Geography
The island of Dort has four distinct regions:
The Northlands
The rolling hills of the Northlands house Dort, the capital city and great trading heart of the island. Here you will find the magnificent temple of Pecunia, goddess of commerce, and a thriving merchant community. Here also are entertainments for body and mind; the great tapestry centre, the theatre, and the legendary hot springs where every form of sensual pleasure can be found.
Further to the north is a great plain, upon which stands the Abbey of Dort. This is a strange and mystical place, reputed to have been built by Grey Elves in honour of Mother Earth.
Students come from across the Seven Isles to learn here; the arts of healing and earth magic are taught by Masters of those skills. Rumours of more sinister arts being taught here are surely naught but malicious whispers...
Islay
The highlands of the south are a place of breathtaking crags and hills, crystal clear lachs, and the fabled mists of the island. Here you will find the Clansmen, independent and hot-tempered, simmering with resentment against their rulers, yet with a warm welcome for most who travel in their lands. Hafne is the principle city of the region; a grey, sullen place, reputedly a haven for smugglers, thieves and worse.
The Midlands
The soft, tranquil plains and gentle hills of the Midlands are home to the finest cattle in all of the Seven Isles. A place where the people live and work in praise of Mother Earth with each breath they take; they claim that it is Her own country, blessed and protected by the goddess herself!
Nazareen
A ridge of harsh, grey-blue mountains known as the Nazareen dominates the southeast part of island. These are the territory of the Dwarves, who choose to live in isolation from the other inhabitants of Dort; fabled craftsmen whose skills are the wonder of the Seven Isles.
Climate
Nazareen and Islay are comparable to Scotland - lots of wet weather, mist, and storms; but also reasonable warm sea water, which makes for good fishing grounds. To the north, the Midlands and the Northlands have more agreeable weather. Summers have a max of 30 degrees Celsius.
Politics
The Abbot of Dort Abbey rules the Northlands in conjunction with the new duke's steward Dein is Mein, a former tax collector.The duke often stays for lengthened periods in his new castle in Dort and keeps a keen eye on the way the capital is run.
The Midlands are now the domain of one of its former farmers, who now carries the title of Lord. Administration is run from Bigwich, which is either a very large village or a very small town, depending on your viewpoint.
The Nazareen are under the direct control of the Dwarven King.
Islay, with its important port of Hafne, is ruled by the Count, a former steward of the Duke, now known as Major Domus of the Dort court. In the hierarchy of vassals he stands alongside the Dwarven King. However, the clansmen of Islay are by nature rebellious, and resent the fact that an outsider - the Count - oversees their affairs.
People
Dwarves dominate the Nazareen mountain range, but in recent times have allowed a few talented human apprentices to learn their ancient skills. The rest of the island is largely populated by Humans, although trade in Dort and Hafne ensures that all races are represented in those ports.
The Dortenese people are very well educated, making them skilled workers much in demand on other isles. This is in no small part thanks to the education program initiated by the previous Duke and the monks of the Abbey.
Exports
Dort produces a fair amount of dairy products and meat; it also exports leather products, whilst boar and deer are hunted in the small forests. Recently the demand for Dort tapestries has risen. However, the most famous export product of Dort is alcohol: Dortenese Dark Ale from the Abbey, and Islay whiskey. Dortenese skilled workers are also in high demand. They demand more pay, but can produce more quickly (due to improved working methods) and do more complicated work.
Language
Human is the most spoken language in Dort, though (obviously) Dwarven is the primary language of Nazareen. In the Abbey, a certain knowledge of Ancient Human and Ancient Adhiel is maintained. With the influx of new citizens due to the rebuilding efforts there is always someone nearby who understands a different language, and is willing to help translate your business needs.
Opportunities
Due to the devastating effects of the recent war, large tracts of land went unworked; many farms were managed by bereaved widows and semi-orphaned children. The growing demand for labor added to the decline of the countryside. To counter this effect the Dort Reconstruction Company was founded. Able bodied youngsters can try their luck at managing their own new plot of land. Opportunities are plenty, with large tracts of land reserved for a future expansion; it is a simple matter of applying at the Dort Reconstruction Company offices in the capital. Any business plans will be funded... for a percentage, of course.
Shipwrights and sailing masters hire hands a plenty in Hafne.
Traders who control the Trade triangle between Gulanadur, Pan's Isle and Dort can be found in Dort. They are always looking to hire mercenaries, scribes and those of a more illicit persuasion.
Dwarven masters of masonry and weaponsmithing are known to take an apprentice every year. They will of course only accept the best.
Specialities Of The Isle
Skills
Masonry, weapon-smithing, armor, gemcutting - all with traditional dwarven craft
Native craft [weaving] - Dort is famous for its tapistries
Native craft [spinning] - another essential for the cloth industry
Shipwight - Hafne is famous for its shipyards.
Healing, herbal use, use of lifeforce, brewing, arcane lore - all taught at the Abbey
Food & Drink
Dortenese Dark Ale
Islay Whiskey
Dortenese Veal
Dortenese Lamb
Midlands Cheese
Midlands Leather
Midlands Hides
Midlands Beef
Luxuries
Gems from Nazareen, unique in their large size and pureness
weapons & armor of dwarven mastery (non-magical but indestructible)
Any stone product by dwarven masonery
Tapestries, woven by the finest hands
Lamb Wool
This is the new lay out:
Population: (total number, and then percentage broken down by race)
Religion:
Languages:
Climate:
Culture
Imports:
Exports:
City Fathers:
Allies:
Enemies:
Military:
Special Interest:
Here you can view the endresult:
www.tazlure.nl/joomla
We need something a.s.a.p. because of the new site that is in preperation.
