Post by Anna on Aug 14, 2008 19:13:25 GMT -5
SplitRock Hold
Family Information
Lord/Lady Holder: Lord Saxon [Thom Olsen]
Spouse: Unmarried
Heir:
Children: None
Other Family:
Staff Information
Steward:
Headwoman:
Hold Harpers:
Hold Healers:
Other Staff:
Minor Holds
Masters Hold
Waylay Seahold
Jayner Hold
Indigo Hold
Trimare Seahold
Landlock Hold
Leland Minehold
Wessenborn Seahold
Cotholds
Greyghem Cothold
Darkstone Minecot
Crafthalls
Theatrecraft Theatron Island
Shipbuildercraft Trevor Island
Location
Trevor Island; NW tip of the island at base of the mountain.
Climate
Despite the northern climate, SplitRock's holdings do not suffer harsh, bitter weather. The many hot springs and geysers keep the land from becoming one large ice block in the winter, while the summers are quite pleasant.
Badge Design
A black-chambered nautilus on a burgundy field.
Land type
Grassy around the immediate hold, changing to forested. Most of the territory is rather mountainous. Coasts are sandy beaches. The beach near the hold is white, especially fine grain sand.
Distinctive Landmarks
A river runs south to north from Starlight Lake (at the center of island) near the hold. The mountain near the Theatrecraft Hall features Ice Falls which is the basis for a river that feeds into the ocean. In the warm weather it is a beautiful, peaceful spot. But in winter, icicles form down the many overhangs, changing the scene into a breathtaking sight.
Main Crop/Production/Export
The prime export is lumber. The plentiful conifer forests are well protected from Thread devastation by the Weyr. As with all of the StarRise Islands, there are several seaholds, which do business in the fishing market. Of course, SplitRock tends to the cold water fishes as opposed to the more tropical varieties found further south. The weavers and farmers of Jayner Hold provide raw woolens, as well as some beef, lamb and mutton. Finally, the one minehold of the territory, Leland, does a respectable business in the raw ore trade.
Agriculture
The agriculture of the area is similar to its people; pragmatic. The staples (grains, fruits and vegetables) are available as are many of the more common herbs for cooking and medicine. Most of the farming is done on a small scale with one main product being cultivated in any given location. The items grown are done so for their practical service to the people; there are no "gardens" per se.
People
Originally, the people of SplitRock were isolationists. They did their duty to the Weyr, and wanted to be left strictly alone. Since the establishment of the Theatrecraft Hall in SplitRock territory, people have opened up a bit more. The populace now tends to be similar to early US West's "Pioneer stock." In general, the people put their work first, after that... it's fair game. The feeling is, "We don't care what you do with your own time, as long as your work gets done." There's less of a "hidebound" attitude here. People are willing to help each other out because they may need assistance in the future. Visitors are always welcome. However, newcomers or "outsiders" moving to the area on a permanent basis may be treated with suspicion until they've "proven" themselves.
Customs
One particular custom of the territory is for those in love to declare their feelings under the starlit sky on Starlight Lake. Of course there cannot be any moonlight on that particular night - that defeats the romantic purpose involved. This custom originated from the fact that most marriages were arranged without any input from those most directly affected. If romance and love did blossom between two people, it was best carried out away from prying eyes. Hence a journey to the lake, surrounded by mountains, under a moonless sky.
Special Holidays
SplitRock Founding (04.01)
Wherry Day (12.21)
Amusements
When the cold weather starts to chill the air, the Theatrecraft sponsors the Autumn Festival. This annual event provides the Eastern Ring Islands with the opportunity to experience new trends in the craft before they are added to the touring troupes' repertoire. Many times Master Actors from the many different troupes around Pern will attend and perform in a "one night only" performance. Truly a spectacle for those who enjoy the Theatrecraft.
SplitRock has a few runners kept for racing purposes. Most notable is Traveller (OOTB #7).
Architecture
When the founding Lord Holder arrived in the area, he had already decided that his hold would not resemble Southern in any way. In fact, he was so incensed at the Conclave for their actions, he decided that he would depart radically from conventional style altogether. Much of SplitRock Hold is a natural cave system. But, two 'wings' jut out from the base of the mountain to culminate in a central tower, altogether forming a roughly triangular shape. These buildings were constructed from quarried rose granite which is native to the area. There is much room given to the grand hall and the inner courtyard. Much of the interior suggests a contradic¬tion of the attitudes of the early SplitRockers. There are many features of the Hold which serve no useful purpose: the three story entrance hall, the elliptical construction of the main tower and its dome, and the large, paved courtyard. Apparently the founders designed it while still in their rebellious stage, before the realities of running a self sufficient hold had taken root.
