shadowuzoma
[[shadowuzoma]] last edit on
Jul 27, 2006
1:51 AM
by kris
- TimeRatio: Amber:Uzoma 1:3 (It makes sense to trade with a fast time Shadow, they're producing crops at a faster rate...)
- History: It is believed that LordObi's tribe originated in an area about 100 miles north of their current location at the confluence of the Igbo and Uzoma Rivers. The rivers, however, have not acted as a barrier to cultural unity; rather it has provided an easy means of communication. They share linguistic ties with the neighboring tribes, with the split between them probably occurring between five and six thousand years ago. The first natives in the region may have moved onto the plateau between four and five thousand years ago, before the emergence of sedentary agricultural practices. As this early group expanded, so too did their kingdom. While the majority of Uzomans are farmers, they are also developing as metallurgists. The first contact between Uzoma and Amber came over four centuries ago, with the arrival of PrinceGerard at the head of a trade fleet. The trade concentrated on industry (palm products, timber, elephant tusks and spices) due to Amber's role as a net importer.
- Economy: Their staple crop is yam, and its harvesting is a time for great celebration. They are able to produce yam efficiently enough to export it to their neighbors. With the assistance of migrant labor, they also harvest the fruit of the palm tree, which is processed into palm oil, and exported to Amber in large quantities, making it a fairly profitable cash crop. Over the last century they have started mining the northern mountains. Still a small part of their trade, it is growing in importance.
- Political Systems: Uzoma is made up of several are a politically fragmented group, with numerous divisions resulting from geographic differences. There are also various subgroups delineated in accordance with clan, lineage, and village affiliations. They have no centralized chieftaincy, hereditary aristocracy, or kingship customs, as can be found among their neighbors. Instead, the responsibility of leadership has traditionally been left to the village councils, which include the heads of lineages, elders, titled men, and men who have established themselves economically within the community.
- Religion: Most Uzoman practice some form of ancestor worship, which held that in order to gain success in this world, one must appease of the spirits of the deceased. This might be accomplished in any number of ways. One of the primary ways of showing respect for the dead was through participation in the secret men's society, Mmo. The second level of initiates was responsible for carrying out the funeral ceremonies for the deceased and inducting the departed spirits into the ebe mmo, so that they would no longer cause mischief in the village. The also respect the Oshira, a polytheistic pantheon that represent many of the natural elements of their life. Noticable among them is Eshu, the messenger of the gods, and lord of the crossroads.
- Technology: Mostly based about agriculture, Uzoma hasn't progressed very far other than machinery that helps them with their harvesting. The major push recently has been with mining and refinery equipment and as the industry grows, so do the tools.
- Magic: The local belief structure allows for actsw of divine magics and tribal shamans have limited abilities within elemental spheres. Not a high mana shadow, sorcery is unknown, but definitely possible in Uzoma.