Typhoons and the Culture of Landsmen of Abba
Risk and Reward for Abba Landsmen
The unfortunate reality of severe weather in Abba causes long distance journeys by ship to be undertaken in only a limited time frame yearly. Typhoons are a fact of existence, and the expanse of water means they gain strength and fury quickly and relatively easily. There are multiple island chains that were inhabited in the past, but over time Landsmen, tired of rebuilding over and over, have moved from the island chains in these areas back to the subcontinents. There remain a few stubborn islanders, who, during the dry seasons, run tourism based businesses and during the wet season wait it out the best they can.
Most typhoons are severe due to the oceanic expanse of Abba. Severe storms can blow up quickly, and if one is not keeping an eye on the barometer, one can get caught in a situation that is difficult to survive without help. Many sailing landsmen have lost their lives to popup storms. Most ship captains sail only in coastal areas where they have enough time to get back to port. Only extremely experienced captains and crews attempt long distance journeys, and then only in the calmer times of the year.
On occasion, some sea captains will make friends with the Mer, and the Mer are said to know safer ways through the oceans. The most successful captains have most likely done away with their prejudices and developed working relationships with Mer for the purposes of shipping and survival.
Due to trade needs and the desire for exotic supplies that only Islander Landsmen, Mer, and the need for marriage contracts and trading treaties among the wealthy, sailing is a lucrative, but risky fact of life due to the typhoons of Abba. The sailors continue a way of life that has gone on for millenia, but it is no safer. The ocean takes his due every year with at least a few ships caught in typhoons.
No discussion of the oceans of Abba would be complete without at least a slight mention of the cult of Lighthouse Keepers. The spiritual Landsmen of Abba see the Ocean as their father and the land as their Mother. The Lighthouse Keepers are a sect of Landsmen who keep lighthouses on islands, near reefs, and on coastal areas to light the way for any caught out in the dark or bad weather as they approach dangerous areas. They are known simply as "The Lighthouse Keepers," but see themselves as Priests of Daucina, the torch-bearing god of the sea.
Manifestation
The natural law for typhoons works exactly the way that it does in any ocean. Typhoons start with a low pressure area in the ocean. Strong winds and moisture form a thunderstorm, the thunderstorm heats more air, and the hot air flows into the center of the thunderstorm. A cyclone forms due to the air flow, and the thunderstorm eventually becomes large enough to become a typhoon.
Localization
Typhoons on Abba begin in the tropics, and extend toward the poles. They gain strength until hitting a continent and losing energy due to the lack of water. Costal Landsmen on Abba attempt to avoid building in the usual path of hurricanes, choosing port cities that are generally protected by outer land outcroppings and bays. This does not provide absolute protection, but it is helpful.
Type
Natural
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I took like 5 minutes to read two sentences. Better go sleep. By the Way, cool article. I liked specially the details about hurricane forming. Good job!
Hey, thanks so much.