Checkpoint Farms

Written by Santi (1901986) and Fabiana Bolognini (1930442)[Assets]

Scattered all around Chimeria are several settlements called Checkpoint Farms. These farms act as small resting areas for any nomadic travellers to rest and trade for supplies. Depending on the area the farm is located, they may offer different things. For example: a Checkpoint Farm close to a body of water such as a lake may sell fish or aquatic plants; a Checkpoint close to a desert area may sell plants like cacti or other plants that only grow in dry, hot places. Signs and maps may indicate waypoints that lead nomadic colonies to these Checkpoint Farms so that they can find a place to rest and restock. These farms are established when members of nomadic colonies no longer wish to journey onward and decide to settle down as long as they have a means of sustaining themselves.

Assets

Fishing Farms

Located both in the south and north of Chimeria, the fishing farms are specialised, indeed, in fishing. It is not surprising that these farms can be found in different locations of the island; different types of habitats offer various and specific marine species. The coastlines of the south are, for example, characterised by the abundance of seaweed; consequently, several species of herbivorous fishes, like mollies or surgeonfish, inhabit these waters. Contrary, in the north of Chimeria, the costs are distinguished for being jagged; thus, the presence of sea caves and rocks shapes the perfect habitat for nocturnal fishes. Moreover, these farms also rely on artificial ponds to breed fishes and shellfish, then released in the sea and rivers. Very often, these farms, in addition to the sale, offer tips on several recipes to their customers.

Hunting Farms

Located on the north of Chimeria, these farms are mainly managed and organised from people of the nomadic district of Vilayla, who possess excellent skills in hunting. Although Chimeria is an advanced country, Still Hunting, an ancient hunting method, remains one of the island's most used techniques. Requiring a significant number of skills and time, Still Hunting involves entering the animals' habitats and trying to spot them using the different traces left. Despite this, also Stand Hunting, the more evolved hunting technique that required the use of traps of various types, is practised in Chimeria. The latter method can also involve the help of dogs in tracking wild animals. Besides the hunting itself, these farms are also involved in meat and leather processing.

Animal Farming

Typically located close to hunting farms, animals' farms are specialised in breeding and training different species. Chimeria paid special attention in not practising intensive breeding or hunting: preserving the other species is a fundamental principle of the island. In the farms, animals are treated with great care: it is not a coincidence that Chimeria is rich in animal derivates as milk, honey, cheese, and so on. Indeed, the farms breed several species like horses, cows, goats, sheep, etc.; furthermore, many are also specialised in the beekeeping. Regarding the training of animals, this involves mainly dogs and pack animals. Dogs are essentially trained as helpers for the hunting farms; nevertheless, some are also trained as shepherd dogs to herd and protect the flocks. Different pack animals are trained in these farms; from horses to donkeys and buffaloes. Some animals' farms and hunting farms are still trying to analyse and study the new species genetically muted by Starlight Energy, even if most farms are still attached to more traditional farming techniques.

Alchemy Farms

Located in the south of Chimeria, these farms, as their name suggests, are specialised in alchemy in all its forms. There are, indeed, several alchemists who offer their knowledge to Chimerians. Furthermore, exploring these farms is considered an unforgettable experience by many. The sound of the ampoules, the sparkling and bright colours of the mixtures and the scent of the different ingredients decorate these places, creating memories of the farms that are hard to forget. Besides, during the night, the farms shine of the blue sparks of Starlight Energy.