Fulbe

Traditionally, the Fulbe are nomadic pastorialists and urban traders or nobles, herding cattle, Tamadla Goat and sheep across dry grasslands, deserts and highlands. A third of the Fulbe are nomadic herdsman and they are in fact the largest nomadic group in Emynea, spread over many territories. They can be found throughout Kasar Wuta from east to west, especially eastern Alkelbulan, but are also present in Shamsi and Nyasi za Rangi. They are a populous people with many subgroups and a long history.

The Fulbe make their homes everywhere from highlands, savannah, grasslands, river deltas, deserts and river valleys. Further west, more Fulbe are nomadic with far less social organization. There are three types of Fulbe groups: nomadic, semi-nomadic and settled. Nomads travel throughout the year with their cattle, rarely staying in one place for more than 2-4 months. Semi-nomads tend to settle down temporarily during certain parts of the year or are those who only wander within a fixed territory. The remaining Fulbe have settled into permanant villages, towns and cities, living in urban centers and agricultural villages. Fulbe cities exist across Kasar Wuta and many Fulbe play the roles of ruling class thanks to their military conquests and backing of Ilnid's emirates.

While settled Fulbe have adapted well to the occupation of the Kingdom of Accia, nomadic Fulbe writhe under Accian control which pressures them endlessly into settling down. Urban development and conversion of grazing lands into farmland has led to considerable conflicts between nomadic Fulbe and agriculturalists. As traditional pasture shrinks, cattle wander into fields and damage crops. Skirmishes occur even between Accian town guard and nomads, both these nomads and guards having sour oppionions of each other. In fact most Accian institutions weigh blatantly on the side of sedentary lifestyles. In severe instances Fulbe nomads might even turn to violent raids as their own families teeter on the edge of starvation. This hurts even the urban Fulbe and neighboring settlements too, many culures having come to rely on these nomads for meat and animal products.

Racial Magic

by Lee Stepp

Thanks to their wide range and long history, the Fulbe have a variety of Racial Magic abilities common to their people including blessings from Flithmar, Sonildaz, Krithda, Elbixur, Maralith and Rithaldis. Thanks to their strict caste system, most Fulbe have abilities which reflect their positions. For example, most Marlith blessings are focused within the nomadic pastorialists and agriculturalists and Maralith's Craft is especially prevalent in Fulbe women who craft special milks, yoghurts and cheeses. Traders are far more likely to possess Rithaldis blessings, better able to trek across the harsh sands of Shamsi Desert and artisans tend to inherit Flithmar blessings helpful to blacksmiths, jewelers, potters and the like. Meanwhile, ruling Fulbe with roles as religious or political leaders usualy possess Krithda or Elbixur magic useful for enforcing or encouraging citizens to adhere to tradition and order.

☀️ Rithaldis Manifestations

Manipulation

Able to manipulate, repel, pull and reshape radiant energy present in their environment. This includes sunlight, solar plasma and ionizing radiation.

Aura

Able to generate or summon radiant energy in various concentrations whether this is sunlight, solar plasma or ionizing radiation. High concentrations eat up more energy more quickly. Also immune to damage from radiant energy and capable of seeing it.

Sense

Able to feel their environment using radiant energy, anything interacting with it and sense radiant energy in their environment despite barriers. This includes sunlight, solar plasma and radiation. They are also immune to damage from radiant energy.

♫ Sonildaz Manifestations

Will

Can produce sound or music which amplifies the magic of others upon being heard or extend this effect into sounds already present.

Sleep

Can induce sleep onto a target while producing a continuous sound, by instrument or voice, and a healing effect is generated in this regenerative state.

☸️ Krithda Manifestations

Aura

Can generate temporary emotions or states related to Krithda in those around them. feelings of or desire for order, sanity, logic, selflessness and 'group over individual' mentality. Thoughts that are structured, logical and sensible fall under this aspect as does a desire for the same.

Shadow

Can generate illusions or hallucinations fueled by the part of a target's mind space which is connected to Krithda. These can be their thoughts, emotions or memories related to Krithda or simply images which incite emotions or states related to Krithda.

Empathy

Can enable target's to experience or share each other's emotions, thoughts and memories related to Krithda and can project their own Krithda emotions or desire for order onto others.

Binding

Able to bind specific emotions, thoughts or memories related to Krithda. They can either restrict a target's access to these or bind a specific memory, desire or urge for order to a person's mind, leaving them unable to rid themselves of it or forget it.

