Altakhuur
Civilization | |
| Capitol | Baruun Bulan and Tsuun Bulan |
|---|---|
| Largest City | Tsuun Bulan |
| Races | Eastern Pangolins |
| Languages | Altakh, Heavani |
| Religions | Altakh Shamanism |
Altakhuur is a heavily fortified, somewhat isolationist country of Eastern Pangolins that lies to the north of Heaven's Mandate. The country is known for its expansive civil projects and extremely well developed infrastructure. This is partially due to necessity of a strong internal economy, given that the country's isolationist nature means it doesn't see much external trade.
Contents
Government
Altakhuur has a dual-governmental system: it has two capital cities and two Wardens. Wardens equally share the title of head of state, and are elected by regional lords. Wardens are legally required to be twins, and hold office until one of them dies, after which the remaining twin must resign.
Infrastructure
Altakhuur has a strong internal economy with a robust infrastructure. Paved roads, tiered farms, aqueducts, and mountain tunnels are commonalities even in smaller towns. The country also employs advanced mechanical engineering as well. Waterwheels power mills, elevators, construction cranes, and various other mechanisms. Constructions tend to be mostly made out of earthen materials such as stone, terracotta, and plaster, only using metal or wood when necessary.
Transport Network
A delivery network composed of magically hovering carts on tracks spans the country. In larger cities, many individual businesses and more wealthy homes enjoy a direct connection to the network. Poorer citizens and those in smaller cities may use public post offices to send or receive items through the network.
A tram system connects the major cities of Baruun Bulan, Tsuun Bulan, Tovaiz, and Khana. The tram cars use the same mechanic as the delivery network, held suspended with levitation runes on the underside.
Great Sea Gates
Both capital cities of Baruun Bulan and Tsuun Bulan lie on bays that are on opposite sides of the country, and are defended by massive chain gates. These gates are linked to and can be raised by massive winches housed in the towers on either side. When tension is pulled, the gates rise out of the sea, blocking the path of any ships.
Culture
Eastern Pangolins
Eastern Pangolins are the draconic race that makes up the overwhelming majority of Altakhuur. They are related to the Western Pangolins (aka Pangolin Kobolds) of Ur-Naqad. They are are much larger than their western kin however, closer to the size of small Dragonborn (with whom they are also related). Eastern Pangolins are muscularly built and covered with tough scales, with soft downy feathers on their bellies and faces. They have large claws with which they are adept at carving through through earth.
Eastern Pangolins are omnivorous. Root vegetables, dairy, meat from cattle, and some insects (mostly ants and termites) make up the majority of their diet.
History and Development
In its past, the populations of Altakhuur had been largely been nomadic. Many of the tribes herded oxen, yaks, sheep, and reindeer. The most common shelter took the form "ukhsan", a sort of combination of a yurt and a dugout. Pits would be dug and smoothed and rugs laid out. A portable yurt-like roof would then be unpacked and cover the pit.
Towards the end of its nomadic period, the various tribes in the southern part of the country and along the coastlines began to suffer raids and pillaging from bandits, pirates, and sometimes even by fleets from early Heaven's Mandate and Omikō. At this time, the Isthmus Canal had not been constructed yet, so naval traffic would sail around the north of Altakhuur, and the relatively defenseless tribes made for a tempting target for sea-weary sailors. This external pressure fed into a growing xenophobia and a need for defenses, and launched the country into rapid centralization.
Permanent shelters and settlements became more common in Altakhuur. Homes for the most part still were partially dug out of the earth, although roofs were beginning to be made out of more permanent materials. As cities developed, construction became more advanced, and multi-story stone buildings became the norm. This rapid advancement in construction owes partially to the Eastern Pangolin physiology and their natural affinity for excavation.
