Nakrama

Nkrama, often rendered Nakrama or Ankrama, is the capital city of Okrit and is the nation's largest city.

History

Evidence of a walled settlement on Iga Hill dates as far back as Pre-Ukubian times, however most accounts cite the city as being built in the late Ukubian period shortly prior to the empire's collapse. Local lore attributes it's foundation to the legendary figure of Prince Onkxobe Iga, whom is the namesake of the hill. Most accounts state that Prince Iga founded Nkrama as a personal estate before opening it to settlers fleeing from the civil war. Accounts differ on his allegiances, but they all state that his fortress continued on after the empire's collapse and that it was the last bastion of civilized Ukubian society. Remaining historical documents and archeological finds suggest that Nkrama was actually established as a prison and that 'Prince' Iga was either the local governor, an influential guard or a prominent faction leader among the inmates, however locals dispute this.

Archaeological finds confirm there was a steep rise in population and establishment of nearby settlements during the Ukubian collapse. This influx is the most likely origin of Nkrama's commercial ties throughout Okrit and maintained the cities growth dominance as an independent city-state.

Geography

Nkrama is a coastal city of Onomat, located on the central banks of the Omolai east of the Matlose River. The area around the Matlose river consists primarily of flat wetlands with dense forest vegetation, because of this, Nkrama's urban centre is concentrated on a comparatively dry hill near the easternmost branch of the Matlose River delta, often referred to as Iga hill.

On the southwestern bank of Nkrama's market is a paved plaza area with a tall stone obelisk in its centre. It is commonplace for public announcements and ceremonies to take place here, the obelisk being purposefully carved for usage in public humiliations and executions. A hook-like ledge is carved near the obelisk's peak, where the guilty party is hung from by hands bound with rope, so that they are suspended over the ground in full view of the public. Such hooks are on all four sides of the obelisk.

Culture

Nkrama is considered the epicentre of Oye culture on the Omolai and accounts for the origin of much literature, law and beliefs among the oye. The local Nkramati dialect is considered the standard variety of the Oye language.

Amaxabe

Amaxabe, also known as the 'big river man' is a Dakle and the patron spirit of Nkrama. Amaxabe embodies fertility, prosperity and rain and has control of the Omolai and subsequently all wetlands and waterways. He is associated with hippos, water-lilies and the melon tree, all of which occur in considerable frequency around Nkrama and the Matlose River. He is often depicted as an overweight, naked man with the head of a hippopotamus. He is believed to have control over the rains, flooding and crop harvests, as well as financial prosperity and mercantile success alongside general good luck. It is commonly believed that one gains his favour through the accumulation of wealth, wise financial decision and respect towards the waterways and hippopotami. It is thus that followers of Amaxabe consider it disrespectful to be of low wealth and poor social standing. Harming or "being rude" to a hippopotamus is a great taboo and is met with great social isolation and can serve as the basis for the legal prosecution. Violating this taboo can result in the guilty party being suspended bare-foot above the ground, whereby their feet are lashed with reeds. Depending on the severity of the harm done, one or more family members will be made to bend over and lashed in front of the accused. Killing a hippo will result in the same ceremony, however the accused then has their hands and feet bound together and are thrown into the canal, where they are to be gored alive by awaiting hippoptami.

Economy

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