Nevaria’s Need to Know
History
Nevaria is mostly independent island. The Heaven’s Ridge mountains split the small island continent into two parts: the Greenlands and the Lost Valley. The Greenlands are thought to be the only inhabited parts of the continent. While people have gone crossed Heaven’s Ridge, they either come back after a day or do not come back at all. Those that comeback only describe a frozen wasteland that show no signs of civilization or habitability. It is also a grueling journey and few of the survivors decide it is worth going again.
The Greenlands are a mixture of smaller mountains or hills and arable flat land with many rivers and lakes. It also has many dense forests. The northern half of the continent has mostly coniferous trees (e.g., spruce, pine and fir trees) and the southern half has broad leaf trees (e.g., oak and sycamore trees).
While there is a lot of farm land, populations are densely concentrated in cities and towns. Outside of these population centers, living becomes challenging. The winters get cold and the summer months bring lots rain. Additionally, dangerous beasts and the occasional monster prowl the unsettled lands. Unfortunately, this danger often leads to the prideful seeking to obtain glory or prove their mettle at their own peril.
The history of Nevaria is filled with smaller skirmishes between city states and nomadic tribes. Due to environmental blessings, it was mostly unaffected by the Baptimal Empire' crusades. Nevaria is not a particularly advanced or developed continent, so it would be difficult to move a military through. Additionally, the Baptimal Empire’s attempts to cross the Trench of the Basilisk often ended with the ships disappearing. Many attribute the disappearance to the Basilik itself or its child, the Great Hydra, though the rumors were never proven.
Population Centers
The most notable population centers are Cape Hook, Hydra’s Port, Stonecliff, and Terry Port.
Cape Hook
Considered the southern most city of Nevaria, Cape Hook originally formed as a retreat for the affluent merchants and nobles of Hydra’s Port, it soon became an independent city as people seeking work or status flocked to serve them. It has a city center where the guard barracks, shops, commoners’ homes and supply warehouses reside. Otherwise, it has sprawling residences and country-side mansions. All social events are held at these mansions so there was never a need to develop entertainment locations. Of course, some of the shops serve as taverns in the evenings to cater to the commoners.
Hydra’s Port
Hydra’s Port is considered Nevaria’s largest city. Due to the south having a better farming climate and due to the salt-water salmon farming by the nearby village of Dawnsea, many fisherman and farmers sell their goods here. Also due to reliable food source, the population grew rapidly and many craftsman and workshops began to appear, allowing Hydra’s Port to have all sorts of wares for shipping.
Hydra’s Port is technically governed by its mayor, an inherited title. However, due to the abundance of trade in the city, it is actually governed by the Merchant’s Guild and its guild master. They control all trade permits, the warehouses where merchants temporarily store their goods, and the docks where massive trade ships come to port. Also due to their control, the most wealthy merchants are the nobility of the town.
Regardless, the mayoral family, the Lernaeans, is still noble and respected. Upon retirement, the current mayor will choose an heir (typically one of his or her children, though nephews and nieces are occasionally chosen). At that point, the former mayor serves as an advisor or can formally claim a membership in the Merchant’s Guild. Most believe that the Lernaeans are related to the Hydra itself and communicate with it when the need arises.
Stonecliff Village
A small village in the northeastern part of the Greenlands, Stonecliff village is a quiet village for most parts of the year. However, during the Holy Season, thousands flock to the village in order to celebrate the Day of Preservation. Rumored to be the Ethereal Seat of Dran, a son of Presir, and Presir’s resting place, Stonecliff Village now serves a pilgrimage point for those on Nevaria and beyond. While most of the attendees are residents of Nevaria, the major kingdoms on other continents send emissaries, occasionally including their respective rulers. Even the Baptimal Empire, who consider Dran and Presir to be false gods, pay homage to them as notable heroes, though this did not occur during the Baptimal Empire’s crusades.
Outside of the Holy Season, Stonecliff is known for its iron ore and gemstone quarries and as a stopping point for those foolish enough to try and traverse the Heaven’s Ridge mountains. It is generally independent, having plenty of farmlands and generally free of dangerous beasts and monsters. Regardless, it retains an organized group of guards to remain vigilant and deal with the occasional dangerous beast.
It also retains a loose government of an elected board and mayor. The mayor serves as the representative to visitors and the board manages the village day to day needs (e.g., managing trade caravans, bolstering winter stores).
Terry Port
A smaller, but important port, Terry Port often serves as a transportation hub for those coming from the Ilithria continent. While there is some trade, most of the passengers are those coming from coastal adventurer academies and seeking to train in Nevaria’s unsettled areas.
Due to the transient nature of the population, Terry Port is famous for its temporary lodgings and resorts. Also due to its proximity to Sultan’s Port, it has a very rich culinary scene, taking advantage of the unique seasonings and spices of Sultan’s Port and Nevaria’s naturally fatty and hearty cattle.
Unfortunately, due a transient population and the harsher winter months, Terry Port does not significantly grow in population each year. Nevertheless, the residents have a great quality of life from the port taxes and small number of people it actually has to provide for.
