Princemarch

Princemarch is a fictional princedom (or country) in Melanie Rawn's fantasy novels of the Dragon Prince and Dragon Star trilogies.

Princemarch is a central Princedom on the Continent and is the traditional seat of the High Prince. Roelstra's Line has ruled this princedom since the ancient times of the diarmadh'im, or sorcerers', rule. After the diarmadh'im fell from power, they went into hiding in the Veresch Mountains, which cover nearly half of Princemarch.

The geography of Princemarch varies from ice-capped mountains and thick forests to rich soil in green valleys that can grow nearly anything. The South boasts the cropland and valleys, producing fruits, grains, and vegetables as well as meats, cheese, and nuts. To the east are the Vere Hills, which borders the Desert, then to the north are the Great Veresch Mountains. The mountains rise quickly over the lowlands, the tallest peak covered in snow even through the summer. Lower peaks sprouted conifers, which rose to heights of ten or twenty men with needles the length of an arm. Twinning throughout the mountains, streams flow into lakes of pure water. In the valley meadows flowers of every color grow, sheltered by thick forests. Scattered throughout the forests and above the snowline were jutting granite stones and boulders as well as caves.

Dragons fly over the southern portion of the princedom and even rest near some of the lakes, such as in Dragon's Rest Valley.

The people of Princemarch are typically dark haired with pale skin. The eyes vary in coloring, but many seem to be vividly colored. The mountain folk are often perceived as ignorant or naive, while the more 'civilized' people tend to live in the lowlands as farmers - even though if they are glorified ones.

Hawking is a sport for the elite of Princemarch, which became widespread in 719 as the birds were sold at the Rialla. This new way of hunting soon became very popular and the sale of pedigree hawks soon flourished as a trade.

Rock climbing is also a popular sport in this mountainous land. The test of manhood and prowess in Princemarch involves climbing a steep cliff overlooking the Faolain River near Castle Crag and then propelling down the cliff as if in flight. Large iron rings have been driven into the rock to secure the climbers in place. Each climber has a rope tied around his or her waist, connecting to another person and to the rings. As the lead climber reaches a new ring he/she ties the rope to the higher ring. To climb a person finds hand and foot holds carved into the rock. There are various ledges jutting out of the rock, which are often used for short breaks. Young Prince Pol climbed this perilous trek, but was attacked by Merida before he made it to the top. Pol swore to complete the task, but the people of Princemarch had already embraced him as their own and declared that he had proved his worth.

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