Dahhod

Dahhod is a Jadali Quarters and resort town located in the western part of the Kiillaanian National Maple Forest along the Tarralan Ried Ohrley. It was officially recognized as a town of New Gypsy in the year 1322 and since that time has grown into not only a home for deep-rooted Jadali-Kiillra culture but a popular tourist attraction as well. It is most famous for its amazing display of fiery-colored maple leaves in the fall season as well as the merriments around Harvest Festival.

Transportation
Dahhod is located 6 miles from New Gypsy's western border with Baydi and 43 miles south of the major railway system that passes through the forest in the northern part of the state.

The main mode of transportation into Dahhod is by railway, taking the K2-Tarra-Tevernid Line and exiting at the Dahhod-Falco Hub, which runs directly into the heart of Dahhod. There is no major highway running through Dahhod, as many people prefer horse or foot to cars, and the only way to access Dahhod by car is by entering from the Maple Forest Highway South and taking one of three Dahhod exits. All roads are car-accessible though many are unpaved and are simply dirt roads. The closest major cities are Falco (50 miles to the east) and Tarra (82 miles northwest).

History
Dahhod was established in approximately 1260 by Jadali soldiers and their families who wanted to preserve their heritage while still being loyal to Kiillaana. Large groups of settlers headed west along the long-famed Wise Trail which led from the capital city of Tevernid through the plains and hills to the smithing town of Tavener, several thousand miles away, where they put their smithing skills to use. They then traveled west from Tavener, discovering the massive maple forest and establishing the city of Tarra (the Keòen word for forest) along its edge. Over the next few decades many of these families followed the river (Tarralan Ried Ohrley) further into the heart of this forest, stopping at a place described as "serene, quiet, and quaint." The settlers called their settlement Dahhod (Jadali spelling: Dachod), the Keòen word for refuge. It became a part of New Gypsy in 1322 and is one of the state's oldest cities.

Over the years the city has remained the largest Jadali Quarters outside of New Asia and its rich Jadali heritage has stayed constant. It is home to several museums and other history educational centers and is a hotspot for those who want to study Jadali culture. The main attraction of the city, of course, is the brilliance of the bright maple leaves in the fall when they turn from green to a whole spectrum of brilliant fiery colors. All year long the city hosts visitors who have come to enjoy the beauty of nature and the cozy, loving aura that the city and its inhabitants possess.

The city, though not completely like the settlements of Jadali, is still very much the same. While electricity is present, most prefer to use it sparingly and choose to live much like those in their native land. All buildings are built by hand and every detail is still hand-crafted, giving the city its unique feel from the surrounding areas. The people are very community-oriented and monthly city gatherings are a treasured part of Dahhod's heritage. All Jadali and Kiillaanian festivals are celebrated with much song and dance.

Climate
Dahhod has mild and wet spring and fall seasons with temperatures from 40-60 degrees. The summers are pleasantly warm, averaging 80-95 degrees with occasional rain, and the winters are on the high side of cold, snow present from about December through February, though never more than a few inches.

Demographics
The majority of Dahhod's residents are pure or mostly-pure Jadali-Kiillra with some people of total Kiillaanian descent among them. The biggest crest in Dahhod is the 'Airbhroch (red hair) line which descends from Arador Montalo's children. Other large crests include Lochkai del Ardin, Lochmont, and Hieldin- all with both pure and nonpure members present.

On average, a Dahhod native goes back only two generations before being traced back to Jadali, especially if the person is pure, meaning they have the one blue and one brown eye. Approximately 25% of the population is deep-rooted, going back 200 years or more. There are several strong families with several generations; often shops in the Teracor Dahhod (Heart of Dahhod or city center) go back several generations with their ownership. Most families who own major businesses live above their shops while the rest live in neighborhoods surrounding the city center.

