#next post will cover the actual transoceanic sailing that is now possible

[dawn-of-worlds]

Undreamed Shores

(Turn 11; Haebarik has 5 + 3 + 2d6->9 = 17 power)

Once, the world was fragmented.

Islands here, continents there, wide stretches of desolate land, seas unknown to any sailor. Each had its own people, ignorant of all others, each staring at the horizon, wondering what lied beyond.

This is the story of how it changed, and it starts with great disappointment.

-----

The humans of Lekesh, after so many failed or doomed expeditions, so many lost or forced to turn back, sail the northern coast of Rasira, turn south, and follow the coast until they at last arrive... at the southern strait. No Incarien, no home, merely the confirmation that this land, too, is not the one they seek. Many give up at this, deciding that wherever Incarien may be, it could not be near.

But king-captain Wera is honor-bound to explore, and so he turns towards the western coast of Lekesh. His crew sails south beyond the boreal forests, the sparse settlements, the grasslands and steppe. And at last, after crossing a great strait, they came across a village. The northernmost Messonir are surprised to see humans this far south: the humans are surprised to see anyone at all.

Much could be written of these first days of contact, and of the difficulties of communication until a pidgin got worked out. The overlap in windwhisperer lore and messonir religion causes a mix of interest and consternation on both sides.

In the end, though he is tempted by stories of the great southern city, Wera decides to head back and report on his discoveries. Within a year, he returns at the head of a great fleet, some eager to trade, others curious scholars, a few missionaries from the Builders' many faiths.

Travel down the coast of Nulat goes smoothly, and the great ships quickly arrive at Tsallosis, and so begins the Exchange.

The exchange of goods: whalebone, wine, lumber, furs, and paper (the Messonir had been using papyrus), traded for gems and linen and spices. Through the Seekers these goods arrive in the Free City, and from there in the other two realms.

(A few Penitent gain great wealth by acting as middle-men in trade; a practice only barely tolerated by their brethren thanks to their generosity in donating to religious and charitable causes)

The exchanges among kings. Gifts are given and received, pledges of alliance and support. The humans learn of the eastern Likani, the Messonir refine their understanding of Lekesh's realms.

And lastly, the exchange of knowledge. Human access to the Hall of All Things is restricted at first, but they bring much knowledge of their own, and at last the great library's gates are opened.

(of all exchanges, this one is most important, but we shall not speak of it quite yet)

In years to come, more and more human vessels sail south, and trade blossoms. The Penitent establish some victualing stations along the western coast, some of which grow into ports of their own; construction of a land road to the great inland rivers is already underway. The Builders strengthen their hold on the southern strait, demanding toll from any passing ship; some accept this, others take the longer and more dangerous northwestern route.

Among the Messonir, many join the humans on their ships. Some claim a curiosity to see how the world has changed, others merely desire coin and fame, but a few have a more spiritual reason. They call themselves the Children of Kalikan, after the first Messonir to build a boat and brave the seas, and dedicate themselves to ensuring safe (and profitable!) travel over the waves; they can be found in harbors and aboard ships all over the realm. They are closely tied to the windwhisperers, and learn many of the same secrets, but retain a strong distinct identity. Through them, some of the human art of shipbuilding filters through into the Messonir.

(Haebarik creates the Children of Kalikan, a mercantile/naval order among the Messonir that incorporates much of human seafaring lore, for 4 points, 13 remaining)