Places of Interest

[Masterharper]

This subforum is to be used for all in-character RP that doesn't take place at Western Weyr or High Reaches Weyr. If you are planning an open RP all we ask is you make sure people know where the thread is taking place, to avoid confusion. If an RP makes it way back to the Weyr from wherever they're located, that's fine, but if it continues to go on at length we do as you make a new thread in the appropriate Weyr subforum.

Please use the appropriate Subject Heading when setting up an RP in the suboforum.

[PRP] = Private RP i.e. [PRP] A Sunny Day (D'mon & Valas)
[ORP] = Open RP i.e. [ORP] Let's Dance! (Everyone!)
[SRP] = Solo RP i.e. [SRP] Foggy Heart (C'nat)

Private RPs are meant for only a select group of writers and their characters.
Open RPs mean anyone is welcome to jump in and play!
Solo RPs are written up only by the writer about their characters.
 

[Masterharper]

Major Holds Under High Reaches Weyr

High Reaches Hold

Status: Major Hold. Protected by High Reaches Weyr.
Known For: Forestry, mining, good hunting, and fishing.
Lord Holder: Lord Volisan
Lady Holder: Lady Ianey
Heir Ianvol
Children: Volney, Iansan, Vollan, Lisey

General Atmosphere: High Reaches Hold is a reliable ally. Lord Volisan and Lady Ianey run a respectable Hold. They have always had a close relationship with High Reaches Weyr, and were always proud to send tithes. Lord Volisan is a good man, who tends to run his Hold strictly but isn't afraid to stand up to Lord Gansley, or have his voice be heard.

They are a mix of a fishing Hold, as they are closer to the coastline, but also have lands rich in lumber due to the thick northern forests, as well as land fertile for farming and growing crops. Threadfall was a devastation, but they were saved from the worst of it thanks to High Reaches Weyr.

The Hold Proper is larger. They see many refugees from Nabol, but also have received a large group from the devastated Tillek. They are a welcoming group, fairly neutral as far as local politics go, and are more pacifist than perhaps some of the people would like them to be. High Reaches folks are known to be hardy and reliable people, and their Lord Holder is no exception to the rule.


Tillek Hold:

Status: Major Hold. Protected by High Reaches Weyr.
Known For: Mining, wine, & fishing. Tillek Wine is not as well regarded as Bendan,much to their annoyance and wounded pride.
Lord Holder: Captain Dovex
Lady Holder: Lady Elimea
Heir Doxime
Children: Evex, Doveli, Limea

General Atmosphere: Tillek is a huge port. Not only is the Seacrafter's main Hall located in Tillek Hold, but it possesses some of Pern's largest ship fleets. This port is entirely anti-piracy, and prides itself on on its lack of corruption. Tillek possesses some of the largest ships, and some of the most experienced captains in all of Pern.

If something is done the Tillek way, then it is done fast, effective, and right. There is no cutting corners or slacking here.

While many in Tillek are seafaring sorts, given it's huge number of ports and seacrafts, Tillek Hold is mixed with individuals from all over Pern and from all walks of life. There are strict guards and hired men to keep trouble and corruption at bay. Pirates are absolutely not tolerated, or lawbreakers, and rulebenders. It's a strict Hold, but tries to be very good, and very by-the-book.


Nabol Hold:

Status: Major Hold. Protected by High Reaches Weyr.
Known For: Its mines and rich ores. Historically thought of as an unpleasant place, and the Nabolese are considered greedy.
Lord Holder: Lord Gansley
Lady Holder: None
Heir Tansley
Children: Teleygan, Tesley
Bastards: Too many to count.
Lover: Teo

General Atmosphere: Nabol Hold has always struggled to gain favor in the eyes of Pern. While Bitra has its own unpleasant history on the East Coast of the Northern Continent, Nabol has always been rather unpleasant. Its major industry is in mining, which hasn't changed in all the Turns. There are rich veins of ore and semi-precious metals surrounding Nabol, and even a few solid good quality firestone veins.

The past 1000 Turns allowed Nabol to focus more on digging up its semi-precious metals and attempting to draw in extra marks through tourism for the rich. While Nabol Hold might be considered an unpleasant place to live, no one can deny that it is a rich and rather lavish Hold.

Lord Holder Gansley is a middle-aged man who has an eye for power. He is one of the richest Lord Holders on Pern, and enjoys a bit of flash and pizazz with everything he does. What happens in Nabol stays in Nabol, as the saying goes, and a lot of questionable things tend to happen in the Hold proper.

