Outside the Mythic Europe

[theta]

This thread collects anecdotes and curiosities related to places in the world that are not Mythical Europe.
One story a day about the Mythic World.

1. The Comoros Islands Are Matrilinear
2. Rules of Nard
3. How Maimonides became a great physician
4. Elephant Birds of Madagascar
5. Virtues for Sea Trade
6. Flaws for Sea Trade
7. Ambergris
8. Building a Dhow
9. Ports of Call: Quanzhou
10. The Great Mosque of Kilwa
11. An Incubus of Sri Lanka
12. Black Magic of Sri Lanka
13. Map: 11-12 Century Trade Routes
14. Some Dhow Statistics

[theta]

1. The Comoros Islands Are Matrilinear

The Comoros Islands—Grande Comore (Ngazidja), Mohéli (Mwali), Anjouan (Ndzuwani), and Mayotte (Maore)—are situated in the western Indian Ocean. Located between the African coast and Madagascar, they serve as stops for sailors traveling the Indian Ocean trade routes. The islands are characterized with a mix of African, Arab, and Persian influences that shaped their culture.

The society of the Comoros Islands is matrilineal, which means inheritance and family lines pass through the mother. Property, like land and homes, is given to daughters or passed from maternal uncles to their nieces and nephews. This keeps wealth within the mother’s family line and gives women control over family resources. Men often live in their wives’ households after marriage, further strengthening the focus on the mother’s family. Maternal uncles, called "malume," play an important role in guiding and mentoring their sisters’ children.

The family structure centers on the mother’s relatives, with grandmothers and aunts holding respected positions and passing down family traditions. Community events, such as weddings and coming-of-age ceremonies, are led by the mother’s family, emphasizing the importance of maternal lineage. Marriages are often arranged to strengthen clan ties, and children are taught to stay loyal to their mother’s family.

Women’s control over property and resources gives them influence within their clans and provides balance to men’s roles in trade and politics. This matrilineal setup also brings stability, as property remains with the maternal family even if men are away for long trade journeys. Stories about powerful ancestral mothers support this system, portraying female ancestors as wise leaders whose strength passes through generations.

Each Comorian island functions as a small sultanate, where local rulers, or sultans, oversee trade, resolve disputes, and maintain peace. Although political authority is held by male sultans, the matrilineal structure strongly influences succession and governance. In many cases, the role of sultan does not pass from father to son but instead to a nephew or another male relative from the sultan’s maternal line, ensuring that power and resources remain within the mother’s family. This system strengthens clan ties and stabilizes leadership by keeping authority tied to the maternal line.

Sultans also work with councils of elders, who are often prominent men from influential maternal lineages, to address community issues, resolve conflicts, and uphold local traditions. While men hold the formal positions of power, women indirectly shape political dynamics through their control of family wealth. The resources held by women, especially in the maternal line, often support the sultan’s activities and alliances. Important social events, particularly marriages, are arranged by the mother’s family, reinforcing the strength of maternal lines in the political framework.

[theta]

2. Rules of Nard

Nard is an ancient board game that originated in Persia. It is considered a predecessor to the game of backgammon and has many similarities to it.
In year 1220 Nard is popular in lands of Islam.

Rules of Nard

1. The game of nard is played on a board of 8x8 squares.

2. Upon the board are set eight soldiers of each color, black on the back row of the board, and white opposite. On the next row in front of the soldiers, a king is positioned, each player placing the king on the fourth square from his left.

3. Players each roll a die to see who goes first, the higher scoring player beginning the game.

4. A player may move a piece as far as he pleases along a rank or file, though no piece may land on or jump over another.

5. The kings move as other pieces.

6. A piece is captured by surrounding him on opposite sides along a rank or file. The kings may not be captured but may aid in capturing enemy pieces.

7. A player wins the game when his opponent is left with only a king on the board.

[theta]

3. How Maimonides became a great physician

Maimonides was a famous physician and scholar and leader of the Jewish community in Cairo (and al-Fustat). He is also known as Saladin's personal physician. The story is a Jewish legend.

Also, beware smartass aprentices.
————————————————-

How Maimonides became a great physician

Young Maimonides wanted to become a physician. At that time, a famous physician would take students and train them for free, but after a year of practice, he would kill them so that they would not go on their own and would not become competition for the former master.

