Benann is a large
Terosian town in the centre of
Teros Major. It lies nestled in northern reaches of the
Crimson Hills.
Benann is a hub for the region's mining industry, and is known for its many smithies.
History
Power and politics
Government
The town is governed by the
Master of Benann. Currently, that position is held by
Wenryn Mord. He is a weak and pliable man, controlled by the corrupt leader of the resident
Peacekeeper garrison,
Captain Karrodin.
Defence and security
The cliffs of the surrounding hills provide a great degree of protection; in addition, great walls fill the gap between the hills. Strong gatehouses protect the three entrances to the town: north, west, and south. The
Keep of Benann is a strong bastion standing on the shoulder of the Hill of the Keep.
The Peacekeeper's maintain a strong presence here; control of mining and smithing helps limit the potential for armed rebellion.
Other powers
Geography and environment
Local geography
Benann is situated high in the plateau of the
Crimson Hills, near the norther fringes of the range. The hills are rugged, with tumbling cliffs, and decorated with sparse, scrubby plants. Two hills dominate the immediate landscape: the mighty
Anvil and the smaller
Hill of the Keep.
The
River Rast rises from a spring on the northern slopes of the Anvil just outside the town, whence it flows north and west into the
Rast Lowlands. On the hill's southern side, a mile or so to the east, rises the stream of the
Harrin (which joins the
Andras further south).
Design and architecture
The town is built upon and between two steep and rocky hills. The towering heights of the Anvil stand on the town's eastern side, with rugged cliffs on its northern and southern sides. A little to the northwest stands the Hill of the Keep, less imposing but adorned with rocky walls on all sides. On this hill stands the Keep of Benann.
The town is surrounded by walls bridging the gaps between the two hills; a short stretch at the town's northern edge, and a great sweep in the west and south.
The houses of rich merchants and other wealthy citizens adorn the terraces on the steep slopes of the hills, while the lower level is crammed with the houses of the town's poorer inhabitants, as well as the town's many smithies.
Landmarks and key locations
Aside from the distinctive and imposing hills on which the town is built, the
Keep of Benann is Benann's most prominent landmark. It is reached by a winding path up from the lower level of the town, and is protected by a great gate. Its ramparts are built into the cliffs of the hill, making it virtually impregnable to attack from the ground.
The
Silent Halls, a mausoleum and crypt once dedicated to
Tirax, stands at the base of the
Hill of the Keep.
Market plaza
House of the Rich Merchant
The
Hall of the Forgemasters is an imposing four-storied building on the slopes of the
Anvil. It is the meeting place of the
Guild of Artisans.
Naturally for a town built on mining and smithing, Benann's largest
temple is dedicated to
Piatok. The town also has smaller temples to
Balcosh,
Frenar, and
Lessada.
Merchants' Meeting House
Transport
Through the north gate, the road follows the stream of the
Rast down from the hills and across the
Wastes to
Kerenna. Westward, the road leads across the
Natarrine Sands to the port of
Natarr. The road south crosses the stream of the
Harrin and then follows it southwards towards
Andrin,
Amur Lefra and
Olnath.
Demographics
Population
Benann has a total population of approximately 22,400.
Wealth and class
Education
Economy
Key industries
This town produces the following goods:
Trade
Key imports
Key exports
Culture
Notable people
Comments