Landscape/Inspiration Gallery

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

A curious new installment to the realm of Salsola, the Highroad is a single path that crosses the northern Amherst border and leads directly through to the Marketplace. Heavily patrolled, all passage over the Highroad is scrutinized by soldiers and scouts stationed at the Queensgate Garrison.

The purpose of the Highroad, as separated from other pathways leading deeper into Salsolan territory, is to allow select Outsiders access to the Salsolan Marketplace. An Outsider will only be allowed entry along the Highroad if they are escorted by a trusted Family member, and once their wares have been inspected at the garrison.

There is lingo befitting of usage of the Highroad. For example, should a Salsolan say to the sentries posted at the garrison: "This is our friend, I wish to take them along the Highroad", then the soldiers will know that the Outsider is worthy of the Marketplace. Should a Salsolan say to the sentries: "This is my friend, I wish to take them along the Lowroad", then the soldiers will know that the Outsider is to be robbed and/or accosted the moment they set foot on Salsolan soil.

Credit: Coldhamr

The importance of the local waterways to Salsola is apparent in the location chosen by the Family’s founders. Overlooking the Loch and bordered to the east by a river, Salsola’s claim is defined by its relationship to the surrounding waterways. The Loch, no longer tormented by the fierce Fundy tide, is now easier to navigate. With a permanent place to moor vessels, sailing has become real for Salsola.

Salsola currently has several boating options. These can be freely used by any pack member ranked among the Family or higher.

• The Cutter: A long-term project that was begun when he first joined Salsola, Bogdan Kotovo’s greatest contribution to the pack was finally completed and launched during Salsola's decennial foundation celebration. With its multiple sails and rigging, this ship requires only one experienced Luperci to safely operate it, though Bogdan does not allow anyone to sail alone. It is large enough to carry up to six Luperci comfortably with a small amount of cargo. Though it relies heavily on its sails, oars stowed on board can help get the ship moving.
  • Played characters wishing to use this ship must be accompanied by Bogdan Kotovo.
• Dugout Canoes: Making use of the many felled trees throughout the area, Bogdan and his son Igor set about crafting the most basic of boats in order to better understand the local material. Having recognized that the Loch is still not safe enough for a single-person to be on, there are only two-person canoes crafted. There are currently two of these available for use.

Notable NPCs: Bogdan Kotovo

Credit: Unknown

Salvaged from the remains of a city square is the heaving quarter of the Marketplace. Heavily weathered buildings facing inward to an open plaza of cracked concrete and worn stone have been bedecked instead with fresh wood and cloth-bannered stalls. Riotous with color and sound, the Marketplace is the dominion of Salsola's Merchant tier.

The Marketplace remains the only location within Salsolan territory where Outsiders - under escort and careful watch - may be tolerated, or even welcomed. Trade is the lifeblood of this landmark, and new or aspiring merchants will often display their wares here in an attempt to cut their teeth on the ruthless nature of barter.

Notable NPCs: Mirte Haumann

• Need to edit a stall? Please go to our Trade Stalls page to do so!

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Constructed during the time of humanity, the Amherst Fire Station is one of the remaining structures in the area. A two story building, this brick and concrete structure survived the worst of the natural disasters that affected Nova Scotia. It's original interior was damaged by exposure, not only from the large open doors of its mostly empty truck house, but from the fall of The Red Star, which shattered the building's windows. Though wear and tear is obvious, efforts have been made to keep the building standing. In some places, such as around the large and now vacant garage, timber has been erected to support door frames and other weak points. While its windows were obliterated when the Red Star fell, wooden shutters and leather coverings help keep the worst of the weather out.

Credit: Jass0919570

In the shadow of the Halcyon mountain range sits and old battalion-esque building, a once-relic dated to roughly the same age as the Ruins proper due to the usage of similar stones in its construction. The garrison has been kept in relatively good repair over the ages, first by Those who came Before, and later by nomadic travelers passing through the then-unclaimed lands. As such, and owing to the sturdy rigidity of its original foundation, the Queensgate Garrison required only minor amendments before being of great use to the Thistle Kingdom.

Now this stoic building is the dominion of the Shield tier, and the semi-permanent home of a number of trainee guards, soldiers and scouts. It serves as a blockage between the difficult-to-monitor Amherst border and the deeper entryways to Upper Tantramar. Overlooking and monitoring all passage along the Highroad, the Queensgate Garrison is the frontline unit of defense in Salsola's north.

Notable NPCs: Duncan de le Poer, Lace Valentine