Maimonides came up with a clever idea and, despite his mother's fears, decided to implement it. He began to pretend to be deaf-mute and in this way gained the physician's trust, who kept him as an assistant for five years, certain that the student did not understand anything. Every time Maimonides had a free moment, he would take out a piece of paper and write down everything he saw and heard. Where he thought something could have been done better, he wrote down his corrections. In this way, after five years, he became a great physician.

One day, the king's daughter fell ill. Many physicians came to treat her, and among them was the master of Maimonides with his apprentice. The physician opened the skull and everyone saw that the cause of the illness was a frog stuck to the princess's brain. The master of Maimonides grabbed a pair of surgical forceps and reached for the frog, but then suddenly his apprentice hit him on the hand, shouting: "I hope your hand falls off! Do you want to kill the princess?!"

When the apprentice, who had been mute for years, spoke, the master was stunned. Seeing this, the king handed the fate of the operation into the hands of his apprentice. He heated a nail red-hot and touched the frog's legs one by one with it. Each time, the frog lifted its foot, and Maimonides put a piece of cotton under it. Finally, the frog could be torn away from the brain. Maimonides closed the skull cap and the princess recovered.

The master finally regained his composure and ordered Maimonides to leave the palace, but he knew he would be killed, so he appealed to the king for help. The king said: "Maimonides is staying with me. He is a better doctor than you.

Since he is a better doctor than me," the master replied venomously, "let us conduct a test. He will drink a poison prepared by me and I will drink a poison prepared by him and we will see who comes out of it unscathed.

Maimonides accepted the challenge because he knew the antidote. He took the poison and fell down, and the Jews he had asked for help did as he had said. They dragged Maimonides' body through seven red-hot furnaces and then put it inside seven slaughtered bulls. After applying the antidote, Maimonides came back to life.

Now it's my turn, Maimonides told the king.

He took seven boxes and put one inside the other. In the smallest one he placed soda water, and wrapped the container in seven linen cloths. Then he took long tongs, covered his mouth and nose, and, taking the box in the tongs, carried it to the master.

"What terrible poison is this? How dangerous it must be, since Maimonides gives it to me with tongs, covering his face. What antidote should I use?"

The master began to unpack the boxes, but when he reached the fifth one, he fell as if struck by lightning and died of dread.

Maimonides became the royal physician and minister. He lived many years enjoying peace.

[theta]

4. Elephant Birds of Madagascar

(a bunch of elephant birds waiting for the party to arrive; they kick asses and chew seeds, and they are all outta... oh wait, actually they run and then kick asses only when cornered)

Elephant Bird

In the real world, the colossal elephant birds of Madagascar went extinct centuries ago, leaving only legends and fossilized remains. However, in the Mythic World, these magnificent birds still roam the dense forests and swamps of Madagascar. Towering up to 3 meters tall when measured from the ground to the top of their backs elephant birds are massive flightless creatures, often compared to gigantic ostriches. They are the biggest birds in the world known for their strength, endurance, and incredible speed. Elephant birds are herbivores that are rare and elusive, usually keeping to the deep forests where few humans venture, lending them a near-mythical status even in medieval times.

Characteristics: Cun -2, Per +1, Pre +0, Com -4, Str +5, Sta +5, Dex +0, Qik -1
Size: +2

Virtues and Flaws

• Virtues: Improved Characteristics, Large, Imposing Appearance x2
• Flaws: Fear (Predators), No Hands
  Personality Traits: Cautious +2, Solitary +1, Wary +2

Animal Qualities: Tough Hide (+2 Soak), Huge Beast, Powerful Legs (Bonus to Running/Leaping rolls)

Combat

• Dodge: Init -1, Defense +5
• Kick (if cornered): Init -1, Attack +4, Defense +3, Damage +7
• Soak: +7 (Sta +5, Tough Hide +2, Size +2)

Wound Levels

• Light: 1–6
• Medium: 7–12
• Heavy: 13–18
• Incapacitating: 19–24
• Dead: 25+

Abilities

• Brawl (Kick) 2
• Survival (Forest) 4
• Awareness (Danger) 3
• Athletics (Running) 3

(From the left: elephant bird, common ostrich, human, modern dinosaur)

---

---

Ramanantsoa, the Elephant Bird of Virtue

Ramanantsoa is a legendary Beast of Virtue, an embodiment of the primal forces of nature on Madagascar. Unlike ordinary elephant birds, Ramanantsoa is imbued with magical qualities, making it a guardian of the island’s forests. It is said that as this great bird strides through the woods, seeds sprout and grow in its wake, rejuvenating the land. With a majestic and imposing presence, Ramanantsoa protects the natural world, blessing plants and creatures with resilience and vitality. Revered by those who dwell on the island, it is a creature of deep wisdom and watchful vigilance, ensuring that Madagascar’s forests remain lush and thriving.

