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== History == | == History == | ||
=== | === As an independent colony === | ||
The small community of | The small community of Hashek was founded at the mouth of the Copper River in {{Year|5814}}. A town of independent fishermen from [[Uthash]] and [[Adech]] seeking the aquatic bounties of the coast, few took much notice of the settlement for many years. As is the case with other villages and towns on the coast around it, many of which continue to exist today, Hashek’s population focused on subsistence farming and fishing, occasionally trading the excess to passing merchant ships. | ||
=== | === Tamkaranu colonization === | ||
As Tamkaranu began to reassert itself after the overthrow of its monarchy, the [[shufet]], trade coalitions, and independent settlers alike began to once again look across the sea for their fortunes, and to the lands of the Western Coast in particular. The regions around the Copper River attracted the attention of many, bountiful as they were in timber and ore that were desperately needed to fuel Tamkaranu trade. New settlers from Tamkaranu arrived to Hashek in waves, most of whom made the journey independently yet all seeking the same fortunes, where they swelled the existing town and founded new ones both inland and on the nearby island of Tunsiba. With the rapidly growing population and clear strategic importance of the area, it was clear to the judge-council that they needed to act. In {{Year|6527}} the Tamkaranu navy, supported by those of the nascent trade coalitions, was sent from the eastern Chaska to Hashek, where their captains were able to negotiate, or strongarm as some claimed, the leadership of the settlement into submitting to Tamkaranu authority, placing the colony under control of the judge-council. The existing settlement was renamed to Gallakene, while the colony as a whole was given the name Ellu. | |||
The colony grew rapidly between {{Year|6528|nolink=true}} and {{Year|6800|nolink=true}} as ever-more new settlers arrived to the logging, mining, and fishing villages established farther and farther away from the coast along the Copper River. By {{Year|6800|nolink=true}} Ellu had become wildly successful and beneficial for Tamkaranu, as along with smaller colonies along the coast the resources sent out of Ellu had allowed for a resurgence in Tamkaranu trade and industry. As expansion inland continued, however, he logistics of managing all aspects of the colony outpaced what the shufet of Ellu could maintain. Two systems emerged from this, both continuing to present. First, the capital city Gallakene was granted some control of its own administration in the form of its elected shufet, as opposed to those prior who were appointed by the judge-council in the metropole. Second, the charter system was introduced, giving the trade coalitions rights to large tracts of land to exploit as they saw fit, as long as certain quotas were met and the raw resources transported to Tamkaranu alone. | |||
By {{Year|6800|nolink=true}} | |||
In {{Year|6805}} the first green dragon sightings in the area were reported by scouts exploring up the Copper River. Sightings continue intermittently to the present day. | In {{Year|6805}} the first green dragon sightings in the area were reported by scouts exploring up the Copper River. Sightings continue intermittently to the present day. | ||
== Demographics == | == Demographics == | ||
Most amongst of the first waves of | Most amongst of the first waves of Tamkaranu colonists to Ellu were [[Human|humans]], half-elves, and [[dwarf|dwarves]], and they remain the bulk of the population to this day. Within the city of Gallakene itself also lives a fairly sizable undine population, though they are almost unheard of in the inland villages and towns. Individuals of ancestries can also be found, if in smaller numbers. | ||
Though little contact has been made, giants are known to live in the hills to the south, on rare occasions venturing to the boundary of more populated areas. | Though little contact has been made, giants are known to live in the hills to the south, on rare occasions venturing to the boundary of more populated areas. | ||
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=== Religion === | === Religion === | ||
The people of | The people of Ellu vary in faith, but most worship the deities of the [[Chaskan pantheon]]. As is the case in Tamkaranu, faith in the cities and towns of Ellu is a very public matter, with all religious occurrences involving the entire community. [[Hasamel]], [[Aduntarri]], and [[Usumu]] are worshiped especially widely and have temples and shrines across the colony, yet all deities are commonly prayed to and given rites. Followers of other pantheons are less common though not unknown. In particular, the gods of the [[Khapeshan pantheon]] have found some faithful in Ellu, spread there by merchants out of the desert kingdom. | ||
=== Languages === | === Languages === | ||
As a colony of | As a colony of Tamkaranu, [[Telan]] is one of the most often spoken languages in Ellu, though speakers of Telan in Nionegrast have a distinct dialect that has taken much influence from the [[Ishtaran]] spoken by Gallakene's first settlers. Most people are also fluent in [[Common]] as a matter of necessity in a city frequented by traders from far coasts. Other regional languages are also spoken by settlers from other parts of the world, primarily other regions around the Chaska Sea. | ||
=== Occupations === | === Occupations === | ||
Revision as of 02:56, 8 August 2024
Ellu (pronounced EHL-lu) is a colony of Tamkaranu on the Western Coast of the Chaska Sea. The first major colony established after the end of Tamkaranu's kingdom period, today Ellu produces vast amounts of raw resources upon which Tamkaranu depends.