⚱️ Elbixur Manifestations

Aura

Can generate temporary emotions or states related to Elbixur in those around them. These include emotions or desire for tradition, ritual, repetition, habit, obstinance, loyalty and routine.

Shadow

Can generate illusions or hallucinations fueled by the part of a target's mind space which is connected to Elbixur. These can be their thoughts, emotions or memories related to Elbixur or simply images which incite emotions or states related to Elbixur.

Empathy

Can enable target's to experience or share each other's emotions, thoughts and memories related to Elbixur and can project their own Elbixur emotions or desire for order onto others.

Binding

Able to bind specific emotions, thoughts or memories related to Elbixur. They can either restrict a target's access to these or bind a specific memory, desire or urge for tradition or routine to a person's mind, leaving them unable to rid themselves of it or forget it.

Flithmar Manifestations

Aura

Able to summon or generate flames, pulling fire from Flithmar's Plane with their energy. They can generate this from their own body or simply summon it within an area around themselves and direct it with simple movements. They are also immune to damage or impediment from fire.

Movement

Able to walk, step or move on or through flames or briefly turn themselves into fire, move as normal fire would in a direction and reform elsewhere. Cannot be harmed by fire but can be restrained with fire magic.

Charge

Can store up flames inside their bodies including from attacks. They can convert this to energy, use the energy to empower their body or re-release the flames like an Aura. Cannot be harmed by fire or fire magic, absorbing it instead. However, unlike most manifestations, they cannot generate their own fire, are reliant on a source.

Diet

Able to consume or absorb flames as sustenance, to heal or to replenish magic energy. Cannot be harmed by fire or fire magic, absorbing it instead.

Breath

Can exhale flames with various heat and properties or can inhale fire to put it out.

Shield

Immune to negative effects and/or damage from all flame magic and naturally occurring flames. Totally fireproof.

Step

Can enter and exit Flithmar via portals and travel the plane freely, without injury. Can bring another with them while maintaining contact. Cannot be harmed by fire but can be restrained using fire magic.

Maralith Manifestations

Manipulation

Able to manipulate, communicate with, attract or direct mammals that are present or nearby. These organisms will disperse and/or regain their will when the caster runs out of energy or ceases their control.

Aura

Able to attract nearby mammals or summon a beast companion they have established a bond with or local mammals from Maralith's Plane. They can give these mammals basic commands, having some influence, but these beasts will disperse or return to where they were summoned with.

Sense

Able to feel sense mammals present in their environment, within a given distance, and sense what kinds of beast they are despite barriers. Can easily find and identify familiar mammals and even determine their health and condition.

Eye

Able to see mammals present around them or within a given distance and can tell the species even through barriers. Can easily find and identify familiar mammals and even determine their health and condition.

Craft

Able to craft or generate milk with various properties, even healing or restorative properties. Can also be used to process milk into various dairy products by hand, instantly shaping milk into cheeses, yoghurt and the like.

Fertility

Able to increase the fertility of mammals, even humans, and aid in the healthy development and birth of the baby.

Will

Can amplify the magic of others via contact or by sending a mammalian partner to channel their ability.

Imprint

Able to mark a number of targets as their "pack" or "herd". Once marked, they can communicate via telekinesis and can sense each other's location even amid different species.

Form

Their magic form has features of a specific mammal incorporated into it, usually one native to their homeland. They will be able to manifest certain characteristics of this mammal, usually limited to a handful of smaller features or one or two large ones.

Naming Traditions

Family names

by Lee Stepp

Fulbe are grouped together based on where they live and additionally into clans. The three largest divisions are eastern, central and western Fulbe. Western Fulbe include the Adamawa, Bagirmi, Sokoto, Gombe and Mbororo while central include the Gombe, Jelgooji and Massina. Finally, Eastern Fulbe include the Nioro, Futa Jallon, Futa Tooro and Fuladu. Common surnames of Fulbe include Diallo, Jallow, Djalo, Sow, Barry, Bah, Balde, Dioulde, Tall, Sall, Diengue, Sy, Anne, Ly, Wan, Dia, Ballo, Takrur, Gidado, Barkindo, Jallo, Ahidjo, Dikko, Diakite, Sangare, Dicko, Sidibe, Cisse, Toure, Bocoum and Kah.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Many Fulbe are bilingual or polylingual speaking the languages of the Angli, Francais, Hausawa, Wollof and Arabiyy. Pulaar is their own language and those who speak it well are called Halpulaar or Haalpulaar'en meaning speakers of Pulaar. They utilize three different writing systems, one similar to al-'arabiyyah by the name of ajami, Accian Alphabet and a phonetic system called adlam.