Dress
Generally, the people of SplitRock are as practical in their clothing as they are in every other aspect of their life. Pants are as common on woman as on men. Wherhide and woolen tunics are often worn over woven plant fiber shirts. Colors tend to be natural in scope; from tan/brown to russet, clear green, and muted blue. Stylistically, you must remember that these are a practical, straightforward people. Their clothes reflect that philosophy, but practicality does not necessarily mean somber. The people embroider various colorful designs and patterns on most of their garments. This is used sparingly; a fully embroidered dragon or large design is considered garish and downright wasteful. Of course, none of this applies to the Theatrecraft Hall... they wear "costumes," not clothing.
Gathers
The people of SplitRock do let their hair down once a year at the Summer Beach Gather & Regatta. This event lasts for about three days (four, if you count the one day for recovery) and is virtually non stop. Food, dancing, wine, contests of skill (people and dragons), live entertainment from the harpers and the theatrecraft, etc. The Regatta (boat races) are taken very seriously. There are long distance races, obstacle course races, speed trials, etc. Everyone in StarRise Territory is invited to attend.
Food
Foods tend toward a straightforward "meat & potatoes" diet. Of course, the most common entree is seafood. If it's caught in the ocean, chances are they'll try to it eat. Aside from fish, all of the various mollusks and sea plants are found on the dinner table. Meatrolls tend to be more akin to fish sticks. Red meat isn't rare, it's just that seafood is that much more common.
History
In the 145th turn of the Ninth Interval, a serious rift was developing in the Lord Holder's family at Southern Hold. The elderly Lord ruled with an absolute hand, his word was law. His heir, Trevor, had never agreed with his father's arrogant, hard-handed ways. Many times he would secretly find ways to circumvent the Lord Holder's rulings, if the sentence was too harsh. Once in particular, Trevor disregarded his father's ruling concerning a holdless woman and her small child. He allowed them to eat in the kitchens and stay the night, after they had been turned away by the Lord's express command.
When the Lord found out, he was enraged that his son, his own heir, would defy him. His anger was so fierce that he suffered great pains in his heart and collapsed. The healers were able to offer little help. With his dying breath and in retribution for Trevor's disloyalty, the old Lord disowned his son as heir. The Conclave acknowledged his right to choose an heir and so a capable minor holder was confirmed as the new Lord Holder of Southern.
Trevor felt both betrayed and incensed. He had dreamed of becoming Lord Holder of Southern for years, hoping to right the injustices of his tyrannical father. Now, he would never have the chance.
When Trevor announced his decision to leave Southern and begin a new life, he was joined by a number of people. People who would have suffered had it not been for his consideration. They were joined by those who were filled with the spirit of adventure, of challenge. For the same reasons that their families came to Southern over 150 turns ago. Trevor simply wanted a place where outsiders would not be able to interfere, and there would be no trace of the life left behind. His followers included the best of Southern, her crafters, her administrators, her workers. They commandeered three sturdy ships, and set out for the Eastern Ring Islands and a measure of freedom.
The ships took advantage of the fair tradewinds of the Southern Sea and in just under three sevendays, came in sight of their goal - the Eastern Ring. They sailed among the islands and everywhere they saw signs of thriving settlements. It was Trevor's wish to be as far removed from anyone's influence as possible, so they sailed on.
Several more days passed as they turned their course north to explore their chances. They sailed past the first uninhabited island they came across and went instead to a mountainous island, upon which they could see the plumes of erupting geysers. They knew that this island would be their new home.
The ships made landfall at the north end of the island they called Trevor, in honor of the man who had lead them. Quickly, they began the process of turning one of the small cave systems into a livable hold. When the arduous work was done, it was time to name the hold. It had not seemed proper to name something that was not yet completed. SplitRock, though not especially creative, aptly described the hold's creation.
The people of SplitRock Hold now set about claiming the rest of the island for their own. The shipbuilders found a deep bay on the eastern side of Trevor island and began their crafthall. Weavers and some farmers settled the southern tip of the island and called in Jayner Hold.
