Kubarin (koo-BAHR-in)
Standing like a scar between Polira and Khaldai is the wasteland known as the Whispering Barrens. Once, it was known as the nation of Kubara, and the Kubarin tribes built their villages by the banks of the Bassier River. There, they used extensive irrigation ditches to grow crops in the desert, and built their homes from the clay around them. Then the dams were built upstream, six of them, capturing all the water of the Bassier for Poliran use. Kubara could no longer support its people.
In tribes, families and groups, bringing their animals and all their worldly goods, the Kubarin travelled south. The hope was to find a place in Khaldai where they could resume their old way of life. For a long time they wandered, searching. Some assimilated and found places for themselves in Khaldian towns and cities, but the majority continued to press on to an unknown destination.
After a while, travelling became the new way of life, and they slowly learned how to live off the land. Their goats would eat almost anything, and their tamed Raklu, scaled creatures with dog-like intelligence, were quite good at herding them alongside the caravans. Other Raklu, bred for strength, were used as pack animals, pulling leather-covered travois across the dusty lands. Tribal groups began to mark out territories for themselves. Many who had scattered reunited with their home tribes.
Kubarin youths are taught their native language, and customs, even though their grandparents can't even remember life in Kubara. Myths and wisdom are passed down through oral teachings, often as song or story at the campfire. Every few years all the tribes gather at a larger oasis, and there the Assembly of Chieftains meets to deal with issues that affect all the Kubarin. This is also a time for celebration, as well as spouse hunting, ensuring the Kubarin legacy will continue.
Today, the Kubarin are still separate from the rest of Khaldai. They visit towns and villages to trade and barter, but rarely stay long, as they are generally distrusted by the townsfolk. They have settled into seasonal travel patterns, staying in places as long as their animals can graze, then moving on. Several of the oases of Khaldai show their mark, where small gardens have sprung up. These are comprised of plants that can grow unattended, and their signature irrigation ditches keep the area watered for generations.
How sad that a people are displaced because another nation has damned their rivers! What a clever narrative. I'd love to learn more of the Poliran people and why they've taken such action.
Mostly, it was "their" river, primarily in their territory, and they wanted the water for irrigation and drinking sources. It's actually my conflict article.
Clash of the Bassier Dams
While hardly a major war by most standards, this conflict over water rights brought up questions of ownership of natural resources. It also ended with the destruction of Kubara.