Culture and cultural heritage

There is significant cultlural influences and intermingling between Fulbe and neighboring cultures like the Hausawa. There are even those who are not ethnically Fulbe but still speak their language and possess similar culture. These are referred to as yimbe pulaaku or "people of the Fulbe culture". There are also tensions between Fulbe and Rimaybe who were once their slaves, freed by the Kingdom of Accia. When Accians delved into east Alkelbulan, it wasn't uncommon for them to "recruit" Fulbe youths forcibly into AMTP in the same way they take children from Musi Kongo in contemporary Eluziar. Yet after they were conquered and annexed into the kingdom, the Fulbe played a significant role in capturing teens from neighboring peoples in the interests of the kingdom.

Fulbe society is hoste to a strict caste system common to Kasar Wuta, requiring one to marry only within their caste. These castes include nobility, traders, artisans and slaves which are now serfs or indentured servants. Rimbe and Dimo are noble castes. Below these are the artisan castes which include blacksmiths, potters, griots (artists), woodworkers and tailors, still considered free peoples. Finally there are the captive castes of slaves and serfs or their descendants. The different slave castes are maccudo, rimmaybe, dimaajo and baleebe. Nobles and merchants are the ruling castes and were active propogaters of slavery and the trade of slaves between Arabiyyah and Kasar Wuta. Now they are active "recruiters" for Accia. Even now that most if not all of Alkelbulan has been conquered, they often work as recruitment staff for AMTP. However, many suspect the Fulbe are still loyal chiefly to Ilnid and those of western Alkelbulan do little to nothing to deny this loyalty.

Shared customary codes and values

by Lee Stepp

Most if not all Fulbe are muslim, even those who are very lax in their faith proud of this fact. Their beliefs are similar to most other east Alkelbulians while still holding onto many of their pre-islam traditions. This takes the form of a code of ethics which links all Fulbe together. They call this Palaaku. These are values passed down to each generation and is believed to link all Fulbe together despite any distance separating them or outside influence of foreign lands. Palaaku is what they believe identifies them as Fulbe. They also beleive their culture is naturally static, constant and unchanging, that it in fact cannot change so long as they follow the code of their ancestors. It isn't uncommon for religious and political leaders to possess Elbixur or Krithda mental magic. They use their abilities to instill or manipulate one's desire to adhere to their faith and Palaaku or even to amplify their nostalgia and value of tradition all to keep them in line and adherant to their caste system.

Palaaku involves a variety of values and qualities important to the Fulbe, qualities they are expected to try and emulate. These include Muyal which encompasses patience, self control, discipline and prudence while Gacce or Semteende encompasses modesty and respect for others, even enemies. Hakkille encompasses wisdom, forethought, responsibility and hospitality and Sagata or Tiinaade encompass hard work and courage. Other pillars of Palaaku include the importance of cattle, respecting elders and love for one's mother. The ideal Fulbe is stoic, taciturn, reserved and keeps others at arms length, especially foreigners to the point of near disdain. Fulbe men are expected to maintain a gentle demeanor of sobriety, maintain a strong bond with his cattle and avoid displaying strong emotions if not displeasure in response to boisterous behavior. Blatant displays of wealth are considered vulgar according to Palaaku, believing money should be carefully managed in private.

Common Dress code

by Lee Stepp

Fulbe are usually described as tall and slim with relatively light skin, straight noses and long, curly hair but Fulbe from different regions can differ drastically. Both men and women have tattoos on their face and mouths which they received as children. Especially near Marrakesh, an indigo ink which is associated with nobility and Krithda is used around the mouth which might blacken their lips and gums. Most Fulbe wear white or black cotton gowns with blue, red and green embroidery and a traditional hat called a tengaade which is iconic to the Fulbe, made of Mawa Palm leaves and leather.

by Lee Stepp

Women prefer long, colorful and flowing robes with embroidery. Their hair is decorated with beads and cowrie shells, kept long and woven into five braids and looped along their sides. Silver coins or amber is used to decorate their hair as well, some of these coins very old as they are passed down along generations. Fulbe women are fond of jewelry, especially bracelets, and wrap a coloful cloth called a modjaare around their waist, head and over one shoulder. Their hands, feet and arms are usually decorated with henna alongside the markings from their racial mark and tattoos, giving them a dramatic and complex appearance altogether.

