Difference between revisions of "Topaz Seahold"
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Refrigeration is an important concept for Topaz Sea Hold residents, though the technology is only present in Minor Holds and Topaz Sea Hold itself. Cotholds and individual buildings around Topaz Sea Hold use a mixture of saltpeter to chill drinks and make ice, but meats are either used when fresh killed or bartered from the large refrigerated stores in a larger Hold's kitchens. | Refrigeration is an important concept for Topaz Sea Hold residents, though the technology is only present in Minor Holds and Topaz Sea Hold itself. Cotholds and individual buildings around Topaz Sea Hold use a mixture of saltpeter to chill drinks and make ice, but meats are either used when fresh killed or bartered from the large refrigerated stores in a larger Hold's kitchens. | ||
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Revision as of 23:09, 18 April 2024
Found in the Wayback Machine from 2002
History
Topaz Sea Hold was founded ten turns before the end of the Ninth Pass. Located around 10 degrees latitude, it has a tropical climate, with the weather often hot and sultry. Its economy is based on the seaholds along its coastlines and the farmholds and orchards that populate the interior. Open policy to immigrants from other Holds has kept its population from the worst decimations of the southern plagues. Some herdbeasts are kept, but mostly for personal use in each hold or cothold. They trade sugarcane, fruit, rice, and fish to the rest of Pern. Additionally, they grow pithin, a fibrous plant used for papermaking. The main hold is an elegantly designed three-story stone building. Many outbuildings share a common area with the Hold. It was built when Thread was thought to end forever, and large group quarters no longer needed. Designed from castle plans in the AIVAS files, it has four-story towers at each corner, their slate-capped turrents of distinctive black slate. It is lavishly decorated, with detailed tapestries, paintings, and elegantly carved wooden furnishings, all the trappings of a wealthy Hold. The Steward's residence was the original Hold, where the founding Lord Holder lived until the castle-Hold was finished.
About 600 people live in either the Hold building itself or in buildings sharing its common area. Because of the climate making food production easier, there are a half-dozen minor holds and four large seaholds beholden to Topaz Sea Hold. They range from 200-300 in population. Cotholds dot the landscape, housing family groups from 20 to 50 in size.
Several skilled craftsmen are contracted to produce items for local use. Each crafter is given a workshop and living space, with other perks to the job depending on their contract. Non-crafters are often assigned to assist crafters with their duties and apprentices are generally provided. A smithy, woodshop, tannery, and small weavers workbuilding all have specific quarters and work areas.
As a seahold, Topaz Sea Hold has a considerable fleet of ships, most built by locals. Topaz Sea Hold occasionally contracts with the Seacraft when a particularly large vessel is needed. During Fall, small and medium craft are sailed into a nearby cavern, but the largest craft are sailed out of harm's way. The fishermen are skilled at negotiating the islands of the area, finding plenty of fish for consumption and trade. A common chore for older children is to wander the beaches for spiderclaws and small shellfish.
Refrigeration is an important concept for Topaz Sea Hold residents, though the technology is only present in Minor Holds and Topaz Sea Hold itself. Cotholds and individual buildings around Topaz Sea Hold use a mixture of saltpeter to chill drinks and make ice, but meats are either used when fresh killed or bartered from the large refrigerated stores in a larger Hold's kitchens.
