 Ithaca Hold Insignia Ithaca Hold and Weyr were both founded on the first day of the seventh month of T35PP. This officially allowed for more dragonriders and holders to move to the Western Continent from elsewhere on Pern. The two Ithacas are both still under construction due to their newness, and Lord Casonis welcomes each independent holder (at least those with some means) to establish a holding under his protection. Ithaca Hold's economy is still developing since it is so new, but agricultural produce makes up the largest percentage of it. The hold grows a variety of grains, including wheat, rye, oats, and barley. To the north, just below Ithaca Weyr, fields of oil-seed rape have been planted, and there are plans for seeding vineyards and hops on the western (protected) slopes of the Ithaca River Valley upstream from the main hold. Ithaca Hold is also home to a small herd of bovines and a transhumant group of shepherds and their ovines. This provides the hold with meat, dairy, and woolen products. In addition to Ithaca Hold's varied agriculture and animal husbandry, commerce plays an important role in the Hold's economy. There is a growing trade in various craft items, most notably the timepieces made by the clocksmiths at the nearby Smithcraft Hall. Due to the lack of suitable cliffs nearby, Ithaca Hold has been built above ground, unlike most Northern Holds. The Main Building, which houses the administration and the stores of general goods and luxury items, is several stories tall. The individual buildings in the hold proper are, more often than not, half-dug into the ground for insulation purposes during the winter. Near the Main Hall are both a bath house and a market hall. The latter is where local crafters and individual holders conduct most of their business. The docks are downhill from the Hold proper, about a quarter of an hour's walk from the Main Building. There is a cove sheltered by some rocky outcroppings which protect ships during the worst storms. Shepherding at Ithaca Hold Maps/Charts/Etc. Map of Ithaca Hold by Laura H. Last Updated: 09/14/2004 |