Formidable hunters and proud people who will expect players to prove their worth. The Confederation of Ungwana's roots lie in hunting and gathering. These African tribesmen aren't outwardly hostile like the Clan of Fara. Rather, they peddle their coveted ivories to any potential buyers. That doesn't mean they're inherently trustful, though.
These African Merchants built their wealth by providing gold to the ancient trade networks of the Indian Ocean. Now their interests have shifted to trading ivory. Ungwana members are slow to accept unfamiliar faces. They expect any newcomers to prove themselves. Only then can they judge the quality of their characters.
Background[]
| “ | Invaders swarm the lands of Africa, and it speaks volumes that the proud Ungwana have asked for help. | „ |
| ~ Asnah Yatim |
The Confederation of Ungwana itself is a coalition of small clans, kingdoms, and city-states. Created as an alliance against common threats such as the Sohari, and the encroaching Compagnie Royale, the faction is ruled by a council of representatives from the region's three realms, each of whom control a sub-region along the Coast of Africa -- the cities from the coast, the old inland mine kingdoms, and hunters from the savanna. Indeed the crossed tusks of the Ungwana emblem are symbolic of a culture with close ties to nature. Ungwana warriors will typically sport animal-skin wraps over deep shades of red.
Its seacoast is the realm of independent city states, led by immensely wealthy merchants and royal families who there long tradition of brutal internecine warfare. Their wealth is born of monopolistic trade practices imposed on the other two sub-regions.The savanna home hunters and shepherds, and the kingdoms of the old mines further inland. The bitter division creates a political weakness for Africa the face of persistent European incursions. From tribal wraps and hunting gear to Muslim jalabiya and kufi hat dress, one can see the people of the Confederation of Ungwana express their identities through their dressing.
Internal power struggles however have left the Ungwana in a state of chaos. Sensing opportunity Compagnie Royale and Rogue captains laid plunder to all Ungwana holdings. Now the coasts lie pockmarked by the ruins of once proud Ungwanan forts and cities. While most of the Ungwanan survivors fled inland, some warriors banded together and buckled down. Seeking to restore the broken communities to their former glory, they operate out of repaired forts and are the only ones left to stand against foreign invaders.
Warriors, Traders and Hunters[]
Ungwana Salvagers
Setting aside internal differences and ongoing conflicts, the different kingdoms and entities of the Confederation travel largely for trade, exporting various goods to eager buyers across the Indian Ocean. They rely on hunting and fishing for fresh meat and in most camps. Those who are proficient in hunting can be found skinning animal hides with a deft blade. Take a look around their camps, and you’ll find scattered boxes of carved ivory and stretched animal pelts. A merchant would count themself lucky to chance across an Ungwana camp, for they often carry goods that would fetch a high price. However their trade is also slowing down somewhat due to the Ungwanan gold mines drying up, and without that resource, things may get desperate.
Faced with their own conflicts, the Ungwana are always on high alert and closely watch for any approaching ships. They welcome pirates and merchants but keep their goods at a respectable distance, only handing their wares over after a full inspection. Merchants can find items such as sisal, casting sand or nickel which they’ll be happy to depart with for the right price.
They are as much shrewd merchants as they are skilled warriors. However would be pirates should be careful not to get too close to their burners as they are often armed with Sea Fire salvaged from foreign vessels, with their rammers often not far behind. Should any of their business partners disrespect or betray them, a painful death in the jaws of their caged animals would be the fate of such discourteous traitors.
Notable Characters[]
- King Mwenye † - The former ruler of Great Ukuta and the subject of the Crown of Ukata Investigation, the late king was deposed by his sister. Secretly instructed his followers to lay his body to rest at Pillar Tomb several weeks afterwards, before taking the crown north out of the Queen's reach.
- Queen Halisi - Mwenye's sister who deposed her brother, taking the throne and strengthened her alliances within the realm of Ungwana and securing an alliance with the Sultanate of Sohar.
- Joka Kubwa - zealous Ungwana naval officer, Elite Captain
Trivia[]
The Confederation of Ungwana is meant to represent a number of different empires found along the eastern coast of Africa. Empire of Kitara in the area of the African Great Lakes, the medieval Swahili city-states, the Wanga Kingdom, the Sultanate of Zanzibar, Kilwa Sultanate, Mombasa, Zanzibar, Rozwi, Mutapa and Swahili tribes to name a few possible inspirations...
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