Fulbe men have taken to Accian style clothing recently, wearing shirts and pants which reach their lower calves but will still wear a long cloth around their heads and faces as a turban. Over their turban they usually wear a tengaade hat, a colorful kufi cap or a noppiire which tapers off along three angular tips. Fulbe men might also carry a walking stick over their shoulder and rest their arms atop of it as they walk. Men's tattoos are on either side of their face and their foreheads.

Art & Architecture

by Lee Stepp

Nomadic Fulbe live in domed houses called bukkaru or suudu hudo made from plant matter, especially Mawa Palm and lovegrass. In dry seasons, this house uses compact millet stalks as pillars covered by reed mats which are tied against wooden poles in the wet season. These "grass houses" as they are called are very mobile and easy to set up, dismantle and load onto animals much like a Khalkh Monggol ger. They are usually loaded onto Aa-hemet Donkey, horses or Shamsi Camel. In urban areas, they are more likely to live in mud brick houses.

Traditional instruments of the Fulbe include drums, hoddu (skin covered lute similar to a banjo), riti (one stringed bow similar to a voilin) and unique vocal music characterized by ululation with sharp, high sounds. Songs and dances vary wildly across Fulbe cultures, reflecting elements of their traditional lifestyles or composed for specific occassions. Music is a part of their every day life, more than just entertainment and considered an essential peice of their life cycles. It isn't uncommon for Fulbe to play music while herding cattle, working fields, cooking, harvesting crops or winnowing millet. They work to the rhythms of these songs and often drums. Griot musicians have a much more respected role than their ancestors had thanks to their ability to amplify magic and inspire this productivity.

Even herders are known to whistle or sing to themselves, alone in the grasslands with their cattle, and they have a preference for flutes and a violin like instrument called nianioru. Other signature instruments of the Fulbe are a five stringed lute called a hoddu or molo and a pair of drums called buuba and bawdi. Outside of nomadic or agricultural life, performers in cities belong to a specifc caste, griots and awlube, who perform music and recite history. Fulbe oral traditions include poetry, history, story, legend, proverb, magic formula and riddles.

Foods & Cuisine

by Lee Stepp

Millet, milk and meat in general tend to be staples of Fulbe cuisine. Kossam is the term for a drink made of fresh milk (miradam) and yoghurt (pendidan). Kettugol and lebol are made from milk fat and used in both cooking and hair weaving. Nyiiri is another common meal, a heavy porridge made from millet, sorghum or corn wheat and eaten with takai or haako, soup made from tomoatoes, onions, spices, peppers and other vegetables. Nearly all Fulbe communites make a dish of fermented yoghurt with corn couscous which they call latchiiri or dakkere. This is usually eaten, sometimes within the same bowl, with a liquidy porridge called gari made from millet, sorghum or corn wheat and milk. Meats like goat or beef are usually eaten on special occasions with a beverage made from goat cheese, milk, dates and millet.

Milks, yoghurts and cheeses made by Fulbe women with Craft manifestations are in particularly high demand, carrying unique healing properties. Medics and healers across Emynea desire these products for salves or potions, even useful for True Magic and Material Magic if it can be properly preserved. Fulbe use calbashes, a kind of goard, to store butter and milk. Fulbe women in markets often hawk their products while balancing decorative calabashes on their heads!

by Lee Stepp

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

by Lee Stepp

Fulbe herders spend long stretches of time alone with their cattle, following after them on foot as they seek out water and better pasture. They are a highly migratory people, even among other pastorialists. Fulbe can be found throughout deserts, savannahs, highlands and even forests, not tied to any one biome. Wealth amid these nomads is measured by how large their herds are, their ancestors often fighting over cattle and grazing grounds which is mostly mitigated by marriage and lineage ties as women marry into neighboring villages. Cows are especially important to the Fulbe, a common saying that one cannot speak Fulfulde if they do not own a cow. They even possess a tradition called habbanaya where one is loaned a cow until she has a calf. Once this calf is weaned the cow is returned to its original owner. This is a special exchange to the Fulbe, a special ceremony held in honor of the gift afterwards. The borrower buys special treats and invites his neighbors to the event in which the calf is given a name. One is never allowed to strike or harm a habbanaya.

Every year, Fulbe men and their cattle living near Oya Kwara River gather for an annual festival called Dewgal. This occurs in November or December during the rainy season, trapping the cattle as the river floods and the village turns into an island. Fulbe herdsmen use this as a competition to exhibit their skills. With no help, a herder drives his cattle into the river and encourage them to move forward often standing or swimming between them and holding onto the horns of bulls. Smaller animals are transported in canoes. There are rewards for the fattest animals and best caretakers while the worst herders receive a single, shameful peanut. Even beyond the competition, this is an important social event for their community as a gathering of family and friends, as a celebration of their culture. Women decorate their houses with woven mats and paint their floors with white and black clay. They even braid their hair with intricate pattens and dress up for their husbands.

