The western and central mountains rise to elevations over 3,000
feet. One area, called Spinster's Range, extends into the northern
portion of New Dauntless; its borders have rugged terrain. The northern
top consists mainly of rocky peninsulas and fjords. This region is very
sparsely populated with a few neglected roads to what explorers have so
far considered a wasteland (probably for its unfortunate weather and
difficult sailing waters).
The topography of eastern New Dauntless (east of the Silver
Forest) consists of mostly level or gently rolling terrain typical of
coastal lowlands. Elevations rise gradually from less than twenty feet
above sea level near the coast to a few isolated high points at
elevation 240. Beaches, wetlands, various freshwater brooks and ponds,
woodlands, and large tracts of farm land can all be found within the
confines of its boundaries.
Location
New Dauntless is considered the 'tip' of the Amasynian Province. It
is the least inhabited community of the province, mainly due to
agricultural difficulties. Situated coastal plains flank the forestry,
rising gradually from east to west where the landforms finally give way
to grand hills shaped by ledge. This coastal plain is drained by many
streams and rivers.
Climate
January temperatures in southern New Dauntless are typically in the
area of 22.4 degrees and can warm in July to 71.9 degrees. New
Dauntless' populated south sees up to 36 inches of rain per year as
well as moderate snowfall averaging 68 inches. Tides along the
southeast coast have two highs and two lows a day and vary by
approximately 8.5 ft. The tidal range increases with the new and full
moon phases to create spring tides that are 5% to 10% larger than the
mean range.
Travel and Trade Routes
The southern region, which is included in the Beradt coastline,
offers its waters to the marine industry. This region is the closest to
the centers of population and offers trade with other areas of the
province, including Myrken Wood, Heath, and Xanth Grange.
There are twin rivers, the Canobie and the Hummarock, flowing north to southeast and following into Thessilane.
North Passage Down gets its start in New Dauntless and follows
through the land of Myrken Wood, passing the abominable swampland of
Ghreu Fenn. There is little access to the safe road from New Dauntless, nor
is there access to Gilroy Pass as Thessilane militia forces linger there still. Throughways, Barak's Passage and the
Truedrift, which once offered travel between Thessilane and New
Dauntless, remain in a state of some disrepair, following the cessation of hostilities between New Dauntless and Thessilane.
Public Service
New Dauntless has long been famous and proud for its military
prowess, which dates back to the days when it was merely part of an
empire. Despite a sparse population, New Dauntless keeps a fairly large
standing army at all times, often allowing regiments to hire out under
other contracts, under the conditions that 1) They do not take
contracts directly against the Tetrarch and 2) They return to New
Dauntless when called. Thus, large sums of veteran units are always
within the military.
The current head of the New Dauntless forces is Prince Luther
Corsaith. The chain of command is simple and straightforward, ending in
regiments of close to 600 - 1000 men, in general, each led by a
Hauptman (captain). The primary weapon for their soldiers is the pike,
a 12 - 18 foot spear, as well as several specialty weapons for more
veteran soldiers (two-handed sword, halberd, billhook). It is also not
uncommon for New Dauntless regiments to recruit from foreign lands and
enemy survivors to compensate for losses. Many prefer to join their
former enemy than be killed on the spot (the only prisoners taken are
important, title bearing ones).
Locally, towns and cities are managed by a sheriff, who is often personally appointed by the prince of the region, and thus often carries much repute. A sheriff is permitted to appoint deputies as needed. There is little trouble in New Dauntless, as the nation is surprisingly united; in recent times, however, theft is becoming disturbingly frequent. The people will take what they need.
The principality of northern New Dauntless is somewhat isolated
and stubbornly independent. Their military and local policing is likely to
vary as they so see fit, although in times of need, their men are often conscripted into the New Dauntless army.
News
News is supplied via word of mouth and varied publications throughout New Dauntless and its boundaries.
Leisure Activities
The literal foundation of New Dauntless is its bedrock. In most
places, the bedrock is concealed by a thin veneer of soil and
vegetation. The depth to bedrock is generally only a few tens of feet
and rarely over a hundred.
Some of the most beautiful scenery is where the rugged bedrock is exposed to view, creating the Silver Forest where petrified trees provide habitat for other natural wonders who prefer the bare forest floor. In fact, the general distribution and shape of these lowland terrains is controlled by the way different kinds of bedrock have been eroded differently through geologic time.
The eastern coast hosts an abrupt change in elevation. This provides
numerous lakes and ponds as well as rivers and streams. The topography
of these lowlands lends itself very well to the many species of fish
found in the cold, clear waters and the abundance of wildlife that
ventures from the remote silver forests.
Local Economy
New Dauntless' agriculture mainly consists of seafood, poultry, eggs, and cattle.
Water plays an important role, from rugged shorelines to the
inland streams, rivers, and lakes. Bedrock wells supply drinking water
- an unseen resource of great importance to the people.
New Dauntless inhabitants obtain their water from wells. There
is a significant source for municipal and industrial water supplies.
Ground water provides direct and indirect work opportunities for well
drillers.
Because of human reliance on it, ground water is one of the
most precious natural resources. No fuels or coal have been found or
produced here, not surprisingly for such a terrain dominated by old,
metamorphic rocks.
Shipbuilding is her dying industry.