((This is an old book, yet it is reasonably well preserved. It was written circa 2840 T.A. by one Curon The Venerable, based on the relations and experiences of one Ecthon The Merchant, who was allegedly taken captive by corsairs and held for ransom, during a year, in the city of Umbar. Some passages are outlined or marked by frequent use, the following is a selection of them. Ar-Iskandir keeps the book on a bookshelf in his safehouse))
From chapter: Arriving to the City
… finally you reach the far end of the firth, where the city herself is nested, like a menacing spider crouching up her web. The first thing you see upon approaching is the White Pillar, a bright star shinning to sun or moon; at the sunset light as it was, it shone with an ominous red gleam, marking the way back to her bosom for all her misguided and bloodthirsty children. Next you see the high and blackened Harbour Walls, old and proud they stand today, as they have been since ages ago, but on closer examination you could see the weight of time upon the unyielding stone. According to legends and old lore, the wall was once polished rock, as shiny as the sea below. Now it is all crevices and holes where seaweeds are deposited by high tides, and crabs and snails pullulate all around. In the high ledges, far above the waterline, seagulls and other birds make their nests and greet the passing ships with a chorus of croak and squawk.
The Harbour itself is always bustling with ships of all kinds, little fishermen filled with nets and reeking of fish, round bellied merchantmen filled with exotic cargo from far away lands, slender galleys of beautiful lines and deadly smell, and the intimidating great hulks, with high covered castle-like decks and tall masts with black sails. Perched high above the main channel, on the right shore, stands the ever menacing mass of the Captaincy of the Harbour, where ever watchful eyes spy on the ships bellow. Down at the waterline, slave dockworkers handle cargo between lashing and filth…
From chapter: The Government and Families
… there stands the heart of the city, the Council Hall: an ancient monster of blackened stone, ten storey high and a thousand years old . It is the seat of power of the Duumvirs, and meeting place of the Assembly of Fathers. The Council of Captains meets in a newer building next to the docks. Through the years, the power and attributions of the Duumvirs had waned, and what remains today is a hollow ceremonial figure, presiding over celebrations and Assembly sessions, though they still command much respect and homage. The real factual power resides now in the Council of Captains and the Assembly of Fathers (the fabled Lords of Umbar) which struggle never endingly about every matter. The high command of the massed Corsair fleet is attribution of the Captain of the Harbour, which is the office of highest power and honour.
Around the Council Hall, ruined stone mansions crumble and threaten to topple over the heads of the bystanders. Many have fell already, fuelling the stonemasons works in the new slums by the outer wall. Some yet persist, refusing to acknowledge time's steady bite, high and proud but a shadow of their former self, like its city they are: An ancient blackened stone shell, devoid of soul and filled with dreams of grandeur and the unending clamouring of slaves. Chief between the mansions stands The Black Prince Palace, seat of House Castamirioni, one of the oldest, proudest and more influential families. Tradition and legend claims they came from Gondor in the forgotten days of the Kin-Strife, and according to some rumours, they might be of the line of the Kings of old. The fact is they are powerful and cruel, their ships raid ceaselessly the coasts of Gondor, taking slaves and loot wherever they can, their black and silvery standard being the most recognized and feared among Old families. It is known that this House often sire its heirs on Gondorian slaves of the purest blood, so any noblewoman who happened to be captured, sooner or later is brought to them and bought in weight's gold.
From chapter: The Cults in Umbar
… most revered by seafaring people is who they call Ocë-Ulum or Ocë-Unum, known as the Lord of Waters or the Blue Father. There is a big temple devoted to him down by the docks. Every ship that departs, almost customarily makes an offering to seek his protection from storm or wreck. Another popular cult, chiefly between foreigners, is that of a dark god called Mulkher. They celebrate their secret rites in windowless temples, where a single fire burns in the middle of a dark abode. It is rumoured that some of the old families revere this mysterious deity.
There are also some strange and primitive cults which deal with magic, spirits and sacrifices, like that of the Red Moon, favoured by nomadic warriors…
((OOC: this is by no means to be interpreted as canon, its only objective is to provide some cultural background to Ar-Iskandir ))
