Turn 1 - Neolithic ages
Following the end of a great ice age, there is evidence for advanced human cultures beginning to appear at this time, with domestication of animals and more advanced tools being invented. However, ancient cave sites remained in use and began to be overcrowded with rising populations.
In the northwest fringes of the continent, Ger uKal culture takes shape. They are bold seafarers, taking to the water in primitive boats, little better than rafts. During the warm summer months, the boat-people likely ventured far from shore and are believed to have reached the smaller island to the south of their original home, as well as the mainland shores - though these are only temporary visits for now. The sea provides abundant fish and shellfish, but is also cruel, and many of these early seafarers doubtless met their fate at the hands of the waves.
Domag mysticism is one of the first true forms of religion, believed to have formed around this time, and reflecting the life and death relationship with the waves.
On the mainland, we find the Dequus-Alicorn culture which appears to have been a scene of some conflict. Western populations are believed to have been the first to begin the domestication of wolves into dogs, using them as an aid to hunting. Meanwhile, eastern populations had begun to domesticate the local mountain goats around the same time, and the two began to clash. Armed with wolf-dogs as well as primitive bows, the Dequus seem to have won these clashes. Some Alicorn ventured northwards to escape conflict, losing most of their goats along the way and suffering from lack of shelter, but surviving for now.
Further south, the Toltec began to thrive as a culture of nomadic hunters, though it was a dangerous lifestyle, and life expectancy was not very high for the average hunter. The Toltec already began to leave their mark on the landscape over generations by digging drainage channels as an early form of irrigation, encouraging more grasses and plants to grow in certain areas and in turn attracting more game animals.
Toltec skeletons have been found with wolf teeth and seashells from the north, suggesting at least some sporadic exchanges with the northern cultures.
Faraway in the great mountains of the continental heartland, the Trasque peoples were learning to survive in a harsh landscape. The native mountain sheep were important to this as a source of meat and wool, and became increasingly domesticated. This culture also produced some of the finest stone tools known at the time, and are also known to have created hard gemstone spearpoints, which were likely a prestige item.
To the east, the Oxlen culture was developing in close association with the native water buffalo, providing a source of food and hides, and perhaps even milk - the human genes to tolerance animal milk may have originated here with the Oxlen. These people also developed basic ways of tanning leather using smoke, to enable hides to last longer before decaying. However, these proto-cattle also attracted predators such as tigers, and there were frequent injuries in defending the herd.
It is not believed the Trasque had any significant contact with the Oxlen culture at this time. Though not impossible, the route would have involved navigating mountain passes and a major river.
To the south, the unique Axti culture was emerging, known for their fine stone tools, which they used to cut wood and create basic palisade barriers around their cave sites. Stone carvings have also been found in association with the early Axti, which may be among the oldest carvings in human history. They are believed to represent some form of guardian spirit. Though protected, the diet of these people seems to have been quite limited.
Finally, across the sea to the southern island continent, we find the Ohpauh Eh culture. These people are already leaving their mark on the landscape by encouraging the growth of native water-storing trees. These trees are very slow growing, so this can only have been the work of generations.
The natives also developed an understandable fascination with the large flightless birds of their continent. One species in particular, believed to be known to them as ‘Puah’, were frequently tamed by humans. Though at first it appears they do not breed well in captivity, they can at least be kept for their eggs and feathers, and perhaps protection against attacks by the more aggressive ‘spirit eaters ‘. The eggs of the much larger ‘spirit guardian’ birds were involved in some of the first leadership rituals for which we have any evidence.
NOTES
Not much is known about ‘Far Northern Peoples’ or ‘Reed Peoples’. At this point they are still up for grabs as player factions and can be customised. If they remain NPC for another turn, I’ll start NPCing them properly and control them as if they were players.
Dequus - Alicorn conflict - the fighting was not player-initiated but was something I imagined happening based on conflicting priorities (apologies in advance). Whether the players make peace or continue fighting is up to them!
Injuries/sickness - these penalties will heal over time if there are no more battles or accidents. Otherwise you may want to invest in some kind of tradition of medicine and healing, which will counteract them in future.
Housing - cave sites are getting full! This will begin to slow population growth, or will encourage splinter groups to break away - unless you begin to build static villages or mobile tents (as those already used by the Toltec).
Government - I’d say that every level of ‘government’ allows direct control of 2-3 more population. The way I interpreted things, J.A.M is the only player to really invest in this so far using a Leadership Point. It’s not essential, but without it you can expect some population to form splinter-groups next turn. They’ll of course be influenced by your culture but not directly controlled. If you invest in government at a later date, the splinter groups are likely to join you again.
Faith - again you don’t *need* a faith/religion, but it’s a chance for you to get more Action Points and shape the mindset of your people a bit more. As cultures start to interact more, it’s likely religions will spread to those who don’t have any, and this may give other players extra influence.
Technology spread - it’s likely that inventions such as bows, and even domesticated animals will begin to spread between neighbours. This will never be the first turn that something is invented, but it can (semi-randomly) spread after that.
Discord - I think everyone on this thread is also on the NES Discord, but if not, let me know if you’d like an invite. It’s a convenient place to ask questions and poke me about stuff.