For twenty turns the people of Trevor Island lived in peace and relative seclusion. Trevor's experiences had hardened him. He was still fair and just to his people, but his distrust of outside influences had become ingrained. It was widely known that visitors were not encouraged, and that SplitRock wished to be as self-sufficient as possible.
Eventually the SplitRockers began to explore other islands in the area and found them still unsettled. Holds and cots were quickly established wherever conditions were right.
Leland Island was the first settled, with a minehold in the south and a seahold in the north. Later, Landlock Hold was founded in a mountain pass near the center of the island. The small islands to the west of Leland were the next to be explored.
Tragedy struck the expedition to Rookery Island, when they were attacked by the masses of nesting Arctic Wherries that made the island their home. The explorer's leader, Wessenborn, was killed by the beasts and the three small islands were named after him. Through the years, a few brave souls attempted hunting expeditions there. None were heard from again. A small cot was later set up on Lesser Island and a full fledged seahold on the largest of the three islands.
Waylay Island was the last to be settled since it was closest to the rest of the inhabitants of the Eastern Ring Islands. A huge sea cave at the northern end of the island was perfect for a new seahold and the rich pastures near the southwestern coast drew the interest of farmersthus was Masters Hold established.
In the 185th turn Lord Iben, who had come to the position of Lord Holder some fifteen turns earlier, was approached by the Masterharper of Pern. The harpercraft was experiencing growing pains of a sort, and the Masterharper felt that Iben held the solution to his dilemma. A branch of the harpers, called the theatrecraft, had been growing steadily during the Interval and now required a hall of their own. Iben saw that the creation of a major hall within SplitRock's borders would end the turns of isolation imposed by Trevor and he welcomed the Masterharper's request. As a tribute to the new crafthall, Iben decreed that the name of Waylay Island be changed to Theatron Island. The Masterharper was pleased at bringing SplitRock back into the fold of Pern society and the people of SplitRock Holding were proud of what they could now offer the Eastern Ring and Pern.
With the return of the Red Star to the skies of Pern, they are grateful for the protection of the dragonriders of StarRise Weyr and are always generous with their tithes.
Family Information
Lord/Lady Holder: Lord Saxon [Thom Olsen]
Spouse: Unmarried
Heir:
Children: None
Other Family:
Staff Information
Steward:
Headwoman:
Hold Harpers:
Hold Healers:
Other Staff:
Minor Holds
Masters Hold
Waylay Seahold
Jayner Hold
Indigo Hold
Trimare Seahold
Landlock Hold
Leland Minehold
Wessenborn Seahold
Cotholds
Greyghem Cothold
Darkstone Minecot
Crafthalls
Theatrecraft Theatron Island
Shipbuildercraft Trevor Island
Location
Trevor Island; NW tip of the island at base of the mountain.
Climate
Despite the northern climate, SplitRock's holdings do not suffer harsh, bitter weather. The many hot springs and geysers keep the land from becoming one large ice block in the winter, while the summers are quite pleasant.
Badge Design
A black-chambered nautilus on a burgundy field.
Land type
Grassy around the immediate hold, changing to forested. Most of the territory is rather mountainous. Coasts are sandy beaches. The beach near the hold is white, especially fine grain sand.
Distinctive Landmarks
A river runs south to north from Starlight Lake (at the center of island) near the hold. The mountain near the Theatrecraft Hall features Ice Falls which is the basis for a river that feeds into the ocean. In the warm weather it is a beautiful, peaceful spot. But in winter, icicles form down the many overhangs, changing the scene into a breathtaking sight.
Main Crop/Production/Export
The prime export is lumber. The plentiful conifer forests are well protected from Thread devastation by the Weyr. As with all of the StarRise Islands, there are several seaholds, which do business in the fishing market. Of course, SplitRock tends to the cold water fishes as opposed to the more tropical varieties found further south. The weavers and farmers of Jayner Hold provide raw woolens, as well as some beef, lamb and mutton. Finally, the one minehold of the territory, Leland, does a respectable business in the raw ore trade.
Agriculture
The agriculture of the area is similar to its people; pragmatic. The staples (grains, fruits and vegetables) are available as are many of the more common herbs for cooking and medicine. Most of the farming is done on a small scale with one main product being cultivated in any given location. The items grown are done so for their practical service to the people; there are no "gardens" per se.
