorter than last time: "I am watching you, like I have watched all the previous ones. I will contact you, if I want. In the way I want."
Social policies have become possible because of the PRE accumulated.
The reports back from the far North reached the offices of the Duke and he was pleased to see the preparations continue at a nice pace although it is concerning that there is lack of resources discovered. The Duke has assembled quite a force to prepare the area and discover resources (and is paying a handsome annual sum), but the distance and time has made organization of the operation very difficult. Preparations will continue with the use of SCI and stone to establish an area where the nomadic can trade.
More horses and a Carriage are being dispatched to the region to allow for better scouting and longer distance trips by the SPEcialists employed. The Duke's son Troy is traveling to the region to scout resources and people. Troy's mission is to discover the sources of copper, silver, stone, and other unique resources in the area and he will command the NF troops to help. In addition, another group of Specialists, Workers, and soldiers will be sent out to the river regions in an attempt to discover other producing population areas or bodies of water for trade routes.
No broad taxation policies are to be implemented at this stage in the counties operation.
Trading posts will be established for fair/safe trading administered by the Duke's forces. These outposts will take a 10% fee of the trade for providing the safe trading posts to the local people.