Amethyst Cliff Hold

Article by: Nici

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In the late winter of the third turn of the pass, a powerful earthquake rocked the region. Amethyst Cliff, was all but destroyed by the quake. There is little left but ruins. The Vintner Hall was moved to Amber Hills Hold.

History

The Hold was founded twelve turns before the end of the ninth pass, during the building of the Weyrhold. Sitting approximately 45° latitude, Amethyst Cliff Holds weather is moderate to cool. Even in the warmer months there are still cooling breezes and mild rainfall. The winter months are hard for the folk of the Hold and Halls. Being isolated by heavy snows makes travel to even the minor holds dangerous unless transported by dragon back.

To the north of the Hold lies the Western Barrier Range. A sevenday's ride will take you to the main logging camp there.

Two hundred people once lived in the Hold proper, with another two hundred and fifty living in smaller family cots within the Hold boundaries. Subsequent outbreaks of illness and the plague have decimated the Hold population with a scant one hundred living in the hold now, and less than 120 living in surrounding cots.

Location

Amethyst Cliff Hold is situated at the foothills of the Western Barrier Range. Partially built into the side of the largest cliff, it has been added to over the turns as the population grew. Where once it had been one long building nestled into the side of a cliff, over the turns it has been added on to, and now two wings reach out at either end. Entering the courtyard visitors are greeted by a large deep staircase leading up the main hold doors, wide enough to shelter the herd stocks when the Hold was first built.

From Amethyst Cliff Hold to Dragonsfall Weyr is approximately 600 miles, and Opal Cove Hold is approximately 650 miles away.

The average winter low temperature is 29°F (-2°C); the average winter high is 38°F (3°C). During the summer months, the average low temperature is 56°F (13°C); the average high 73°F (23°C).

Building Information

Built of sandstone, the walls are blindingly bright in the midday sun. The roof was constructed of blue slate, a large deposit being discovered further inland, and also under each window aperture, discouraging thread access. The slate was also used to cover the ground floor of the Hold. Three deep cellars were cut deep into the cliff, for storage of produce, cured meats and wine stocks.

The Hold proper has a light and airy atmosphere - due to the pale woods used to line the walls, despite the narrow window apertures, which grace all outward facing rooms. A sandstone arch is built over the main entrance, at its apex is a carving embedded with mosaics of blue slate. The carving depicts the four symbols - the first an axe, second a bovine head, third a tree and the fourth a wine barrel.

The main floor of the Hold contains the kitchens, dining hall, infirmary, nursery and classrooms for the harpers to teach classes in. In addition, this floor also houses the administrative offices for the Steward and his assistants (2 in number), the Hold harpers, Healer’s office and storeroom, as well as receptions rooms and a Records room and Conclave meeting room. There is a large storeroom for herbs, dried goods and clothing just off the kitchens. The Headwoman’s office is just off the storeroom. The drudges dormitory quarters are in a lower area of the Hold and can be reached via stairs located in the kitchens.

The Hold boasts indoor plumbing and there are latrines located between the Conclave meeting room and the Records/Archives room and also near the classrooms and nursery. Private bathing rooms are set aside for the Lord Holder and his immediate family in their private apartments. The Headwoman and Steward also have their own private apartments and bathing chambers set aside for they and their families within the hold.

The hold harpers and healers (unless Master rank) share apartments and bathing quarters. Ladies who are unmarried and of rank will often share bathing quarters between rooms. Private rooms and bathing chambers are also set aside for visiting members of rank.

Technology

Semi pre-Industrial, although some areas of the Hold have been powered with electricity, its usage is not popular and the hold is mainly heated by fires and lit by glows at night. Luckily, its architecture lends allows it to garner quite a bit of light during the day, although during winter months, sunlight can be scarce.

Female Policy

Amethyst Cliff currently adheres to the female craft bans, although women are allowed to transfer in who have been trained in other crafts (Technicians), however, it is not encouraged.

Population

Two hundred people once lived in the Hold proper, with another two hundred and fifty living in smaller family cots within the Hold boundaries. Subsequent outbreaks of illness and the plague have decimated the Hold population with a scant one hundred living in the hold now, and less than one hundred - twenty living in surrounding cots.

Economy

The Hold has four orchards surrounding it, each providing different varieties of fruit. Those responsible for harvesting the fruits are currently experimenting with various methods of preserving the fruit and the juices made from the fruit. The surrounding arable land provides good growing soil for most produce - more than enough to supply Hold, Halls and Weyr population.

Enough cattle are kept for breeding purposes to keep the Hold stocked, with an abundance of caprine to keep the nearby cliffs vegetation free. The smaller cots have their choice of beast usually keeping to one or two milking bovines and maybe an ovine or porcine or two to keep their own meat supplies.

The Woodsmith Hall is a candlemark ride from the Main Hold. Once again the use of sandstone in building the exterior means from above the Hall can't be lost amongst the tallest of the trees. The original Hall was founded at the time of the Hold being established, both supporting each other and the Weyrhold with supplies.

Five turns after the last pass ended, one of the minor cotholders presented the Lord Holder with some rough homegrown and produced wine he had concocted from fallen and bruised fruit. The dearth of palatable wines in the south was the incentive to most to try and develop their own.

By the end of the sixth turn, a new Hall had been approved, and building began to the east of Amethyst Cliff Hold, this being the first Vintner Hall on the southern continent.

Transportation

The Hold has a large stable with approximately twenty runners, mostly for transportation between fields and orchards for those overseeing the farming and for Hold guardsmen on patrol, although there is a smaller selection of finer steeds and mares for ranking members who may wish to do a bit of pleasure riding.

Transportation out of Amethyst Cliff would primarily be by runner or wagon. For those who merit such courtesy, dragon riders are available. During winter months when the Hold is often cut off to runner or wagon, dragon riders are available in emergency situations.