Pell's Hold

Pell's Hold is the capital and largest city in Cambria with a population of over 50,000. Of these roughly 80% are Reets, 5% are Southerners, 5% are Sankhats and 5% other races (of which the largest group is Dwarves). The City is set in the King's Lands, a rich area of agriculture directly administered by the Crown.

Pell's Hold was famously founded by St. James when he led his followers out of Reetland. He chose the spot because of a legend that said an ancient city boasting a magnificent Pelorean cathredral once stood on the site. He might have been right since 'Pell' is an old name for Pelor and 'Pell's Hold' existed as a name for the location before the first foundations of the new city were built. Also traces of an ancient Dwarvish road could be seen crossing the River Ulor at the site and foundations of older buildings have been found during building works.

The City has stout stone walls although its defences have never been tested, Cambrian strategy being to avoid an enemy army getting too close to its capital at all costs. The Kings have always resisted any expansion of the City outside of these walls but in the last few years a shanty town has grown up around both the main gates of the City. The citizens of Pell's Hold complain regularly to the King about this new development as they feel it encourages an already rising tide of crime. The King's response has been to increase the security of the wealthier parts of the City at the expense of the poorer parts with the result that the Watch are reluctant to patrol some areas.

Notwithstanding these problems the City still bustles with activity both as a centre of trade and a centre of political intrigue. Not only do foreign governments have their agents here but many of the Lords of the provinces are resident in Pell's Hold for large parts of the year and have taken to spying on each other as they vye for influence with the King.

The King's obsession with his crusade against magic has ironically seen more magic users visibly stationed at key points in the City. Those carrying magic items are likely to have them confiscated and the unlucky may be thrown in the dungeons on sedition charges. There is, however, rumoured to be a black market where arcane items are auctioned for those with sufficient gold and the right contacts. There is also a rumour that narcotic substances long outlawed in Cambria can also now be obtained at underground markets in the City.