Onuba, Spain

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Onuba

Map


Credit: San

Overview

  • Status: REQUEST
  • Location: Spain
  • Demonym: Onubans, Onubenses
  • Languages Spoken: Spanish, Portuguese, Common (English)
  • Archetype (Group): Courtiers, Merchants, Fishermen, Sailors, Farmers, Craftsmen, Traders

Statistics & Foundation

  • Foundation: ~1990
  • Species: Dogs
    • 20% wolves, coyotes, jackal, hybrids
  • Luperci: Majority Ortus
  • Population: Approx. 60-70 Permanent, 50+ transient
  • Mayordomía: Salvador Salcedo

Summary

On this page... (hide)

  1.   1.  Geography
    1.   1.1  Overview
    2.   1.2  Features and Landmarks
    3.   1.3  Flora and Fauna
  2.   2.  Culture
    1.   2.1  Overview
    2.   2.2  Traditions
    3.   2.3  Faith
  3.   3.  The Courts
    1.   3.1  Overview
    2.   3.2  Inner Court

Onuba is an affluent Mediterranean port town with connections to Lisbon, Barcelona, and more recently Valencia. It is home to a considerable fishing tradition and bustling market, and has access to valuable mineral resources further inland, making it a favorable stopping point for any traveler. If not the beauty of the scenery or its bounteous reserves, one might stay for the vibrant culture.

In recent years, a few Onubans have made their home in Nova Scotia. Check out the Onubans in Souls section for more information!

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1.  Geography

1.1  Overview

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Province

Onuba covers a vast array of landscapes ranging from warm beaches to dense mountainous forests. While the town itself lingers close to the sea, many varieties of geographical features can be found throughout Inner Court family territory.

The shining jewel and the lifeblood of the town is, of course, the beach. Onubans gather often on the long stretches of white sand and play, swim, or fish in calm, temperate waters. Life is easy in the province, provided the weather sticks to its typical subtropical Mediterranean climate, characterized by very mild and wet winters and long, dry summers.

Like the rest of the world, nature has run its course since the age of man and has reclaimed several swathes of the town. However, a concerted effort by the residents have ensured that many of the central buildings were maintained, renovated, or repurposed. A typical Onuban dwelling is at least two stories tall and made of stone or brick or a combination thereof. Colorful cement walkways are rife with trees and flowering plants, and many alley ways open up to large courtyards where merchants often set up their stalls. There are a handful of canals weaving through town, connecting the segments with arched bridges and iron-wrought rails woven with ivy.

Corazón

Onuba is both the name of the entire province including family territories, and the coastal town which is populated by court families and unaffiliated residents. The town is affectionately referred to as Corazón, which means both heart and center in Spanish.

If travelers are destined for Corazón by foot, they might take one of the many roads and paths that lead through family territories. Each family varies in terms of hospitality towards their guests, but they are obligated to grant access to the town. It is typical for a family member to accompany travelers when passing through, as this tends to be a good opportunity to exchange goods and information.

1.2  Features and Landmarks

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Matalascañas Beach

The ancient upturned tower in the sands of Matalascañas beach has been there since the age of humans. Formerly known as Torre la Higuera, the ruined stone was one of seven defense towers built in the 16th century to protect the coast from the incursions of Turkish and North African corsairs. Onubans know it today as a rendezvous point for adolescents to meet and confess their love.

To the west of the port, the beach stretches for miles before it gives way to rocky cliffs where many of the Arena family make their home. At sunset, the white domed Arena structures glow like stars. To the east of the ports, the sands disappear into the forests of the Ortega family. Onubans will sometimes make the trip from one end of the beach to the other, just to see the drastic changes in scenery.

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Aracena

The topmost part of Onuba is called Aracena although it is more often referred to as the "wildlands", neither claimed nor monitored by any of the families. This former nature reserve serves as a home to feral tribes who are said to attack unsuspecting travelers; on occasion, these "barbarians" have come against family territory. Most know to steer clear of Aracena, but those arriving at the ports are warned before leaving family territory.

Rumor has it that there is a beautiful grotto deep in the woods. Onuban adolescents have made it a game to find the Maravillas Grotto, considering it a feat of bravery. For obvious reasons the game is banned, but that has only made it much more enticing to sneaky youths.

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Valverde del Camino

Valverde del Camino is a small town that rests between the two territories of the Amaranthe and Robles families. Outer Court families and merchants make up the majority of the residency, while Inner Court families preside over the town's affairs.