Historical figures

Early History

Fulbe early history isn't clear as they were originally highly nomadic pastorialists, passing down history orally and travelling through many foreign lands as they migrated. The oldest recorded clan is the Torankawa and the the Kingdom of Tekrur south of Marrakesh. Scholars speculate they might be the result of intermingling between east Alkelbulian populations and either the Araibiyy or Imazighen if not other Shamsi ethnic groups. It is at least clear that they started as a small local culture in east Alkelbulan, their numbers growing quickly in the ideal grazing lands of Kasar Wuta. From there many waves of migrations pushed westard, occasionally establishing their own towns along the way. Eventally, Fulbe cities dotted across Kasar Wuta, especially along river vallies and tributaries.

The Fulbe have always been members of various ruling dynasties across Kasar Wuta as they were among the first to convert to Islam al-Rasul. Others even criticize them for believing themselves culturually and religiously superior to other peoples for this reason, some going so far as to call them Ilnid's lapdogs. Both settled and nomadic Fulbe served Ilnid's interests in Kusar Wuta, becoming political and martial weapons in spreading Islam al-Rasul across the grasslands. With clear and ample support from Ilnid's empire, they were armed with horses and superior equipment for warfare. Yet, despite coming together and cooperating in jihads settled and nomadic Fulbe were still known to war with each other, urban Fulbe finding their nomadic cousins too lenient or going so far as to call them infidels.

They were also known to war with fellow muslim leadership for influence. As the Zarma Empire converted to Islam and became an important trading partner throughout al-Mashriq and Shamsi, Fulbe warriors began challenging this empire over the course of many centuries before finally overtaking their lands and gaining control of easter trade routes. Beyond this, they worked closely with Imazighen and Araibiyy muslim leaders, planning and ennacting the spread of their faith further into Alkelbulan. The Fulbe were the sword in the hands of these clergymen, leading many jihads and becoming a powerful political and economic force in eastern Alkelbulan.

Empire of the Great Fulo

The height of Fulbe influence was amid the easternmost territories just south of Shamsi, the Empire of the Great Fulo co-founded between Fulbe and Mande peoples. This empire violently raided and disrupted trade routes of older kingdoms, propelling their own development. Amid this empire , large regions were plunged into religious warfare as Islamic leaders vied for power and influence, eventaully leading to anarchy and famine. Amidst this chaos, the Great Fulo split into several smaller emirates. The first among these was Futa Jallon which formed in response to a revolve against Islamic leadership, a revolte led by pagan Fulbe and indiginous Mande Jollonke. Power withing these emirates was split between Almaami, a religious figurehead, and a council of elders as the land was split into nine provinces. Those revolting against the emirate were stripped and deprived of the right to own property and placed into subserviant roles. Many nomadic Fulbe were forced to settle in large numbers while the Jalonke which were once nobility became slaves called maccube.

Diina Emirate and Toucouleur Empire

Fulbe were involved in many Islamic theocracies including the Diina Emirate, leading jihads into the Oya Kwara River deltas in Nyasi za Rangi and Kasar Wuta. Fulbe were a dominant force in this river delta in several waves but this back and forth conflict kept them from organizing their forces against local kingdoms. Eventually, an apt Fulbe clergymen pulled together and led their forces to victory before establishing Fulbe rule in the Oya Kwara River deltas. They possessed a tight grip on this core region, some of their economic organization still present, but internal instability weakened this emirate enough for the Futanke to overtake them and establish the Toucouleur Empire.

The Toucouleur Empire was split into three states at the death of their founder, each ruled by one of his sons. Each had their own capital and their society was split mainly between noblemen/freemen and non free rimmaibe or maccube. Noble Fulbe were both political overlords and Islamic clergymen but other freemen were those pastoral populations which helped install the noblemen into power. These two groups together served the interests of political elite Fulbe but realistically had minor influence over politics. Those populations they conquered became slaves or took on some role of servitude, supporting their economy. Bards, courtiers and artisans were also lower on the social ladder. However, the Sokoto Caliphate was the largest among the Fulbe in east Alkelbulan. It was the largest, most organized and most powerful state in its region until the arrival of the Kingdom of Accia who eventually conquered them. It was primarily the Minx and Chevalier Houses which toppled these emirates.

