I don't quite remember the reason why the southern continent was abandoned, since the soil worms and dragons negated the need for fire crews. I guess the rocky soil of the northern continent couldn't support it, thus initiating a societal pressure due to an increased workload resulting in the huge division of labour first seen in Dragonsinger.

I remember, also, an interview that McCaffery gave where the question was asked ... "Why don't you put religion in Pern?"

Her answer was simply, "Because it's my world and religion has no bearing on the story."

I remember being impressed. Still am. I have the same attitude on shoehorning in niggers or faggots, or genderswapping. "Why? ... Does it matter to the story? No? Then why change it?"

I don't quite remember the reason why the southern continent was abandoned, since the soil worms and dragons negated the need for fire crews. I guess the rocky soil of the northern continent couldn't support it, thus initiating a societal pressure due to an increased workload resulting in the huge division of labour first seen in Dragonsinger.

I remember, also, an interview that McCaffery gave where the question was asked ... "Why don't you put religion in Pern?"

Her answer was simply, "Because it's my world and religion has no bearing on the story."