For starters, there is a distinct lack of a middle-class. Those who are born poor are often sent to the mines, where they will work until they die. Those with pretty enough faces might be brought closer to the Hold proper, so they can become courtesans or arm-candy to any of Gansley's esteemed guests. Unfortunately, for many unlucky souls, drudgery and hard-work is the most they can expect. While there are Harpers who are brought in to keep the population educated, the rich and well-off in the Hold Proper receive a decent education. Those who are in the smaller cotholds and minor mining holds surrounding Nabol, tend to remain less educated.

Gansley isn't a bully himself, but he certainly surrounds himself with thugs and men and women who might be looked upon with questionable motives. As he's often told many Holders who object to the quality of life some of his people receive, he wants his people to achieve greatness. Any number of them can leave as refugees if they're unhappy -- but strangely enough those same men and women always seem to stay. Nabol is suspiciously accident prone but no one has been able to trace them back to Gansley. Furthermore, many of the poor and its Holders are actually indebted to Gansley, or his thugs for some reason or another. The Lord owns all of the Land and buildings, and has bought most of the farms and resevoirs. Nothing is built in Nabol that Gansley doesn't buy and lease back to his people at exorbitant rates. Those who illegally attempt to expand or build are fined and taxed and for those who remain obstinate tend to disappear.

Furthermore, Gansley tends to make deals with his Holders and Cotholders. From kickbacks in wealth or luxuries for keeping certain families or individuals in the mines, to trading in a few turns in the mines for an allowance for a child to be educated in the Hold Proper, or released to a Hall. Dealmaking is big in Nabol, and as much as the Minecraft Master might not like working with Gansley, or his Journeymen might report questionable activity, the greed runs strong. If those who are Minecraters don't like the veins of ore and metal and gemstones Nabol offers, they can go elsewhere.

The rich mines of Nabol are protected by loyal (and aggressive) guards and whers. For some of his most precious mines he's bought out a few dragonmen whom aren't affiliated with any Weyr. Their loyalty is to Gansley and Nabol. In fact, there's even rumor to be a Nabol Queen to help keep dragonmen from meddling or turning on his Hold.

Whatever Gansley has promised or given those mercenaries is under strict confidentiality; whatever it is, they have turned the other cheek an keep their mouths shut. They're just there to guard the mines, nothing more.

For those who are not at the bottom of the barrel hoping for a better life, Nabol is always a grand party. The Hold Proper is surrounded by fine things and some of Pern's best luxuries. There are spas, gambling halls, high-end brothels, and all sorts of amenities to be offered those lucky enough to afford them. Gansley and his family have always treated the elite -- and his friends -- with all sorts of riches and fineries.

Jewelcrafting is especially popular, and Gansley always has the best-of-the-best within his Hold. Or at least those with fewest scruples.

Other Notable Residents: Riyana of gold Nimonth -- Resident Queen of Nabol Hold
 

[Masterharper]

Major Holds Under Western Weyr

These Holds will begin by being run by Staff NPCs. We may eventually contest some of the Lord Holders or their family to interested players, but for now they will all begin as NPCs.

Western Hold:
Sits along the large channel that cuts that Western Continent in half but on the Western side of the continent. It is placed almost directly opposite of Rivercrest Hold.

Lord Holder: Ashby
Lady Holder: Rheara
Heir Byrhan
Children: Rheary, Ashbyr, Ashara

General Atmosphere: Western Hold is a bit more on the traditional side, and far more buttoned up than Rivercrest.

The Hold itself prides itself on its trade. It's situated on the river that cuts right through the continent, and is known for its seacrafting. West of the Hold, it has swaths of plains often used for farming and ranching. They have quite the breeding program for their herdbeasts and runners, and men and women that would be considered a Pernese cowboy. The smaller, more isolated minor holds have been rumored to be a bit more lawless.



Rivercrest Hold:
Sits along the large channel that cuts that Western Continent in half but on the Eastern side of the continent. It is almost directly opposite Western Hold. To its east you run into the arid deserts.

Lord Holder: Kavan
Lord Holder: Rashad
Heir
Children:

General Atmosphere: If Western Hold is thought of to be a proud and proper hold, than Rivercrest is known to be the Hold That Never Sleeps.

There is always something going on at Rivercrest. Parties are common, as well as Gathers. They are the sort of Hold that seems to play harder than they work. If Benden is known for its spectacular wines, than Rivercrest is known for its liquors. Courtesans in training tend to be sent to Rivercrest Hold regularly; brothels are numerous, shops of all sorts are plenty, and they are as friendly with pirate as they are with anyone. If you've marks to spend, then Rivercrest is happy to take them.

