Sefdaanian Ethnography Chapter 15 - Transportation and Communication

Pronunciation table

The People of Sefdaania have the wheel (re̋þo) and the spoke (k̨őgo), but not all of them make use of it. All transportation is either human- or animal-powered or -controlled. They do not have much need for transportation since travel is not common among the Peoples.
Both steeds and vehicles are owned by the individual families.

When traveling from citadel (ðűűno) to citadel, the teleportals (þifge̋nlo) are used. In the rotunda of the citadel are six wooden arches (ƣűvo). Each of these arches is identified by a carving at the top as a portal to one of the other citadels. As one steps through an arch, one emerges in another citadel from the portal of the citadel of departure. For example, if one is in the Oriole Citadel and wants to go to the Kingfisher Citadel, one steps through the Kingfisher Arch and emerges from the Oriole Arch. To return, one steps into the Oriole Arch and emerges from the Kingfisher Arch.
The major need for transportation occurs when an Ethran wishes to visit the settlement of one of the Peoples. For this they have the use of the unicorn (†Alcephalus monoceros) (pı̋ṡe), a winged ungulate, a type of antelope.

The Pyrans rely on their reindeer for transportation. The primary need for transportation occurs when a new da̋bo is established. This takes place in the warm weather when transportation is not impeded by the snow. Most of the men in the party ride the reindeer. Women, children and goods are transported in four-wheeled wooden covered wagons (kaðm̃e̋ƣo).
When there is snow, reindeer-pulled sleighs (a̋sko) are used for entertainment. The sleighs are also used for racing.
The dogs are used to pull sleighs (a̋skɛko) and travoises (ɫa̋po).
The Pyrans also have skis (ša̋so), but these are used more for sports than for transportation.

The Hydorans travel on the backs of ostriches (kurűle), (†Struthio dmaniensis) when there is a need to travel a distance.
For transportation and for fishing, on their lakes and ponds, they construct coracles (ɠorna̋a̋m̃o) from reeds, made waterproof with the resin (dı̋ȝo) of various pines and spruces or, in exceptional circumstances, with hide.

The Humans rely greatly on the horse (mőre). The only traveling done by the Humans is the transhumance (paaiȝűta) of the horses. This is done only by the men and, as they use pack horses, there is no need for a vehicle.
There is need for transportation when establishing a new ṡeim̃o and travoises (ɫa̋po), pulled by the horses, are used for carrying baggage.

The Xylans use neither vehicles nor steeds of any kind, but merely perambulate wherever they want to go.

The Lithans, of all the Peoples, travel the most since they engage in trade with the other Peoples. Both the men and the women ride the turs, the men on the rams, the women on the does. The yaks are not normally used for riding, only for bearing burdens.
In the spring, the trading journeys begin. The caravan (sa̋a̋þo) consists of any number of wooden carts (m̃e̋ƣo) pulled by a yoke of yaks (ṡonȝűgo). One of the yaks is ridden by a Lithan and, in that way, directs the cart. The cart has only one axle (a̋żo) and is not on springs. The wooden wheels have six spokes and the diameter is such that the felly (m̃ı̋to) is higher than the cart itself. It is loaded from the back. The merchandise is covered by a leather cover fitted with a drawstring (paƣpe̋no). The carts are painted with bright colorful designs. An especially long cart (piðm̃e̋ƣo) with two axles and pulled by two to four yaks is used to haul timber.
Besides the carts of merchandise, there are three other carts in the caravan. One carries provisions (goolm̃e̋ƣo), including food and skins of water, and another carries fuel (égurm̃e̋ƣo). The third cart is living quarters (m̃eesm̃e̋ƣo) for the two women who accompany the caravan to cook the meals and perform other necessary chores. This cart has a waterproofed fabric roof held up with brass hoops (ba̋a̋o).

There are no roads to speak of, but there are well-worn trails (sa̋a̋go), especially those made by the Lithan traders.

There is no regular means of communication between settlements. The Lithan traders may carry news from one settlement to another. At the summer solstice festivities those of different settlements can catch up on the news.
The Xylans are unique in possessing a type of telepathy (þifűþta). It does not involve dialogue, but emotions can be felt. It is not used very often as too great a distance can prevent its use.