Fantasy The Fishing Nation of Parshum

[King Ad Rock]

Coral Eel
(created by Deathchart )
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The eel eats different coral reefs near Parshum. They use the rocks and holes left in the aftermath as homes. The teeth of the eel have begun to change to bright and vibrant colors and are highly sought after by jewlers. The meat on the eels isn't very tasteful so fishermen tend to throw the dead eels back into the ocean.

Adults tent to be about two feet in length, but can be larger. The largest ever found was 5 feet and it was assumed to be one of the oldest ones alive. Some people think that the eels hide deeper into the water as they get older in hopes to find new coral spots.

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Netfish
(created by Deathchart )
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These fish float around the deeper parts of the waters. Water moves straight through their thin skin. The skin has tiny holes allowing the water to seep through. They use this to get nutrients from the small creatures floating in the water. Fisherman use this to make nets for tiny fish, mainly dart fish.

There is a small circular portion inside the head of the creature. These circles are covered in tiny teeth that latch onto the tiny food and smash them into nutrients that it can absorb through it's skin. They are about 5in in diameter.

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Dart Fish
(created by: Deathchart )​

These tiny and agile fish travel in schools by the hundreds. Fisherman love using them for bait and to chum the waters for larger catches. The other fish in the water love the taste of these tiny fish and go crazy to get them. Dart Fish breed monthy and are a large portion of the fish population. They are tiny and only about 4 inches long. They are practically valueless due to the amount of them in the water. Their size has caused fisherman to have to weave specialized nets to catch them. These are usually made out of Netfish skins woven together.

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Rock fish (Rocks)
(Created by Deathchart )
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These rare fish have hard shells with a very tough, rock like texture. The fish have been in the waters for as long as anyone has been fishing. There are early readings and pictures implying they were a big threat in the water. They stay near the top of the water and will attack anything in sight. They also have tough enough exteriors to hold it's own against the sea serpents. They tent to just stay away from each other. They are very large and can be six feet or larger.

Their shells are made out of a light, rock hard material. Fisherman who are lucky enough to get one onto their boat are usually paid a pretty penny to sell these fish to the Parshuman army. They use the shells to make armor and shields. Classic steel and other metals are easily deflected by the shell. The only material that has been able to break the shell is the black T'Odis metal.

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[King Ad Rock]

Parshumese
(Created by the genius Kayso )

Phonology

Vowels:

a (ah)
i (ee)
e (ay as in “okay”)
o (oh)
u (oo)

Consonants:

p t k b d g
s ch sh h z j
m n r v

Transliteration:

a = o
e = i
i = e
o = a
u = u
y = i

b = p
c = ch
d = t
f = v
g = k
h = z
j = j
k = g
l = r
m = s
n = r
p = b
q = k
r = n
s = m
t = d
v = v
w = h
x = k
z = sh
ch = sh
sh = ch
ing = ia
the = ii​

Break words down into sounds first. E.g. ‘cheese’ = ‘ch-ee/i-z’, ‘rough’ = ‘r-u-f’, ‘awful’ = ‘a-f-u-l’, etc.

Transliterate the letters before applying the below rules.

RULES
Words follow the structure 'consonant-vowel-consonant' (CVCVC etc.), or 'consonant-vowel (CVCV etc.) under the following constraints:

• Vowel clusters and diphthongs are allowed. (Note: double vowels (‘oo’ and ‘ee’) are antiquated forms of long vowels, which were replaced by ‘u’ and ‘i’ respectively. Some still use them, however (e.g. ‘Boonsri’). This will be up to you.)
• The only vowels that may appear at the end of a word are ‘-a’ or ‘-i’. If the translated word ends in a prohibited vowel (anything other than ‘-a’ or ‘-i’), add an 'n' after. Otherwise, only consonants finish a word.