Ideals

Courtship Ideals

by Lee Stepp

Unlike many of their neighbors, virginity isn't particularly prized among the Fulbe. On the contrary, women with more sexual experience are desired and they aren't shy of boasting! There are even dances in which women select partners but are restricted from doing so with her fiance or certain relatives (such as brothers). Despite these freedoms, the Fulbe woman is expected to display modesty when marriage arises as marraige is viewed as a special status.

Oddly enough, neither the groom or bride are present at the wedding! A cattle ceremony called koowgal occurs in which the bride's father transfers one of his herd to the groom and an Islamic ceremony called kabbal also occurs, all with the couple absent. Despite their absentee wedding, the bride's journey to her husband's village is important and they call this bangal. Woman of her new village greet her and this is considered a rite of passage for Fulbe women. The status of a married Fulbe women is tied to how many children she has, rising higher with each child and especially emphasizing male children.

The Fulbe prefer endogamy, marrying within their clans. They try to select patrilateral parallel cousins, paternal cousins whose fathers are siblings. If not available, they seek out a partner who shares the same great-grandfather, great-great grandfather or a cousin born of their paternal aunt. Otherwise, men are allowed up to four wives. Fulbe women aim to have many children, marrying young to this end. One responsibility considered obligatory for a married woman is to milk the cattle and process dairy, women with Maralith's Craft particularly sought after. Mothers are especially respected by her sons and daughters-in-law.

Relationship Ideals

by Lee Stepp

Fulbe families are patriarchal, tracked through paternal lines, and women move into her husband's community. Lineages are named and made up of three acending generations, members cooperating in pastoral activities. Clans are clusters of lineages which are endogamous, Fulbe women in particular almost never marrying outsiders. Cattle are inherited by lineage members and widows. However, in urban areas inheritance is handled according to Ilsamic practices in which women do not contest inheritance desired by her brothers.

Fulbe children are weaned at two years old and their father is distant with his children throughout their life, most of his time spent with their herds. Women provide for and raise their children and her daughters aid in the upbringing of their brothers. Young Fulbe girls can be seen playing at motherhood by carrying dolls on their backs before eventually doing so with their baby brothers. Fulbe amulets are given to babies, charms for fertility given to girls while those for virility are given to boys. A mother will guide her daughters in conforming to Fulbe ideals of beauty, sometimes even trying to lengthen their noses by squeezing, pinching or stretching them between her fingers.

Children aren't often disciplined, treated very gently as they don't wish to give their children any emotional shocks. Training of children is handled by their mother but also the rest of the women in a compound, believing women are more capable of patience and empathy. When a girl is 2 or 3, her ears are pierced, six holes in each ear, and as soon as she can walk, she is taught how to dance. She sits in a circle of dancing women who generously praise her attempts. Once she is five, girls are taught the moral code of Fulbe women, mbo. They are taught sexual interactions with brothers of any kind are unacceptable, that they mustn't look their fiance in the face, to demonstrate respect for elders and not to mention her future parents-in-law. Meanwhile, young boys tend to play at being a herder and performing male expectations. They are generally more relied on than daughters with the expectation daughters will one day leave after marriage.

Major organizations

by Lee Stepp

As the Fulbe conquered and warred across Kasar Wuta, they laid down a strict social heirarchy in the intersts of stability while keeping a tight grip on the economy in order to maintain flow of tax, revenue and production. They were especially concerned with the growth and needs of their armies, most of all their cavalry. They even suppressed their own pastoral communities for the cultivation of cereals or fishing. They met considerable pushback from those unwilling to accept Islam, even nomadic Fulbe fleeing as their freedom to roam was stripped away and stricter faith was pushed onto them. The level at which Fulbe leadership required people to alter their lives when converting was nothing to sneeze at, trying to enforce not only religious beliefs but minute details of one's social, political and cultural life.

Fulbe are often among the ruling castes among Islamic settlements, being the first culture to accept and convert to Islam in their region. Many emirates of Kasar Wuta are controlled by Fulbe nobles, often marrying descendants of Ilnid to claim divine lineage. They adapted similar strategies when annexed by Accia, marrying or welcoming Eluzian nobility into their cities. However, nomadic Fulbe are led instead by an ardo who is responsible for their proclaimed territories. They have increasingly come into conflict as these are infringed upon, Fulbe known to be quick to resort to combat to protect their own while still capable of being patient to strike an enemy's weakness or to take revenge.