Ramanantsoa, the Elephant Bird of Virtue is associated with: Speed, Seeds, and Plants
Magic Might: 15 (Animal)

Characteristics: Cun +1, Per +3, Pre +1, Com -3, Str +5, Sta +6, Dex +1, Qik +2
Size: +3

Virtues and Flaws

• Virtues: Magic Animal, Minor Essential Virtue (Fleet-footed and Agile), Second Sight (from Magical Qualities), Enduring Constitution, Imposing Appearance x2
• Flaws: Driven (Protect the Forest and Spread Seeds), Fear (Open Flames)
  Personality Traits: Fleet-footed +3, Protective of Nature +3, Solitary +1

Animal Qualities: Tough Hide (+2 Soak), Huge Beast, Powerful Legs (Bonus to Running/Leaping rolls), Forest Camouflage (Stealth bonus in wooded areas)
Magical Qualities: Minor Essential Virtue (Fleet-footed and Agile), Lesser Power x2, Personal Power, Improved Abilities

Combat

• Dodge: Init +2, Defense +8
• Kick (if cornered): Init +2, Attack +5, Defense +4, Damage +8
• Soak: +10 (Sta +6, Tough Hide +2, Size +3)

Wound Levels

• Light: 1–7
• Medium: 8–14
• Heavy: 15–21
• Incapacitating: 22–28
• Dead: 29+

Abilities

• Brawl (Kick) 3
• Survival (Forest) 5
• Awareness (Plants) 4
• Athletics (Running/Leaping) 5
• Second Sight (Hidden Paths and Objects) 3

Powers

Dash of the Great Bird
Points: 2, Initiative: Qik-5, Form: Animal, Range: Personal, Duration: Diameter, Target: Individual
Grants Ramanantsoa +3 to Athletics (Running) and allows it to move at extreme speed briefly.
Design: Base 4, +1 Diameter; Might Cost: 2 points

Stride of the Verdant Guardian
Points: 0, Initiative: Qik-2, Form: Herbam, Range: Touch, Duration: Momentary, Target: Group
Ramanantsoa can bless an area of soil or plants, causing dormant seeds within the ground to sprout and begin growing rapidly. This magical growth is permanent, with the plants taking root and continuing to thrive naturally after the initial blessing. This power rejuvenates barren or depleted areas, creating a lasting addition to the forest's ecosystem and supporting the wildlife that depends on it.
Design: Base 1 (make a plant grow more quickly), +1 Touch, +2 Group; Might Cost: 0 (reduced by Improved Powers)

Embrace of the Amber Grove
Points: 0, Initiative: Qik-2, Form: Herbam, Range: Touch, Duration: Sun, Target: Group
Ramanantsoa can cause trees in its vicinity to release protective resin, coating their bark and nearby plants with a sticky, amber-like substance.
Design: Base 3 (cause a plant to produce a substance), +1 Touch, +2 Sun, +1 Group; Might Cost: 0 (reduced by Improved Powers)

(hen's egg compared with elephant bird's egg; both are edible)

[theta]

5. Virtues for Sea Trade

I use these virtues in my Indian Ocean Saga but they may be easily adapted for the Mythic Europe.

---

---

Foreign Spouse (Minor Status Virtue)

You have a spouse from a prominent family in a foreign land, such as Persia, India, or East Africa. This alliance provides access to valuable contacts, support within your spouse’s homeland, and their trade network. However, it also requires you to honor certain customs, festivals, and family responsibilities, binding you to the community and its social expectations.

You gain a +3 bonus to social interactions within your spouse’s homeland or trade network. Additionally, once per story, you may call upon your spouse’s family for minor assistance, such as information, local contacts, or protection. This privilege is contingent on maintaining goodwill and honoring the familial obligations that come with the marriage.

---

---

Representative of Merchants (Major Status Virtue)

As the Representative of Merchants, you hold a prestigious and influential role in a major port city, such as Venice, Genoa, Calicut, Aden, or Alexandria. Appointed by a ruling authority or merchant guild, you oversee trade activities, mediate disputes, enforce regulations, and support both foreign and local merchants. Known as a protector of commerce, you play a critical role in balancing political interests and economic prosperity in the port. To maintain this position, you must uphold strong, respectful relationships with local rulers, guild leaders, and influential merchants, navigating the complex social and political landscape of the port.