It's not quite as corrupt as Nabol or Bitra, but it has its dark sides. They tend to look down at the more traditional Western Hold. Even with Thread's return, Rivercrest seems to look at the world as half-full. There's enough stress out there -- why not stop by Rivercrest and relax a while.


Black Sand Hold:
Sits on one of the southern-most islands on the southward chain. It's environment is more tropical, surrounded by beaches, palm-trees, and lush forests. It's black sand beaches are renowned and are where the Hold gets its name.

Lord Holder: Elosan
Lady Holder: Drissa, Deceased
Heir Eldrisan
Children: E'los of blue Harketh, Drissel, Elodri, Sandri

General Atmosphere: Black Sand Hold is an island getaway and made its beginning's as a vacation hot-spot for those of Western. Why go to Ista when you can escape to the far-less populated island paradise? With ocean breaches, lush jungle and woods to get lost in, and private built shacks and homes, why would you want to be anywhere else?

Black Sand Hold owns three islands, and is located on the largest of the three.

They make their marks through tourism and renting out ships, private hut and cothold, and hosting individuals who prefer staying at the Hold itself. They also have their own fleet of ships for fishing, and rumor has it they're in talks with setting up a small Dolphineer Hall for the local pods.

Pirates are becoming more of a threat. With Thread returning, some of the pirates have no protection. They've been raided a few times, though they try to keep that quiet. Feline attacks are another issue. The wild felines live within the jungles, and while protections are in place, attacks are surprisingly common.


Dust Sun Hold:


Lord Holder:
Lord Holder:
Heir
Children:

General Atmosphere:




Paradise Falls Hold:


Lord Holder:
Lord Holder:
Heir
Children:

General Atmosphere:




Solace Hold:


Lord Holder:
Lord Holder:
Heir
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General Atmosphere:




Redoubt Hold:


Lord Holder: Veneran
Lord Holder: Cinnaya
Heir: Cinneran
Children: Vinnaya, Cieran, Venya, Nerya, Ceran

General Atmosphere: Home of the Fighter Hall, Redoubt is primarily mountainous, although there are stretches of beach and desert within its lands. The Hold is built in the traditional style, utilizing the stone found readily available in the surrounding mountain range. Established after the 9th Pass, Redoubt Hold was founded by a coterie of adventurers whose legendary deeds gave rise to the Hall that rests in its foothills. Those who reside in Redoubt can be considered a hardy people, for they employ a style of farming known as terrace farming, making use of the terrain close at hand. To climb up and down the mountains and foothills of Western's northern reaches is no small task, but the farmers and hold folk alike undertake this journey multiple times a day as they tend their crops.

Of diverse backgrounds and heritages, the culture of Redoubt spans all of Pern, and is both unique and a blend of many Holds' traditions. Redoubt Gathers are famed for their sword dancers and weapons traders, along with the usual assortment of attractions and stalls. Mercenary bands are known to attend the Gathers in high numbers, bringing with them marks aplenty to line the local traders' and crafters' coffers.

Some of the most notable pit fighters once trained at the Fighter Hall, alongside the mercenary companies and freelancers. A Holder seeking a bodyguard or hold guard need look no further. During the spring, the desert at the foot of the mountains holds grand tourneys, pitting fighter against fighter in a tradition that goes back a thousand Turns. Oftentimes there are Gathers clustered on the outskirts of these tournaments, drawing custom from the spectacle as well as providing shaded pavilions to onlookers. The betting is just as fierce as the fighting, and just as enthusiastic.

When the weather turns harsh, it is then that the Fighter Hall sends out apprentices and journeyman to hone their skills in the sweltering heat and bitter night chill. In recent times they have been forced to keep such activities to a minimum, due to the return of Threadfall - a change which has been met with much resistance. Many's the apprentice who has dared this challenge against the Hall's sanctions, and only luck or dragon's flame has prevented those who returned from meeting their ends in the barren lands beyond Redoubt proper.


Whitecliff Weyrhold:

Lord Holder: Lord Aleron of brown Avoceth
Lord Holder: Mir of green Zibanuth
Heir Miral [M]
Children: Alamir, Daveron, Alira, Alerav, Ava

General Atmosphere: Whitelcliff Weyrhold is on the southwest coast of the Western Continent. It is one of the few remaining Weyrholds that functions -- much to Western Weyr's dismay. While its numbers are far smaller than in days before Thread returned, they tend to have a small group of riders that make it their home, to study their crafts, and live in relative peace. They don't fight Thread, and try to live as normal a life as any crafter, or worker on Pern. Some of the riders are permanently injured from Threadscore, or went to live out retirement in a less crowded environment.

