New World, New Life: I Became A Bigshot In The Ancient World

After the maid left, Vasily continued her explanation, "As I was saying earlier, the West is bordered by savannahs which have vast stretches of open grasslands occupied by occasional trees and shrubs. It also has advantages in agricultural production."

The open grasslands were well-suited for farming and grazing, making it ideal for cultivating crops like wheat, barley, corn, and other grains. It also supported extensive livestock farming, including cattle, sheep, and goats, providing ample space for livestock grazing and cultivating crops suited to drier climates.

The climate in the West tended to be semi-arid, with distinct wet and dry seasons. Rainfall was relatively sparse compared to other regions of Amberale, leading to dry grasslands that underwent seasonal changes in vegetation.

But despite the dry conditions, the West supported a diverse number of wildlife. That included large herbivores like antelopes and zebras, predators such as lions and cheetahs, and numerous bird species adapted to savannah environments.

The savannahs of the West were not only crucial for wildlife but also held cultural and economic importance in Amberale; They provided grazing grounds for livestock and materials for local crafts.

Craftsmen in the West often created crafts using materials found in the savannahs, such as leather, hides, and natural fibers. These crafts included intricately woven baskets, leatherwork, and pottery decorated with motifs inspired by local plants and flowers, and animals.

Many in the West practiced animism, believing that natural objects, animals, and even geographical features possessed spiritual essences or souls. This animistic worldview fostered a profound respect for the land and its natural inhabitants.

Ancestor veneration was central to their spiritual beliefs. Families and communities honored their ancestors through rituals, offerings, and prayers, seeking guidance and protection from the spirits of their forefathers. Ancestral spirits were believed to influence daily life and the fortunes of the community.

Ancestors aside, beliefs in the West also included reverence for spirits associated with specific natural elements, such as rivers, mountains, and trees. These nature spirits were often seen as guardians of the land, believed to influence weather patterns, fertility of the soil, and the well-being of livestock.

Traditional healers, known as shamans or medicine men or women, were common in the west. Diviners were also often consulted who interpreted signs and omens from nature. These signs included the behavior of animals, patterns in the weather, or dreams believed to convey messages from the spiritual realm.

Certain actions and places were considered taboo due to their association with spirits or ancestors. Sacred groves, caves, or rock formations were protected and respected, serving as sites for rituals and meditations.