Difference between revisions of "Derry"

Topography

Derry is, like Myrken Wood, centrally located on the Amasynian Plateau of Trae Kelsa. It is comprised of low rolling hills followed by countless mountains out of a central plateau. Welcome to Derry, home of the Gilroy Brothers! Derry is small enough to be visited in its entirety within a couple of weeks. 344 square miles of adventure await the sportsman or family of travelers.

Location

The Sagpa River bounds Derry's South. The friendly inhabitants of Myrken Wood, New Dauntless, and Thessilane set its borders, keeping Derry somewhat landlocked. It is a neutral place of trade.

Climate

Derry's climate is influenced by its seclusion from the coastline, which keeps the temperatures generally mild with an average rain and snow accumulation is approximately 60 inches per year. Rain is frequent and relatively abundant. Winters are fairly cool, with January temperatures ranging from 40 degrees in the south to 20 degrees in the northern parts.

Travel and Trade Routes

One route that allows for east-west travel at the southern end of the Wood called Derry Row is a 'safe road' for those going back and forth from the eastern sea coast all the way to Amasynia. Throughways that see travelers from Thessilane to New Dauntless are no longer accessible because of the strong presence of military personnel whose needs are for the uses of the Barak's Passage and the Truedrift.

Public Service

The level of internal crime is minimal; when trouble occurs, it most often springs from an external source, Derry being a bridge of sorts between the various countries and thus receiving an unusually high level of foreign traffic. Such trouble is dealt with as expediently as any other sort, the Guard preferring to remove offenders from the street rather than entering into outright battle with them; on certain occasions, the offender is ushered from the city limits and encouraged quietly not to return.

The land is protected by a triumvirate of non-identical policing forces:

• Domestic: Local Guard. The Captain of the Guard has been selected by the reigning Princess. The primary goal of the Guard is swift and quiet response to whatever disorder may erupt within the area; surprisingly, they are lightly-armed when about their regular patrols, but they are trained to a degree of skill that might be thought remarkable for the militia of such a small and mundane holding.

There is, however, a portion not approached or patrolled by any of this lot, by the Princess' direct order. The region is patrolled and maintained by Ruann servicemen.

• External: Militia. For a city state located in such a precarious position -- bordered on each side by far larger areas -- Derry possesses a remarkably small army. The border themselves, however, are closely monitored, both by patrol and a series of unassuming guardhouses, in which small squads are housed.

In all, the militia keeps a very low profile, as befits an area that subsists more by diplomacy and tourism than any real strength.

• Special: Royal Guard. It is a well known fact that Princess Renaud has hand picked her personal guard, with the aid of both the Guard Captain and her own circle of advisors. Little is known of the small group, save that at least two of their number accompany the woman upon all excursions, and a considerably larger number flank the halls of her chambers during meetings of state and with visiting dignitaries.

News

News is communicated in one of two ways within Derry. The first, and most common given the high level of education in the area, is the weekly published, free operation by Princess Renaud. The second is a remarkably enthusiastic spreading of rumors that run rife about the area and on certain occasions take their way to travelers' ears.

Leisure Activities

Things to do are usually considered 'everyday' activity. There is an amount of hiking that has risen in popularity as legendary explorers like Chauncey and Parmis Gilroy have discovered a way through the Sikasoon Mountains that was found to be a safe route for travel. Otherwise, the land offers small lakes and streams for the fisherman, as well as spacious wooded areas full of wild game. Derry is a central location for the outdoorsman.

Local Economy

Possessing neither strength of industry nor particularly fertile land, Derry has learned to prize the craftsmanship of its individuals. Raw materials are imported at rate enough to supply crafters, and the results themselves have proven to be quite popular with the large traffic of foreigners, with Ruann acting as a flow gate between Derry and some of the more western lands. In addition, the high rate of 'tourism' has given birth to an enormous quantity of hostels, inns, and taverns, many of which charge exorbitantly for their services.