Over the years there has been talk about creating a principality in the Portland/Vancouver metro area and surrounding environs. Let's not go into the history of Regions and why they are good or bad, let's just say, that for some folks, the area formerly encompassing the Rivers Region of An Tir is where they play and the group identity is attractive and strong for us. Because of its large size, this new (proposed) branch would be a Principality (it could reasonably be a Province, but AnTirian law does not recognize Provinces).
The first step in creating a full Principality is to become a Crown Principality. What's the difference? Why does it matter?
In a Crown Principality there are officers and activities for the principality, but the King and Queen of the Kingdom serve as the Prince/Princess of the area. In a full Principality there are officers and activities for the principality, but a Prince and Princess are chosen by combat and report to/are in fealty to the King and the Queen. For some groups, a Crown Principality may be all they need to play at that level of fun and ambiance. For other groups, a full Principality is desired. It's up to the will of the populace.
And just so we're clear, a Principality MAY at some point in the future decide to become a Kingdom, but it's not MANDATORY.
Shire of Dragon's Mist
Shire of Fire Mountain Keep (possible northern border)
Shire of Heron's Reach (possible western border)
Shire of Mountain Edge (southern border)
Shire of River's Bend (possible northern border)
Barony of Stromgard
Barony of Three Mountains (eastern border)