The first weyr established on the northern continent, Fort Weyr lies in the mountains near Fort and Ruatha and is able to hold up six-hundred dragons, a population only Benden can equal. It has a moderate, subtropical climate with distinct seasons and is supplied by tithes from nearby Holds. It was built in the caldera of an extinct volcano before the colonists' machines stopped working. To this day, some of its oldest internal walls are smoother than anything made by human hands.
Fort's leadership follows the traditional hierarchy, with the goldriders and their dragons' mates serving as Weyrwomen and Weyrleaders. Riders of smaller dragons, however, can rise as high as wingleader and every rider is treated with basic respect. While bronzes and golds do hold higher rank, other riders are not sacrificed, seen as disposable or otherwise abused.
Fort has held the Peacekeeper title since it was established, with some brief breaks when the position was usurped by other weyrs. What precisely this means is a matter of some debate as other weyrs do not for the most part welcome Fortian interference into their internal affairs. But it is an honor many Fortians take pride in and Fort Weyr is determined to keep the planet from falling into war and chaos again.
Fort Hold
Fort Hold is Pern's oldest hold and remains one of the largest. It is built of stone kept carefully clear of all greenery. Fort is a hold of the traditional model, ruled by a single Blooded family for generations. The current Lord is a woman named Vellaren, who rules well and with a lighter hand than her predecessor.
The last lord, Evander, was a tyrant, using a corpse of armed guards to oppress his citizens. Many of said guards were wherhandlers who committed atrocities on his orders, so some Fortians are still distrustful of whers and their people. Scars of his time still linger and most remember what it was like to live under his iron thumb.
Fort Hold is the hold most closely linked to the nearby Healer, Harper and Beastcrafter Halls. Its climate is temperate, with distinct seasons, but it is prone to droughts.
Fort's people are a diverse mix of crafters, wherhandlers and unskilled laborers. Many cotholds are beholden to Fort and it is among Pern's wealthiest and most successful holds.