Geography, flora, and fauna
The colony of Ellu is located in the middle of the Western Coast along the Copper River. The lands surrounding the capital city of Gallakene, situated at the mouth of the river, are temperate and kept relatively cool by the weather patterns off the Chaska Sea. As with most of the southwest coast of the Chaska, the lands are teeming with flora and fauna. Farms and small villages have snaked inland, mostly following the river.
Large swaths of the native forests, both on the mainland and the island of Tunsiba, have been cut down and replaced with farmlands. Towards the interior, however, much of the old deciduous forests remain intact.
Sporadic sightings of green dragons have been reported in the forests of Ellu. A handful of logging communities south of the Copper River have been found in ruins, with some suspecting a connection to the dragons. It is unknown how many are actually present in the region.
The climate of Ellu is kept stable by the Chaska Sea. Summers are dry and never get too hot, while winters bring large amounts of rain yet never get too cold.
History
As an independent colony
The small community of Hashek was founded at the mouth of the Copper River in Y8814*. A town of independent fishermen from Uthash and Adech seeking the aquatic bounties of the coast, few took much notice of the settlement for many years. As is the case with other villages and towns on the coast around it, many of which continue to exist today, Hashek’s population focused on subsistence farming and fishing, occasionally trading the excess to passing merchant ships.
Tamkaranu colonization
As Tamkaranu began to reassert itself after the overthrow of its monarchy, the shufet, trade coalitions, and independent settlers alike began to once again look across the sea for their fortunes, and to the lands of the Western Coast in particular. The regions around the Copper River attracted the attention of many, bountiful as they were in timber and ore that were desperately needed to fuel Tamkaranu trade. New settlers from Tamkaranu arrived to Hashek in waves, most of whom made the journey independently yet all seeking the same fortunes, where they swelled the existing town and founded new ones both inland and on the nearby island of Tunsiba. With the rapidly growing population and clear strategic importance of the area, it was clear to the judge-council that they needed to act. In Y9527* the Tamkaranu navy, supported by those of the nascent trade coalitions, was sent from the eastern Chaska to Hashek, where their captains were able to negotiate, or strongarm as some claimed, the leadership of the settlement into submitting to Tamkaranu authority, placing the colony under control of the judge-council. The existing settlement was renamed to Gallakene, while the colony as a whole was given the name Ellu.
The colony grew rapidly between Y9528 and Y9800 as ever-more new settlers arrived to the logging, mining, and fishing villages established farther and farther away from the coast along the Copper River. By Y9800 Ellu had become wildly successful and beneficial for Tamkaranu, as along with smaller colonies along the coast the resources sent out of Ellu had allowed for a resurgence in Tamkaranu trade and industry. As expansion inland continued, however, he logistics of managing all aspects of the colony outpaced what the shufet of Ellu could maintain. Two systems emerged from this, both continuing to present. First, the capital city Gallakene was granted some control of its own administration in the form of its elected shufet, as opposed to those prior who were appointed by the judge-council in the metropole. Second, the charter system was introduced, giving the trade coalitions rights to large tracts of land to exploit as they saw fit, as long as certain quotas were met and the raw resources transported to Tamkaranu alone.
In Y9805* the first green dragon sightings in the area were reported by scouts exploring up the Copper River. Sightings continue intermittently to the present day.
Demographics
Most amongst of the first waves of Tamkaranu colonists to Ellu were humans, half-elves, and dwarves, and they remain the bulk of the population to this day. Within the city of Gallakene itself also lives a fairly sizable undine population, though they are almost unheard of in the inland villages and towns. Individuals of ancestries can also be found, if in smaller numbers.
Though little contact has been made, giants are known to live in the hills to the south, on rare occasions venturing to the boundary of more populated areas.
Culture
Religion
The people of Ellu vary in faith, but most worship the deities of the Chaskan pantheon. As is the case in Tamkaranu, faith in the cities and towns of Ellu is a very public matter, with all religious occurrences involving the entire community. Hasamel, Aduntarri, and Usumu are worshiped especially widely and have temples and shrines across the colony, yet all deities are commonly prayed to and given rites. Followers of other pantheons are less common though not unknown. In particular, the gods of the Khapeshan pantheon have found some faithful in Ellu, spread there by merchants out of the desert kingdom.
