[ other than the scale, the problems that he cites sound very familiar. arable land. useful natural resources. things any kingdom would concern while annexing or settling land. ]

So the colonies are full of settlers — and, of course, the types of scholars who might make the settlers' efforts more fruitful. All in pursuit of something like this. [ she looks around. ] By any kingdom on the Continent's standards, this land wouldn't be worth the trouble. They'd leave it to the monsters.

[ if they had a decent mage for an advisor, at least. this was worse than any marsh. ]