People
Originally, the people of SplitRock were isolationists. They did their duty to the Weyr, and wanted to be left strictly alone. Since the establishment of the Theatrecraft Hall in SplitRock territory, people have opened up a bit more. The populace now tends to be similar to early US West's "Pioneer stock." In general, the people put their work first, after that... it's fair game. The feeling is, "We don't care what you do with your own time, as long as your work gets done." There's less of a "hidebound" attitude here. People are willing to help each other out because they may need assistance in the future. Visitors are always welcome. However, newcomers or "outsiders" moving to the area on a permanent basis may be treated with suspicion until they've "proven" themselves.
Customs
One particular custom of the territory is for those in love to declare their feelings under the starlit sky on Starlight Lake. Of course there cannot be any moonlight on that particular night - that defeats the romantic purpose involved. This custom originated from the fact that most marriages were arranged without any input from those most directly affected. If romance and love did blossom between two people, it was best carried out away from prying eyes. Hence a journey to the lake, surrounded by mountains, under a moonless sky.
Special Holidays
SplitRock Founding (04.01)
Wherry Day (12.21)
Amusements
When the cold weather starts to chill the air, the Theatrecraft sponsors the Autumn Festival. This annual event provides the Eastern Ring Islands with the opportunity to experience new trends in the craft before they are added to the touring troupes' repertoire. Many times Master Actors from the many different troupes around Pern will attend and perform in a "one night only" performance. Truly a spectacle for those who enjoy the Theatrecraft.
SplitRock has a few runners kept for racing purposes. Most notable is Traveller (OOTB #7).
Architecture
When the founding Lord Holder arrived in the area, he had already decided that his hold would not resemble Southern in any way. In fact, he was so incensed at the Conclave for their actions, he decided that he would depart radically from conventional style altogether. Much of SplitRock Hold is a natural cave system. But, two 'wings' jut out from the base of the mountain to culminate in a central tower, altogether forming a roughly triangular shape. These buildings were constructed from quarried rose granite which is native to the area. There is much room given to the grand hall and the inner courtyard. Much of the interior suggests a contradic¬tion of the attitudes of the early SplitRockers. There are many features of the Hold which serve no useful purpose: the three story entrance hall, the elliptical construction of the main tower and its dome, and the large, paved courtyard. Apparently the founders designed it while still in their rebellious stage, before the realities of running a self sufficient hold had taken root.
Dress
Generally, the people of SplitRock are as practical in their clothing as they are in every other aspect of their life. Pants are as common on woman as on men. Wherhide and woolen tunics are often worn over woven plant fiber shirts. Colors tend to be natural in scope; from tan/brown to russet, clear green, and muted blue. Stylistically, you must remember that these are a practical, straightforward people. Their clothes reflect that philosophy, but practicality does not necessarily mean somber. The people embroider various colorful designs and patterns on most of their garments. This is used sparingly; a fully embroidered dragon or large design is considered garish and downright wasteful. Of course, none of this applies to the Theatrecraft Hall... they wear "costumes," not clothing.
Gathers
The people of SplitRock do let their hair down once a year at the Summer Beach Gather & Regatta. This event lasts for about three days (four, if you count the one day for recovery) and is virtually non stop. Food, dancing, wine, contests of skill (people and dragons), live entertainment from the harpers and the theatrecraft, etc. The Regatta (boat races) are taken very seriously. There are long distance races, obstacle course races, speed trials, etc. Everyone in StarRise Territory is invited to attend.
Food
Foods tend toward a straightforward "meat & potatoes" diet. Of course, the most common entree is seafood. If it's caught in the ocean, chances are they'll try to it eat. Aside from fish, all of the various mollusks and sea plants are found on the dinner table. Meatrolls tend to be more akin to fish sticks. Red meat isn't rare, it's just that seafood is that much more common.
History
In the 145th turn of the Ninth Interval, a serious rift was developing in the Lord Holder's family at Southern Hold. The elderly Lord ruled with an absolute hand, his word was law. His heir, Trevor, had never agreed with his father's arrogant, hard-handed ways. Many times he would secretly find ways to circumvent the Lord Holder's rulings, if the sentence was too harsh. Once in particular, Trevor disregarded his father's ruling concerning a holdless woman and her small child. He allowed them to eat in the kitchens and stay the night, after they had been turned away by the Lord's express command.
