Norian Main Roads

The Norian Main Roads are several roads connecting the six main cities of Noria . They are the main way to cross the Norian desert.

Architecture and Course

Crossing the vast desert of Noria to reach the next big city, the Main Roads are paved in such a way that they pass several of the oases of the continent. The oases function as both a resting place for travellers and as a source of water. Starting out as small trails, they continued to grow just like the cities they connected and are currently all paved in stone. Some parts of the roads are even decorated in colourful crystals or roofed by large constructions of wood and cloth to provide travellers protection from the restless heat of the sun above Noria. Occasionally, they also cross or follow along the country's canal system.

History

The first of the Main Roads was laid between the early settlements that later became Cindrea and Marcea. Others followed soon after, when the other main settlements gained wealth and power and the importance of easy travelling became more and more apparent for the continent's flourishing economy. After the foundation of the Union of the Six Cities of Noria , a lot of money and resources were invested to increase the quality and safety of the roads.

Importance and Dangers

The Main Roads are the most important route for all kinds merchants to travel to the several cities on land. Their economic importance cannot be underestimated. While it is possible to travel to the other cities by sea, this is generally seen as more dangerous due to piracy and the whims of the ocean. Many merchants thus opt to cross Noria by the roads, often organized as long caravans. Normal civilians sometimestravel along these caravans for comfort and for safety, as the rich merchants make sure their goods are well protected by guards.
The Main Roads do have their dangers though. One being the climate of Noria. The hot, dry and endless desert takes a toll on the bodies of humans and animals alike. Oases are sparse, so it is important to be well prepared. The other danger is a possible attack of the so-called sandpirates. Similar to their criminal kinship on the water, these bandits prey on the wealth of travelling merchants. While the USCN invests a lot in the safety of the roads, attack still happen, albeit much rarer than on the water. This only emphasizes the importance of caravans for both merchants and private travellers.