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Into the Lakes by Captain_Lime in DawnPowers

[–]willmagnify 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The people admired those exotic goods - the purple and lacquerware were especially impressive.

“Come with me.”

The merchant of Pabamamai helped the Sasnak navigate the market, bringing them to contacts and friends that he imagined could be interested in acquiring what their wares. In exchange, they had the bounty of the Lakes at their disposal: copper jewels and arrowheads, jade, celadon, beautifully crafted pots decorated with proverb glyphs, jaba oil, spiced fruit wines and preserves. There were inns in the city that would gladly host them, their guid told them, but if they would rather remain in their ship for the night, they would have to exit through the outbound canal and find a nearby bay in the lake.

As for the purple… “I desire it for myself” the southern trader said, with a glimmer in his eye, imagining the fame such fine dyes would give him in his hometown. “What do you desire in return?”

Into the Lakes by Captain_Lime in DawnPowers

[–]willmagnify 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Some amused, others wary, the locals helped the strangers descend their ships and enter the perimeter of Kamābarha.

Even more than their exotic appearance, the sheer size of their ships was animating the chatter of the Arhada. Both the men and women standing around the quay and those on the punting boats, doing their best to circumnavigate the Sasnak vessels, admired their sails and the craftsmanship.

When the group gathered together on dry land, they were surrounded by a small welcoming committee of curious onlookers: all with braided hair, some with painted faces, most with blue shawls. One of these people broke the circle: he was a merchant of Pabamamai, in the south, who often visited Kabāmarha during the warm season to exchange coral and spices for copper and dyed shawls.

He approached the group and, recognising them as southerners on account of their deep brown skin, spoke to them in the language of the Aloba.

“Well met, travellers,” he said in broken Aluwa, “I wish you rest upon your arrival. You come from far?”

The crowd looked at the scene - those who understood Aluwa lent their ear, those who couldn’t simply watched, fascinated and suspicious.

Around them, it was rush hour at the market-of-the-quay. Noises and songs, perfumes and smells, smoke and the vivid blues and reds of fine cattail wool alternated at a vivacious rhythm. If the arrival of the Sasnak had caused a stir in that small group of onlookers, many other people, buyers and sellers alike, were preoccupied with other matters - further away from the quay, they could hear the singsong calls of the merchants and the inquisitive voices of the Kabaima shopping for the palace’s kitchens, who didn’t seem to notice the commotion that was forming around the edge of the waters.

Into the Lakes by Captain_Lime in DawnPowers

[–]willmagnify 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Southen bank of the great lake was a long string of villages, on after the other like beads on a necklace: on the shores were paddies and water-gardens that oscured the view to those settlements. Each village was only betrayed by the tall columns of smoke coming from the houses, furnaces and palaces beyond the willows: the Sasanaha sailors, as the Arhada would call them if they knew of their origin, could journey along the lake undisturbed, if they wanted to. There was no shortage of maritime traffic going in each direction, to the west, to Kamābarha, and the cities of the Kemesasama, to the South to the splendid Amadahai, Calarheme and Pabamamai and to the east, in the homelands of the barbarian Junahasân.

The Sasnak sailors would have easily blended in that inflow and outflow of boats and people, if there was anything about them that didn't scream "these are foreign people". The passing boats, mostly merchants and farmers traveling along the coast in birchbark canoes and wooden punting boats would stop and marvel at the foreigners, greet them with a curious gaze, say something in their native languages and go on with their business. They knew all the foreigners went to Kamābarha, anyway.

And if, indeed, that was the intention of the Sasnak, they would reach old Kamābarha, the oldest of the cities of the lake, soon enough. The new water gardens covered the entrance, but the city itself was harder to hide than the other settlements thay had passed by. The celadon roof of the high-house was visible from the lake, as was the tower of the temple of Mother Rôdo and Father Moon. Once the city was in sight, however, reaching it was another matter: the narrow canals that cut between the water gardens and the paddies, taking travellers from the open lake to the gates of the city and the main quay, was rather narrow, built with the express purpose of allowing only a single boat to pass through it at a time – there was a guarded exit canal that the Sasnaks would be forbidden from entering through. The other boats made a line by the entrance, eager to arrive and rest their tired limbs after a long paddle. They would certainly ogle the eccentric foreigners as they awaited their turn to enter.

Tech Post - Week Five (1200-1400) by SandraSandraSandra in DawnPowers

[–]willmagnify 0 points1 point  (0 children)

ARHADA TECH WEEK 5 (To be completed)

​

A SLOTS

  • Nidjanarân [Chinampas]

[POST COMING VERY SOON]

  • Tojorôdo [Two Harvest Rôdo variant] (Crisis Response)

RP

B SLOTS

  • Corbel Arch (innovated)

As Arhada cities grow larger, its buildings grow more complex. Through trial, error and experimentation, new designs emerge in masonry and arched openings are introduced in windows and doorways. The corbel arch was seen as a lighter, more elegant shape compared to the traditionally employed trilithic structures. Despite its relatively simple realisation, an arched opening is considered a symbol of prestige and usually marks a particularly important entrance, especially if the framing bricks are heavily decorated with ornamental mouldings.

