The majority of trods within Ardent Harbor go through the old yet immense wooden Roller Coaster. The webwork of silver tracks is mostly the work of Irene Oliver, Nocker and the mother of the Duchess herself, and with a keen mind for engineering and "Glamocentric Forces". She assures the Viscount the design is quite simple, and she'll have the quirks worked out "soon." Other parts of the Duchy are accessible from here. One may even visit their Graces, assuming of course, one can find them; when not swamped by courtiers or advocating their respective causes, both the Duchess and the Duke have been known to 'slum' on a quest or two. Some of the tracks lead to places beyond Pacifica, and the Viscount is hoping to add a few more.
Some of the tracks lead (directly or indirectly) to: Desolation Freehold-One may find oneself dropped off at a curious underpass, in the most anti-noble area in Pacifica. One underpass over, a group of commoners dwell in their own hold. It is squalid, unattractive, and so Desolate to have earned it's name based on that. Perhaps it's a living example of 'better to rule in Hell than serve in Heaven'; as Oakhold is filled with Ravagers, insurrectionists, and that's not counting the mortal criminals.. the Viscount advises anyone going there to take care. Even the Near Dreaming about it is twisted into a nightmare land in minature. He does not allow Kinain to go there via his trod without prior assurance they will not be harmed. The County of Rowan Oak-From the height of the coaster, then through the mists and silver, one finds oneself arriving beneath Ben Bison, in an underground but well lit area no longer being mined. This Great Mountain Hold is but one among many in a land where Kinain and Kithain alike dwell in relative peace. Yet, even in this land of benevolent Countess, hardy commoners, and natural splendor; the shadows move. Nevertheless, the Viscount has naught but respect for what he has heard of the Countess Rosamund. The Freehold of the Remembered Dream-So new, that the Coaster only goes 'half way' before circling back, the last part of the trip here must be finished on foot. Those continuing on will step through an odd ringed tree set up. House Beaumayn it seems, is forgotten less and less. As memory of what it was returns, so to does it's power. Even if that power is held by a Childling Baroness.
The Near Dreaming near Firnost is a nexus of trods at the center of Concordia. So, the tracks eventually drop off in the near Dreaming just outside Firnost's Garden, safe on the silver. Those who take this route are warned of Firnost's odd reputation, and rumor of it's often violent nature. Selkie Rock can be seen from the top of the Coaster by the enchanted, but not reached from it, for there is no trod there. One must swim, or find some other method of boating to it. There is little here to appeal unless one is a Seal, a Selkie, or a lover of the sea. Still, trod or no, it would be illmannered not to mention some of Ardent Harbor's old allies. The Carmel Barony's Trod had been sealed, but was recently reopened. While this barony (Which has always had a history of dispute) was filled with Dark Kin who warred with the hearty warriors of Twin Hills, only Fuath Allies remain in great number. In addition, the Hold there, while decidedly Unseelie, has proven itself. Château des étoiles or the 'Castle of Stars' is the new and main hold of the County of the Sun. From here, Countess Amber and Count Topaz de Beaumayn rule jointly. It is Jude and Taelara's hope that this 'lost' House will thrive.
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