When the Lord found out, he was enraged that his son, his own heir, would defy him. His anger was so fierce that he suffered great pains in his heart and collapsed. The healers were able to offer little help. With his dying breath and in retribution for Trevor's disloyalty, the old Lord disowned his son as heir. The Conclave acknowledged his right to choose an heir and so a capable minor holder was confirmed as the new Lord Holder of Southern.
Trevor felt both betrayed and incensed. He had dreamed of becoming Lord Holder of Southern for years, hoping to right the injustices of his tyrannical father. Now, he would never have the chance.
When Trevor announced his decision to leave Southern and begin a new life, he was joined by a number of people. People who would have suffered had it not been for his consideration. They were joined by those who were filled with the spirit of adventure, of challenge. For the same reasons that their families came to Southern over 150 turns ago. Trevor simply wanted a place where outsiders would not be able to interfere, and there would be no trace of the life left behind. His followers included the best of Southern, her crafters, her administrators, her workers. They commandeered three sturdy ships, and set out for the Eastern Ring Islands and a measure of freedom.
The ships took advantage of the fair tradewinds of the Southern Sea and in just under three sevendays, came in sight of their goal - the Eastern Ring. They sailed among the islands and everywhere they saw signs of thriving settlements. It was Trevor's wish to be as far removed from anyone's influence as possible, so they sailed on.
Several more days passed as they turned their course north to explore their chances. They sailed past the first uninhabited island they came across and went instead to a mountainous island, upon which they could see the plumes of erupting geysers. They knew that this island would be their new home.
The ships made landfall at the north end of the island they called Trevor, in honor of the man who had lead them. Quickly, they began the process of turning one of the small cave systems into a livable hold. When the arduous work was done, it was time to name the hold. It had not seemed proper to name something that was not yet completed. SplitRock, though not especially creative, aptly described the hold's creation.
The people of SplitRock Hold now set about claiming the rest of the island for their own. The shipbuilders found a deep bay on the eastern side of Trevor island and began their crafthall. Weavers and some farmers settled the southern tip of the island and called in Jayner Hold.
For twenty turns the people of Trevor Island lived in peace and relative seclusion. Trevor's experiences had hardened him. He was still fair and just to his people, but his distrust of outside influences had become ingrained. It was widely known that visitors were not encouraged, and that SplitRock wished to be as self-sufficient as possible.
Eventually the SplitRockers began to explore other islands in the area and found them still unsettled. Holds and cots were quickly established wherever conditions were right.
Leland Island was the first settled, with a minehold in the south and a seahold in the north. Later, Landlock Hold was founded in a mountain pass near the center of the island. The small islands to the west of Leland were the next to be explored.
Tragedy struck the expedition to Rookery Island, when they were attacked by the masses of nesting Arctic Wherries that made the island their home. The explorer's leader, Wessenborn, was killed by the beasts and the three small islands were named after him. Through the years, a few brave souls attempted hunting expeditions there. None were heard from again. A small cot was later set up on Lesser Island and a full fledged seahold on the largest of the three islands.
Waylay Island was the last to be settled since it was closest to the rest of the inhabitants of the Eastern Ring Islands. A huge sea cave at the northern end of the island was perfect for a new seahold and the rich pastures near the southwestern coast drew the interest of farmersthus was Masters Hold established.
In the 185th turn Lord Iben, who had come to the position of Lord Holder some fifteen turns earlier, was approached by the Masterharper of Pern. The harpercraft was experiencing growing pains of a sort, and the Masterharper felt that Iben held the solution to his dilemma. A branch of the harpers, called the theatrecraft, had been growing steadily during the Interval and now required a hall of their own. Iben saw that the creation of a major hall within SplitRock's borders would end the turns of isolation imposed by Trevor and he welcomed the Masterharper's request. As a tribute to the new crafthall, Iben decreed that the name of Waylay Island be changed to Theatron Island. The Masterharper was pleased at bringing SplitRock back into the fold of Pern society and the people of SplitRock Holding were proud of what they could now offer the Eastern Ring and Pern.
With the return of the Red Star to the skies of Pern, they are grateful for the protection of the dragonriders of StarRise Weyr and are always generous with their tithes.