[@Atrophy] it's been a bit less than a decade since the monsters started showing up. And as far as Bastions of civilization goes. There's the Expeditionary Camp, which is a fortified little base built around the main port of one of the ruined cities, which serves as a landing zone for ships from Yggrdasil, the base is probably only half a dozen blocks wide, with timber walls and barricades shutting them off from the rest of the city. There are also a few outposts dotted throughout the continent, but these are more temporary camps. 

[@Oni_][@Noxx] sidearms are typically single shot Flintlock pistols and derringers, though the closest thing on gets to a revolver is a pepperbox, essentially a Flintlock gun with multiple preloaded barrels.