Historically the town was known for its leather making, and many who live there have picked up the tradition again. The town was once disputed between the Robles and Amaranthe families. It wasn't until Thalia Amaranthe peacefully ceded the area that the two families ended their feud. As a gesture of good will, Asier Robles arranged to share the land. Many buildings are marked with the colors of the two families, once signalling rivalry and now standing as images of peace.

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The Port

Known only as the Port, this area divides the beach into an eastern and western side. There are five main concrete wharves where large trading ships can dock, and a variety of smaller hand-built wood decks for fishermen to tie up their vessels. Leaving the wharf, travelers will converge on a large stone courtyard lined with palm trees. On a sunny day, the courtyard can scarcely be seen behind all the colorful tents, wooden stalls, and blankets where merchants hock their wares. While this remains the central hub for trade, there are myriad courtyards to be found inland for locals who wish to avoid a crowd.

An old road runs parallel to the coastline. Taverns and inns dot the western reach, and residences for local townsfolk on the eastern side. A number of old fountains and statues dot the roads on both sides, serving as shrines for the spiritual traveler.

1.3  Flora and Fauna

Flora

While palm trees appear to dominate the coastline, a diversity of trees and plants populate the Onuban territories. Some of these, such as apple and pear orchards from the human era, have been re-appropriated by the families. Harvested along with these fruits are lemon, orange, persimmon, and tangerine. Fig and walnut trees are also common in the region. Onubans have many uses for the plants, even those that cannot be consumed by luperci. The following are examples of what can be found in Onuba:

Fauna

In the absence of mankind, populations of native animals have risen remarkably. While most Onubans trade for food, many Inner Court families have taken to taming and farming the wildlife in their territories. They continue to grow and incorporate these creatures into their way of life. The following are some examples of creatures in the area:

2.  Culture

2.1  Overview

Onuba considers itself a civilized society, the successors of the human spirit. They use their two-legged Optime form, value literacy and the exchange of knowledge, use tools, and wear clothing to represent status and familial loyalties.

While the morality and ethics of individuals in Onuba can vary greatly, the general culture upholds ideals like Honor, Love, Courage, Duty. Praise will be given to those who exemplify the ideals and ostracization for those who fall short of them. The importance of these ideals has also created a slightly combative culture, where sticking up for one's beliefs is seen as the correct way to handle situations even if it may escalate a problem. Onubans love a fiery debate or a good duel.

Onuban society emphasizes familial lines and progeny, the negative result of which is that the culture as a whole is homophobic. Onubans also tend to have a reserved attitude about foreigners. They like for people to visit and trade and admire their home, but they dislike immigrants, and they are especially close-minded to those who refuse to assimilate or assimilate poorly. Many non-luperci are seen as barbaric and a nuisance for this reason, and they are regularly turned away. These negative mindsets can range depending on the individual — for instance, a well-traveled sailor who settled in Onuba may not be xenophobic at all.

At their best, Onubans are passionate defenders, gracious hosts, and throwers of amazing parties. They take all chances to celebrate accomplishments and milestones, and they are very into each other's business, for better or for worse.

Government

Onuba is loosely a democratic society. The residents elect a Mayordomía to preside over town affairs. However, this figure is usually elected from an Inner Court family. The Inner Court families operate in their own separate systems, cooperating with each other and the town as needed. It's kind of a mess, but what do you expect from a group of dogs?

Typically, petty disputes are resolved either by a neutral arbiter or duel. Major crimes are given a trial, presided over by the Mayordomía and the heads of the Inner Court families. Anything that occurs within family territory is considered to be the family's problem.

Laws

While there are a number of smaller laws and rules, the following are the most relevant:

  • No murder
  • No theft
  • No enslavement
  • No prostitution

Punishments

Punishments can vary, but they mostly fall in the range of the following:

  • Community service
  • Banishment
  • Execution
  • Reformation*

* Reformation may occur if an Inner Court family wishes to take charge of a criminal and be held accountable for their good behavior, granted the victim's blessing. The Moreno family often tries to negotiate for Reformation.

2.2  Traditions

Oaths

A person's integrity can be measured in the fulfillment of their oaths; as a result, oaths in Onuba are taken very seriously. They are made in a variety of circumstances, not simply for matters of love or protection. For instance, a merchant could swear an oath to repay someone for goods or a service. Breaking such an oath would be a stain on one's reputation. In addition to any punishments (if law-breaking as well), an oath-breaker would be socially outcast: Onubans would not commission their services, trade for their goods, acknowledge them in public, etc. Oath-breakers are also targets for duels.

