I was tagged by @kaylinalexanderbooks ! Thank you!
So last time I introduced you all to Labisa, the birthplace of Ninma and where Narul spent most of his early life (he was actually born in the city of Syshlum). For this round I will introduce you to the birthplace of Ninma's cousin, Akard.
The City of Nashawey, the Jewel of the Putla.
I hope y'all are ready for a lot of lore dumping, this is more a history of Apuna as a whole rather than just Nashawey.
Nashawey (Apunian Nashases = Royal name, Wey = City/Village) is the largest city in both the land of Apuna and the entire continent of Pyritia. Its population is roughly equivalent to that of Labisa in Kishetal, though the city itself is less densely populated and covers a far larger area. The city sits at the southern edge of the Putla Delta, where the great river forks into Dja, Wadi, and Bus. The fertile and reliable nature of the Putla has allowed Nashawey and by extension the kingdom of Apuna to retain a level of prosperity and stability unmatched among the other cultures of the Green Sea. A Fapacha has ruled from the throne of Nashawey, or else from one of the neighboring cities, uninterrupted for approximately 4,300 years (save for a 30 year interruption in which a Namutian successfully seized the Apunian throne, the Namutian Dynasty has been almost entirely erased from all records and history), representing the reigns of 223 rulers (189 Men, 34 Women).
The Apunians are among the oldest civilizations in the world and their origins are linked to the confluence of several prehistoric populations.
After the events of the Calamity and the subsequent destruction of 92% of all human life and the complete destruction of all non-subterranean settlements, most surviving humans dwelled within the mountain sanctuaries of a number of kindly spirits over a period of roughly 300-500 years.
The Apunian culture has roots in three of these mountain populations, the Red Cedars, The Babics, and The Pyrians in addition to several southern Pyritian populations. This also means that the Apunians are distantly related to not only their Pyrian neighbors but also the original inhabitants of the Kishic Peninsula.
The first people to inhabit the land that would later become Apuna were primarily hunter-gathers. These tribes and bands were highly spiritual and interacted regularly with spirits and had dealings with the various beasts and monstrosities which shared their environment. At that time the region was far more lush than it now is, and supported great herds of fauna and a startling array of plant life. It is in this era that the first inklings of the later Apunian medicinal, cosmetic, and potion-making tradition were developed. Climatic changes gradually dried up the plains and marshes of northern Pyritia, in time forming the sweeping Kusr Desert.
These changes forced the gradual separation of the Hunter-Gathers into distinct groups. The Peri peoples traveled west, settling on the strip of land between the Pyrian Mountains and the Green Sea Coast, they are the ancestors of the modern Pyrian tribes.
Others ventured south mixing with southern populations, either embracing a desert lifestyle or settling along the eastern plains and coast of Pyritia, these groups, collectively called the Namutians and Aguru.
A small group took to the sea, settling on the island of Knosh where they would quickly be integrated into local forestfolk populations, eventually becoming indistinguishable, though their language would have a lasting effect.
The last and largest group settled on the banks of the Putla River, where the verdant environment of the Pre-Desert era was preserved. These Proto-Apunians quickly adopted an agricultural lifestyle, forming some of the first wide-scale settlements in the Green Sea Region.
These Proto-Apunians were composed of four distinct kingdoms or "Namu", each ruling one branch of the Putla; these branches now bear their names; Dja, Wadi, Bus, and Putla.
Feuds between the rulers (Pachas) of these kingdoms was commonplace. 400 years of near constant warfare and bickering between these lands would end with the imperialistic ambitions of the ruler of Putla, a man by the name of Nabur. Nabur, alongside his beloved son, Nashases, would lead an attack on the other three Namu, with intention of conquering them and thus uniting the Apunian people.
At the Battle of the Fork, Nabur and Nashases clashed against the other three kingdoms, and though outnumbered it is said that Nabur had earned the divine approval of not only the governing spirits of the River but of the Gods themselves. Legend tells how the river itself rose from its bed and swept away the Pachas of the other kingdoms. This story may actually have some grain of truth as it certainly does seem that the Fapacha is closely associated with the spirits of the river, just one source of the throne's great authority.
While victory was won for the Putla it came at a great price. Nashases was slain in the conflict. Heartbroken, Nabur buried his son where he fell, ordering the construction of a massive underground complex. In order to protect his son's body from desecration he then built his own palace atop his grave. The city of Nashawey or the city of Nashases, spread out from there.
