Nantambu
Nantambu, also called the Song-Wind City,2 is a colourful, cheerful city-state in the western Mwangi Expanse. A haven of peace, learning, and culture within the Expanse, it is home to the Magaambya, one of the oldest, if not the oldest arcane schools on Golarion.3
Geography
Nantambu is situated on a canal of the Vanji River,4 between the Aspis Consortium outposts of Whitebridge Station and Nightfall Station.5 The canals stemming from the Vanji not only deliver water to the city but also traverse its very heart, creating distinctive boundaries that mark off the various districts. These canals meander gracefully in magnificent curves and are adorned with elegant, arched bridges, enhancing the city's visual charm.3
Within Nantambu's cosmopolitan markets, a vibrant hub of trade, an assortment of spices and magical artifacts from the Expanse region flow freely. Remarkably, despite the absence of defensive walls or standing armies, the city remains impervious to threats. It is protected by a force far mightier than stone or steel, ensuring its safety and security: the Magaambya with its ring of ten terraced towers that looms over the rest of the city.3
Chimes of coloured glass hang from many buildings. They are considered to be signs of good luck, and replicas are sold to visitors, who seek to carry a representation of Nantambu's enlightenment back to their own villages.6
History
The city was founded towards the end of the Age of Anguish by Old-Mage Jatembe and his Ten Magic Warriors,7 heroes who sought to bring back learning to the world in the dark times of that Age. Old-Mage Jatembe also established the Magaambya, the oldest arcane academy in the Inner Sea region and perhaps all of Golarion.3
The city contributed the illusory Pools of Desire as a Radiant Festival exhibit in 3820 AR. Although the pools were scorned by much of Absalom's aristocracy and subsequently drained at the end of the festival, they were reinstalled in Nantambu the following year after thousands of Nantambu's citizens signed a strongly worded petition.8
Government
Nantambu is governed by a council of elected magistrate-mayors who preside over it and the nearby territory. The city does not threaten its neighbours, and extends its protection to them as well. Despite the lack of formal treaties, neighbouring villages willingly pay tribute to Nantambu, and serve as the city's eyes and ears in the jungle. The tall Nantambiyan Tower houses the Watcher's Stone of Jatembe, an ancient magical scrying globe, which is employed to watch over Usaro and other threats in the region. The presence of the Magaambya and the many powerful magic-users who dwell there deter aggression against Nantambu, which needs no defensive wall or standing army.3
Economy
Nantambu is well-known for accepting visitors from anywhere as long as they are peaceful. Merchants and traders from all parts of the region can therefore be found doing business in the city.9
Inhabitants
Nantambu's strength is derived from the Magaambya's emphasis on service: the Tempest-Sun mages of Magaambya ensure that no invader can come within 20 miles of the city, and followers of the demon lord Angazhan think twice before entering Nantambu lands. The raiders of the Aspis Consortium do not dock in Nantambu for the same reason, and are careful to keep their weapons sheathed when in sight of the town's mosaic-decorated towers.32
Nantambu is also home to Sharrowsmith's Exports, a small but successful independent exporting company which trades in local produce such as fruit, grain, hardwood, and sugarcane. In fact, the company's premises are the site of a Pathfinder lodge, the largest one in the Mwangi Expanse.10
In addition to the Magaambya, Nantambu's reputation for learning has led to the establishment of many other schools that teach all kinds of disciplines. Everyone with peaceful intentions is welcomed in Nantambu regardless of origin, and its population is remarkably diverse, from Ekujae elves, kholo,11 lizardfolk, catfolk, to even the most reclusive species of Garund like the anadi, goloma, shisks, or conrasu. The hospitality has only grown since the Lake Ocota land rushes that followed the fall of the Gorilla King of Usaro.3
References
For additional as-yet unincorporated sources about this subject, see the Meta page.
- ↑ 4721 AR population; was 14,500 in 4710 AR (based on date of publication of sourcebooks).
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 . “Chapter 2: The Inner Sea” in Campaign Setting, 107. Paizo Inc., 2008
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 . “Mwangi Expanse” in World Guide, 89–90. Paizo Inc., 2019
- ↑ . “Mwangi Campaigns” in Heart of the Jungle, 40. Paizo Inc., 2010
- ↑ . Heart of the Jungle, map. Paizo Inc., 2010
- ↑ . “Mwangi Campaigns” in Heart of the Jungle, 40–41. Paizo Inc., 2010
- ↑ . “Mwangi Campaigns” in Heart of the Jungle, 39. Paizo Inc., 2010
- ↑ . “The Radiant Festival” in Devil at the Dreaming Palace, 67. Paizo Inc., 2020
- ↑ . “Mwangi Expanse” in World Guide, 90. Paizo Inc., 2019
- ↑ . “Where Secrets Sleep” in Seekers of Secrets, 32–33. Paizo Inc., 2009
- ↑ Paizo referred to all kholo as gnolls until the publication of The Mwangi Expanse, and renamed all gnolls to kholo across Player Core, GM Core, and Monster Core. For details, see Meta:Kholo.