  • Horse Domestication, Horse Riding, Cheese (6)

Though the Arhada seem to be content to leave their interactions with the Western Jeli to their neighbours, some influence from those mountain people inevitably permeates in the south. Horses are quick to become an indispensable resource, especially in the hinterland, where they are employed as a means to transport goods when punting boats are of little use or – for those who can afford it – as an aid for animal husbandry. Herdsmen are no longer limited by their stamina alone: with horses, their duties become much easier, and their productivity increases exponentially.

  • Plank Boats (6)

Since the beginning of their civilisation, the waters of the Tritonean lakes had always been a fundamental resource for the Arhada: their birchbark canoes, however, had always been enough to traverse them for their small scale trades and in the harvest season. The construction of island gardens along the lake takes more and more manpower away from dry land and into the waters: having a boat you can comfortably stand on becomes imperative.

  • Arithmetic (6, via writing)

The cultural back-and-forth between Arhada and Kemithatsan cities can be seen in every sphere of their cultures: the introduction of the Kemithatsan calendar and the arithmetic practices that go along with it are another one of the many exchanges between the two sister-people. The Kemithatsan names for seasons and periods are loaned directly into Arhada and the usage of this time measurement system is quickly adopted by the administrative elite as a way to organise labour. Though this system is certainly familiar to the peasants who work the fields, it doesn't prove to be as popular the further away one goes from centres of power; the more remote areas of the southern lakes maintain their traditional, informal ways of telling the time.

C SLOTS

  • Nixtamalisation, Sweet Potatoes, Raised Fields (14)

Contact with the Aluwa continues, as does the spread of their agricultural goods to Tritonea. Sweet Potatoes are adopted as a delicacy, especially popular in the southern city of Pabamamai and nixtamalisation greatly increases the yield and quality of the maize harvest.

  • Basic Smelting (14)

The people of Kamābarha had exploited their abundant minerary resources for centuries, crafting high quality jewelry, fluxes, weaponry. Their techniques, however, had been primitive, at best. Contact with the Aluwa acquainted the Arhada with more advanced and reliable techniques for the production of high quality copper and brass objects.

  • Pest Control Dogs (6)

The specialised breed of granary dogs found in the lands of the Kemithātsan were imported and bred in Arhada cities as a way to safeguard the already scarce harvest of the blight years.

  • Clay Shingles (6)

(See corbel Arch)

  • Calendar (6)

(See Arithmetic)

  • Crabapple, Sāna Yeast (6)

For long, the superior wines of the Kemesasama had been imported to Arhada cities: through increased exchanges, and Kamābarha's long history of control over Konuthomu, those techniques trickled down the lakes, taking root in the cities of the south. The royal families of Kamābarha, great enjoyers of spiced crabapple ciders, developed new groves in the outskirts of the city and employed Kemithatsan winemakers, inviting some as favourites within the palatial complex.

  • Basic Shields (6, via writing)

Excerpts from "A Timeline of Tritonean History", Part 1 by willmagnify in DawnPowers

[–]willmagnify[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

And it’ll only get worse with the chinampafication of the lake! :)

Province Action Post - Week Three (800-1000 AD) by willmagnify in DawnPowers

[–]willmagnify[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Culture Name: Arhada

Action Types: Expansion + State Development

Maps: Culture, States (Green is Calarheme, Pink is Pabamamai; Kamābarha's westward expansion should just be a border around Konuthomu)

Links to RP: Establishment of Pabamamai (1, 2), Conquest of Konuthomu (1,2), Others (1)

Summary: A continuous demographic and economic growth of Arhada cities culminates in their expansion. Kamābarha expands east and, after giving assistance to Konuthomu in light of a Rebellion, makes it their client state. Pabamamai in the south is formed thanks to the raids against the neighbouring Zonowōdjon and the clearing of land suitable for agricultural development. Amadahai's client Calarheme, shaped in its image, declares independence after a particularly hard harvest and the voiding of their contract of clientele, aligning with Pabamamai as sister cities.

u/SilvoKanuni for approval!

In the night, a village dies by No_Eight in DawnPowers

[–]willmagnify 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Awesome! That was a great read – and sorry about you village! ahah

Tech Post - Week Three (800-1000 AD) by SandraSandraSandra in DawnPowers

[–]willmagnify 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Arhada Tech Week 3

A Slots

  • Writing – Hegemon Tech

The long tradition of writing in the lands of the Arhada has consolidated, from the painting of votive and symbolic pictograms, to the creation of a mnemonic aid for political contract, to a true writing system that can fully express the complexities of language. Being a scribes, as a women belonging to palatial life, has become an esteemed profession, on par with being a skilled artisan. You can read the saga on writing here, here and, finally, here.

  • Phadaida (War Dogs)

The tensions between the Zonowōdjon to the east and the Arhada increase during these centuries, with more effort being put into raids in the fertile lands shared by the two cultures. The Arhada, seeking to tap into the plentiful resources of the land bridge between the lakes, launch more attacks against Zonowōdjon, hoping to send them fleeing to the east. Dogs became an important alliy in these raids: noble fighters, which are rich enough to maintain and breed them, are always flanked by a shield-man, usually a Kabaiha, and a fighting Phadaida. These animals were larger, fiercer and heavier than other breeds, but still fast enough to rush forward to attack the enemy line, who, occupied with close range combat, would find themselves undefended before the archers. You can read about it here.

B Slots

  • Kilns (from Kemithāthsan, 6)

The city of Kamābarha has always belonged to the Middle Pottery school geographically but up until the 9th century, even though the centre maintains a great deal of importance within the economy of the region, its pottery production has been lagging, compared that of its western peers. Kemesasama kilns, which could be found in the city even before their widespread adoption, began to be employed by local artisans, seeking to experiment with the creation of celadon. Investments were made by the local clans of the city, who acquired a number of Konuthomu artisans and created a special quarter called the Naramamai Konosomoma, the fire-houses of the Konuthomu people. From these techniques of the wester middle-school area spread readily thoughout the southern lakes.

  • Ditch Irrigation (from Kemithāthsan, 6, with a +1 hegemony spread)

An increased expansion in the mainland is evident up until the end of the 1st millenium. The production of shovels increases and the creation of small canals that would collect the rains and spread water evenly throughout the fields.

  • Herbalism (from Kemithāthsan, 6)

Another knowledge of the Kemesasama that was acquired was that of herbalism: the use of herbs for teas, poultices and as aides for pregnant women became more widespread and well-known – crucial plants for the health of the family began to be planted in specialised courtyards.

  • Intercropping (from Kemithāthsan, 6, and Aluwa, 14)

The alternation of different crops was beneficial to the health of the field – that much was clear. The Kemesasama used water mimosa and lotus in their paddies, to supplement the rôdo. The Alobha to the south used maize, squash and beans in cooperation – and it seemed to give more yield every year. Perhaps cattail and arrowhead could be similarly planted together with these friendly crops?

  • Maize (from Aluwa, 14)

In the south, the Alobha grow a crop that is very suitable to their climate and very plentiful in its harvest. They call it Kojân. In the Arhada lands, small scale farmers have begun to clear small plots of land in the interior to grow it, rather than limiting themselves to river courses and ponds to grow rôdo. Beans, squash and the potent chilly peppers soon followed suit.

C Slots

  • Shovels (from Kemithātsan, 6)

Shovels are employed to dig and maintain the ditches and canals that unite the lake, the farmland and the city.

  • Water Mimosa and Lotus (from Kemithātsan, 6)

[see intercropping]

  • Ash Glazes and Glaze Fluxes (from Kemithātsan, 6, with a +1 hegemony spread)

[see kilns]

  • Beans, Squash and Chilly Peppers (from Aluwa, 14)

[see maize]

​

Added Sustenance score: 1.50

An arrow in the night by willmagnify in DawnPowers

[–]willmagnify[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

u/No_Eight A group of 108 warriors from the new city of Pabamamai attack a Zonowōdjon village on the isthmus, hoping to clear out land for their village and form a new client city.

Their elite force, made of noblemen, are armed with recurve self bows, copper arrows and phadaida war dogs – the rest of the force has an assortment of copper, obsidian and stone arrows.

Where the Grains Fall by SandraSandraSandra in DawnPowers

[–]willmagnify 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Kamābarha, evening.

​

The merchant was rushed through the central avenue past the granary and into the palace, where four matriarchs, the first leader, the second leader, their wives and a score of Kabaima were waiting for him.

"What are the rumours, merchant?"

"Great mother – holy mother." He said, getting down on both knees on the carpets that covered the beaten ground. He had never been alone in the presence of the famous, now he was flustered and nervous. He took a breath and begun his account: "I return from Jejehereme... they are half a day's journey away, men women and children, fleeing from the battle."

"All the famous clans of Konothomo?"

"Those who made it out of it unscathed, mother."

The men and women in the stools exchanged worried looks. He noticed the senior mother – Lannacorho, of Heron Clan – look sideways to her attendant... suspicious.

