notes on world 9.15

Project: “talking to stick”
Planet is in a bipartisan orbiting system, were there are two neighboring planets that act like moons.
Overall weather is decent; There is a lot of big sky area. Every region has specific effect but there are two storms that ravage the land; that never dissipate. They die down from time to time, but stick unexpectedly, (or expectedly depending on the culture) The land on the planet is divided into three (3) rings. The south and north are less effected by these storms; but it hits hard. In the middle the storms are more like a sand storm that just tears the living snot out of things. Yet these storms are more common and the peoples of that land are more prone to adapting. The common “work horse” animal is the “Munach“, which is a large sloth like quadruped that is extremely adaptable. Sometimes slow moving, but can carry very heavy loads. These creatures originally came from the forests of the south. How they came to populate the entire planet many are uncertain. As they are uncertain that there are others populating the planet.
The weapons of the entire planet are pretty simple. Melee weapons such as swords, mails. Mostly Javelins and slings for ranged style weapons. There are a few advanced “long” slings. About four feet long.
Northern Ring:
The land is very mountainous and rocky. There is little plant life but the humans of the north have learned to trellis their agriculture. The land has also been “hollowed out.” presumably from some ancient race that once inhabited the north but is now unseen. (sounds familiar) Resulting in hollowed out rocks and caves that act as infrastructure to the peoples that live there.
The land above the tunnels and caves is controlled by men. Many tribes of nomadic or settled warriors. Typically a warrior culture lead by the strongest male or in some cases female. There is much competition for rank and control. The tribes also have peaceful means of negotiation amongst themselves. The “Althing” is a council used only once per generation. Emergency meetings exist, but are unexpected and most tribes will view it as a trick. Known for trading with the “Karim” or “the pale children”. Have advanced in the way of agriculture well. Munach used widely by these peoples. They are known to hunt an elk like creature called a Ya’kato. Which are versatile, leaping from mountain to mountain, on powerful legs. They can even get to be the size of a horse (I know there are no horses but that is about the size.) The tribes on the south have also come to construct simple boats. Maybe like that of the long boat used by the natives the northern Midwest. They may have, or may be discovering the middle ring. Again up to you. Also an interesting note, the northern ring is the only one with known deposits of iron ore. These humans have applied this iron technology with little success but has gifted them with the superior weapon line. Swords and mails are awkward and unrefined. Axes are viewed as quite unusual. While being able to weald most weapons the humans lack the training to use the long sling. In its place a lot of throwing weapons are used for hunting. By displaying wisdom and courage at tribal rituals they believe their totem gods grant them enhancing powers, that they need to ensure a good hunt or battle.
Also in the north, hidden in a few select geothermic caves is a race called the “Karim.” They only reach about four (4) feet tall, they are very slender, pale and do not go outside in the day. While they are primitive, mealy mining with picks and the like, they have found iron veins in sands stone and have been trading with the humans of that region for sometime.
The Karim are know for adapting and using the long slings quite superiorly. They try to avoid melee combat if at all possible, preferring to sneak in the shadows of their caves. They will resort to picks, but will also use surprise tactics and overwhelming odds to their advantage. Also, traveling through the caves for so many generations has granted these pale children almost a sixth sense ability. No entrance or exit, door, or secret crevice is beyond their notice. Even cave ins are predicted and avoided. They are truly the masters of their domain.

Middle Ring:
The middle ring is mostly deserts and buttes; dried up canyons, and your typical bad lands. Hidden dangers lie here, steep cliffs, quick sand and cracked ground leads to very traitorous travel. With a scattered oasis of life here and there, this land isn’t all bad. It has some of the nicest beaches in the world.
Vulture like birds called the Gra’mon, with wing spans up to six feet, scower the land for anything it can get in it’s beak. With dull brown plumage these birds can blend into the surrounding landscape quite easily. Though they are the last concern of yours.
Also in the deep sands of the desert there have been sightings of some sort of digging lizard. Usually nocturnal, the creatures are positively cocky when it comes to maneuvering through the sand. With it’s powerful mouth and crushing tail, not many face these creatures willingly. Hunting parties and coming of age ceremonies will look for the tell-tail swish in the sand, or strange circular patterns. Legend has these lizards know the way to secret water chasms underground.
The people that inhabit this area, the “Kar’dor”, tend to be nomadic, guarding the few oasis areas with constant vigor. They are large, hairy and vicious creatures. They have large feet, screaming “Jehad!” They are very barbaric, being a race that has adapted to the sands and harsh sun. They are very war like, and aggressive against others, including other tribes. Though it is said that they have the secrets of the deserts, there is no known recorded language. A few runes have been found, but are nothing like the rouge language of the people. As far as weapons are concerned, mauls are the most common weapon. Double axes are a personal favorite for those on the hunting path. But, if there is enough material, they like to use swords, the bigger the better. Clamors or basted are considered a status cymbal among other things. The shaman of these people are particularly dangerous. They are believed call forth the gust of sands at their will. Storms and wind can be harnessed by these dangerous men, and even a pledge of locusts are not out of their control.
Southern Ring:
This ring contains the majority of the fresh water for the entire planet. As a result it is known to sustain a lot more life. Such a diverse eco-culture from that of the first two rings. Grass lands and Forests, hills and swamps. Many beast and men roam the land in there own areas, oblivious to the other, or perhaps not. Full of conflict and advance, not the setting for your average writer.
Dangerous ape-like beasts roam the forest of the bottom ring. They tend to be omnivorous, but will resort to cannibalism if needed. They live in the trees and will rarely set foot on the ground, unless it is to dye their fur by rolling in leaves. Oddly enough, their fur markings give them a sort of camouflage to blend into the foliage. Though they tend to be more intelligent then most beast; they still choose to ripe your arms out of your sockets with their powerful arms and shoulders. Broad backed and strong, these monsters are best left to be in the deep forests.
Large monarchies of humans control the southern ring. While they are not the only humanoid inhabitance on this particular ring, they are politically strong. There are a lot of them. These governments tend to be a bit more oppressive, demanding the peasant class to work for the glory of the Monarch. They are far more technologically advanced than the northern and middle ring human civilizations. Axes are a very favored weapon, as iron must be imported. Quarter staves are very common to see, and basic siege towers have been seen. Along with a few trebuchets.
Another group inhabiting the deep forests, away from human intervention are the “pointed people.” Graceful and elegant, slender forms. Herbivores and knowledge about the woods and its hidden remedies. People often call them stupid for there lack of “value.” The life just simpler, moving at a slower pace and full of appreciation for the land around them. They have an avid belief in magic and its power to heal. They view it as a tangible force in themselves and everything around them. Tablets also talk of their race and the conjecture of the planets. Saying that it will lead to the extinction of the entire planet. For when there is alignment, these peaceful fey folks change into horrific, carnivorous monsters. But again, this is just legend they tend to use a lot of walking sticks.