Udjamu Cities
Feline Ferox tribes were among the first to settle into fertile lands, and used their early head start to secure a position of wealth and stability centuries before their ancient counterparts. The Udjamu Feline Cities thus have become a staple of food, trade, culture, and - for some - terror. With exorbitant wealth came influence and military might, as well as a longstanding tradition of capturing or buying enslaved Ferox and non-Ferox alike. Slavery still exists in these cities, though organizations like the Courtesans Guild, the Avian Ferox Harpies, and the city of Amsai are trying to change things. While many Feline Ferox trace their lineage back to ancient bloodlines and remain in their mighty cities, many more have taken to being nomads again, carrying their culture to new cities. Elegant, powerful, artistic, and confident, Felines from the Udjamu Cities make a name for themselves wherever they go.
History
Feline Ferox began their culture as all Ferox did - nomadically. They found themselves among fertile lands, in vast floodplains where rivers would twist and move with the seasons. The unpredictability of the rivers made settling in one place impossible, but it allowed the various tribes to thrive in times of abundance when they could farm the land. Additionally, their imposing stature and strength often pushed other tribes out of the plains, causing rodents and other small Ferox to take refuge in the mountainous areas further north, where raiding Wolf Ferox of the Stjarnvarg Clan found them to be easier targets. Those who remained would often be conquered and subjugated by the felines, who would demand tribute from those within their territories or even absorb their tribes entirely.
As the population grew thanks to the surplus of food and space, the Ferox would find other natural boons to their location, namely in precious stones and gold. Feline tribes would often grow, amass power, and overtake one another in a complex back-and-forth show of might.
Over time, with the population growing and surplus food abounding, the various Feline tribes began to manipulate even the land to their will. With the building of dams and clever engineering, the ever-shifting rivers of the floodplains were better able to be controlled, and at last the migrant tribes formed into a stationary civilization. Engineering is still a well-respected practice in modernity, with their technology often being as beautifully decorated as the Felines themselves.
Conflicts amongst the feline tribes themselves took a backseat as new trade partners became available. The Avian Ferox on their flying ships at last reached the budding Feline cities of Amsai, Khessarai, and Dehkhasai. These societies became fast allies, with the Felines able to purchase lavish amounts of trade goods from the Avian trading companies while providing surplus food for them to sell. The cities began waging a war of wealth between themselves, with each city trying to become the most popular trade partner while Avian airships were blasting one another out of the skies in the race to establish economic dominance. Art and craftsmanship was booming, and contracts with the Avian companies forced the Felines to cease all violent conflicts within the plains for the sake of safer trade routes. With this peace, several influential Felines of each tribe formed an oligarchy of power which oversaw the entire clan, across all of the now united Udjamu Cities.
This meant that they were able to turn their attention outward, using their cities as resolute havens and in turn sacking their other Ferox neighbors. The Udjamu never rule over the people they conquer, instead ransacking them and demanding the continued payment of tribute. The use of Wolf Ferox mercenaries became more popular than sending their own people off to war, which established a cycle that continues to this day. Wolf Ferox clans, such as the Stjarnvarg Raiders, are paid to pillage and also allowed to keep what they will, so long as they also collect tribute for the Udjamu Cities. Avian companies are then sent to collect the tribute, and transport it to the Feline Cities, who then pay the Avians handsomely for the service. The Udjamu also pay for any captured locals, who are ferried to their cities to work as enslaved laborers in the fields and among the cities, and the cycle continues.
Taking slaves is a longstanding practice to the Felines, though they never enslave their own people. The archaic tradition is brutal and demeaning, and propped up by the general feeling of Felines that their culture is superior, more ancient, and above all reliant on the massive amounts of labor to keep their extensive trade and food surplus ongoing. Enslaved people also mine, dig for gold, carve stone, and even work in various positions within the cities. This population is generally made up of rodent Ferox and other small mammal Ferox, though it can include any person whose home was raided, or whose ship or airship was overtaken. Even a modestly wealthy Feline house can afford slave labor, often paying an overseer who houses numerous enslaved people and rents them to any who can afford their labor.
