Difference between revisions of "Derry"
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| − | {| | + | {| class="wikitable" border="0" style="background:#ffffcc; width:290px" align="right" |
| + | |-style="background:#660000; color:#ffffcc" | ||
| + | !colspan=2|Derry | ||
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| − | + | |colspan=2 style="background:#FFFFCC" align="center" | http://www.brokendagger.com/map/images/wiki/wiki_regions_derry.jpg | |
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| − | |colspan=2 | + | |colspan=2 style="background:#FFFFCC" align="center" | http://www.brokendagger.com/map/images/wiki/wiki_map_derry.png |
| − | + | <small>[[Derry]]'s location (dark green) within the [[Amasynian Peninsula]] (light green), relative to [[Regal Province]] of [[Trae Kelsa]] (blue).</small> | |
| − | + | |-style="background:#660000; color:#ffffcc" | |
| − | <small>[[Derry]]'s location (dark green) within the [[Amasynian | + | !colspan=2|Information |
| − | |- | + | |-valign="top" |
| − | + | |WIDTH="35%" | Status: || Principality of [[Trae Kelsa]] | |
| − | |- | + | |-valign="top" |
| − | | | + | |Capital: || [[Wrexham]] |
| − | |- | + | |-valign="top" |
| − | | | + | |Demonym: || Derrine |
| − | |- | + | |-valign="top" |
| − | | | + | |Population: || --,--- |
| − | |- | + | |-valign="top" |
| − | | | + | |Currency: || Trae Kelsan Shilling |
| − | |- | + | |-valign="top" |
| − | + | |Government: || Monarchy | |
| − | | | + | |-valign="top" |
| − | + | |Head of State: || Princess [[Renaud Plaudart]] | |
| − | |- | + | |-valign="top" |
| − | + | |Religion: || [[One True Faith]] | |
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|} | |} | ||
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| − | + | [[Derry]], officially the '''Principality of Derry''', is a landlocked region in the central [[Amasynian Peninsula]]. It is bordered to the north by [[New Dauntless]], to the south by [[Heath]], to the east by [[Thessilane]] and to the west by [[Myrken Wood]]. | |
| − | + | ||
| + | ==History== | ||
| + | ===Origins=== | ||
| + | For most of recorded history Derry lay uninhabited save for a small number of dwarven strongholds in the mountains of the north, and elven enclaves in the forested lowlands of the south. This changed following the Sixth [[Wars of Salvation|War of Salvation]] and the ensuing [[Concord]] in 1229 [[Anno Inceptum|A.I.]]; this agreement between the [[Elflords]], the [[Dwarflords]] and the Amasynian Crown saw the territories of Derry and [[Myrken Wood]] yielded to the [[Kingdom of Amasynia]], and marks the foundation of the Duchies of Derry and [[Myrken Wood]]. | ||
| − | == | + | ===The Amasynian Period=== |
| − | + | For three hundred years the Dukes and Duchesses of Derry ruled over their land; increased trade and cooperation with the Dwarflords led to the construction of [[Castle Wrexham]] between 1350 and 1374 using the best of both human and dwarven arts. | |
| + | ===The Ducal Stewards=== | ||
| + | The line of the Dukes of Derry came to an end in 1523 [[Anno Inceptum|A.I.]] when the reigning Duke died without issue, leaving the succession unclear; faced with the prospect of civil war as various of Derry's noble families vied for the ducal throne, rulership passed into the hands of the hereditary [[Seneschals of Wrexham]], who administered the duchy's affairs with careful diplomacy and impartiality in order to maintain peace among the region's nobility. | ||
| − | == | + | ===The Principality Period=== |
| − | + | In 1527 [[Anno Inceptum|A.I.]], following the fall of the House of [[Wekslo]] rule over [[Amasynian Province|Amasynia]] transferred to the throne of [[Trae Kelsa]]. The [[Seneschals of Wrexham|Seneschals]] retained stewardship of Derry for another hundred and twenty years, now serving the King of [[Trae Kelsa]], until in 1643 [[Anno Inceptum|A.I.]] (193 [[Anno Regalis|A.R.]]) King [[Chedwry I Plaudart|Chedwry I]] installed his daughter Princess [[Renaud Plaudart|Renaud]] as ruler of what became known as the Principality of Derry. The Princess has held this post with the aid of other members of the royal family for the past fifteen years. | |
