Geography of the Edge Chronicles

The Edge Chronicles, a series of fantasy novels written by Paul Stewart and illustrated by Chris Riddell, is notable for the alternate universe it is set in, known as the Edge. The Edge is described as a massive spur jutting out into space like the prow of a ship, and is divided into several sections. From the tip of the Edge to its base, these are:

The Stone Gardens

The Stone Gardens are a rocky plateau, inhabited by nothing but white ravens. It is here that stacks of buoyant rocks grow. These rocks are used in sky ships throughout the series. The Stone Gardens are a feared place by many, due to the eerie noises made by the white ravens and the groaning of the rocks themselves. In Clash of the Sky Galleons, the Stone Gardens are overseen by a man named Zaphix Nemulis.

Undertown

Undertown is a large city, situated on the banks of the Edgewater River. It is the poorer and more ramshackle of the the twin cities; although many believe it is a prosperous place and migrate there in hopes of a better life, most are reduced to begging.

Much of Undertown is destroyed between the events of Midnight Over Sanctaphrax and The Last of the Sky Pirates when New Sanctaphrax succumbs to stone-sickness, crushing all of the western and some of the eastern bank. The destroyed section becomes known as Screetown, and is a dangerous place, inhabited as it is by rock demons and other carnivorous creatures. What remains becomes known as Old Undertown.

Several places within Undertown are mentioned throughout the series.

  • The Tarryvine Tavern is a bar that is known as a safe haven to sky pirates. During the time of Clash of the Sky Galleons it is run by Glaviel Glynte and Sister Horsefeather, but is burnt down by the leagues as part of their purge.
  • The Western Quays is a name given to Undertown's most affluent district. It is here that the rich sky pirates and leaguesmen have their palaces. Much of the Western Quays were burnt down by Turbot Smeal in a horrible fire that killed thousands, including Wind Jackal's family.
  • The sky-shipyard is where sky ships are built and repaired. During Clash of the Sky Galleons it is run by a leaguesmaster named Thelvis Hollrig.
  • The Sluice Tower is a large building that houses Undertown's largest sewer, which spills over the Edge into the blackness below. It is also used to divert floodwater from the Edgewater River. Its upper floors are used by the poor as dormitories.
  • The Bloodoak Inn is a huge tavern that, like the Tarryvine before it, is known as a safe haven to sky pirates. It is run by Mother Horsefeather, who also assisted in the running of the Tarryvine.
  • The Palace of Statues is a palace built and lived in by Vox Verlix.
  • The Hive-Huts are the home of Tytugg and his goblin minions.

The Mire

The mire is a treaturous place full of oozefish and poisonous blowholes but made possible to cross by The Great Mire Roadbuilt by the Most High Academe Vox Verlix. This is where after stone sickness spreads across the Edge the sky pirates scuttled their fleet. Unwanting to give up their life of plundering and purging they took to attacking the Great Mire Road which was heavily gaurded by shrykes.