The first question is, how far do you think a river craft of some kind could travel up the Stout/Pacey river? I know that as long as there aren't any waterfalls then it should be possible for ships to travel until the water becomes to shallow. So my main question is could ships travel as far as Battleford and Farrow?
Next question, is there any kind of definite noble structure in Ormek? I know there were noble houses prior to the assasination, but the question is how many other houses have been added since Douni line started?
Excellent questions.
The answer to the first question is... it depends. Mainly it depends on the size of the craft. The Stout River is very broad and deep and even the largest ocean going vessels can easily travel up the Stout River. Ships can go all the way up to where the river splits (by Drachen's Bluff). There are villages at the river split where cargoes can be unloaded and supplies loaded.
Smaller sailing vessels and large river boats can make it all the way up to the town of Green Hills. (which is precisely why Green Hills is located there). Further north than that the river becomes more shallow and only vessels with a draft of less than 6 feet can safely navigate it. River barges and river boats with a shallow draft are able to travel all the way to Gathos. North of Gathos, the river becomes shallow and dangerous with rapids and waterfalls. Boat travel becomes difficult and only river barges (that have a very shallow draft) can manage the shallow water. Even the river barges have to stop at Thule or Stone Court because of water falls. There is no boat travel north of those two towns except for rafts, rowboats and canoes.
Generally speaking, cargo is transported along the river by river barges as far north as Gathos. North of Gathos, all cargo is transported by wagon on roads that parallel the river on either side.
Second question - nobility in Ormek...
Yes, there are many noble houses in Ormek. There were hundreds of noble families in Ormek before the Douni line usurped the throne and there are hundreds of noble families now. There has, of course, been a great change in the character and social tapestry of the nobility since the Douni line seized power. Many of the noble houses are as corrupt as the royal family. The dukes and barons and other nobles dance about each other in a complex web of bargaining and business and deceipt. There is endless corruption and intrigue and backstabbing (metaphorically and literally) in the various courts of power in Ormek. The environment is ripe for adventure.