Post by Beolakh on Jun 24, 2007 20:12:48 GMT -5
Srada: Land of Sand and Fire
People from Srada are "Sradans," singular "Sradan."
Terrain: In the west, Srada is blanketed by the Chakamvua Rainforest. The wood is hot and humid, fed by the Kinjito River and warm, heavy rains from the sea. It is home to all manner of plant and animal life found nowhere else in Domhantir.
In Srada's central region, between the forks of the Inkomba Mountains, lies the Bone Land: Mkuranga. Rains per year in this desert can often be counted on one hand. Nevertheless, Mkuranga is not devoid of life. Headstrong travelers have often come stumbling off the sand ranting about bizarre beasts living beneath the sand. Some believe there is nothing to the stories, that they are merely ramblings of madmen. Most, however, believe they're better safe than sorry.
One excursion into the Bone Land yielded accounts of nomadic tribes living in its southern-most extremes, surviving on oasis water from subterannean fountains. Allegedly, these nomads possessed extraordinary horses, bred for phenomenal speed, endurance, and strength.
East of the mountains, arid grasslands run along the Kumfumbo River to the east coast. Massive herds of large game roam the savana, along with several species of predators unique to Srada. The area is frequented by Talambrian hunters looking to bag rare kills and capture animals for use in the Talmas.
Srada's two largest cities lie on the east coast: Kamji, the capital, and Zitar, a burgeoning naval base.
People: For the most part, Srada is populated by humans. Its people are very tribal, especially further west, away from the kazi's influence in Kamji. Their religious thought is very animalistic and based on a form of reincarnation. Men (and women) who further and provide for their families are reincarnated as predators--the very greatest are reborn as lions--while those who live shamefully return as prey animals. Therefore, to kill a wildebeest is an honorable thing, and to be mauled by a lion is a sign of having angered the gods.
Government: A number of tribes occupy Srada, and each enjoys virtual free reign in its affairs. However, the kazi in Kamji has held loose reigns over the people for nearly a thousand years. She is able to collect meager taxes from the tribes, both in the form of goods and young men to fill her armies. Other than that, however, she has little influence. The current kazi is Queen Mkonja.
Economy: Srada lacks the capital to purchase any major imports from other countries. However, it is a major export of slaves and big game to Talambar. Otherwise, the tribes possess only what they can make themselves.
((Note: the Sradan language is based on Swahili. If you're looking for some Sradan-sounding words and names, there's a handy lexicon here.))
People from Srada are "Sradans," singular "Sradan."
Terrain: In the west, Srada is blanketed by the Chakamvua Rainforest. The wood is hot and humid, fed by the Kinjito River and warm, heavy rains from the sea. It is home to all manner of plant and animal life found nowhere else in Domhantir.
In Srada's central region, between the forks of the Inkomba Mountains, lies the Bone Land: Mkuranga. Rains per year in this desert can often be counted on one hand. Nevertheless, Mkuranga is not devoid of life. Headstrong travelers have often come stumbling off the sand ranting about bizarre beasts living beneath the sand. Some believe there is nothing to the stories, that they are merely ramblings of madmen. Most, however, believe they're better safe than sorry.
One excursion into the Bone Land yielded accounts of nomadic tribes living in its southern-most extremes, surviving on oasis water from subterannean fountains. Allegedly, these nomads possessed extraordinary horses, bred for phenomenal speed, endurance, and strength.
East of the mountains, arid grasslands run along the Kumfumbo River to the east coast. Massive herds of large game roam the savana, along with several species of predators unique to Srada. The area is frequented by Talambrian hunters looking to bag rare kills and capture animals for use in the Talmas.
Srada's two largest cities lie on the east coast: Kamji, the capital, and Zitar, a burgeoning naval base.
People: For the most part, Srada is populated by humans. Its people are very tribal, especially further west, away from the kazi's influence in Kamji. Their religious thought is very animalistic and based on a form of reincarnation. Men (and women) who further and provide for their families are reincarnated as predators--the very greatest are reborn as lions--while those who live shamefully return as prey animals. Therefore, to kill a wildebeest is an honorable thing, and to be mauled by a lion is a sign of having angered the gods.
Government: A number of tribes occupy Srada, and each enjoys virtual free reign in its affairs. However, the kazi in Kamji has held loose reigns over the people for nearly a thousand years. She is able to collect meager taxes from the tribes, both in the form of goods and young men to fill her armies. Other than that, however, she has little influence. The current kazi is Queen Mkonja.
Economy: Srada lacks the capital to purchase any major imports from other countries. However, it is a major export of slaves and big game to Talambar. Otherwise, the tribes possess only what they can make themselves.
((Note: the Sradan language is based on Swahili. If you're looking for some Sradan-sounding words and names, there's a handy lexicon here.))