Somery has regular airline connections with a number of the larger cities on Vexillium. Most flights arrive at Sherthevear International Airhaven outside Sibury, or at Wimprish Lofthaven near Melster. If you travel by boat, you are most likely to arrive at Eamouth, Melster, or Sibury which are the most important harbours in the country. If you decide to arrive by land there are two main roads leading into Somery, one from Terra Extremis to the east, and one from the south, from Cimera. There is also a road over a pass in the Angel Mountains from Wesmerite. Apart from these there are naturally several smaller roads crossing the border. If you enjoy the train you are less lucky, but there are far-reaching plans for connecting the railway systems of Somery and Cimera, and possibly also an extension into Terra Extremis.

WHEN TO GO

Somery has in most areas a rather mild climate, which means not too hot summers, and not much snow in winter, apart from the Angel Mountains area, and to a certain degree the Rimn Hills, which would be your destination if you are into winter sports. Naturally the climate tends to be somewhat cooler in the northern parts of the country. This means that virtually any time of the year is a good time to go. E.g. The Dellswyshire Dawes in the Angel Mts and Rowry Dene in the Rimn Hills are excellent for skiing in winter, but also for hiking and mountaineering during the summer season. Contact your local travel agency to get more thorough information on when to go where. There are also a number of cultural events throughout the year what may be worth giving some attention (see below for some examples).

EMBASSIES

Somery has diplomatic relations with a number of countries and most embassies are located within the ward of The Close in central Sibury. Telephone numbers and addresses for these are easily found in phone books.

BANKS AND EXCHANGING OF CURRENCY

Opening hours vary, but usually banks are open from 9:30 to 15:00, Monday to Friday, with one day (or in rare cases two days) a week open until 17:30. In the larger cities they tend to have extended opening hours but do not take this for granted. Exchange offices do more commonly follow this trend. So called 'cash machines', in Somery usually marked 'Breightomfee', are common in all larger cities and most towns of some size. Here you can use a number of major credit cards. Many hotels also exchange foreign currencies and cash traveller's cheques but usually at a less favourable rate. Do not forget your passport when you intend to exchange money. The Somerish currency is commonly known to be a tricky one before you get used to it. Basically 1 Somerish rose is 40 pennies. Other terms that pop up are really the names of various coins, a 'coren' being half a rose (20 pennies), a 'ferthing' a quarter (10), and a 'teithe' a tenth (4). Added to this is the 'bannock' which is a quarter of a penny, which means you need 160 of those to make a rose.

GETTING AROUND: DRIVING

As a foreigner to drive in Somery you need a valid driving licence, a certificate of registration for your car, a nationality sign and a red warning triangle. You also need a third party liability insurance. Driving without a safety belt is illegal, both in the front seats and the back. Drinking and driving is strictly forbidden and can cause, apart from spending time in jail, expulsion for a number of years. Speed limits are generally 50 kmph (ca 30 mph) in populated areas, 70 (ca 45) or 90 (ca 55) on country roads and 110 (ca 68) on motorways, which are usually so called 'link roads'.
Naturally it's good to know the local road signs.

GETTING AROUND: GOING BY BUS AND TRAIN

Somery has an extensive public transport system and it is possible to get almost anywhere in the country by train or bus. For a foreigner there are several options with so called 'howeless shrithers' (carefree movers), which can give you e.g. unlimited travel at an affordable price on most trains and buses for a period of 8 or 15 consecutive days, or 15 travelling days in a month, etc. Contact your local train ticket office for more information.

WEAPONS

The Somerish weapon laws are very strict. For the possession and use of any kind of gun (air-rifles excluded, although you do need a permit to use them within populated areas) you need a licence. The carrying of a gun in a public place is only allowed for the Lathe Warden on duty. At all times, when a gun is not used for hunting or at sport events or the practice for such, it must be locked away in an legally approved locker.

ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND OTHER DRUGS

The possession and use of all drugs apart from alcohol and tobacco are illegal, apart from such drugs that are prescribed for documented illnesses. The possession and use of alcohol and tobacco are restricted to adults, i.e. those who are at least 18 years old. Note that smoking is not allowed in most public buildings, restaurants, shopping malls etc. The Somerish alcohol culture spells 'temperance' and drinking alcohol let alone getting drunk during a working week is considered very bad taste. If you should bump into a drunk person, it's most likely a foreigner, and probably heading for jail before long, to sleep it off.

BEACHES

The beaches are not exactly what Somery is famous for, even though there are quite a few nice ones, the most popular being the ones along the Dunes coastline in Morentwyshire, and around Towen and Meaham on the east coast.

NIGHT LIFE

If you're looking to get pissed and dance your arse off, Somery is most likely not the place for you, but if you're into enjoying a late night at a cozy 'cotshirt' (jazz) club, you might find what you want among the music clubs of Sibury and Melster.

ART AND CULTURE

Now, this is probably Somery's strongest card, with several theatres, concert houses, and art galleries all over the country, not to mention the abundance of regular music events throughout the year, culminating at the Allsomerish Whit Kirthfair in Sibury at the beginning of June. Those who are into architecture will find lots to look at, of which one of the highlights is the historical centre of Willowbury, with its wellpreserved streets lined with half-timbered houses, and the stone buildings, including the old theyn hall, from the VIth - Vth century AP, in Prydwirth.

THE NATIVES

The Somerish may seem shy and cold at first, but once you get beneath the surface you will find a very kind and hospitable people, especially if you visit one of the music events.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Skiing is best in Dellswyshire Dawes in the Angel Mountains, and in Rowry Dene in the Rimn Hills. Mountaineering can also enjoyed in these same places during the warm season. Boating on the canals of Shireddin Wetlands and Avillion Evens, and sailing in the archipelagoes of Melynion (around Isle of Milne) and Orcadion (Orchid Islands) are activities enjoyed by thousands. Willset Moors to the north have plenty of hiking trails, and those that way inclined should also try the Lancreigh Shoreline National Park, with dramatic trails along an ironbound coast.