The overseer families tend to be the wealthiest in the cities, with generational power that is deeply rooted in Udjamu society. Even if one wished to remove slavery from these cities, the sheer power of these families would sooner lead to an all out war than to freedom, with their allegiance to the Avian Federation of Trade meaning disrupted food trade to several other countries. It is a slowly approaching disaster that, as yet, none have dared to broach. However, there is a growing sentiment that the practice of slavery is long overdue to end, even within the cities themselves. One city, Amsai, has banned the practice altogether at the cost of their ties to the other cities, tributes, and many trade partners. Fortunately other opportunities have opened to them, with the draconian practices now firmly relegated to their past.
As slavery was barred from Amsai, a new economic powerhouse rose to take its place: the Courtesans Guild. The culmination of all the finery of Udjamu history, Courtesans are among the most well-educated, and highly skilled entertainers in the world. This prestigious guild found common cause with Avians who rebelled against their own Federation, known as Harpies, who now work very closely together in their missions to abolish ancient and corrupt power structures. Beginning with the Feline Ferox in their home city, Courtesan’s Guild Schools have since been established across the globe, welcoming other races to take up the well respected mantle of Courtesan. It is not uncommon for nobility from any civilization to keep a private Courtesan to act as a respected advisor, as well as to handle their social affairs. Courtesans making their own way in various cities tend to be pillars of their communities, and the lavish stipends they send back to the Guild Palace in Amsai have assured that the Felines who stood for freedom have not suffered for their choice.
Philosophy
Like all Ferox, Udjamu Felines consider their environment to be of paramount importance. No one so blessed by the bounty of the world could ever scorn its gifts, and so, even with their exploitative treatment of other living beings, they keep their environmental meddling to a minimum. The Udjamu Cities heavily feature Soltech as their preferred technology, often constructing high ziggurats with an oculus at the top, and thousands of mirrors within that can reflect, amplify, and direct the light to power various machines. During times of celebration, colored lenses are used to shoot rays of light into the air in a unique display of dancing rainbows.
In the way that some cultures might respect the carcass of an animal by using every piece of it, the Udjamu Ferox respect the land by ensuring everything made from its bounty is beautiful. Technology is decorated, enameled, painted, even inlaid with stones and filigree. Musical instruments must be both functional and beautiful. Any material may be transformed into jewelry, so long as it is properly cut and faceted. Woven baskets, clay pottery, pipelines and wells, nothing escapes the beautification of Udjamu craftsmen.
When the world is stripped for resources like stone and wood, there are strict guidelines about the use of the land afterward. Forests must be replanted, quarries can be filled into new lakes and reservoirs, mines can be tiled or reinforced and made into tombs for the dead, becoming a place of respect and honor, and not simply abandoned. What is not used is sold, what is not sold is stored, and what cannot be stored is repurposed. The Udjamu call this “Aimtinanuna”, which is an expression of gratitude, as well as a promise to the world that has blessed them. It is only a shame that their treatment of other people is so cruel, as if they cannot understand that their respect toward the environment should carry on to the people who inhabit it with them.
The duality of the Udjamu is one of abundance and disparity. Great civilizations may bring great culture, but also exploitation, disparity and a shameful history. Stripping the world for its resources leaves scars in the land, which must be corrected with the creation of new beauty. There are those who have plenty, yet still take from those who have so little left to give.
Naming Customs
Udjamu names are two-fold: the outer name, and the inner name. Because so much of Udjamu culture is based on outwardly displaying how one wishes to be perceived socially, the inner name is kept a close secret, and dear to the Ferox’s heart. Some will go their entire lives without sharing their inner name, though others may find a select few whom they trust with it; those few around whom one can truly be themselves, with no judgment and nothing to hide. Parents, naturally, will know the name they’ve given to their children. Often lovers will await their wedding before they take the step of sharing their names, and still some only utter it to their children on their own death beds, when the time for shame and secrets is at an end. Still, others will hold their secret forever, finding peace in the simple practice of having one thing which will remain with them forever, and be shared with no one else.