| − | == | + | ==Government== |
| − | + | The region is governed as a principality by Princess [[Renaud Plaudart|Renaud]], daughter of King [[Chedwry II Plaudart|Chedwry II]] of [[Trae Kelsa]], with other members of the Royal Family serving as trusted aides and advisors to assist in determining policy. [[Renaud Plaudart|Renaud]] prefers to remain aloof from public appearances save for infrequent state occasions, otherwise ruling from within the stout walls of [[Castle Wrexham]] through intermediaries and ministers who see her will enacted across the rest of Derry and beyond. | |
| + | ===Politics=== | ||
| − | == | + | ===Law and Order=== |
| − | + | Domestic crime within Derry itself is minimal, due to the culture of solidarity and cooperation against trouble. What trouble does occur most often springs from an external source; as a gateway between the neighbouring regions, Derry experiences an unusually high volume of foreign traffic through its borders, . | |
| + | |||
| + | 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: | The land is protected by a triumvirate of non-identical policing forces: | ||
| − | + | ====City Guard==== | |
| + | The Captain of the Guard is appointed by Princess [[Renaud Plaudart|Renaud]], and tasked with providing a swift and discreet response to whatever disorder may erupt within Derry's urban areas; the Guard are lightly-armed when about their regular patrols, but trained to rigorous standards that might be considered remarkable for a militia of such limited jurisdiction. | ||
| − | + | ===Military=== | |
| + | ====The Derry Militia==== | ||
| + | For a region located in such a precarious location between larger and more populous neighbours, Derry possesses a remarkably small army. However, given the nature of the terrain and the limited points of access to the region, this relatively small force is more than capable of monitoring Derry's borders, primarily employing regular mounted patrols and a series of unassuming guardhouses housing small squads of militiamen. | ||
| − | + | The militia tends to keep a very low profile, as befits the military of a region that subsists more by diplomacy and tourism than by strength of arms. | |
| − | + | ====The Royal Guard==== | |
| + | Princess [[Renaud Plaudart|Renaud]] is widely known to hand-pick her personal guard, with the aid of both the Guard Captain and her own circle of advisors. Little is known of this elite group, save that at least two of their number accompany Her Highness in her movements within the walls of [[Castle Wrexham]]; this force is increased on those occasions on which she ventures beyond the castle's walls, and a considerably larger number flank the halls of her chambers during meetings of state and audiences with visiting dignitaries. | ||
| − | |||
| + | ==Geography== | ||
| + | From the confluence of the [[Sagpa River]] and the [[Albourne]], Derry's terrain rises slowly northwards; the region's most populated areas are found in the sheltered southern lowlands, though there are scattered settlements throughout the high-sided valleys of the [[Sikasoon Mountains]] that dominate the north of the region and divide Derry from [[Myrken Wood]] and [[New Dauntless]]. | ||
| − | == | + | ===Cities=== |
| − | + | The regional capital of [[Wrexham]] lies at the geographical and economic heart of Derry, neatly-arranged streets centred on the stout dwarf-built walls of [[Castle Wrexham]] from where Princess [[Renaud]] and her aides govern the region. | |
| + | |||
| + | ===Travel=== | ||
| + | == Travel and Trade Routes == | ||
| + | The region's main highway is the [[Derry Row]], an east-west highway connecting Derry with [[Myrken Wood]] and [[Thessilane]], and beyond to the coast of the [[Beradt Sea]] in the east and [[Amasynia]] in the west. The independent city-state of [[Ruann]] serves as gateway to the [[Gilroy Pass]], which offers a faster route into [[Myrken Wood]] but is only accessible during the summer months, being rendered impassible by snow for the rest of the year. The [[Truedrift]] leads across the [[Sikasoon Mountains]] into New Dauntless in the north, and follows the Derry-Thessilane border for most of its length. | ||
