Trade Jewel of Cantillia

Ruler: King Forsyth Dunwich

Fernshire is a large, mostly stone city built on top of a massive stone plateau. A relic of the second great war, it was an important supply and troop house in the east, hence its odd location. During the war, Korthar and his Dwarves destroyed the large bridge to the city and so, as reparations, Korthar constructed the gondola which, until now, has run uninterrupted.

Fernshire is, at its heart, a trade city. It is bustling, noisy, busy and full of people and wares. Both of these things are constantly travelling in an out of the city. The saying goes, “If you can’t find it in Fernshire, you only have to wait a few days”. Most of what is found in Fernshire is hardly adventure worthy stuff, grain, furs and other things that are not sharp, pointy or magical. But you don’t obtain a reputation as one of the best trade cities in the east with grain alone.

Elves from the woeful woods sometimes venture into the city to buy, and of course sell. Bringing high quality weapons, tools, knowledge and erotic poetry; Fernshire is one of only a handful of human cities with elves trading regularly. Even rarer is the occasional dragon barge from inhar, trading in expensive jewels, exotic foods and silks so fine, looking at them causes shivers.
In a case of A causing B and B causing A, the occasional presence of Elves and the people of Qinhar means that merchants from the Lord-doms, Gorgelands and even dwarves will make the trip to Fernshire. This of course makes Fernshire an even more popular trade destination.

Presiding over this prosperous land is King Forsyth Dunwich, latest king of the Dunwich family, rulers of Fernshire from before the war. King Forsyth is known across The Lord-doms as a kind and fair king, all things considered. However, he is also known for being notoriously indecisive and a little rash, an excellent combination in a king. He will frequently turn to his adviser, Targin, and more than one snide comment has been made about ‘King Targin’ or even ‘Forsyth the Puppet’.

Adding to the comments unfortunately is King Forsyth’s wife, Lady Robyn Manderly-Forsyth. As demanding as her husband is indecisive, Lady Manderly is known in Fernshire as a mildly petulant, if kind queen. Indeed, a Fernshire expression for doing something generous to benefit yourself is known as doing a Manderly. Prosperous, crowded and home to almost anything you can get past customs; Fernshire is a small jewel in the crown of the Lord-doms of Cantillia. Not that any of the other nine Lords would say so.

The First Visit To Fernshire!

Art by Jon Pintar
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