Beyond the secret inner name, public names generally have two or three parts. A first name, the name of a parent, and in the case of important families, the family name as well. First names often end with -an, -on, or -en, -es, -a, -ia-, or -th, and are typically two syllables or longer. Inner names follow the same styling, though are usually three or more syllables.
First name examples:
Feminine: Neferet, Khadija, Arania, Nadieth, Sahari.
Masculine: Harathes, Arammon, Anseth, Ramhotep, Zaid, Hishaman.
Neutral: Gamales, Tariq, Mineth, Dalian, Rahami.
Surnames typically include an article, and the name of one parent. The most common prefix is the simple “Al” meaning “born of”, though often these articles tend to glorify the legacy of the chosen parent, depending on what they hope for their children, and what legacy they hope to leave behind. For families with proud lineages, a second surname can also include a name chosen by multiple family members, but the article can still change depending on the individual. The article can be separated from the surname by a hyphen, or by inserting a single letter such as -i, -a, or -e. For example, a male child born to Bakari of the proud Nahnub family may be called Balil Hazabakari Maj-Nahnub. This would be his public name, and Bakari would also give him a secret name for himself, such as Balqimhoten.
Common articles:
Al- Of (parent name)
Hav- Beloved of (parent name)
Tham- Precious to (parent name)
Maj- The glory of (parent name)
Nes- The miracle of (parent name)
Mor- The legacy of (parent name)
Haz- The strength of (parent name)
Ja- The beauty of (parent name)
Hir- The wisdom of (parent name)
Fashion
Feline Ferox are near-universally considered among the most beautiful people in Pannotia, not only because of their physical appearance, but because of their lithe grace and confidence. They wear clothing that shows off their best physical assets, be that sleeveless tunics that show off their well muscled arms, or cropped tops that display their midsections. As a culture that reveres beauty, they will wear cut-out clothing to show off tattoos or particularly prized fur patterns across their body. One thing about their beauty standards is that they vary largely from person to person, and all seem to be equally accepted. Small or large, muscled or delicate, it doesn’t matter so long as the Ferox wears their figure with boldness.
Feline fashion often includes bead work, with many precious and semiprecious stones, gold and silver, and very fine silk, flax, hemp, or linen. One popular piece of clothing is a beaded lattice that is draped over a simple shift or tunic, called a bead-net. The materials used for bead making can be humble, such as seashells, bone, wood, or rolled paper, or they can be quite expensive, such as jade, turquoise, or precious metals.
Another common piece of clothing is a mantle, which crosses the neck and the tops of the shoulders either with metalwork, beading, or precious stones, but leaves the chest area open. Plunging necklines on both the front and back of garments are common, and all genders can choose to wear pants, or opt for robes, long tunics, sarongs, or slitted skirts and wraps. Sandals are a common choice for both plantigrade and digitigrade feet, though many opt for beaded or woven ankle wraps that forgo soles altogether.
Fabrics are often dyed in neutral or natural colors, to accentuate any jewelry or metals on the body. Black is a favored color among the wealthy, as its timeless boldness accentuates the natural beauty of the wearer. Brightly dyed and intricately woven wraps are also often worn over the more neutral toned base garments. All genders commonly enjoy the use of heavy makeup, especially around the eyes, as well as elaborate piercings and tattoos if they so choose.
A common piece of clothing for a warrior or assassin is called a Kabbut, which is a long cloak with a hood which can cover the wearer’s face. This commonly protects them from sand and winds, keeping the fur clean while traveling, but can also disguise one’s identity. Ironically, the Kabbut is often beautifully embroidered, and very personal to the wearer. For assassins, it can serve as a sort of “alter ego” when worn, given that the cloak itself will be more identifiable than the face of the wearer. Some well renowned warriors will wear a Kabbut in tournaments, participating anonymously, and may choose whether to reveal their faces or keep the mystery going for as long as possible. Most often, though, a common warrior will simply choose to personalize their Kabbut with details of their own life, to carry a piece of their home with them on long marches. It is considered a prized piece of clothing that carries sentimental value, typically reserved for those who make combat their lifestyle. However, felines who move away from their home cities may wear a Kabbut simply because it is sentimental garb that has meaning to their people, so more non-warriors are beginning to wear them outside of the Udjamu Cities.
