Dannis Island is a sovereign state of the nation of Solenka. The island is an important key to the continuing success of Solenka. The island is lush in its fields, and contains some of the best forests in the known world. A large portion of Solenka’s food is grown on Dannis, and the rich forests produce wood and lumber for a variety of uses, most important of which is the ship building industry. As well as lumber, the forests are teeming with wild life, providing ample hunting.
The coast off the island is mostly rugged mountain, desolate hills or vast swampland. This fact coupled with treacherous reefs, make an invasion from the coastline extremely unlikely. At the mouth of Dannis Bay is the city of Dannismeet. The bay is protected here by an ingenious sliding wall, which can cut off ships from entering. The majority of civilization is on the interior of the island, well defended from any foreign invasion. Dannis the third, prince of Solenka, rules the island from the defenses of his castle in Dannismeet.
Check out the map of Dannis Island
Dannis Island – Places of Interest
Dannismeet
The thriving city of Dannismeet is the largest and most influential port on the island, as well as the residence of Dannis the third, newly appointed Baron of Dannis. The walled city sits atop a high embankment, and houses nobles, merchants and foreign dignitaries. Another section of town lies near the sea level and is not fortified. This is the home of countless fishermen, laborers, and other commoners.
A large contingent of guards, both royal and city, are stationed here, keeping peace, as well as serving as sentries protecting the bay.
One of the most unique physical features of the city is the result of a joint construction project that the Humans and Dwarves completed around two hundred years ago. Entrance to the bay can be controlled by a series of sliding walls. An invading armada sent from Guadalante fifty years ago was the last attempt to overtake Dannismeet. When the bay doors were shut, with the Guadalante ships in the narrow passage, they did not have the room to turn around before fire from Dannis ballistae sank eight of the twelve vessels.
Dannismeet is home to a large number of Dwarf crafters and artificers, who hail from the surrounding mountains. Elves, Half-orcs and Halflings are also present, but in fewer numbers.
The Baron's Castle
Powderkeg
Powderkeg is a fortified town built as a trading post. The town is the only port on the bay, other than Dannismeet, which large sea going vessels can enter safely. Prior to its construction twenty years ago, all trade goods from outlying areas had to be shipped overland to Dannismeet.
The town was originally built by a cartel of merchants, known as the Six Coffers Market Priakos. This cartel operated the town for fifteen years, charging exorbitant prices on all goods and services, and amassing a tremendous fortune. Cries of public outrage at the tremendous prices prompted the monarchy to step in and take control of the town through complex economic and political maneuvering. The town is now a crown holding and is highly regulated.
Mannac
Mannac is a lush valley, much of which has been reclaimed from the sea, which is famous for its wines and fruit. Since the original dyking of the sea, nearly two hundred years ago, the valley has prospered through the constant adversaries of invading humanoids.
Farthingdale
The town itself is not large, but the military presence here is quite noticeable, as it protects the outlying farmland from humanoid raids. Farming and logging drive local economy.
Drury
The village of Drury lies on a high point of land at the edge of the Green Marsh Swamp. Constantly in peril from creatures of the swamp, the citizens of Drury make their living by gathering wild rice.
Pichendale
The area is much the same as Farthingdale, but contains a walled fort which is used by the military.
Narwell
The Town of Narwell is the second largest on the island. Lying on the banks of the Silent Memory River, sea-going vessels cannot dock here. However, many smaller ships that sail about Dannis Bay, call this port home. A great mix of races also call Narwell home. The town takes full advantage of the river, in the form of abundant canals.
A section of canal, in Narwell's Noble District.
Nevada
Far off the beaten path, Nevada is a small frontier town that relies heavily upon the caravan service to Drury. The caravan, operated by the Three Coffers Market Priakos, leaves Nevada only once every month. Although at the edge of the swamp, and the ocean, it sits atop a relatively dry hill-top. The citizens of the area are hardy folk, who constantly battle invading lizard-folk.
Beardans Hollow
The village of Beardans Hollow survives mostly by the trading of it's main export: cranberries. It's proximity to the ocean provides fresh fish for the citizens, as well as a small trade of salted fish to Drury (via Nevada). Most of the inhabitants are simple, honest folk.
Hommlet
The town of Hommlet is the oldest city on the island. It has been rebuilt over an ancient city. A large garrison of the Queens men is stationed here to monitor and protect any invasion from the north. The original ruins date back further than the great flood.
Free Flow River
This particular river is exceptional in the fact that it changes its direction of flow with the tide. Of particular interest is the Upside Down Falls. It is fed from both the Bay of Dannis as well as Ponders Lake.
Green Marsh Swamp
The swamp, which dominates the southwestern section of the island, is in constant flux. During high tide, very little land is present, while low tide reveals many low islands. Nowhere else on the island does civilization seem so far away.
Web Wood Forest
This forest is so named due to the immense canopy of webbing that dominates the upper levels of the entire forest. Spiders!
Whispering Wood
Reported by rumor, but never verified, Whispering Wood is believed to be the largest home of Elves on the island.
The Scar
The Scar is a vast barren stretch of land purported to be the site of some ancient cataclysm. Little vegetation covers the wasted valley, and only the hardiest of creatures can survive here.
Amberhomme
Nestled in the Garnet Mountains, Amberhomme is a great Drwarven stronghold. Rumors of mounting tension have been heard throughout the interior of Dannis for years.
