Description and Atmosphere:
Ferry is a town nestled on the southern bank of the Gagular River, where the river is deep, slow, and relatively narrow, making it ideal for a ferry crossing. The town is characterized by the scent of freshly cut timber and the sounds of sawing and hammering. The town is built mostly of wood, and the architecture is functional and robust, designed to withstand the river's occasional floods.
The river dominates the town's atmosphere, with the constant flow of water and the activity of the ferry, connecting the Gagular Road with the North Road and the settlements of the north. The town is a hub of activity, trade, and some river agriculture, with lumberjacks, ferry operators, and merchants coming and going. The atmosphere is one of hard work and practicality, with a touch of frontier spirit. The town is surrounded by dense forests, which provide the raw materials for its lumber industry. The river itself is a vital transportation route, connecting Ferry to other settlements along its banks.
Society and Culture:
Population:
3,200 Citizens | 700 Hadeeb slaves
75% Sajani, 25% various others | mostly traveling slaves from the Capital
Governance:
Silas Rasti The True, a former Imperial bureaucrat and an Arbiter of Will, is rumoured to have been exiled to Ferry to take the position of Riverwarden. He governs with meticulous precision. His nickname, The True, was given to him for his rigid adherence to law and his determination to uncover and enforce it, and it is rumoured that this tendency is what got him in trouble with other people of import in Edge Capital.
Culture:
The Sajani culture of Ferry is heavily influenced by the town's lumber industry and river trade. There's a strong emphasis on practicality, hard work, and resourcefulness. The Merchant Council holds significant influence, with merchants and traders playing a vital role in the town's economy. The town is a melting pot of different cultures, with travelers and traders from various parts of the Empire passing through.
History and Significance:
History:
Ferry was established as a strategic point for crossing the Gagular River and as a center for the lumber industry. Its location at the river crossing made it a vital transportation hub, connecting the southern regions of the Empire to the northern settlements of Ein Gedd and Post.
Significance:
Ferry is essential for the Empire's transportation network and lumber supply. It provides a vital link between the southern and northern regions, and its lumber industry supplies the Empire with essential building materials.
Conflicts:
There are occasional conflicts between lumberjacks and river traders over resources and transportation rights. The town is vulnerable to river floods, which can disrupt its economy and damage its infrastructure. Wildlife from the forests can sometimes be a problem, alongside the rare bandit or savage incursion.
Additional Details:
Economy:
The town's economy is based on lumber, ferry operations, and trade. Lumber is harvested from the surrounding forests and transported to other parts of the Empire via the river. The ferry provides a vital transportation link, and the town's merchants trade in a variety of goods. The town can supply its own food stuffs, and has very limited import, mostly items of luxury.
Transportation:
The Gagular River is the primary transportation route, with ferries and barges carrying goods and people, connecting the major Gagular Road and North Road.
Flora and Fauna:
The surrounding forests are home to a variety of trees, including towering evergreens and hardwoods. The river is home to fish and other aquatic creatures. Wildlife in the forest surrounding the town includes deer, bears, and various smaller animals. Aside from those more fantastical creatures reside in the surrounding wilds.