MOREOVER

In July practically the whole of Somery is at a standstill since most industries close for four consecutive weeks although there are slight variations. People in the cities travel to the coasts and their countryside houses to rest, and the tourist attractions are frequented by people from all over the country as well as foreign tourists who are now starting to discover the gently attractive pleasantness of the low pace of the warm season in the Summery Lands. May can offer nice sunny weather and in spite of temporary lack of cloudless skies and the occasional showers, which are ensuring the wellknown greenness of the Somerish dales and hills, swimfriendly weather is far from uncommon. So, don't hesitate, book a week or two in any one of the pleasant seaside resorts, such attractive waterfront gems as Towen, Meaham, Sundmere, Shester and Silchton-on-the-Dunes. If you're into boating you will enjoy excellent sailing in Melynion and Orcadion archipelagos. Contact the Milnish Wilseylendwick (Sailing Tourist office) in Colme, Hatherwick, or Coverbyn, or the Orcadish Wilseylendwick in Sherminny or Dawvellis for more information. Walking can be enjoyed also on several locations. We recommend the Lancreigh Shoreline Pathway with its ironbound coast and breath-taking sights, the Moorland Pathways of southern Shirleith (Branmoor Hills, Coymoor Wolds, and Willset Moors) with their heatherclad slopes, and the wealth of footpaths of North Melstershire. The Wilferrendwicks (tourist offices) in Archill, Stambeigh and Simouth can give extensive information on maps, available cabins for accomodation, and camp sites in the areas. Other suggestions and more information can be obtained through

The Somerish Rede of Wilfore (SRW) (The Somerish Tourist Council) 34, Willows High Str. SIBURY SY1 WL2 SOMERY Tel. 010-34 34 34 kithing@srw.co.sm EVENTS The SRW can recommend the following annual events, among others. (To the right the posters published to draw attention to the events can be seen) ALLSOMERISH WHIT KIRTH FAIR Sibury, early June Of all the music festivals in Somery, or 'kirthfairs' as the Somerish call them, this is the most prestigious one, and also a springboard from relative anonymity to nationwide fame. Several of the most popular artists in Somery, like Annideigh Carra and The Mirth have made their breakthrough during this festival. The styles of music performed during the week range from classical over traditional folk to contemporary pop music. DWIMMERDELL DREAM FRELS (Dwimmerdell Music Festival) Swanbury, Cornantshire, July This is one of the most famous pop and rock festivals in Somery, and this year it features, among others, Derwent Dunyon, Men in Plaid, and Annideigh Carra. The festival area is situated not far from the banks of Lake Ishill. This is a perfect opportunity to get a broad selection of what Somerish pop and rock music of today has to offer. EWSTETH EFTNEWING FRELS (Ewsteth 'Renaissance' Festival) Ewsteth, Ewst, around July 22 Where would a festival dedicated to the history of Somery be celebrated if not in Ewsteth where this country once was formed. People, locals and many tourists alike, dress up in characteristic clothes of the period, and music of the time can be heard all over town during the festival. If you don't have any clothes typical of Somery at the beginning of the new era such clothes can be hired in several shops. YELLET DENE KIRTH AND LEITH FAIR (Yellet Dene Folk Music and Poetry Fair) Skeith, Emmerset, Late July This is one of the most popular music events of the summer season. It is dedicated to Somerish folk music and poetry, featuring published poets as well as amateurs. Apart from the official performances you will find dozens of amateur musicians playing together, enjoying and communicating the language of the music deeply rooted in old Somerish tradition, still in constant development. MICHEL MODEN BLOSSOM FRELS (Michel Moden Flower Festival) Michel Moden, Ombridgeshire, Early August Flower Festivals are in no way uncommon in Somery, but few people celebrate it with such enthusiasm as the villagers of Michel Moden. Florists from all over the shire participate in the flower parade, and the festivities are concluded with impressive fireworks. WIELDSWORD WAVERSEEN FRELS (Wieldsword Theatre Festival) Melster, Melstershire, early August Enjoy the plays written by Shurrill Wieldsword, the most famous Somerish playwright ever, during a week in early August. Among his works the following can be seen, both in Somerish, and, at a limited number of performances, in Ingallish, 'The Great Departure', 'Druig Wurrend', 'The Eleventh Thane of Mar', and 'Three Crowns & Three Roses'. THREE DEANS QUIRE FRELS (Three Deans Choir Festival) Dunne Eaden, Bramleighshire, Mid August The three cities of Bramleigh, Dunster and Dunne Eaden alternates as host for this annual festival dedicated to choir music, old and new, a cappella and with orchestra. This part of lathe Lynnest, known as the Deans, is famous for its choral music and originally only local choirs were allowed to participate, but in the last three decades choirs from all over Somery have been welcome. The invitation of foreign choirs is currently being discussed and next year's event (303), taking place in Bramleigh, may very well feature the first participation of a foreign choir in the festival. WEDNESBURY QUICK TIVERING FRELS (Wednesbury Film Festival) Wednesbury, Winstershire, late August See the newest commercial films, meet the actors on premiers, enjoy independent movies, and laugh at the latest turkeys. How a film festival in an insignificant mid size town like Wednesbury has managed to get such a reputation and nationwide respect remains a riddle, but somehow they have pulled it off. Mingle with the movie makers and see the stars of the screen in the flesh, and maybe even see a movie. Welcome and enjoy your time off in Somery! Awrys Shillins Head of the SRW

THE PHRASES