Setting Information: Bermuda

Bermuda is a British overseas territory located in the North Atlantic Ocean. It consists of 138 islands that form a fishhook-shaped landmass, stretching some 22 miles in length and about a mile across. Bridges and causeways connect the eight largest islands.



CtL Reality
What is not known by the Mortals is this particular area is riddled with Hedge Portals and gateways connecting Bermuda to its Hedge counterpart Crossworld. This connection makes the area very dangerous to Changeling society. Agents of the Fea, Hobgoblins and Privateers make a regular appearance along these shores. The trade here is like no other in either world.  Freeholds fear Bermuda and its surrounds keeping it at arms reach, though never turning their backs completely. The open activity is worth keeping an eye on.

The Bermuda Triangle also known as the Devil's Triangle, is a loosely defined region in the western part of the North Atlantic Ocean, where a number of aircraft and ships are said to have disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Though humans deny the truth. The reality of this lays in the Hedge, the areas natural affinity to hedge portals. Connection the Atlantic Ocean in the Mortal realm to The Sea of Nettles of the Hedge.  The Nettle sea now being a grave yard of ships and aircraft lost.

Brief History Mortal History
In 1609 Sir George Somers, of England, set sail aboard the Sea Venture. Caught in a storm, the Sea Venture began to founder. In order to keep from sinking, the ship was driven onto the reefs east of Bermuda. All 150 crewmembers and passengers survived and are credited with the settling of Bermuda.

Early in the 17th century, slavery was introduced. Most of them were laborers and domestic workers. Many were treated brutally, resulting in revolts. Finally, in 1807, slave trade was outlawed and by 1834 all slaves were freed.

As the arable land was too small for a significant agricultural industry, the focus was on the maritime, with the islands' Bermuda cedar trees used for shipbuilding. In the 18th century many of the merchant vessels built in Bermuda were used for privateering, preying on shipments from Spain and France. During the American War of Independence, the Bermudians were aggressive in their attacks on American ships.

Tobacco however remained a export.

In 1815, the capital was moved from St. George's to the port city of Hamilton, in the center of the island. Since Britain had lost its ports in the American colonies, Bermuda became a stopover point between Canada and British possessions in the Caribbean.

Racial Tensions
Racial tensions began to grown in the 1960's with the blacks protesting unfair treatment. In 1968, a race riot erupted in Hamilton due to only whites being given access to an overcrowded fair. In 1973, blacks assassinated Sir Richard Sharples, Bermuda's white governor, and two aides. Even today, racial segregation remains a source of tension.

Bermuda Today
Bermuda was granted internal self-government in 1977, with a Westminster-based parliamentary system and 40 elected members in the Assembly. Britain retained control of the defense and foreign policy.

The three main issues the government of Bermuda faces are the economy, which relies heavily on financial services and tourism, continued discussion of independence, and the retaining of British citizenship.

Bermuda Tourism
Visitors to Bermuda are always interested in the housing, which is comprised of cement block in order to preserve the native coral limestone. The architecture has been adapted to withstand the hurricanes and extreme winds Bermuda experiences.

Famed for Bermuda shorts, the original Bermuda onion, and of course the Bermuda Triangle, the island's tourism has grown significantly over the last 50 years.

Bermuda's pink sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, offshore reefs and the Royal Naval Dockyard are major attractions. Of note: it is not possible to rent a car on the island, so in addition to walking the pleasant streets, many travelers choose to rent a bicycle or scooter.

Geography
St. George's Island
One of the main islands of the territory of Bermuda. The first part of Bermuda to be extensively colonised, and the town of St. George's contains many of the territory's oldest buildings. Notable among these are St. Peter's Church, and the State House, and many forts, including Gate's Fort. Fort St. Catherine, close to the island's (and Bermuda's) northernmost point, is a 19th-century construction built upon a 17th-century base. it is where the first English settlers ship wrecked in the sea venture in 1609.

St. David's Island
Is one of the main islands of Bermuda. It is located in the far north of the territory, one of the two similarly sized islands that makeup the majority of St. George's Parish.
Enlarged by reclamation, and by absorbing Long Bird Island and Cooper's Island, in 1942 to allow room for a US military base (originally the US Army's Fort Bell/Kindley Field, later Kindley Air Force Base, and then USNAS Bermuda) which occupied over half the island. The base was closed in 1995, but much of its facilities are still used as part of L.F. Wade International Airport.

Tucker's Town
Tucker's Town was founded despite the harbor itself being unprotected from the weather and isolated from the rest of the island with hopes of it becoming a rich attraction. Over the years fa lure after failure saw it become one of the poorest and neglected locals by the twentieth century until its redevelopment where much reefs where dynamited to make way for resorts and mansions. There are also many other international millionaires and billionaires that flock to this area of the island, mainly from Europe, the northeast USA

The Causeway
Crosses from the main island to St. David's Island (A connecting bridge), and beyond this a stretch of water known as Ferry Reach connects the harbor with St. George's Harbor to the north, where Bermuda's first permanent settlement.

Hamilton
This is the Capital city of Bermuda. It is the territory's financial cent re and a major port and tourist destination. Hamilton is located on the north side of Hamilton Harbour, and is Bermuda's main port.