[quote]Most "civilized" people live within those mountain borders, around the lake.  Though there are probably lands across the sea to the east.  The rest of the land is taken up by other people.  Barbarians if this is an all human world but maybe warring tribes of orcs and wargs and stuff.  There are some "civilized" outposts out there, to keep an eye on things.[/quote]  

So this will be some sort of alliance of holds, rather than a kingdom.  Each will have it's own ruling family.  It could be the Human Alliance, unless this is going to be a multirace world.  

[img]The river extending South West has some settlements.  Probably a river boat culture, sort of the last bastion of civilization outside of the mountain barrier.  They're a hardy people, every man woman and child carries a weapon.  [/img]

These are people who don't want to live under the Lords of the Alliance.  Have a piratey or roguish vibe.  

[quote]
I see a string of mountains just before the snowy lands of the North, and the few passes are guarded by towers.  A bit GoT, but maybe there's something awful up North.  Giants?  We'll discuss it.  The towers are to keep watch for whatever it is.  [/quote]

Every member of the Alliance's central military(we'll come up with one) has to do a tour of duty up there.  

[quote]There's a few holds, almost entirely within the mountain barrier.  And a bigger one on the coast that is probably a capital.  The south most one, and the one by the bridge at the north east tip of the barrier mountain are charged with keeping the barbarian/bad races out of the good lands.[/quote]  

The Northguard and Southguard have a lot of political pull in the Alliance, because they're necessary in guarding the lands from outside forces.  

The bigger hold is the oldest city in Alliance lands, but it's almost entirely impoverished.  They were once a fishing and trading community, but trade to other lands has slowed greatly and the waters have been overfished.  Now it's a poor, crimeridden city with poor, unscrupulous Lords.  


More thoughts, feel free to jump in anyone and everyone.