The arts are particularly well loved at Whitecliff. Harpers are always welcome, and artists in particular find it a haven of inspiration. The Hold is known to be aesthetically pleasing in its design, and many of the artisans are given free reign to create, while their murals, statues, and pieces are often showcased by the Lord Holder.


Zanoma Camp:

Council
S'lar and green Itoth (Fated Fable)
O'res and green Korath (Masterharper)
V'dal and blue Quinth (Masterharper)
Yesida and blue Aranith (Masterharper)
Rennia and white Elliath (Fated Fable)

This small camp isn't a traditional Hold. It's made up almost exclusively of green, blue, and white-riders. These riders banded together over the Turns and were some of the first to head to Western. They are rugged, they are independent, and they live off the fat of the land. Before Thread they lived on the plains of Western -- they could come and go as they saw fit, love who they chose, and not feel the stigma of being canon fodder or somehow lesser than other dragonriders.

Feelings were mixed when Western Weyr opened up, and as the Western Continent continued to expand, the Zanoma Camp has found its lands shrinking. Territory disputes aren't uncommon, especially as Western Hold and smaller minor Holds continue to expand.

Zanoma Camp has no problem harassing any holders who move onto their turf, and violence isn't uncommon between Hold and Camp.

With the return of Thread some in Zanoma Camp fled back to the Weyrs (most commonly Western) to help fight against the great enemy. Fitting into those lifestyles isn't easy, but some have felt it their duty. Others are fiercely loyal to the camp and their way of life -- no strings attached, all of Pern just a hop Between away. They have a very good rapport with local Holdless, travelling caravans, and some cotholders that are just trying to live peacefully near the fringes of their land, and aren't trying to take over.

Those of Zanoma are ruled by a small council of Five. The Five are voted in by those of the camp every five Turns -- or if an opening becomes available. It is usually made up of two green riders, two blue riders, and a white rider, but depending on how the votes go, or who in the camp is available, it might lean towards one color or the other.

These five all have equal say in how the Zanoma is run.

Given that Zanoma is a bit lawless it isn't uncommon for one within the Council to disappear or have an unexpected accident if their views start to swing wildly away from Zanoma's wild-roots. Those that don't believe in the camp are free to leave or are turned out -- it is a very insular camp.

OOCly, think of Zanoma Camp as bit of the stereotypical cowboy and rangers that live off the land. They survive Threadfall either through migration -- teleporting their people and valued wares away from the day's Fall-- or they escape to the foothills of Western along the coast where natural caves provide rudimentary protection. Some of Zanoma even steal firestone and have been known to help those of Western Weyr -- much to the chagrin of the Western Weyrleadership.

Unlike a traditional Weyr, the Camp has few rules, cares, or worries. They aren't fond of metallic riders, and certainly have very few non-riders able to travel with them. They protect a few wild herds on their camp grounds, and have no problem thieving or raiding if they find themselves in need of supplies. Given greenriders make up such a huge population, they tend to have some one skilled on hand when need be. Otherwise, a trip to a neighboring major Hold means they can probably find care.

 

[Masterharper]

Notable Minor Holds

Any player may make up their own minor hold or cot-hold. Some are protected by their neighboring Major Holds, while others have broken off completely. Territory conflicts aren't unusual, especially with more holds and weyrholds getting protection by individual dragonmen.

Balen Hold
This is a small sea-hold. It's situated along the coast, and is beholden to High Reaches Hold. It's considered the western-most Hold under High Reaches Hold. It is a quiet, conservative, fishing community but also has ties to the woodcraft hall, due to its lush forests.

Holder:

Keogh Hold:
Beholden to Nabol Hold. This is a minor mining hold. Gansley's thugs tend to run it, and the Holder is obviously receiving kickbacks for his trouble. The majority of its population works in the mines, though those with a pretty enough face or body are offered work in Keogh's small but growing brothel house, The Silver Mark.

Holder:

Radharc Hold:
Beholden to Tillek Hold.

Holder:

Sand's End Hold:
Beholden to Western Hold.

Holder:

Oasis Hold:
Beholden to Rivercrest Hold. It was founded near an oasis in the heart of the desert. It's best known for its hardy herdbeasts and runners that can manage the harshest desert environments.

Holder: