Saturday, February 2, 2008

Centres of Culture II: The Western Coast (part i, the Bay Coast)

This cultural area goes from the north end of the western coast right to the Three-Tooth Mountain range in the south. It's often subdivided into three areas: The Icy Coast in the north, the Western Coast in the middle, and the Bay Coast in the south.

These three areas share in common a significant slice of ocean. Their cultures are not as notably sea-going as the Aruan Archipelago, but the influence of the sea on their cultures is undeniable.

The Bay Coast
Nearest the Aruan Archipelago, this cultural area does a great deal of trade with the Aruan Empire. There are two major kingdoms (and countless minor kingdoms) in the area.

Littoria is a coastal kingdom at the southern end of the Bay Coast. Its capitol (also called Littoria) is protected by a coral reef, forcing most ships to put ashore a day's walk from from the city. Littoria is a standard monarchy, ruled by a kind and just man. It is illegal to swim to the coral reef, which is considered to be the property of the king.

Bordering Littoria to the northeast (still along the coast) is the city of Salmonsford, named after the original reason people settled at the mouth of this river: The salmon. Salmonsford is not a very large city, but it is run by a few lesser noble families who splintered from Calar, to the north. Salmonsford forms a natural border between Littoria and Calar.

Calar and Littoria have a history of war, but are currently at an uneasy peace. Littoria's king is a kindly man, but very dedicated to the protection of his people. Calar, however, has been wronged in the past by more war-like Littorian kings, and the public sentiment is against Littoria.

Culturally, these three places are quite similar. They are governed by monarchies who have the support of their people. Comparatively to other great kingdoms, these kingdoms are relatively middle-sized.

They are mixed agrarian societies, growing a good deal of wheat and cotton, domesticating cows and chickens, and fishing for fish, crabs and clams. There are typical harvest season celebrations.

Religiously, the Aruan Archipelago, Bay Coast and Western Coast all share a similar religion: Sun-Worship. I'll get more into religions later, but the Sun is representative of Passion, Strength, Determination, and Order. Worshippers of the Sun recognize the Moon as well, but do not condone its worship. The Moon is not so much devil as adversary. Religious holidays are typically held during the summer months.

One cultural area down, only a few hundred more to go, haha. Slight exaggeration, but it's a big place. Until next time!

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