You gain a +3 bonus to social interactions, Bargain, and Leadership rolls when dealing with merchants, ship captains, and port officials within your jurisdiction. You can summon city guards or dock workers to enforce market rules and resolve conflicts. Once per story, you may leverage your network of contacts to gather information, negotiate advantageous trade terms, or access port resources (e.g., prioritizing shipments or adjusting tariffs temporarily). This role provides income equivalent to a Major Wealth virtue, but you must maintain good standing with local rulers or guild authorities to retain this office which also means occasional gift exchanges and bribes.

---

---

Favored by the Monsoon (Minor Supernatural Virtue)

Through luck, a protective spirit, or even a blessing from a sea deity, the monsoon winds seem to work in your favor. When others face delays, storms, or misfortune, your ships are more likely to catch favorable winds, ensuring faster and safer travel across the Indian Ocean. Your reputation as a lucky or blessed navigator brings awe and sometimes jealousy.

This virtue grants a +2 bonus to navigation, sea trade or weather-related rolls when relying on seasonal winds. It may reduce travel time and lower the likelihood of shipwrecks or delays. However, others may come to depend on your favor, which can lead to unwanted attention or requests for help.

[theta]

6. Flaws for Sea Trade
Now it's time for some flaws.

---

---

Taboo Transgression (Cursed) (Minor or Major Supernatural Flaw)

Due to a severe violation of a local Swahili taboo—whether an insult to a spirit, breaking a ritual, or desecrating a sacred site—you are cursed by a powerful jinn, spirit, or ancestor. This curse brings ongoing minor misfortunes and significant seasonal disruptions, impacting both your social standing and success in practical matters. It will persist until you take sufficient steps to lift it.

• Minor Version:

  • Constant Effect: Frequent minor misfortunes, such as spoiling supplies, tools breaking, animals acting strangely, or people instinctively feeling uneasy around you.
  • Seasonal Effect: Once per season, a significant setback at a critical moment, such as a trade falling through, travel disrupted, or allies refusing aid.

• Major Version:

  • Constant Effect: Intense minor misfortunes like broken objects, lost supplies, minor injuries, and locals avoiding or refusing service due to a sense of foreboding.
  • Seasonal Effect: Once per season, a major disruption or misfortune with severe consequences, such as financial ruin, hostile spirits, or a dangerous encounter.

Lifting the Curse

1. Identifying the Source: A Level 15 Intellego Vim spell reveals the curse’s origin, the spirit involved, and its requirements for appeasement.

2. Monthly Reparations: Small, respectful acts of atonement—offerings, symbolic gifts, or rituals performed each month. Failure to complete these increases the frequency or intensity of minor misfortunes.

3. Seasonal Ritual of Appeasement: Each season, a larger ritual, such as a festival or shrine restoration, costs 1 pawn of Vis. A successful Theology (Swahili Animism) or Area Lore roll against Ease Factor 9 reduces the severity of the seasonal effect.

4. Final Lifting through a Guided Pilgrimage or Quest: A challenging journey to appease the spirit, such as a pilgrimage to a sacred site, quest, recreating a story associated with the spirit or restoring an artifact.

• At the quest’s end, the cursed character makes a Presence + Theology (Swahili Animism), Area Lore, or Folk Ken roll against Ease Factor 15. Success lifts the curse permanently; failure requires further atonement. A guide with Area Lore or Theology knowledge may offer assistance, providing narrative support or, at the Storyguide’s discretion, a small circumstantial bonus to the final roll.

5. Magical Suppression (Temporary Option): A Level 25 Rego Vim or Perdo Vim spell can suppress the curse for one season, requiring 2 pawns of Vis.

---

---

Ritual Impurity (Minor Flaw)

You cannot take this flaw at character creation; it must be acquired during gameplay through significant transgressions against religious norms.

As a foreigner in India, you have violated religious customs, either knowingly or unknowingly, resulting in ritual impurity. High-caste individuals and devout members of society view you as unclean, avoiding contact with you and barring you from sacred spaces or rituals. This impairs your ability to engage socially and limits your access to religious or caste-based privileges.

• Examples of How Impurity Is Gained:
  • Entering a temple or holy site without observing proper purification rites.
  • Handling sacred objects, such as temple offerings or altars, without understanding their significance.
  • Consuming forbidden foods, such as beef, near a Hindu temple or in front of high-caste individuals.
  • Failing to remove footwear in a sacred area or performing actions considered ritually unclean, like eating meat near a place of worship.

