Messa
by hughpierre
Geography
The messa is a collection of naturally occurring geological formations featuring a substantially large rock or boulder resting on other rocks or bedrock tower. Some formations only appear to be balancing, but are in fact firmly connected to a base rock by a pedestal or stem. The differences in strength of the various rock layers are what give messas their distinctive umbrella-like shape. Less resistant rocks are eroded away on the surface into the river that weaves between the messas' roots.
Ecosystem
Climate
To a lesser degree than in Hananhallpa, the climate around the Messa is divided into levels based on altitude. Temperatures vary dramatically from cold mornings to hot afternoons. The almost vertical sun and rarefied air in the higher Messa region allows the land to warm quickly during the day and cool quickly at night. Mornings are typically bright and sunny, whereas afternoons often are cloudy and rainy. In general, rainfall amounts are highest on exposed locations at lower altitudes. Rain can also vary on a local basis. Oasis valley receives annual rainfall on the exposed slopes that catch rain-bearing winds. The temperate level experiences rainstorms, hailstorms, and fog. Winter, or the rainy season, lasts from Camay through Inti Raymi, and the dry or summer season from Chacra through Capac Raymi. Most rain falls in Ayrihua. There is also a short rainy period in early K'antaray caused by moisture penetrating the Messa from the Grey Haven. Most other populated areas in the Messa are located at this temperate level.Ecosystem Cycles
Sun River
The Sun river is the river that carves through the valley floor. It has added to the defensibility of the Messa towns for many invasions throughout history. However, it is also noted for carrying away rock sediments and threatening to undermine the settlements' base.Every 50 years, the water levels of the seas, rivers and lakes rise. During its time, floods become frequent, seasons are harsher and the earth quakes more readily.
There are two 10 year winding up and down times in the cycle where the sea level slowly raises into a mountain-like bulge of water in the open sea that changes the gravitational direction for the waters to flow.
History
Pre-Conquest
The chiefdoms located on top the Messa between the Silver Mountains and the Mountain River had an estimated pre-Innoit population of 100,000 to 150,000 interspersed among 15 to 21 Messas. A tell-tale characteristic of the pre-conquest region is the presence of many clusters of large man-made earthen mounds, called 'tolas'. These platforms were initially used by elite residences for ceremonies and burials; and number in the hundreds. But since, many more having been purposed for gardening on the rock top.Innoit Conquest
The caprock is a resistant layer that forms a flat summit where isolated settlements can oversee the majority of their valley. Ramps, that can be 600 feet long, loop around or zigzag up the rock stem to make for a treacherous path. Innoit armies had successfully conquered communities living on the river shores and mountains surrounding the messa towns, season after season. This is due, in most part, to the siq'i lines that cross the messa region; allowing their shock troops to utilize their knottery weapons and devices to overwhelm them. However, while the same was true for the messa towns, it proved to be impossible to take by force. Even with the innoit's magical advantage, a messa's defenders would trigger rockslides on advancing enemies who could do nothing else but relentlessly press on. A handful fell this way, but the majority were persuaded to integrate peaceful after year of being under siege.
Alternative Name(s)
Type
Rock Formation
Location under
Owning Organization
Related Ethnicities
Related Traditions
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