Military
The power of the Udjamu Cities is measured in wealth, with the oligarchy families each owning their own private militaries. The upper class who own estates may also hold their own militias, so long as they can provide for them. When an adversary needs conquering, it is often the desire of the wealthy to try and provide as many fighters as possible and thus claim a higher percentage of the reward.
The ownership of private armies also acts as a deterrent, preventing any one family from attempting to overthrow the others, almost like a trust of business owners all deciding they can earn more if they work together to drive up their own power. It also means that each oligarch is individually powerful, and their decisions can be influenced by bribes from the other nobility - which is considered normal and just a part of having influence.
Warrior Felines are often incredibly skilled, and lavishly armored in spectacular fashion. They are imposing, fierce, and still beautiful in their own way. They often train very young, and their graceful movements make them precise, deadly, and fantastic to watch. Combat tournaments are often held for the sake of entertainment, but rarely to the death. These events are also considered too proud for enslaved people to take part in, with glory belonging only to the Feline Ferox. Bare-handed fighting is considered traditional, and is still common. Favored weapons are often elegant, like curved blades, glaives, and whips.
Given their multitude of talents, Feline assassins tend to be just as capable of slipping into a scene silent and unnoticed as they are of simply talking their way in using charming words. The results are incredibly effective, with short, curved daggers resembling claws to be a favorite among many cat’s-paws.
Life in the Cities
For those living in the lap of luxury, life in the Udjamu cities is a paradise of culture, fine cuisine, excellent art, and general abundance. In Amsai, the Courtesan’s Guild and their entourages grace the streets and keep a constant assortment of soirées and events going year-round. In Khessarai, some of the best food in the world is studied in culinary schools and produced at high-end restaurants, with ‘food holidays’ being a common source of tourism. In Dekhasai, laws are significantly more lax than in the other two cities, with opium dens and black market trade being an open secret.
Yet in all three major cities, a particular marvel of all Udjamu Ferox are the Flowing Baths. Udjamu Felines, like all Ferox, still find nature to be the most pristine source of beauty. The gardens they have constructed use clever engineering to pump water from the ground into tall ziggurat structures, from which hanging plants then flower and descend. On every step, one can stroll the tiled floors, lounge on comfortable benches, even nap in the shade while listening to running water. When the Avian Ferox and their trading companies discovered the Udjamu they also began bathing in the waters, and the popularity of the Flowing Baths has only grown stronger over the years.
Napping culture is very strong with the Felines. Especially after eating, it is expected to spend at least half an hour resting. Their restaurants reflect this, each being filled with soft-cushioned chairs and usually providing entertainment as well as food. Throughout the cities, small areas of respite are stationed along the roads and alleyways, typically with a small water feature, some plants, and a bench, as well as a shade canopy. Stray cats roam these areas often, typically friendly to visitors.
For those who were brought into the cities by force, or born to enslaved parents, life is anything but luxurious. While enslaved people don’t typically starve, they do live harsh lives and perform daily physical labor.
Slavery in the Cities
The Udjamu attitude toward slavery is more complex than it may appear to be, at first glance. Rather than referring to their entire population of enslaved laborers as “slaves”, there are several classifications which they use to identify people whom they view as property. To be clear, none of these positions are respectful, nor does the elevation of status from one type of slave to another allow for any justification of the fact that they view people as property, and any who value freedom should take offense to every term used, whether it’s “servant”, “laborer”, etc. But for those who share this culture, they may see the distinctions as necessary context, or try to imply that the treatment is fair. It is not, but their perceptions are skewed by millennia of nationalism and self-propagandizing.
For the enslaved people themselves, not every waking moment is spent toiling, with most being permitted to have families and free time once their work is finished. However they are ultimately considered property, and treated as such. They own no property of their own, instead only making use of the property of their masters. Their families may be split apart by business deals that buy or sell slaves. Most belong to the overseer families, who own many slaves and rent them to families or businesses in the cities. These collective homes are essentially a single estate owned by one master, where people are born, raised, and go on to work their entire lives while earning nothing of their own.