| + | ===Climate=== | ||
| + | Isolated from the moderating influence of the coast, Derry's climate is subject to noticeable seasonal and even regional fluctuations. Rain is frequent and relatively abundant throughout the year, while winters are bitterly cold in the mountainous north of the region, but those same mountains spare southern Derry from most of the northerly winds and so the lowlands are noticeably milder year-round. | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| + | ==Economy== | ||
| + | Restricted by its shortage of fertile land and dearth of forests, Derry relies not on agriculture or timber for its wealth, but on the craftsmanship and inventiveness of its citizens. Drawing on the mineral wealth of their mountain home and close ties with their dwarven neighbours, the region's engineers, artificers and artisans are unparalleled in skill throughout the [[Amasynian Peninsula]], and their work is in high demand from [[Ricathair]] to [[Razasan]]. The majority of what fertile land exists is dedicated to viticulture and pomiculture, Derry's vineyards and orchards producing a range of wines and brandies prized across the [[Amasynian Peninsula]]; in recent years the neighbouring province of [[Myrken Wood]] has become a particularly valued market for the export of the esteemed Derry Red. | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| + | ==Culture== | ||
Revision as of 21:44, 24 January 2008
| Derry | |
|---|---|
| |
Derry's location (dark green) within the Amasynian Peninsula (light green), relative to Regal Province of Trae Kelsa (blue). | |
| Information | |
| Status: | Principality of Trae Kelsa |
| Capital: | Wrexham |
| Demonym: | Derrine |
| Population: | --,--- |
| Currency: | Trae Kelsan Shilling |
| Government: | Monarchy |
| Head of State: | Princess Renaud Plaudart |
| Religion: | One True Faith |
Derry, officially the Principality of Derry, is a landlocked region in the central Amasynian Peninsula. It is bordered to the north by New Dauntless, to the south by Heath, to the east by Thessilane and to the west by Myrken Wood.
History
Origins
For most of recorded history Derry lay uninhabited save for a small number of dwarven strongholds in the mountains of the north, and elven enclaves in the forested lowlands of the south. This changed following the Sixth War of Salvation and the ensuing Concord in 1229 A.I.; this agreement between the Elflords, the Dwarflords and the Amasynian Crown saw the territories of Derry and Myrken Wood yielded to the Kingdom of Amasynia, and marks the foundation of the Duchies of Derry and Myrken Wood.
The Amasynian Period
For three hundred years the Dukes and Duchesses of Derry ruled over their land; increased trade and cooperation with the Dwarflords led to the construction of Castle Wrexham between 1350 and 1374 using the best of both human and dwarven arts.
The Ducal Stewards
The line of the Dukes of Derry came to an end in 1523 A.I. when the reigning Duke died without issue, leaving the succession unclear; faced with the prospect of civil war as various of Derry's noble families vied for the ducal throne, rulership passed into the hands of the hereditary Seneschals of Wrexham, who administered the duchy's affairs with careful diplomacy and impartiality in order to maintain peace among the region's nobility.
The Principality Period
In 1527 A.I., following the fall of the House of Wekslo rule over Amasynia transferred to the throne of Trae Kelsa. The Seneschals retained stewardship of Derry for another hundred and twenty years, now serving the King of Trae Kelsa, until in 1643 A.I. (193 A.R.) King Chedwry I installed his daughter Princess Renaud as ruler of what became known as the Principality of Derry. The Princess has held this post with the aid of other members of the royal family for the past fifteen years.