Example: ‘canoe’ (c-a-n-oo/u) becomes ‘chorun’

• Consonant clusters (resulting in something like this: CVCC, CCV) are prohibited, except in the following circumstances:
  • 'sr' is an appropriate consonant cluster
  • ‘h’, ‘sr’, and ‘sh’ may follow other consonants, but require a vowel to follow, unless they are word-final.
  • Double consonants (‘pp’, ‘tt’, etc.) or consonant clusters that make one sound (‘ck’, ‘tch’, word final ‘-re’ as in ‘more’, etc.) are counted as one consonant, and you will use this sound in transliterating (e.g. ck = k, tch = ch, -re = r, etc.).
  • For words that contain prohibited consonant clusters, add the appropriate vowel (as outlined below) after the first consonant in the cluster (and after any subsequent consonants in the same prohibited cluster) to make it acceptable:

If the first letter in the prohibited consonant cluster is: p t k b d g add 'o' after it
If the first letter in the prohibited consonant cluster is: s ch sh h z j add 'i' after it
If the first letter in the prohibited consonant cluster is: m n r v add 'a' after it

• For plurals, add -i

Examples:

‘Wander’ becomes ‘horatin’ (transliterated it becomes 'hortin', but ‘rt’ is a prohibited consonant cluster, so ‘a’ is added after the ‘r’).
‘Black’ (b-l-a-k) becomes ‘porog’ (transliterated it is 'prog', but 'pr' is a prohibited consonant cluster, so 'o' is added after the 'p').
‘Azae’ becomes ‘Oshoi’.
‘Cheese’ (ch-ee/i-z) becomes ‘shish’.
‘Handsome’ (h-a-n-d-s-o-m) becomes ‘zoratomas’ (transliterated it becomes ‘zortmas’; however, ‘rtm’ is a prohibited consonant cluster, so ‘a’ was added after the ‘r’, leaving ‘tm’ which was still prohibited, so ‘o’ was added after the ‘t’).
‘Ziek, the sexy, suave king of dance’ (z-a-i-k th-e s-e-x-y s-u-a-v k-i-n-g o-f d-a-n-c) becomes ‘Shoeg, ii miki, muov gerak av torach.’

 

[King Ad Rock]

"Vavos is neither kind or merciful. He is the chaos of the wind, and tossing of the sea. He is the roar of a man's heart and the pulse of his blood."
-High Priest Zhun Maleh, Year of the Great Wave, 1389

Shuma: The Religion of Parshum
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The Beginning of the Epic of Shuma

Spoiler

In the First Year, Vavos raised Parshum from the Dark Seas and gave life to his people. They spread and multiplied quickly because of Vavos' abundant gifts, but they grew fat and lazy, forfeiting the natural order of the world. Vavos grew displeased with his creations, and their new false gods composed of wine and pleasure. So the Great Vavos inspired the hearts of young men to be tumult, leading them to fight brother against brother to create chaos in which they could evolve.

From this, the ruling family was destroyed as well as most of the self-proclaimed nobility. Only servants and slaves had the survival instincts and determination to live that Vavos desired. There was one particular slave that Vavos particularly liked, and so he made sure that he survived his trials and tribulations. The slave was just a nameless boy, freed from his restraints by fisherman he called father. Armed with a wheat scythe, he managed to fend off the younger soldiers who had targeted them, killing several of them with just pure adrenaline.

Angered by their loses, his enemies only regrouped and went after them with a vengeance, resulting in a fire tactic. The flames from a torch leaped from shack to shack, enveloping the slave quarters in a blanket of smoke and flames. Run, the boy was instructed, by the old fisherman. "Run, boy, run till your knees hit the sand. May Vavos save you." And so the boy ran, ashes covering his body and singing his dark hair. His wounds stung, and his face striped with tears, and the boy was wearing down. But there was the distant shore, just within eyesight. So he pressed on.

He avoided being captured by slipping into the vegetation and smearing mud upon his body, but the soldiers brought out dogs, so he was forced to run again. It was on the third day of running that he came upon a hunter's camp. The hardened hunter believed him to a wild-child, so he gave him dried game and water to drink. To the boy, he said in a gentle voice, "Do not be afraid, child. Vavos will nourish and guide you."

The sound of barking broke the moment, and the boy was forced to flee again, no longer hungry or thirsty, but exhausted for sleep had escaped his grasp. He fell into a small creek and followed along its bed, for he had grown lost and hoped the water guided him to the sea. There, he found a beast wounded by its prey; its lifeblood spilling along its side. The beast paid him no heed, but looked onto the small deer-like creature and leaped upon it without mercy or hesitation. The boy stayed silent, hoping it would pay him no mind. After the beast feated upon its prey, it flicked its tail for the boy to follow. Uncertain, the boy followed the powerful creature.

