Lumban
Lumban is a vibrant and rugged country situated on the western coast of The Windy Isle. It is a land of sweeping grassy plains, where the wind dances freely and the rhythmic beat of hooves echoes across the landscape. The horse clans of Lumban are the heart and soul of the nation, nomadic groups who revere their powerful steeds and take pride in their equestrian traditions. Their way of life is deeply intertwined with the land, and their culture is one of unity through independence.
Geography
North: Lumban's northern border is defined by the majestic Daggerspine Mountains, a jagged and imposing range that serves as both a natural boundary and a source of mineral wealth. The Tek River carves its way through the mountains, creating fertile valleys and serving as a vital water source for both the clans and their herds.
South: The Pas Woka Mountains form Lumban's southern border, providing a rugged, less-traveled region that is rich in untamed beauty. These mountains separate Lumban from its southern neighbor, Charmac.
Plains: The heart of Lumban is dominated by expansive grassy plains, perfect for the horse clans who rely on the open terrain for grazing and riding. The wind-swept landscape offers a sense of freedom but can also be harsh and unforgiving during storms.
Borders
To the north, Lumban shares a border with Tarven, a region influenced by the Daggerspine's rugged terrain. Relations with Tarven are often defined by trade and occasional disputes over mountain passes.
To the east, the country of Olm lies beyond the plains, a region of chaotic winds that bring blessings and disaster, creating both opportunities and tensions between the nomadic and strife-worn Olmite people.
To the south, Charmac borders Lumban, separated by the Pas Woka Mountains. The relationship here is more distant, shaped by geographical barriers and cultural differences.
Governance
Lumban is ruled not by a central authority but by the collective leadership of the horse clans. Each clan operates autonomously, led by its own chieftain or leader. However, twice or thrice a year, the clan leaders convene for an Il-Father meeting, a gathering held at sacred sites or neutral territories. These meetings are pivotal moments for the clans, as they discuss matters of mutual interest, resolve disputes, form alliances, and coordinate defense strategies against external threats. Decisions at these gatherings are made by consensus, reinforcing the values of unity and mutual respect among the clans.
Culture
The horse clans of Lumban are renowned for their horsemanship, with generations of riders mastering the art of taming and bonding with their steeds. Horses are not merely animals but revered companions and symbols of strength, freedom, and identity. Clan traditions are rich with oral histories, songs, and rituals celebrating their connection to the land and their horses.
Lumban's plains also feature nomadic marketplaces that spring up when clans gather, where goods such as leatherwork, fine horses, and handcrafted weapons are traded. These gatherings are lively affairs, full of music, dance, and storytelling.
Challenges
Lumban's way of life is not without its challenges. The open plains leave the clans vulnerable to raids, harsh weather, and disputes over grazing lands. Additionally, their nomadic lifestyle often clashes with the more sedentary and expansionist cultures of their neighbors, particularly Olm and Charmac. Yet the clans' unity and adaptability have allowed them to thrive in this dynamic and windswept land.
In the face of external pressures and internal rivalries, Lumban remains a proud and untamed nation, its people as steadfast as the mountains and as free as the winds that sweep their grassy homeland.