Government
The region is governed as a principality by Princess Renaud, daughter of King Chedwry II of Trae Kelsa, with other members of the Royal Family serving as trusted aides and advisors to assist in determining policy. Renaud prefers to remain aloof from public appearances save for infrequent state occasions, otherwise ruling from within the stout walls of Castle Wrexham through intermediaries and ministers who see her will enacted across the rest of Derry and beyond.
Politics
Law and Order
Domestic crime within Derry itself is minimal, due to the culture of solidarity and cooperation against trouble. What trouble does occur most often springs from an external source; as a gateway between the neighbouring regions, Derry experiences an unusually high volume of foreign traffic through its borders, .
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:
City Guard
The Captain of the Guard is appointed by Princess Renaud, and tasked with providing a swift and discreet response to whatever disorder may erupt within Derry's urban areas; the Guard are lightly-armed when about their regular patrols, but trained to rigorous standards that might be considered remarkable for a militia of such limited jurisdiction.
Military
The Derry Militia
For a region located in such a precarious location between larger and more populous neighbours, Derry possesses a remarkably small army. However, given the nature of the terrain and the limited points of access to the region, this relatively small force is more than capable of monitoring Derry's borders, primarily employing regular mounted patrols and a series of unassuming guardhouses housing small squads of militiamen.
The militia tends to keep a very low profile, as befits the military of a region that subsists more by diplomacy and tourism than by strength of arms.
The Royal Guard
Princess Renaud is widely known to hand-pick her personal guard, with the aid of both the Guard Captain and her own circle of advisors. Little is known of this elite group, save that at least two of their number accompany Her Highness in her movements within the walls of Castle Wrexham; this force is increased on those occasions on which she ventures beyond the castle's walls, and a considerably larger number flank the halls of her chambers during meetings of state and audiences with visiting dignitaries.
Geography
From the confluence of the Sagpa River and the Albourne, Derry's terrain rises slowly northwards; the region's most populated areas are found in the sheltered southern lowlands, though there are scattered settlements throughout the high-sided valleys of the Sikasoon Mountains that dominate the north of the region and divide Derry from Myrken Wood and New Dauntless.
Cities
The regional capital of Wrexham lies at the geographical and economic heart of Derry, neatly-arranged streets centred on the stout dwarf-built walls of Castle Wrexham from where Princess Renaud and her aides govern the region.
Travel
Travel and Trade Routes
The region's main highway is the Derry Row, an east-west highway connecting Derry with Myrken Wood and Thessilane, and beyond to the coast of the Beradt Sea in the east and Amasynia in the west. The independent city-state of Ruann serves as gateway to the Gilroy Pass, which offers a faster route into Myrken Wood but is only accessible during the summer months, being rendered impassible by snow for the rest of the year. The Truedrift leads across the Sikasoon Mountains into New Dauntless in the north, and follows the Derry-Thessilane border for most of its length.
Climate
Isolated from the moderating influence of the coast, Derry's climate is subject to noticeable seasonal and even regional fluctuations. Rain is frequent and relatively abundant throughout the year, while winters are bitterly cold in the mountainous north of the region, but those same mountains spare southern Derry from most of the northerly winds and so the lowlands are noticeably milder year-round.
Economy
Restricted by its shortage of fertile land and dearth of forests, Derry relies not on agriculture or timber for its wealth, but on the craftsmanship and inventiveness of its citizens. Drawing on the mineral wealth of their mountain home and close ties with their dwarven neighbours, the region's engineers, artificers and artisans are unparalleled in skill throughout the Amasynian Peninsula, and their work is in high demand from Ricathair to Razasan. The majority of what fertile land exists is dedicated to viticulture and pomiculture, Derry's vineyards and orchards producing a range of wines and brandies prized across the Amasynian Peninsula; in recent years the neighbouring province of Myrken Wood has become a particularly valued market for the export of the esteemed Derry Red.
