Post by Kaya on Oct 19, 2013 18:47:17 GMT -8
It is commonly said that cultures reflect the environments in which they develop, and nowhere on Pern is that more clearly seen than in the extreme north. It is a land where very little grows, a cold desert with only scattered vegetation. There are some trees as one goes further south, but the majority of the land is rocky and barren, and in many places covered with ice and snow, though there are some areas where the precipitation is too low to allow the formation of such water-based coverings. The summer temperatures can be summed up in one word: “cold”. The winter temperatures, of course, require a two word summary: “extremely cold”. In the height of summer the sun is in the sky for almost the full day, while in winter it only makes a brief appearance (if that much). The climate is, in short, harsh and unforgiving, and the culture that grew within it is likewise.
The vast majority of people living under the jurisdiction of Icy Caverns Hold are taciturn at the very least and seem to be almost innately suspicious of newcomers and strangers. In addition to this welcoming attitude, one must look out for one’s own hide up here. Fights are a pastime, and the guards are more likely to place bets than to break it up. That’s not to say that the guards don’t do their job, because any criminal caught in the act will be on the receiving end of punishments that would be considered excessive and even cruel were they to be performed anywhere else. Not even children get off easy here, and should some wannabe criminal wind up near-crippled from punishment… well, that’s the criminal’s problem, isn’t it? On the other hand, if you report a crime and expect action, forget about it. The only things likely to bestir much in the way of a response are crimes of the truly heinous variety.
The current Lord Holder is one Brencis Kalarn. Lord Brencis Kalarn. Addressing him — or even speaking about him — without the title is not suggested and done solely at the speaker’s risk. He is a perfect specimen of maleness in the extreme north, being a powerfully built 6’7” and traditional and forthright (read: biased, obstinate, and inflexible) in his opinions. He has long held that the Weyr (Ice Stone, that is) is weakening the North, trying to turn those who live there from the traditions that hold it strong.
The major industries here are mining, fur, timber, and fishing. Mining is for gold, coal, copper and silver, primarily, though there are also mines for amethyst, amazonite, garnets, topaz, beryl, and diamond. There are a few mines that produce iron, but this is by far in lesser supply. The fur is mostly from trapping small creatures. Most travel is by canine pulled sleds, though for the movement of massive mine drays Whers are typically used.
There is not currently a Watchrider, given the tense state of things between the Hold and the Weyr.
[written by Ghost]
The vast majority of people living under the jurisdiction of Icy Caverns Hold are taciturn at the very least and seem to be almost innately suspicious of newcomers and strangers. In addition to this welcoming attitude, one must look out for one’s own hide up here. Fights are a pastime, and the guards are more likely to place bets than to break it up. That’s not to say that the guards don’t do their job, because any criminal caught in the act will be on the receiving end of punishments that would be considered excessive and even cruel were they to be performed anywhere else. Not even children get off easy here, and should some wannabe criminal wind up near-crippled from punishment… well, that’s the criminal’s problem, isn’t it? On the other hand, if you report a crime and expect action, forget about it. The only things likely to bestir much in the way of a response are crimes of the truly heinous variety.
The current Lord Holder is one Brencis Kalarn. Lord Brencis Kalarn. Addressing him — or even speaking about him — without the title is not suggested and done solely at the speaker’s risk. He is a perfect specimen of maleness in the extreme north, being a powerfully built 6’7” and traditional and forthright (read: biased, obstinate, and inflexible) in his opinions. He has long held that the Weyr (Ice Stone, that is) is weakening the North, trying to turn those who live there from the traditions that hold it strong.
The major industries here are mining, fur, timber, and fishing. Mining is for gold, coal, copper and silver, primarily, though there are also mines for amethyst, amazonite, garnets, topaz, beryl, and diamond. There are a few mines that produce iron, but this is by far in lesser supply. The fur is mostly from trapping small creatures. Most travel is by canine pulled sleds, though for the movement of massive mine drays Whers are typically used.
There is not currently a Watchrider, given the tense state of things between the Hold and the Weyr.
[written by Ghost]