Languages
As a colony of Tamkaranu, Telan is one of the most often spoken languages in Ellu, though speakers of Telan in Nionegrast have a distinct dialect that has taken much influence from the Ishtaran spoken by Gallakene's first settlers. Most people are also fluent in Common as a matter of necessity in a city frequented by traders from far coasts. Other regional languages are also spoken by settlers from other parts of the world, primarily other regions around the Chaska Sea.
Occupations
The occupations of those in Nionegrast tend to be centered around the city’s docks. While there is a fairly typical number of craftspeople of various types, most of the city’s population works in manual labor, either as longshoremen or some other occupation that assists in moving the vast amount of resources that pass through the city. Outside the city, manual labor remains the typical livelihood, whether that’s as loggers, miners, or something that supports the aforementioned groups. Nionegrast also has a growing population of independent farmers, most living on relatively small plots of land. While there are some that make their home in Nionegrast, there are not a great number of scholars within the colony.
Food and cuisine
The cuisine of Nionegrast is heavily centered around seafood, both for practical purposes and owing to the city’s past as a fishing village. This is supplemented by grain derived food like bread and beer, as well as a mix of vegetables and fruits, particularly peas, onions, and leeks. Other meats are also common, mostly poultry, goat, and lamb. A mix of spices and seasonings are available, though these tend to be much less accessible outside the city itself. Almonds are one of the signature ingredients of recipes from Nionegrast, grown in orchards in some of the deforested old growth forests. Besides typical subsistence fare, inn- and tavern-goers in Nionegrast are likely to encounter some of the following well known dishes:
- Almond milk rice pudding
- Fried aubergines with potatoes, cauliflower, onions, and tomatoes
- Almond semolina cake, flavored with pine nuts, turmeric, aniseed, and sugar
- Fish and rice with spices and slivered almonds. This dish is also popular in Tirione, where it is generally more heavily seasoned.
- Flatbreads with minced meat topping
- Marinated chicken kabobs
Architecture
Within the city itself, much of the architecture is constructed around illusions of grandeur. A great deal of the old town appears at first glance to be ornate marble buildings, heavily influenced by the ancient Hellean cities. In reality, it is almost entirely plastered wood, built rather cheaply. The rest of the city is mostly simple wood construction, as are most outlying towns.
Society
The city of Nionegrast contains the majority of the population of the colony. Small villages and towns dot the countryside, but they rarely have more than a few hundred inhabitants each. A great many abandoned communities can be found as well - when mining prospects turn up nothing, it is common to simply leave the hastily constructed towns and set up somewhere else.
Laws within Nionegrast can be tricky. The colony is governed by the laws of Tirione, with the council determining exceptions and special cases to the colony. However, within the chartered territories, in reality the laws of the companies take precedence. While technically illegal, the colony is inclined to look the other way as long as the gold flows. On occasion, companies will hire privateers to raid outgoing merchant vessels contracted by their rivals, a practice the council is vehemently opposed to but has found difficult to stop.
Magic
Though Nionegrast lacks many skilled magic users of other varieties, the few druids that live in the back country, outside the other settled communities, are known to be highly skilled. In particular, the restorer druids have begun to pose some problems for the charter companies as they interfere with company operations.
Entertainment
Among the wealthier in Nionegrast society, hunting the creatures of the backwoods is a popular sport. Some prefer to travel to the regions in which these creatures live, while others have them transported to their estates. Animals and magical beasts are both included in this practice. Some of the common people of Nionegrast regularly hunt as well, but on a subsistence basis instead of as entertainment.
Government
Though many important matters are still dictated from Tirione, Nionegrast has become increasingly independent. The city is led by an oligarchic council, with nine members elected by the wealthy and influential houses in five year terms. The council then elects from among their rank one member to serve as Lord Mayor, who serves as the public face of the council. On his sixth consecutive term, the current Lord Mayor is Abiurad Inyadar, patriarch of one of the oldest families in Nionegrast. The council controls trade, laws, and other matters. Outlying communities are governed by the same council, though many are also subject to the whims of chartered companies. Isolated inland towns also tend to be much more independent and outside the reach of their remote nominal rulers.
Rumors have circulated for some time that the council has been plotting independence and a break with Tirione. Possibly as a result of this, Tirione has recently reasserted more direct control, leading to some tension with companies and wealthy merchants used to getting their way.
Economy
Ellu has a largely extractive economy, focusing on logging the surrounding forests and mining lead, silver, and small amounts of copper and gold. Resources are acquired within the interior, moving one step farther every year, and then sent down river to the capital city, where they are then sent off, mostly directly to Tamkaranu. The economy is primarily dominated by large trade coalitions given charters by Tamkaranu to areas rich in raw material. Agriculture keeps the largest city and its surrounding communities sustainable and sometimes provides a surplus that can be traded as well.