Massawa

Massawa lies on Gondwana's east coast, with Magan to the south, Samu and Nubia to the west, Kush to the north and the Erythraean Sea to the east. Jungle fills much of the interior, roamed by monsters and wild beasts, but the open country supports a thriving people. Massawans are tall and black-skinned, wear bright one-colored cotton robes over one shoulder and long, intricate braids, and are backward in magic and science.

Most live along the Awaash River, whose herding villages reach almost to its source at the Lake of Dragons, and along the long coast. Sheban traders call all along the coast, and people from Magan, Nubia and Kush come for trade and adventure. The land is fertile; people gather wild food rather than farm, hunt a little, and live chiefly by cattle.

The King commands the army, and the army rules. Most citizens serve at some point, social rank follows military rank, and the priesthood of the shamanistic cult, the only real users of magic, secretly helps the generals shape policy. The huge army is mostly infantry, with a small river and coastal navy; Massawan archers are famed well beyond Gondwana, and clubs, javelins and spears are made of wood, stone and bone for lack of metalworking. Heavy taxes and army camps on every inland border hint at plans to expand, and relations with Nubia and Magan are tense. Exports are ivory, skins and semi-precious stones, while treasure in the dragon caves and the lost city of Melka Kontaurea lure adventurers inland.