Government
The town of Dahhod has a simple mayor and city council composed of three natives, one "foreign" representative, a representative from 'Echola Dahhod (University of Dahhod), and a representative from the city of Yofreya. The mayor takes all issues and minutes to the capital of Falco when needed. The members of council and the mayor are elected by the people in an open vote by people 16 and older, once every two years.

Notable Buildings
Dahhod covers a relatively large area although most of it is family-owned property and is very spread out. The heart of the city is only about one square mile and contains many historic buildings. Some of the most famous are listed below:

• Sothrey Tavern- the largest restaurant of the city, Sothrey Tavern is a place of merriment and celebration. It can host many people at one time and offers local fine cuisine and a great selection of drinks. It is also the largest inn of the city with 2,000 quaint rooms to host visitors. It regularly books out around Harvest Festival but those who know the owners can always get good rooms. It's as big as the castle and has an inviting aura of kinship within its arched stone walls.
  
• Cothrey Riedfort- the castle of the city, this beautiful fortress was once home to the mayor of the city although nowadays it serves as the town museum, showcasing art and artifacts from its long history. It is still home to the meeting hall for political activities as well as court for the city.
  
• Center Stage- This lovely stage and field among the trees serves as the main area for the music of the many annual festivals. It also serves as the theatre for local productions and a stage for meetings.
• The Great Law Hall of Dahhod- This beautiful white building is where marriages are officiated. It is estimated that over 18,000 couples marry in this building every year, surrounded by the beauty of green or red nature.
• The Stroll- This is the name of the main street and contains an assortment of shops selling everything from handmade goods to maple treats to the local market. It also contains the train station that takes people along the Dahhod-Falco line. About 35% of the population takes this train every day to go to work in other cities like Yofreya, Falco, Tarra, and Griso. The Stroll is adorned with cobblestone walks and brightly colored buildings all with different styles like mosaic tile and ornate stone.
• 'Echola Dahhod- Dahhod is also home to a small college that offers mastery certification in most skills as well as degrees in Art, Woodworking, History, and Language Studies. The population of this school is 2400 and is comprised about 65% of natives and 35% from out of the city who have fallen in love with its charm or history.
• Tarralan Ried Ohrley- this beautiful river flows through the center of town and separates Dahhod into the eastern populated part and the western part of 'Echola Dahhod and two large neighborhoods. Its name means Swift River of the Forest-Fellows.
  

Music and Festivals
Like its parent Jadali, Dahhod is centered around music and celebration. All Jadali and Kiillaanian holidays are celebrated, often with lots of song, dance, and food. There are many local musicians who play in small combos or as small orchestras which accompany singers and dancers. Almost every Dahhod resident has some musical ability and knows how to sing, dance, or play an instrument.

The most famously celebrated festival in Dahhod is Harvest Festival ('Atàine Rebh), which falls on the last week of November. Because of the time of year, the trees are in full Autumn color and the crisp coldness of the air is pleasant. An aura of celebration and excitement falls upon the city like a blanket of good cheer and the whole week is full of songs and dances as the celebration of the changing of seasons and the year's harvest takes place. There is lots of gratitude and thanksgiving and the locals and visitors alike always have a wonderful time.

Notable Natives and Residents
Sarech Sobol- professor of clarinet at University of Baydi, Tarra
Merkeir Larkos- professor of oboe at University of Baydi, Tarra (now lives in Tarra)
Ashlan Sorela- son of S. R. Sorela, co-owner of Sothrey Tavern

Trivia
-The one major export of Dahhod is maple syrup and it has made the city famous.
-There are annual toy boat races every year along the river.
-Terabi himself has been documented as visiting the city on several occasions.
-The main language of Dahhod is Keòen but the spelling of many words is different. Just like any dialect, there are also words unique to this area.
-Since the Kiillaanian National Maple Forest spans 4 states, anything within its boundaries counts as one "state" meaning that Dahhod natives that work at or attend UBT (or any other place in Tarra) are not treated like they are out of state. This holds true for any other city contained in the KNMF.