Nabur named himself the first Great Pacha or "Fapacha" and dubbed his newly united kingdom, Apuna, which stems from the Apunian word Apna which is roughly translated to "Unity through Duty."
The Fapacha and his line is believed to be divinely ordained and Apunian faith dictates that upon their death, Fapachas will join the divine council held responsible for the judgment of the dead.
The Fapacha and his followers would answer the call of the spirits and would partake in the Great Struggle, the battle against the demonic entity Aruga and its followers.
Apuna would be among the only one of the major kingdoms to survive the short period of chaos and darkness that followed the defeat of Aruga.
The greatest symbol of royal power in Fapacha is the Royal Scepter. Made from meteoric iron, mahogany, gold, and most importantly; Arkodian Bronze, the exact origin of the snake shaped weapon is unclear, that it was first held by the 10th Fapacha, Ankuwet. In addition to being made from such precious materials, the weapon houses a fire spirit, allowing its user to conjure flame at will. It is among the last remnants of an ancient tradition among the peoples of the Green Sea for royalty to pass down magical weapons. This staff gives the Fapacha one of their aliases, The Lord of Fires.
Apunian civilization is almost entirely confined to the shores of the Putla river, with the desert being only very sparsely occupied by nomadic groups.
Following in the tradition of Nashases, Fapachas are renowned for their massive underground tombs, called Djawda. Labyrinth-like mazes carved into the stone of the desert are meant to deter robbers from breaching the tombs. Often these tombs include artificial rivers and depictions of the night sky. Hundreds of workers are required to excavate these huge structures.
Every major city in Apuna contains at least one palace, meant to act as the residence of the Fapacha and his family when visiting. Apunian palaces are relatively small compared to their neighbors to the north, however they are no less luxurious. It is common practice for new Fapacha to dismantle and reconstruct palaces to better suit their own preferences after taking the throne. The grand palace at Nashawey is the one exception. The palace at Nashawey is unique in that it is primarily constructed from stone rather than mudbrick.
The largest structure in Nashawey, is the famed Gateway. This massive structure stretches across the Putla River where it acts as a sort of tollbooth but also as a defensive structure. The Gateway was constructed by the Fapacha Rutamatep five-hundred years before the events of The Testaments of the Green Sea. The gate itself is composed primarily of sandstone and marble with heavy gilding on its columns. Carvings depict various stories and battles from both the Fapacha who ordered its construction and his successors. It is not unusual for Fapacha to have the carvings of their predecessors chiseled away in order to make room for their own pieces. The Gate is the first thing that visitors see upon entering the city.
Nashawey is home to 45 temples, which double as administrative centers, the largest of which is dedicated to the god, Nur. The all male priesthood of Nur, the god of agriculture and the divine seed, are forbidden from marriage or intercourse with one exception; they may marry and sleep with each other. Marriages of the Priests of Nur are treated as religious events, with both priests dressing in the garb of the God.
Apunian fashion is very bright and colorful, most Apunians wear at least one kind of jewelry. Gemstones are very popular in Apuna, especially as a part of jewelry and woven into clothing and hair-beads. Apunians are also the only major power in the Green Sea that regularly utilizes makeup/body paint. Cosmetics (as well as perfumes) are a major industry in Nashawey. Additionally Apuna is renowned for just how much gold it uses and has access to, even poorer Apunians are likely to have at least one golden bauble. It is said that even an Apunian beggar will sparkle in the sunlight. Most clothing in Apuna is made of colored linen, Apunians are famous for just how vibrant their dyes are. Textiles, alongside grain, are the biggest Apunian exports.
The city lacks the great defensive walls of Kishite cities as in a sense, the desert acts as a wall in and of itself, thus why the Gateway defends the river.
Apuna is famed not only for the skill of its plantbrews, but also its sages. As a result the city of Nashawey has entire districts entirely dedicated to these professions. Apunian potions and medicines are widely viewed as the best in the Green Sea.
Aside from the palace the city is divided into 45 separate neighborhoods or districts, each of these districts is constructed around a temple/administrative center to which taxes are distributed.
Tagging @illarian-rambling , @wylanzahn , @roach-pizza , @treesandwords , @mk-writes-stuff , @americanfemcel , and @abalonetea