Rules for Cleansing Ritual Impurity

To cleanse yourself of ritual impurity, you must undertake one of the following acts, rooted in traditional Mythic Hindu practices:

1. Sacred Bathing
   Perform a purification ritual in a consecrated water source, like the Ganges or a temple tank, under the supervision of a Brahmin. This requires fasting for 24 hours and offering items like flowers, milk, or a small amount of clarified butter (ghee), worth a total of 3 Mythic Pounds of silver. The ritual must be done on an auspicious day chosen by the priest.

• Cost: 3 Mythic Pounds of silver for offerings.

2. Temple Offering
   Make a substantial donation to a local temple, equivalent to 5 Mythic Pounds of silver, in the form of currency, a gold ornament, or a modest amount of clarified butter used for temple rituals. The priests will accept the offering and perform purification prayers on your behalf.

• Cost: 5 Mythic Pounds of silver or an equivalent offering.

3. Fasting and Prayer
   Undertake a strict three-day fast, consuming only water, while performing ritual prayers at dawn and dusk. This must be done under the guidance of a Brahmin, who will lead you in reciting specific mantras. You must also make a donation of 2 Mythic Pounds of silver to cover ritual costs and the priest’s services.

• Cost: 2 Mythic Pounds of silver for materials and priestly guidance.

4. Community Service
   Complete a significant act of penance, like sponsoring a communal meal for the poor, funding the repair of a temple facility, or providing resources for a local project. This act must be witnessed and approved by a religious authority and cost at least 4 Mythic Pounds of silver.

• Cost: 4 Mythic Pounds of silver or equivalent resources.

[theta]

7. Ambergris

Ambergris is a rare and valuable substance found along the shores of the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the coastlines of East Africa. It comes from the digestive system of sperm whales and forms because whales cannot digest hard parts of their prey, like squid beaks. These materials get coated in a fatty substance inside the whale and are eventually expelled into the sea. As it floats, ambergris hardens and takes on a waxy texture with a unique, pleasant scent.

Ambergris floats on water, and people sometimes discover chunks washed ashore. There are even stories of pieces so large they could be the size of a house—though likely exaggerated, these tales add to the mystery of ambergris. Occasionally, decaying whale carcasses float in the sea, and it's possible to extract ambergris directly from the remains.

Ambergris is highly valued for several reasons. It is crucial in perfumery, where its scent and ability to stabilize other fragrances make it indispensable. It is also believed to have medicinal benefits, used to treat various ailments. Wealthy people prize it as a status symbol, and it is sometimes added to food and drink, believed to have aphrodisiac properties. For common people, finding ambergris not only promises wealth but also feels like an encounter with the mysterious power of the sea.

[theta]

8. Building a dhow

Dhows are primarily built using teak wood, a durable material sourced from India, especially from regions like Malabar and Gujarat. Teak is valued for its high oil content, which makes it resistant to water damage, pests, and rot—ideal for maritime use. The shipbuilders, often from Oman, Yemen, and the Indian coastline, use techniques passed down through generations. The timber includes large squared logs for keels and stems, with crooked branches selected for frames and knees.

The hulls are stitched together using coir (coconut fiber) rope, a traditional method known as sewn-boat construction. This technique, dating back centuries, is distinct from the nailed plank construction seen in European ships. Coir rope stitching allows for flexibility in the ship’s structure, which is advantageous in stormy seas, as it helps absorb the shock of rough waters. This method adapts to the seasonal weather of the Indian Ocean. The sewing technique, often using wooden dowels for added strength, is also practiced in some regions. Some dhows, however, are built with nails made by local smiths, which are driven through pre-bored holes using bow drills.

The construction process begins by squaring a log for the keel and laying it level on blocks. The stem and sternposts are tenoned into the keel and reinforced with iron plates, but no frames are set up initially. Instead, planking starts immediately, with the first plank (garboard strake) set in a groove chiseled into the keel and nailed down from the inside. The planks are fastened individually, with each shaped and twisted by eye using temporary crooks for support. Frames are installed later, and the crooked wood is trimmed with adzes to fit the planking.

The lateen sails, triangular in shape, are made from cotton or palm fibers. These sails enable dhows to sail against the wind, an important feature for navigating the monsoon-driven winds that dominate the region. The sails are manually adjusted by skilled sailors, and the ability to catch the monsoon winds is crucial to the efficiency of the sailing ship. Teak wood is used for the hull, while mangrove wood is used for internal supports. Palm leaves provide material for shelters on deck.