Informal oaths are verbally given, and while these are taken as seriously as formal ones, they tend to be more spontaneous and used in day to day life. Formal oaths tend to have a written or ceremonial component.

I. Gift of Birth

The Gift of Birth is a formal oath taken by a chosen friend or family member, binding their life to a child. If anything should happen to the parents, the oath-taker will assume responsibility and ownership.

II. Gift of Love

The Gift of Love is a formal oath taken by lovers, usually before the light of a fire with a Portadore present. Lovers throw a token of their commitment into the flame and swear to a lifelong bond.

III. Gift of Death

The Gift of Death is formal oath given to restless spirits to avenge or settle their lingering debts in life. Onubans are wary of the Gift of Death, mostly because fulfilling them often come at great cost and can sometimes be seen as a curse for the living.

A person might be driven to make the Gift of Death if they are experiencing great hardship that they attribute to a spiritual source, or they have been contacted by a spirit.

Duels

Duels are the Onuban way of settling the score between aggrieved parties. Almost anyone can be challenged to a duel, but the reason for the duel must be justified in the eyes of an arbiter, or a neutral third party. If deemed appropriate, the offender is obligated to accept and will be shamed out of town if they reject.

The challenger gets the advantage, due to the fact they get to decide the weapon, the field, and the hour. Both sides are allowed to use a proxy, although this can be seen as cowardly depending on the type of feud that is being settled. Those who are not physically or mentally able to duel are typically exempt from challenges. Typically, adults do not duel children, but it has happened.

Duels are won by disarming or disabling the opponent.

I. Challenges

There are two types of challenges: Vendetta and Guerra. A Vendetta challenge is the standard match between two single opponents, while a Guerra challenge is done in a melee style. In Guerra challenges, each person can choose up to three companions to duel with them.

Duelists must name a Second, someone who will make decisions on their behalf if they are badly or mortally wounded. The Second is also trusted to intervene if the duel gets out of hand.

II. Results

After a victor is declared, the conflict is seen to be resolved and the challenger cannot duel the offender again on the same grounds.

Accidental deaths during duels do happen and are seen as great tragedies; the killer is required to make amends with the family of the deceased (typically by offering something of great value).

Courtship

Courtships are a large part of Onuban life, to the extent that most courtiers will have been tutored in the finer aspects of it. Passionate displays, such as dances, songs, poetry, even duels, all play a role in Onuban courtships. While monogamy tends to be the overarching trend, there are instances of socially acceptable polygamy.

Arranged marriages are frequently performed in upper echelons of society, and are the main mode of pairing for many in the Inner Court. However, marriages out of love are usually held as the ideal. A wealthy family will have two ceremonies: a private one for the families, and a public one that encompasses the entire town of Onuba.

I. Expressions of Love

Onubans love to dance! Steeped in a variety of spanish dancing traditions (Bolero, Zambra, Sevillana, Flamenco, Sardana, Paso Doble, etc), many Onubans begin learning the steps before their first shift. Seen as a deeply personal expression, an Onuban's chosen style can reflect their upbringing, their priorities, their passion, and much more. Onuban festivities are also designed with dancing in mind, and typically their parties occur in large open spaces.

II. Engagements

Before two Onubans can wed, each person must seek and fulfill la búsqueda, or Quest, from each other's parents. As this tradition is meant to be fun, the difficulty is usually easy (e.g. bring me two white objects). Sometimes, if the parents don't favor their future son/daughter-in-law, they can make unreasonable demands. Couples typically work together, and at the completion of their la búsqueda, they are granted the blessings of the family to wed.

Festivities

There are four main festivals in Onuba, and much of the year is spent in anticipation of them. During these times, Inner Court families will open their doors to welcome all town residents. While there are religious elements, Onubans tend to be more concerned with the feasts, games, and the gift-giving aspects.

I. Nochebuena

Mid-winter, Onubans congregate for a weeklong festival called Nochebuena (meaning "Goodnight"). They sing villancicos, or carols, clean their homes, cook, and pay their respects to ancestors in the temples. At midnight, the town will gather in courtyards for enormous feasts. Some traditional games include leaping over bonfires as a symbol of protection, and playing on swings that are strung up for the occasion.