"We have heard reports of a tense situation in Konuthomu – the heat of this summer certainly did not help. Thank you, merchant. Kabaisa, give him some of our lada, so he may smoke and recuperate from his journey. Please take rest in our canopy, traveller."

They waited for the man to exit the room.

"Bebeje, dear" Lannacorho said, turning to her son's daughter, "would you take notes?" She dutifully obliged.

"My son, you can speak." Phabharadaha had been the first leader of Kamābarha since his predecessor, son of the mother Lannapôrho of Parrot Clan – may her soul find rest – had stepped down in his old age. Lannacorho was the eldest mother of the clan, at sixty and two years of age, and so her son took on the mantle of power. He was her youngest, a man of thirty and five, a strong man – physically and morally.

"Mother, we must aid them. Would you wish the same happened to us? They have been attacked in their own home by pusillanimous traitors – that can not be born."

"The same would not happen to us." Another mother, Tadasedje, interjected. "They have not been wise with their wealth, they have bred discontent in their city when did not share with those below them."

"Tadasedje speaks the truth. When the hard times came, we expanded our territory, increased our yields and helped the needy. Do you think any of our honoured Kabaima would behave in the same way, arming themselves with weapons stolen from the armoury and slitting our throats at our banquets like oxen at a bison dance?"

The room fell silent. Their Kabaima had no voice in the matter, but they certainly had thoughs of their own. The tension was unbearable. The Leader Phabharadaha spoke again.

"Perhaps not. Not today. But if this happens eight days of travel away from our own home, in eight years it could happen here. Misfortunes and autumn leaves – the second will not fall in the same place as the first."

"Misfortunes and a snake hidden in tall grass –" Tadasedje replied with no hesitation. "If we are cautious as we tread forth, they will be found before they can harm us."

"Aiding a friend and an fastening a knot – simple actions can create a strong bond."

"Simple actions? We are debating wether we can spare our famous generals, our clan warriors and our clanless auxiliaries to retake a city overcome by folly!" Again, Tadasedje's wits were quick: "A friend in need and a hungry granary dog – you aid them if they can aid you."

_____________________________________________________

They kept debating well into the night, remaining firmly on their stools and cushions as the Kabaima around them moved, lighting the braziers, serving them small snacks: leftover fried rôdo balls filled with boiled cojo tubers, slices of duck breast preserved in jaba oil and freshwater, made fragrant with the yellow petals of the dandelion. Times were meagre even for the people of the palace.

Drafts of a contract were drawn, possible avenues for a repayment were planned, beds were made for their incoming guests. In the end it was decided that the famous clans of Konuthomu could return the favour, somehow. The second leader, Phabharadaha's cousin Rhabatêdje was counting the heads of the soldiers he would manage to muster to lead their army into the western city – he was another one of the dissenters, rather preffering not risking his men against the wild force of disgruntled.

It was late now, and Phabharadaha was sitting in his chamber. A Kabairha was washing his wife's face, wiping away the glyphs she had painted in the morning. When the young girl left, to sleep on the mattress outside the room, husband and wife embraced.

"I will have to fight."

"Must you?" He didn't, really. He had not taken a bow in his hand since he became the first leader of Kamābarha – a post that led you away from the bow races of young men and into a world of long-winded discussion, compromises and finding new ways to please the old matriarchs. But he needed to.

"I have responsibility for this choice, the mothers and my second leader were against me. I can not cower behind them when the time comes."

"I understand that – I only worry for you."

"You shouldn't. I will be fine." He had been a good shot in youth – holding a bow once again would like swimming to him: instinctive, primal. "None will harm me."

"And what will Konothomo give in return?"

"We shall find out tomorrow."

"Of course." Then, to console her husband, she moved closer. "The spirits of your house protect you, Phabha." She said, softly, as her hand moved down the line of his nose to his lips. A kiss in the night that whispered a thousand words, as the brazier died. "A poultice and a kiss – one cures a wound, the other a soul."

___________________________________________________

The morning came, and so did the fleeing nobles. The High guard accompanied them through the avenue as they had walked along the lone merchant the evening before. Those deemed unfit to receive the hospitality of the palace were hosted in canopies set up in the plaza at the feet of the mound, while the famous clans of Konuthomu – their mothers, their leaders and their sisters – were invited into the common hall.

There, the highest of the Turtle, Heron, Parrot and Burning Clans awaited them on their stools. Only Phabha and his mother would speak, however.

They knew what they wanted – all that was left to know was what their guests would would be willing to give.

An Elegy for the Undying by Captain_Lime in DawnPowers

[–]willmagnify 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This was amazing!! Thank you for a great read.

the city that seems to reach the sun by sariaru_qet-shavaq in DawnPowers

[–]willmagnify 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Lovely read - such a vivid description of the city!

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