Sefdaanian Ethnography Chapter 15 - Transportation and Communication

General

The People of Sefdaania have the wheel (re̋þo) [and the spoke (ḳőgo)], 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 (ðų̋no) to citadel, the teleportals (þifge̋nlo) are used. In the rotunda of the citadel are six wooden arches (ᵹűvo). 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 Hollyhock Citadel and wants to go to the Rose Citadel, one steps through the Rose Arch and emerges from the Hollyhock Arch. To return, one steps into the Hollyhock Arch and emerges from the Rose 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 domesticated pteranthelops (†Hippotragus volans) (ġűle), a winged ungulate.

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 (kaðɱe̋ᵹo).
When there is snow, reindeer-pulled sleighs (a̋sko) are used for entertainment.The sleighs are also used for racing.
The Pyrans also have skis (ša̋so), but these are used more for sports than for transportation.

The Hydorans travel on the backs of larger fish ernes (†Haliaëtus grandior) when there is a need to travel a distance.
For transportation, and for fishing, on their lakes and ponds, they construct coracles (ġorną̋ɱo) 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 (pąiȝűta) 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 ceiɱo and travoises (ła̋po), 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 musk oxen are not normally used for riding, only for bearing burdens.
In the spring, the trading journeys begin. The caravan (są̋þo) consists of any number of wooden carts (ɱe̋ᵹo) pulled by a yoke of yaks. One of the yaks is ridden by a Lithan sitting on a saddle (xı̋ro) with panniers (d̬ik̬e̋so) and, in that way, directs the cart. The cart has only one axle (a̋ƶo) and is not on springs. The wooden wheels have six spokes and the diameter is such that the felly (ɱı̋to) is higher than the cart itself. It is loaded from the back. The merchandise is covered by a leather cover fitted with a drawstring (paᵹpe̋no). The carts are painted with bright colorful designs. An especially long cart (piðɱe̋ᵹo) 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 (gǫlɱe̋ᵹo), including food and skins of water, and another carries fuel (feðtyɱe̋ᵹo). The third cart is living quarters (ɱęsɱe̋ᵹo) 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 (bą̋o).

There are no roads to speak of, but they are well-worn trails (są̋go), 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.