As he entered the clearing, he stood on a precipice above the sea and felt his heart grow with hope. Clambering down the rocks, he surged towards the water, looking for a boat for some sort of salvation. However, his heart died in his chest as he faced a waiting army of excited young men with their tumult hearts. The boy stepped further into the water, the mud and ashes washed away gently. There was no way for him to survive this, better for him to submit to his fate. That was what the boy thought, believing the kindness shown by the fisherman, the hunter, and the beast had been wasted.

As he knelt in the sand, a voice came to him from the sea. "This is not the end, but the beginning. Look to your right, and take my sword." Ready to take any chance at life, the boy glanced right and sure enough, a rusted serpent-handled blade was there amidst the sand. He took it in his hands in doubt, but he was surprised when he felt his fatigue wash away by an overpowering sense of strength and vitality. He stood, his muscles unwavering despite the hardships he had endeavored. His pursuers only laughed, believing his actions to be a facade of bravery.

"With my sword in your hand, follow the wind and change with the waves- move without mercy." The voice commanded. The boy only gritted his teeth and adopted a sword stance instinctually as urged by his helper. "Now, strike!"

The first soldier had moved against him, his stance lazy. As iron met iron, the boy felt his heart brimming with determination. Moments later, the new strength given to him not only threw his attacker backward, but as he raised his sword a monstrous wave dashed around him, swallowing the army, and sending men and horses screaming into its depths- leaving the sword-wielder untouched.

While disbelief filled his face, he turned to the ocean and prostrated himself to it, unable to figure out his helper. At the sound of a gentle wave, the boy looked up and recoiled in wonder. A figure composed of the dark water stood towering over him. "My name is Vavos, I am the Great God whom your people have forsaken. Even you failed to acknowledge my works."

At his words, the boy could only kneel, his faith and body renewed, he dared not challenge Vavos, who not only saved his life but had guided him to this point. He lifted the serpent-handled sword sick with rust as a tribute, for he had nothing else to give. "I haven't a name to tell, my God! It is only through your will and guidance that I have lived. I was ignorant of your signs because of fear. Please, please instruct me! I shall carry your bidding!"

Vavos approved of the young man's behavior and spoke unto him his destiny. "From this day onward, you shall be named Shuma! Spread your name and your glory, and in doing so, I will also be praised. Fear not about death, for I will protect you on your mission. This is your first command.

"My servants, the spirits of gentle winds and waves, the Hodin, will make you and all that your conquer, prosper. Raise a shrine to house the Hodin and give them offerings of your wine and bread so that they will love you and follow you to the darkest of waters. This is your second command."

"When you have completed these things, there will still be those who hate you, to dissuade them, sail to the Dark Seas and slay one of my children, for they hoard the riches of the ocean for themselves and are evil. Then you will be able to sail to places beyond Parshum, and unite the world. This is your third command."

​

The religion of Shuma is one that is wholly devoted to life in this world and emphasizes man's essential goodness, spiritual development, and insight into the true nature of life. These are carried out in devotion to invisible spiritual beings and powers called Hodin, to shrines, to various rituals, and most importantly, Vavos.

Vavos has servants known as Hodin. Hodin are spirits that are concerned with human beings - they appreciate the human interest in them and want the followers of Shuma to be happy - and if they are treated properly they will intervene in their personal lives to bring benefits like health, business success, as well as love.
Shuma is a very local religion, in which devotees are likely to be concerned with their local shrine rather than the religion as Vavos is wholly one who rules the seas while the Hodin act as his hands and feet. Most Parshumians have a tiny shrine-altar in their homes in which they leave offerings of beautiful eel teeth or carefully preserved foods. After remaining at the shrine, these foods are then considered to be blessed and are often given to fisherman and sailors as charms of protection and good harvest.

Shrine visiting and taking part in festivals play a great part in binding local communities together.

