Tangorin Ethnographical Questionnaire

= Tangorin Ethnographical Questionnaire =

Dr. Zahir’s Ethnographical Questionnaire was compiled by David Zahir to help in the description of concultures, and can be found in the files section of the Conculture group at Yahoo.

Questions of Place

Describe the geography of where your society calls home.

The Tangorin Empire centers around the Vale of Tangor, which centers around the river valley of the Tanan River. South of the Vale, the land is wet and marshy, while the north is dry and mountainous. The west is typically flatter and less forested than the east.

Describe the climate your society deals with. How severe are their seasons?

The Vale has a temperate Mediterranean climate. Winters are cold but dry, and there is rarely ever snow. Early spring is the wet season, but still cold. From late spring until fall, in the dry season, there is some rain but it is relatively hot and humid.

What kinds of natural disasters has this society gotten used to?

The southern end of the river floods during the wet season, while the eastern ports face typhoons and stormy weather. The north has strong winds, but they rarely cause damage.

What are the most commonly-grown foods?

Wheat and barley are major crops. Oats, buckwheat and rye are less common but are still a part of the diet. Corn and rice are rare. In the northern part of the Vale, vinyards, blueberries, and other berries are commonly-grown fruits, while the south's warmer climate is more suited for pomegranates, tomatoes, and citrus fruits. Gourds and pumpkins are also popular crops.

What are the most commonly-eaten meats?

Beef and poultry are the most common meats.

What foods are considered exotic or expensive?

Venison and mutton are uncommon meats, as well as pork and boar. Apples and pears are expensive due to the insects and blights caused by the humid summers. Honey is also a delicacy.

What forms of alcohol are common? Rare?

Mead is a common and popular drink. Grape and berry wines are common among the rich. Spiced wines are a delicacy among the poor. Pomegranate wine, honeyed wines, and other fruit wines are considered exotic. One favorite drink among the wealthy is bog orange wine, which is made from a citrus fruit growing on the trees lining much of the bogs along the southern part of the Tanan.

Is there usually enough food and water for the population?

There is usually enough food for the people, except during a rare drought during the dry season.

What is this place's most abundant resource?

Grain and fruit and vegetable crops are abundant. Stone is quarried and iron is mined in the north.

What is its most valuable resource?

Gold, precious metals, and precious gems are mined in the Vale of Tangor and exported to other areas. Peoples sometimes also pan for gold in the Tanan.

What resource is it most lacking?

Lumber is lacking in the Vale of Tangor, and is usually imported from the east. Spices are also brought in from the eastern ports.

How do people travel from one place to another?

People travel along the various roads and bridges that have been built, or sail on the Tanan.

Are the borders secure? In what way?

Borders usually follow natural boundaries, but trade with other groups is encouraged, and borders are often expanding, so borders fluctuate.

How many people live here?

About 10 milion people inhabit the Tangorin Empire.

Where in this place to they congregate?

When they gather, they gather around major trade centers and cities in the Vale of Tangor along the Tanan.