Linnet's Tour Guide: 1. The Vertigo Spur

After spending time in the green plains and paddy-fields of the Litanee region, and the potteries and glasseries producing the knot work style that is so justly famous, you may wish to discover more of Morenzia. It is possible to travel ‘off the beaten track’ to Vertigo township but the intrepid traveller must take the utmost caution. However, it is well worth the trip: who would think that a town of such delightful artifice would lie at the end of such a lonely and dangerous road? Of course the people of Vertigo live and travel mostly by the sea and rarely use the road. We strongly advise you to follow their wisdom and do the same.

You should take a ship from Diw, the world’s most enclosed and sheltered harbour. Stay at the mayor’s house and be aware that mayors tend to stand on their dignity somewhat, for reasons given in the note below. If you have not already explored this fishing town take a day to do so – offshore a tonne of herring can be taken per sweep of the net, leading to the saying that here the ocean is three-quarters water and one-quarter fish. The passenger vessels plying to Vertigo advertise on blackboards displayed along the well-built quay. Do not pay more than five pounds and investigate the boat thoroughly before you embark for the day-long trip.

Should you insist on travelling by land, we throw up our hands - do as you must. The mayor will help you to employ armed guards with knowledge of wild camping because you are about to travel around the very edge of the vast mountain forest that is Cathee. Leave your caleche at the mayor’s stable and purchase a hardy riding horse and equipment for a four day trail, and supplies, there being no toiletries for feathers in Vertigo.

The dense pine forest is the haunt of grey wolf packs, brown and black bears and golden eagles. There are strange creatures such as dam-building beavers found nowhere else in the world. The wolves and bears are your main concern; they often stray out of the forest onto the track.

You will be riding along the tops of the perilous sea-cliffs, so secure camp every night and never investigate any lights out to sea. ‘Owlers’ - nocturnal smugglers - frequent the caves below and the town itself: if you come across them, be prudent and turn a blind eye.

At points the forest closes around the track: on no account leave the road and press on swiftly, between the high standing stones marking the boundary and downhill towards Vertigo gorge.

The town is built in this deep ravine: half-timbered houses cling to the rock walls on either side and the road leads down the middle, so Vertigo's street only sees the sun at midday. Although gloomy the steep gorge is not dank, it is so steep that rain drains like a stream over the picturesque cobbles. The mayor’s house is the first one you come to, on the left, the highest in the gorge. Reside here and avoid the numerous inns. You will see the house’s furnishings curiously cut into the living stone of the back wall. Nevertheless it is dry, comfortable and prosperous. For repast you will be offered dulse and cod, or wild boar from the forest - which becomes the ‘salt pork’ so popular with caravel crews. Try their dainties of salsify, lobster, pine beer or Cobalt rum.

You will want to explore town, guided by the mayor or his deputy. Do not go down the gorge to the quayside alone: even if you are an expert at fencing as the rapaciousness of Morenzian men reaches its very height in the depths of Vertigo. Even the women of this town are, understandably, of a more rough disposition and less conversable than their neighbours. You will see the small harbour, ropewalks, the Muskeg Arms tavern popular with fishermen and worse, and the saltworks where the tide fills vats of brine that are then boiled dry. You may wonder why you came all this way, but once at home you will treasure the experience and have tales to tell. Why not purchase some pearls from the merchants at the customs house to bring home and have set as mementos?

The tour now bends its way northwards, via ship from Vertigo to Peregrine, passing the storm-wracked, rocky coastline of Grass Isle.


NB) Diw, the capital of the Litanee region, and Vertigo, the capital of the Cathee region, are townships still under the governance of mayors. It is a confusing system found only in the backwaters of Morenzia. As with the governorship of Hacilith city itself, Diw and Vertigo elect their mayors by ballot. The mayor, a man or woman from one of the well-known and prosperous families, is elected for life with no succession. The elections themselves are rowdy occasions and it is strongly recommended that you delay your visit if one is taking place. The townships govern themselves to a large extent but Hacilith administers the fyrd recruitment for the entire country, which could therefore be considered as a single manor. It may seem surprising but you should accord the mayors as much respect as if they were the manor's stewards.

The house of the Mayor of Diw: click for full-size