The Erdantian Canal

The Erdantian Canal is a large piece of Aquatic Infrastructure spanning the base of the Peninsula of Erdantia, connecting up with the City of Drago, the capital of the Kingdom of Erdantia at its northernmost point and the City of Yarleth at its southernmost point. The Canal is controlled by the Erdantian Crown, a title currently occupied by King Ulric Tyler, although it crosses the land of many feudal lords.

Purpose / Function

The Canal was originally constructed in order to facilitate trade between the northern side of the Peninsula of Erdantia (modern-day Yannurrin and the northern face, and the southern side (the southern face and modern-day Eseris. Eseris was not part of the Cordaint Empire at that point (and never would be) but plans were underway for its invasion.
Its second purpose was to assist in this invasion by allowing naval ships to more quickly travel to Eseris from further north. It was partially for this reason that Eseris aided Erdantia in the Great Erdantian Rebellion - to help Erdantia to gain control of the Canal and protect Eseris.

Nowadays, the Canal is used to aid in trade between the two sides, just as it had before, as well as to improve the transport of troops and messages from Drago to the south side, and from the City of Renn to the north side. It also has the benefit of collecting tax from any travellers moving across the Peninsula, and allowing nations favoured by Erdantia passage while denying it to those who are not.

Entries

The north entry of the canal is controlled by the City of Drago. The canal links up to Drago Harbour, which is protected by several watchtowers and a sea wall, as well as boasting an impressive standing navy of eight battleships to protect the city. A large office and protected gate control the entrance to the canal. It is set up in such a way that there are no restrictions on leaving, only on entry. When the fee to pass has been paid, a sailor will receive a pass, which they are expected to produce at each of the two checkpoints across the canal. It also has two large cannons on the left hand side to discourage any unlawful conduct, e.g. a ship attempting to enter or leave the canal by force. A similar story occurs on the south side, which also features an office and a gate. Two fully-maintained bridges sit along the river next to each checkpoint (as well as several smaller bridges placed in cities), facilitating easy transport between the two sides by land.

Denizens

The Canal maintains a small watch paid for by the King, who take up a permanent residence at each of the two checkpoints. The guards at either entrance serve on rotation, and do not live onsite. In both cases the guards are trained and required to be literate, in order to verify documents. They are identifiable by their green apparel.

Alterations

While the main canal structure itself has remained largely unchanged for the past several hundred years, its surrounding infrastructure has changed significantly, with the addition of two checkpoints, each with a bridge, a lock, and an office, and various pieces of defensive and anti-flooding infrastructure around each entrance, including a double watergate on both sides and two cannons on the northern entrance.

Founding Date

1196

Type

Canal

Owning Organization

The Kingdom of Erdantia