The shipbuilders rely entirely on their experience, without molds or drawings, using traditional craftsmanship and tools. Hand axes, adzes, chisels, and bow drills are essential for shaping and assembling the materials. As planking is finished, the hull is faired off with delicate cuts from hand tools, seams are caulked with cotton, and the wood is treated with oil for protection.

[theta]

Ports of Call: Quanzhou

In the 13th century, Quanzhou, situated on China's southeastern coast, stands as a pivotal port in global trade networks. By 1220, it serves as one of China’s most crucial maritime hubs, connecting East Asia to the wider Indian Ocean world. The city exports highly valuable Chinese goods like silk, porcelain, and tea, which people from many lands desire. Historical records confirm that Quanzhou attracts merchants from a wide range of regions, including Arabia, India, Southeast Asia, and even distant places like Cambodia, Sumatra, and Japan. In 1206, a customs report mentioned the city's diverse population, with traders coming from places as far as Brunei and the Philippines to do business in its busy markets.

Quanzhou’s significance extends beyond commerce. Tamil merchants from South India, residing in the city during this period, establish Hindu temples, reflecting the port's cultural and religious diversity. Customs officials in Quanzhou maintain detailed records of the different people and goods passing through. One such official, Zhao Rugua, authored a comprehensive book in 1225 titled Description of Barbarian Nations. This account provides a clear view of Quanzhou’s trade connections and highlights the city as a key reference point for measuring distances between China and foreign lands. The port boasts well-developed infrastructure, including customs houses and warehouses, ensuring the smooth flow of goods, all under strict government oversight.

Quanzhou’s political and economic importance is tied to the policies of the Southern Song dynasty. However, these policies sometimes complicate matters. The government introduces restrictions to prevent excessive outflow of copper and bronze currency, aiming to protect China’s economy from inflation caused by depreciating paper money. Over time, these regulations impact the city's prosperity. Nonetheless, in 1220, Quanzhou remains a key player in the vast web of global trade that reaches across the Indian Ocean.

Sailors from Quanzhou: The majority of the population is Han Chinese, characterized by light to medium skin tones, straight black hair, and almond-shaped eyes. However, Quanzhou’s diverse environment also means encountering individuals with varied physical features, including sailors from India, and Southeast Asia.

Appearance/Clothing: Sailors typically wear practical attire suited for maritime activities. This includes tunic-style shirts and trousers made from durable materials like hemp or cotton, allowing ease of movement and resilience against the elements. Headwear such as simple cloth caps or headbands is common to protect against the sun. Footwear consists of sturdy sandals or boots designed for shipboard work. Given Quanzhou’s multicultural population, a variety of clothing styles from different cultures, such as Arab robes or Indian garments, are also present among traders and residents.

Language: The primary language spoken by the crew is Middle Chinese. However, due to the city's role as a trading hub, sailors often possess basic knowledge of other languages or dialects to facilitate communication with foreign merchants.

---

---

[theta]

10. The Great Mosque of Kilwa

The Great Mosque of Kilwa is one of the earliest mosques on the East African coast. It stands at the edge of modern-day Kilwa as an example of cultural synthesis, blending African and Arab influences.

In 1220, the Great Mosque serves as a significant religious and cultural center on the Swahili Coast. Kilwa is a powerful city-state, enriched by trade with Arabia, Persia, and India. The mosque plays a crucial role, not only as a place of worship but also as a gathering spot for traders and scholars. It is a hub of Islamic learning and discussion, attracting visitors who come to exchange knowledge and participate in the religious and intellectual life of the city.

From the Outside

In 1220 the mosque’s exterior is constructed primarily of coral stone, a material readily available along the coast. The walls are thick and sturdy, built from square-cut blocks of coral that have been hardened and strengthened with a lime-based mortar. Decorative niches and arched windows punctuate the structure, adding a sense of rhythm and balance to the design. Notably, the mosque lacks an open courtyard, an unusual feature for mosques of its era and region.

The domes that roof the building today, including the prominent Great Dome, will be built about 100 years from now, and the southern wing will also be added later. At present, the mosque has a flat roof, which, while functional, lacks the architectural splendor of future expansions.

