Basic Geography Ideas

KRONDOR

Krondor is an island in the Great Ocean, about the same size as Pennsylvania or Iceland.   There is one major human settlement on the island, the trade town of Newport, on the southern coast of the island.   The southern region is sprinkled with independent human and demi-human settlements and petty fiefs founded by exiles, outlaws and colonists over the last century, but the northern 2/3 of the island are controlled by bands of humanoids and monsters.  There is a mighty volcano located near the center of the island.

 

NEWPORT

 The principal town in the southern region of the island of Krondor is called Newport.   It was founded about a hundred years ago by the explorer Sir Edward of Gath.  It serves principally as the center of the Ginster trade and as a landing point for prospective inland settlers.   It’s ruled by the Nedwyn, Viscount of Newport, a descendant of Sir Edward, who also holds the largely empty title of Lord Lieutenant of Krondor.  However, it is arguable as to whether the Viscount or the Factor of the Royal Krondor Company has more real power.  While all the inhabitants of the town claim that it was built within the last century, about one in four buildings is smaller in size that the rest, is inhabited by gnomes, and appears to be quite a bit older than 100 years.

 

THE GINSTER TRADE

The reason that settlers keep attempting to establish holdings on Krondor, despite the ferocity of the monsters present on the island, is the existence of the Ginster Berry.   A gallon of Ginster berries can be ground down to a pound of Ginster Powder which can be sold on the mainland for 15gp.  Ginster powder is a delightful spice for meat and vegetables and has amazing anti-parasitical properties, which makes it a high demand product.  The Royal Krondor Company has a monopoly on the export of Ginster products of all sort.   They will buy a gallon (about 10 lbs.) of berries for 5gp at Newport, and will also react with extreme violence to any attempt to circumvent their monopoly.