A slave can be bought by a single family, and live in their estate in the city. How they’re treated depends on their masters, with no real societal guideline to protect them, except for the economic pressures to have as many able-bodied slaves in the city as possible. Businesses may also keep slaves for menial work, whether that is working in a restaurant, or mining in a quarry, essentially paying their menial wage directly to their master. Some masters send their slaves to be trained in some skill or art, but still keep all the profits they earn from their work. To the Udjamu, all these minutiae have their own words and meanings, but to the enslaved people, this simple fact is that they cease to be individuals with rights and become part of an economic machine in which they have no say. While this life can be brutal or lax, it can never be equal nor fair.
Some slaves do attempt to escape, usually by sneaking onto trading ships, or seeking out liberators from Amsai, or their allies. Avian Harpies sometimes sneak into the airship ports of Dekhasi and Khessarai, and transport slaves to freedom. Some are able to use the help of travelers to smuggle themselves and their families out. However, since travelers to these cities are often very wealthy, and fully aware of the practice of slavery, one must be careful whom they ask for help. Those who escape may seek to return to the home they were stolen from, or they may simply try to flee and disappear into any city they can get to.
Depending on the person they escaped from, they may have a tattoo that signifies their former ownership. Common tattoos would be a cat’s claw, a chisel, a teardrop, or a word in the Udjamu language, usually translating to “struck down” or “captured”. The tattoo may represent the sort of work they could be expected to do, like a wheel for those who pulled a cart, or a sickle for those who worked the fields.
Udjamu Felines in Galudon
With the endless trading ships that fly in and out of the Udjamu Cities on a regular basis, travel is readily available to any Feline Ferox who fancies a stroll out into the wider world. Pleasure yachts and private airships are available to the super wealthy, and of course those who travel often take a few of their personal household with them, including their stylists, servants, and bodyguards. They may take enslaved servants as well, though as slavery is illegal in Galudon this does pose some risk. It is simple enough to draft up a contract with the help of some Avian legal advisors which creates a legal loophole akin to “this person is under a service contract and is in indentured servitude until such-and-such date”, which the individual can sign, and then can promptly be torn up as soon as they return to the Udjamu cities. Enslaved people attempting to break from their bonds may find this an opportune chance to try and find means of escape, though the consequences for failure would be dire indeed.
Naturally, Feline Courtesans from their Guild Palace or Schools are expected to explore the world, make connections, and master their crafts. More specific details about what Courtesans may do can be found on the Courtesans Guild page.
There are of course many tiers of the Udjamu economic ladder, and traders, craftsmen, explorers, scientists, technicians, and other such working class people may seek to discover new methods or materials for their ever-hungry clientele. Bringing home something for a wealthy patron to flaunt over others is always a benefit to one's purse, whether that patron is a corrupt oligarch or a kindly Courtesan. Seeking out new trading partners or suppliers is also a common practice for world-savvy merchants.
Lastly, it should be quite clear to anyone who has gotten fed up with the corrupt, ancient ideals of the Udjamu Cities that life there shows no signs of changing. Even Amsai, which is making slow but steady strides towards modern sensibilities, is still a city where wealth and connections bring someone power. Warriors seeking real experience beyond the walls of an arena may wish to test their mettle elsewhere, or soldiers of private militias may leave to seek training from foreign masters, often with their travels funded by their masters. People of any class, so long as they have the freedom to leave, are generally able to board an airship and seek out a new life wherever they please. Though it may take some time to adjust to new cultures when Udjamu life and morals are the only things that one has ever known.
Trivia
- Heterochromia is more common in Feline Ferox than any other race, and is considered an attractive trait.
- Feline Ferox often find themselves uncomfortable around excessive or sudden noise, so things like jingling bells are not common on their clothing.
- Many individual Felines are not considered particularly wealthy, since most of the wealth is held by specific families in the Cities, and luxury goods just happen to be less expensive there. Feline Ferox in the wider world are often of middling wealth, despite their expensive tastes.
- Owning pet cats is a common practice. The Udjamu always give their cats names that would be equally suited for an actual person, though they will not give them a secret inner-name, since it’s generally assumed that the cat has one of those for itself already.
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