• Shrine visiting at New Year is the most popular shared national event in Parshum
• Shuma sees human beings as basically good and has no concept of original sin, or of humanity as 'fallen'. They just wander astray sometimes.
• Shuma teaches important ethical principles but has no commandments.
• Shuma has Vavos as the main god, and the Hodin can be considered as saints or intermediaries of Vavos.]

There are also very devoted followers of Shuma that go beyond making shrines. As boating and fishing have expanded into a complete naval industry, the religion has adapted to building shrines for sailors to recognize shores, as well as a social hierarchy. The shrines are also known as Lighthouses. Lighthouse locations are typically in dangerous areas with high wind and choppy waters. The devoted 'monks' that guard the lighthouses believe these locations offer insight to "the true nature of life" and the goodness of man. When the Calar makes a journey crossing the Dark Seas, these lighthouses go unlit so he completes it in the way Shuma did. This gives the Calar political and religious authority as "the Hodin and Nature had deemed the successor worthy to rule."

The hierarchy, as mentioned, is based on personal merit, religious tributes, and personal experience. Merit is garnered from helping the poor, or volunteering in clinics to help the sick. Personal experiences are often measured up against Shuma's achievements.

While the Calar makes a Dark Sea crossing, the followers are left stranded on a rock near a set of cliffs for a week straight. This trial is called the "Forging." Most are washed away, but those who live are regarded very highly and for their determination and will to survive. Monks are the only followers who receive "Tempering," over the span of one year, they must sail into storms, or be shackled down and allow the ocean and wind to wash over them from atop the lighthouse during specific hours of the day. Most monk findings during storm-sailing and expereinces of weather have aided the Guides in their research.

Tributes were initially measured in how much was given- but was later tabulated in accordance to how much one gives in relation to what they earn. This erased the presence of politicians who only gave for public adoration, leaving the religion clean.

The Hierarchal tier (from top to bottom):

Vavos: The God. His domain is the ocean.

Hodin: Vavos' servants. Carry out the wishes of mortals according to their offerings.

Shuma: The First Ruler of Parshum as chosen by Vavos.

Calar: The Ruler of Parshum. Must endure crossing the Dark Sea.

The Guides: A very tight-knit group that often is kept secret from the public. They are star-watchers and meteorologists. They have interpreted the arrival of several hurricanes/tsunamis, and figured out efficient star-maps for sailors to use. Each of them has slain a spawn of Vavos, was "Tempered" for a year, or experienced the "Forging" twice. Also depends on natural critical thinking skills.

High Priest/ess: The heads of temples, they over-see fairness within all temple activities. They ensure the safety of worshippers and often give announcements from the Calar to the public. They are selected from a group of priests/esses that have experienced "Forging" once or slain a spawn of Vavos, then they are trained in a sacred art of fighting to be only used to protect the common people. If someone has committed crimes against Shuma followers, they often become the judges for the punishments.

Monks: Also known as "Guardians," these men are the protectors and builders of lighthouses. They answer to no man but the Calar, and can be considered to be on equal ground with High Priests/esses as they do not receive a salary (willingly) and depend on their own wits and instincts for survival. They have the option to put themselves through "Tempering" when they feel they are ready. They have women-only versions as well, but never any mixed-sex lighthouses so as to not tempt evil deeds.

Healers: Similar to priests, may be tasked with menial labors, but they also tend to the physical maladies. Some healers treat mental maladies, such as worry or guilt, by listening to confessions and talking them through their problems. This is the only other official position that is obtained through merit and tributes aside from priest.

Priest/ess: Act as hands of the temple and higher ranks. Often tasked with cleaning and keeping the temple operational, as well as tabulating tributes and making offerings on behalf of the poor. The minimum age for a priest is eighteen summers. One must become a priest before any other positions are available for advancement.

The Hands: A group of volunteers that help the temple distribute blessings and food during hard times. They are viewed in good light, but there is word that some of them consist of a fanatical group called "The Children of Vavos." Those who are a part of this organization are believed to pierce their flesh with hooks, mutilate their gums to replace their teeth with that of eels', and bind themselves with netfish to become more like the serpents of the Dark Seas who Vavos calls his children.

Commoners: Just the common people who often have a shrine in their home to the Hodin and to Vavos. May or may not come to temple service or give tributes.

(Shuma created by LucidSol )​

 

[King Ad Rock]

WIP