Northern Prayer Hall

The northern prayer hall is the oldest part of the mosque, constructed in the 11th and 12th centuries. It consists of 16 bays, divided by nine coral stone pillars. These original pillars are octagonal, each carved from a single block of coral stone, standing 140 centimeters tall with a square base measuring 40 centimeters per side. The flat roof, supported by these columns, is covered in coral plaster, engraved with circular patterns that lend a simple elegance to the space.

In the coming decades, specifically within 20 to 40 years, these coral stone columns will be replaced with timber supports. At that time, more elaborate roof structures, including transverse beams and side pilasters, will be installed to enhance both stability and beauty. The walls of the prayer hall are already lined with square-cut coral blocks set in thick mortar, creating a strong and visually cohesive enclosure. A unique feature in this space is the four blocks of dressed coral stone projecting from the wall, forming a shelf that currently supports the mosque’s minbar (pulpit) used for sermons.

The prayer hall, as it exists in 1220, reflects early Swahili architectural practices, emphasizing practicality and durability. It serves as a focal point for the community, hosting Friday prayers and important religious gatherings. The mosque’s role in education and scholarly pursuits is evident, as it attracts students and teachers who engage in the study of Islamic texts and law. The area is also a place of social interaction, where community matters are discussed and resolved.

Ablution Area and Anteroom

Adjacent to the northern prayer hall lies a sunken ablution courtyard, essential for ritual purification before prayers. This courtyard includes a tank, a well, and a washroom, with large, round sandstone blocks embedded in the ground for exfoliating feet after washing. A stairway leads from this area to the roof, while an anteroom connects the courtyard to the prayer hall. The northwest corner of the anteroom provides access to a small vaulted chamber, which serves as a private room for the imam.

The ablution area is already a crucial part of the mosque, reflecting the importance of ritual purity in Islamic practice. The design emphasizes practicality and cleanliness, with thoughtful features to accommodate the large number of worshippers. The craftsmanship of the facilities highlights the community’s commitment to religious observance and spiritual preparation. The anteroom and adjacent chambers also serve as spaces for contemplation and preparation, reinforcing the mosque’s role as a spiritual sanctuary.

Future Changes

Over the next century, the mosque will undergo significant changes. By the early 14th century, Sultan al-Hasan ibn Sulaiman will add the southern wing and construct the first true dome on the East African coast, known as the Great Dome. These modifications will transform the mosque into an architectural marvel, admired by travelers like Ibn Battuta and setting a precedent for future mosque designs along the Swahili Coast.

[theta]

11. An incubus of Sri Lanka

The Kalu Kumaraya, or Black Prince, is a notorious figure in Sri Lankan folklore, depicted as a demon who preys on young women. His origins trace back to an ancient prince who, driven by ambition, tried to seize his father's throne. When his coup failed, he took his own life but was punished by being transformed into a malevolent spirit, condemned to haunt the earth instead of passing into the afterlife.

Described as tall, dark, and irresistibly handsome, the Kalu Kumaraya uses his charm to lure victims into fatal encounters. He hides in shadowy places like dense forests, deserted paths, and near bathing areas, emerging to seduce lone women. Under his spell, these victims often willingly beg him to take their lives, a request he obliges by slitting their throats. Beyond seduction, his legend includes a sinister focus on pregnant women: his touch is said to cause miscarriages, adding to his reputation as a bringer of suffering and death.

To protect against the Kalu Kumaraya, people use charms and amulets made from sacred metals like copper, inscribed with protective symbols or verses from Buddhist scriptures. These are worn or placed in homes to ward off evil. Doorways and windows are marked with inscriptions made from saffron water or sacred ash to prevent the demon from entering. Additionally, burning herbs like sandalwood creates a protective barrier, with the smoke purifying the area and keeping malevolent spirits away.

[theta]

12. Black Magic of Sri Lanka

In the year 1220, travelers to the lush and mysterious island of Sri Lanka must be wary of the shadowy arts of Pilli and Hoona, dark practices whispered about in villages and feared by even the bravest. These sinister forms of black magic are woven into the island’s culture and are known to bring about great misfortune, illness, and untimely death.

The villagers are speaking in hushed tones about Pilli, a magic used to curse or harm one’s enemies. Skilled sorcerers, known as Kattadiyas, are masters of this craft. They can call upon malevolent spirits to bring calamity to their victims. To cast these spells, they gather personal items belonging to their targets, such as a strand of hair or a piece of cloth, and use them in rituals performed under cover of night. These ceremonies often involve lime fruits, nails, ash, or effigies, buried or placed near a victim’s home to seal the curse. Those afflicted may experience terrible nightmares, wasting sickness, or strange and persistent misfortunes, as if an invisible force is crushing their spirit.