II. Floración

In the spring, they gather for the Floración (meaning blooming) festival. Considered the lover's festival, many betrothals and courtships are announced during this time. The celebration primarily takes place on boats in the canals — it is said if you pass under all the bridges in the town, your love is true. It is during this time that residents will attend to the gardens and plants throughout the city, as flowers are exchanged as symbols of good health and good fertility.

III. Pleno Verano

The midsummer festival, or Pleno Verano, is a time of abundance. Taking place on the beach, Onuban families will erect a large fire and cook all day. The midsummer festival is also a time to exchange gifts, and at night, they burn effigies for good luck and scatter the ashes into the sea.

IV. Iluminación

In the autumn, Iluminación (meaning illumination) is the Onuban festival of light. Onubans are guided by Portadores to make floating lanterns, said to be for souls who have lost their way. They send off these lanterns in the canals and the sea. Afterwards, many families will celebrate with large, lantern-lit festivities and feasts. Sweetfoods are common during this time, and any mischievous activity is attributed to wandering souls (youths have a lot of fun during Iluminación). It is tradition to share half of anything you eat or drink with the deceased.

2.3  Faith

The Lantern

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Onuba's faith was inherited from a variety of religious scripture left over from the human era and developed over time into something of its own. It is said that during the founding of Onuba, there was a great storm in which the seas rose high and the canals flooded. Onubans would have been lost if not for the light-bringers who came with lanterns and guided the residents to safety. For this reason, the faith is called The Lantern and its keepers are called Portadores (Bringers).

The faith lacks a real God figure, instead appealing to the "Light of the Truth." Portadores are all very concerned with following the path of righteousness and guiding others through the darkness of life. Many sailors and traders come in with their own gods and beliefs, however, this does not directly oppose the beliefs of the Lantern; gods of other religions are all seen as aspects of the Light.

The Moreno family is said to have descended from the original light-bringers, and have thus positioned themselves as the moral authority in Onuba. While anyone can commit themselves to the faith and become a Portadore, the Moreno family is the biggest contributor.

Spiritual Spaces

There are three spiritual spaces that each have a specific use and purpose. The Water Shrines are for the sailors and other travelers to pray and offer their respects. The Churches are for matters of the living spirit, such as honoring births, marriage, mass, ceremony, and festivals. The Temples are only entered and used for death.

Homes may have their own private altars; in these instances, faithful practitioners may pray to candles.

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Shrines

Numerous water shrines were elected along the seaside, made from old fountains, broken statues, and other leftovers from a bygone age. Devotees can enter the spiritual space, wash their hands in the wells of salt water, give an offering to their god and then warm themselves by a fire that is tended by the Portadores.

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Churches

Churches were repurposed by the faith, and are now maintained by Portadores and members of the Moreno family. There are several throughout the town, and many more in the Inner Court family territories. While everyone is encouraged to visit daily and pray at the candles on the altar, not many do. They hold a weekly ceremony where they light a fire in a large stone basin, and attendees can cast off their grievances, wishes, or anything else into the flame.

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Temples

There are only a couple cathedrals in Onuba, and these giant halls were repurposed into a mourning and ceremony space for the dead. Wakes are held here and families are allowed to pay their respects for a very limited time. Otherwise, no one except members of the faith are allowed inside. Bodies are typically cremated.

3.  The Courts

3.1  Overview

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There are two parts of the court system in Onuba: the Inner Court and Outer court. The Inner Court is comprised of six families, all descendants of the founders of Onuba and stewards of the territories claimed by their ancestors. They are: Amaranthe, Arena, Moreno, Ortega, Robles, and Salcedo.

The Outer Court encompasses families who moved to Onuba after it was established and who have pledged themselves to an Inner Court family. They are also known as Patron families. Many of them have been residents of Onuba almost since the beginning and have special relationships with the Inner Court families. The respectability of an Outer Court family is determined by its age more than its accomplishment; flashy new merchant families, for instance, are less notable than an old family of servants. Individuals who pledge themselves to an Inner Court family will be considered their own house, even if they have no other members to their name.

While the court system mostly functions outside of the town, and residents of Onuba can opt not to participate, most Onubans tend to be in some way related or involved in court activities.

3.2  Inner Court

The Inner Court of Onuba stands apart from the rest of society, and within its echelons lies an intricate system of governance. A notable rule is that they are forbidden to marry with other Inner Court families, made to keep each other from consolidating power, but in some cases that rule is purposefully flouted (e.g. the marriage of Akantha and Isandro Robles) or overlooked, if the members are of low enough status. Significant infractions will result in the members being de-titled and excommunicated from their families, although in some cases the individuals may be beyond reproach due to their status (see: Akantha & Isandro).

