Boyoma
Boyoma is the southern-most continent in the realm of Alleria.
Water is associated with the land of Boyoma: the continent to the far east of Alleria. With vast plains and sprawling jungles, this land has the most to offer in natural resources. In relation to our world, imagine Central Africa: the Congo Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Kenya. The climate can vary drastically and can be as unpredictable as the sea.
History
The ancient territories of Boyoma, Pre-covenant.
Geography
Boyoma has an enormous amount of variance in biomes, the most extreme of which is cut off in the southern reaches by inhospitable mountain ranges. There is a longstanding belief that the mountains are filled with snow spirits who are possessive of their domain; it is not uncommon for Boyomans who are entreupenerial to attempt to begin operations in the mountains only for mysterious circumstances to strike and curse the party.*
- Some of which are Outsiders... others, who knows what happened?
The most famous expedition is the Lost Party of 1643. A large party, blessed by their regional lord and well-funded, well-supplied, knowing full well the expectations and past losses disappeared during a bad storm that prevented communication with the team for two months. A party was sent to check up on the original party, only to find that all humans are gone, leaving behind all their equipment.
Theories state that they may have gone into the tunnel to keep warm, but no bodies were found in the collapsed mineshaft. The homing pigeons they used to deliver messages were still alive and well in the tents despite the frigid temperatures.
Northern Boyoma is in a greenery-dense region that halts at the river.
Government and politics
Economy
Gold
Gold is a readily available metal in Boyoma, making them responsible for providing the gold necessary to mint gold pieces throughout Alleria.
Culture
Cattle
Central Boyoma is dedicated to cattle rearing— the cattle herding lifestyle is strictly nomadic, following the seasons. It's become a rich cultural practice with it's own dialect. Yes. They are cowboys and super cool.
The cattle they herd is a long-time domesticated species of water buffalo of enormous size. They have been bred for muscle mass but also dependence on their caretakers: they roam freely but rely directly on their herders to keep an eye out for predators. Dogs and horses are often employed as working animals in this regard in order to (1) discourage large predators and (2) keep up with the herd.
It is not uncommon for cowboys to travel in family groups and get together sporadically for shits and giggles.
Fashion
Gold trim is a top-tier fashion choice in Boyoma. Those who can't afford it make use of gold-colored thread, dyed with local plants. Those who can will thread real gold into their clothing. The practice was assumed after a regional queen donned ritual wear to welcome a foreign envoy, and from there the look took off.
Religion
For laborers/free workers: The day begins early in the morning, prior to sunrise. In cities, they are woken by the clock towers. Workers must rise early and have a simple but filling meal (usually made from cassava or plantains), then leave the indoors at the first sign of sunrise. They go about their work be it mining, farming, herding, or more urban tasks (cleaning, gardening, etc.). Work continues until the heat/humidity is too intense to continue. This is typically from 1 - 3 each day. During this time, there are usually religious services or community gatherings indoors. Lunch is usually a community affair, either provided by the religious institutions or the organizers of the community gatherings. The midday break is also a good time to work on indoor chores such as mending, cleaning, tidying, anything that might not be done if all household partners are outdoor laborers. When the sun has moved from the center of the sky and it is safe to work again, the laborers return to their work outdoors and work until sundown. When the sun sets, the laborers can attend another religious service, return home, or visit the markets. The night is typically filled with music and revelry to get people's spirits up after a long day of work. Laborers that attend religious services are able to wash up prior to the service as simple worship clothes are provided. They are given a hearty meal and a chance to connect with the community.
Religious services do not happen every day but the laborers may go to the temple to wash up and pray/worship on their own. Laborers that return home wash up and make their own dinners to feed either just their families or to share with the small farming staff they are a part of. In those instances, everyone brings something to eat and they share. There is always music or a storyteller that includes music in their story as music is sacred in Boyoman culture. It's a long-standing belief that music must be incorporated into daily life in one way or another to live a good life. Laborers that go into town to go to the market usually eat food that is made in the market (street food such as meat on a stick, cassava fritters, and steamed cassava rolls). There's always some sort of performance going on to ensure everyone experiences music in one way or another.
Artisans: For artisans, the day is fairly similar but not nearly as strict depending on their profession. Smiths, for instance, work the same (or similar) hours as laborers, but jewelers do not. Instead, jewelers typically wake after sunrise and get into their shops later in the day. Higher class artisans won't open their shops until about 10. Once a week, the shop will take a break midday to attend religious services but otherwise will remain open until a little after the laborers return to work. Shops will stay open until evening religious services begin. Some shops will reopen for the evening market but higher class shops will close as their usual clientele have returned to their homes. Lower end shops will stay open specifically for laborers and the middle class to visit.
Dragons (Lwa)
In Boyoma, dragons are called "Lwa" or "Serpents.” They look like rivers, long and sleek with smooth scales and fin-like spines. They have no wings but are seen as flying in various paintings and tapestries.
