Ntima-Kongo

This is a city crafted of stone and straddled on all sides by stark mesa walls and breathtaking waterfalls. Because of this some will call it Ntima na nsi ya Dìbètè, the heart at the foot of waterfalls. There are a few small farming villages along the largest river, just east of Ntima, which do engage in agriculture involving cassava, bananas, maize, sweet potatoes, cacao, peanuts, beans, and taro. They trade intermittently with various tribes along the river or those who come to their city and utilize their market.

Despite the general lack of a centralized government, there is a king who claims to rule the Cradle. He continues the traditions of a fallen empire and collects yearly tributes from the various tribes in exchange for supposed protection. There is a loose organization of tribal leaders who might gather in Ntima, particularly in times of crisis, but they don't always defer to the self proclaimed king.

by Lee Stepp

The neighboring tribes are very independent and primarily tolerate the king of Ntima in order to freely access the city and it's market. Their respect for this king has only plummeted further thanks to a "treaty" he struck with the Kingdom of Accia, agreeing to allow Accian soldiers to travel the Cradle freely and "recruit" Bakongo teenagers without retaliation. In exchange, he is able to retain his position without threat of war from the kingdom. The trade deals and gold he was offered certainly sweetens this deal.