Their titles are a means of distinguishing each other, but otherwise it serves no purpose, and one family is not ranked higher than the other. The only one who has reasonable authority over the families is the Mayordomía; however, it should be noted that violent rebellion has occurred in the past when the Mayordomía failed to accurately represent the town's interests.

The following are short excerpts of the Inner Court families, but for in-depth information, go to their family page!

Amaranthe

Head of House: Akantha Amaranthe
Titles: Barón (Baron), Baronesa (Baroness)

The Amaranthe family claims the largest portion of Onuban countryside, a point that is frequently disputed by other families. They are known for their gardens, craftsmanship, and grand estates. They also have a reputation for throwing great parties, and oversee all seasonal festivities. Typically aloof in politics and a little insular as a whole, they prefer to involve themselves in commerce with their farm and livestock exports and town projects (communal gardens, upkeep of homes, etc). Represented by the symbol of an amaranth flower, their colors are shades of red/pink.

Arena

Head of House: Currently Unoccupied
Titles: Marques (Marquis), Marqués (Marquess)

The Arena family has positioned themselves as "the Merchant Family" of Onuba; they oversee all coastal trade and markets and have an extensive network of traders across Europe and north Africa. It is the only household where wealth is privileged more than lineage; few of their members are true descendants and many have bought their way into its numbers. The family is run by a council of the wealthiest traders and a figurehead, whose sole duty is to represent them at Court functions and otherwise has no real authority. They are known for their ostentatious appearances, gold sand beaches, and white-domed homes, from which they draw their symbol. Their colors are white and gold.

Moreno

Head of House: Vicente Moreno
Titles: Conde (Count), Condesa (Countess)

The Moreno family is the most enigmatic of the Inner Court families, possessing an opaque system of hierarchy and strange customs. They are the spiritual authority in Onuba and handle all matters of faith, including the upkeep of shrines, churches, and temples. Many of their members comprise the ranks of Portadores and Acolytes. While rigid and conservative, they provide important philosophical, ethical, and moral contributions to the culture as a whole. They are known for their deep forests, secret glades, and grim dispositions. Their symbol is of a star and their color is a deep blue.

Ortega

Head of House: Izan Ortega
Titles: Visconde (Viscount), Viscondesa (Viscountess)

The Ortega Family is another egalitarian family, with anyone of the family given the opportunity to earn the head position of Jerarca (the Hierarch). As a result, Ortegas are highly competitive and a little prickly when it comes to matters of pride, much like their namesake nettle which grows in the fields of their home. The Ortega family provides warriors and guards to the town, or other families when necessary, and only involve themselves politically when it comes to security. They are known for their breath-taking vistas, their honor (an Ortega oath is said be worth twice of any Onuban), and their combative prowess. Their symbol is of a nettle leaf, and their colors are teal and gold.

Robles

Head of House: Renata Robles
Titles: Duque (Duke), Duquesa (Duchess)

The Robles Family is a matriarchal clan, named for the giant oak tree that lies at the heart of their territory. They are known for their incredible craftsmanship and pride themselves on both the quality and uniqueness of their labor and trade. Less known are the members who dedicate themselves to overlooked social services, or to work like historical preservation, for which they mill and produce their own paper. Industrious, strategic, and true inventors at heart, the Robles family is said to be the engine of society, pushing it ever forward. Their symbol is of an oak leaf and acorn, and their colors are a deep green.

Salcedo

Head of House: Salvador Salcedo
Titles: Príncipes (Prince), Princesa (Princess)

The Salcedo Family is the most popular Inner Court family of Onuba, evidenced by their high election rate to the post of Mayordomía. While known for their political involvement, they are better known for organizing of the reconstruction of Onuba, a feat which notably improved the quality of life for many Onubans. They are also the most social of the families; they host the most galas, attend the most functions, and seem to have their hand in every aspect of the town's affairs. Other than diplomatic savvy, the family contributes a fair amount of volunteer labor to the town; they are sometimes said to be the grease of society, helping to keep the cogs turning. The family is named for the white willow trees that grow in abundance in their territory, from which they also draw their symbol. Their colors are purple and gold.

Categories: Amaranthe | Arena | Moreno | Onuba | Ortega | Robles | Salcedo | San