Ku Hafu
"Ku Hafu is the heart of life and the life of heart. Like a good pie. Have you ever had a really good pie? I mean really good. Anyway, life is adventure and chaos and blood and glory and Ku Hafu is all of that. All of that and more. It is pie upon pie. Meat and cheese and pastry and meat and gravy. Yes, I'll have a... yes, that's perfect. No, alright, where was I? Ku Hafu, yes! It is the gem of Kaw's Roost and the last bastion of freedom. Freedom! That's what I'm talking about. My blood runs through Ku Hafu and it will forever run through me. It is inside me the same way I am inside it. It is Ku Hafu. I'm sorry, what was the question?"
Geography
Ku Hafu is situated at the point where the Gnarled Stream joins the Woolflow River in the heart of Minaka Vale. The town itself is broken up into the following districts.| District | Reputation | Buildings & Businesses |
|---|---|---|
| Gnarled Yard | Cheap, mainly residential | Communal washing houses, The Crook (tavern), The Mended Kettle (repairs) |
| Guild Quarter | Business and shopping district | The Silver Nose (jewellery), Guild Market, Gi Ma Tower |
| Mountain View | Well-off, mainly residential | Fine dining establishments, The Reading Room (private library), The Cavern (private club) |
| Outerwalls | Transportation and trade | Wagon repair shops, Boat repairs shops, boarding house |
| Western Plots | Tourist and artisan area | Artisan workshops, Museum of Ku Hafu, The Pilgrim's Path Inn |
History
Ku Hafu is a small town in Minaka Vale with a long and varied history. Originally, it was a trading post where those who dared venture north into the Kaw's Roost mountain range could trade the furs, plants or minerals they returned with to skilled craftspeople who would turn them into valuable goods. With the Gnarled Stream and Woolflow River making transport from the mountains easier, it quickly grew into a bustling market town.
By the first century, it had already created a name for itself, and Ku Hafu craftsmanship was recognised all across the Drifting Sea. It was around this time that the famous (or foolhardy) adventurer Gi Malaka made the town his home, rescuing damsels, seeking truth and slaying leviathans, the bones of which can still be found in the town today.
As a result of this, for the following centuries Ku Hafu became a popular destination for those looking to become famous adventurers and bards looking for inspiration. Few found what they were looking for.
By the 14th Century, trade had become so important to the town, particularly as a way of paying for guards to ward off potential invaders, guilds were established. These guilds were there initially to help the craftspeople and traders of the town. However as their importance grew so did their desire for control.
The 'bureaucratic uprising' kick-started the 15th Century, during which the guilds of Ku Hafu seized power from Lord Hafu and the Hafu family, who had been happily ruling over the town for as long as anyone could remember. The guilds hold on Ku Hafu lasted until the 21st Century and the 'Spontaneous Handover', which was not nearly as bloodless as it sounds.
Culture
The majority of people in Ku Hafu follow the Baa Yalu religion, although how much they believe it varies. As such, the cleanliness which is important within Baa Yalu is paramount here too.
Nearly all residents show their allegiance to Baa Yalu by wearing metal nose rings (hoops through the side of the nose), with some wearing studs or multiple rings. Knights and guards can be distinguished by the position of these piercings, as they wear nose rings through the middle of their nose.
When greeting someone, they hold their fist out palm up towards the person and snap their fingers twice, followed by either "Baa watches" or "Kaw listens" or "Skat knows" or "Hoo speaks". You might also hear people shouting “Sacred hearts!” in anger or “By the gnarled twigs!” in surprise.
Sheep are treated with great reverence. They roam free throughout the town and the surrounding areas, with residents always greeting them with respect and all due deference.
Governance
Ku Hafu is governed by Mayor Simau, whose position is mostly ceremonial. The real power lies in Minaka where the royal family of Minaka Vale resides. He attends celebrations like soltice, major weddings, executions and represents Ku Hafu at court in Minaka once a year.Maps
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Ku Hafu
Founding Date
Before recorded time
Type
Town
Population
2000
Location under
Included Locations
Owning Organization
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