Even more feared is the magic of Hoona, associated with serpent spirits. The islanders believe that a curse of Hoona calls upon a snake-like spirit to invade a person’s life. The victim may suffer symptoms akin to venomous poisoning: burning sensations, fevers, or a crawling feeling under the skin. In some cases, real snakes appear around the cursed person’s dwelling, adding to the terror. If one hears of a curse of Hoona, it is wise to be wary, as this magic is known for its relentless and insidious nature.

To counter these malevolent forces, the island’s wise exorcists perform complex rituals. Travelers might witness a Pilli Pooja, where coconuts, camphor, and lime fruits are used to absorb and dispel the curse's evil energy. Sacred chants echo through the jungle as purifying smoke rises to the sky, and protective charms are crafted to shield both locals and travelers from further harm. Blessed water and enchanted talismans are common defenses against these dark forces and it is said that carrying such protection is prudent for anyone journeying through Lanka.

[theta]

Map: 11-12 Century Trade Routes

This map is very detailed and it has zoomable scale:

EasyZoom

---

---

And here is a map for the 13th century. Not zoomable, less detailed though.

[theta]

14. Some Dhow Statistics

Statistics below are useful for ship rules described in the 4th Edition expansion titled The Mythic Seas.

The Gharab is a large oceangoing dhow used for long-haul trade and transporting large cargo loads. It has a rounded hull and high sides, providing stability in rough seas. Its construction is robust, featuring sewn planks and a reinforced keel. The Gharab is often used for transporting high-value cargo, such as spices, textiles, and metals, as well as ferrying pilgrims across the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. Its large lateen sails make it effective at leveraging monsoon winds for efficient travel.

• Hull Size: 6
• Seaworthiness Levels: OK/–1/–1/–2/–3/–5/Swamped
• Material: Sewn-plank wood (Soak: 7)
• Crew Size: 20–30 sailors.
• Propulsion: Large lateen sails (Speed: 4)
• Steering: Steering oar (Maneuver: +1)
• Cargo Capacity: 200 tons
• Extras:
• Bulk cargo holds
• Accommodation for passengers (the party, pilgrims)
• Reinforced keel for stability in rough seas
• Role in Play: Ideal for long-distance trade and narrative-driven adventures involving bulk cargo or transporting the party.

---

---

The Sambuk is a medium-sized, double-ended dhow widely used for regional trade, fishing, and pearl diving. Its curved prow and straight stern enhance seaworthiness, and its construction using sewn-plank techniques makes it both lightweight and durable. A single lateen sail allows the Sambuk to navigate effectively with monsoon winds, making it indispensable for merchants operating in the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean. The vessel is versatile enough to carry goods such as textiles, spices, and pearls while being maneuverable in shallow waters.

• Hull Size: 5
• Seaworthiness Levels: OK/–1/–2/–3/–5/Swamped
• Material: Sewn-plank wood (Soak: 6)
• Crew Size: 6–15 sailors.
• Propulsion: Single lateen sail (Speed: 5)
• Steering: Steering oar (Maneuver: +1)
• Cargo Capacity: 50 tons (larger variants up to 100 tons)
• Extras:
• Flexible cargo space for high-value goods like pearls or spices.
• Excellent maneuverability in both shallow waters and open seas.
• Role in Play: Highly versatile, suited for regional trade and short-to-medium range voyages. Ideal for smaller trade missions or interactions with coastal towns.

---

---

The Shuʿai is a small, utilitarian dhow designed for fishing and short-range trade. Its pointed bow and stern enable it to navigate shallow waters and estuaries, while its simple design emphasizes function over ornamentation. Often constructed from locally available timber, the Shuʿai uses sewn-plank methods and is rigged with a small lateen sail. It is primarily used by fishermen and small-scale traders, transporting essentials like grain, dried fish, and pottery.

• Hull Size: 3
• Seaworthiness Levels: OK/–1/–2/–3/Swamped
• Material: Sewn-plank wood (Soak: 4)
• Crew Size: 3–5 sailors.
• Propulsion: Small lateen sail (Speed: 3)
• Steering: Steering oar (Maneuver: +2)
• Cargo Capacity: 10 tons
• Extras:
• Simplistic design, perfect for navigating estuaries and small harbors.
• Primarily used for local fishing and coastal transport.
• Role in Play: Great for interactions with smaller, localized trade or fishing communities.