Sachang

Sachang is medium-sized village in Akingea in Palan with a population of about 340.

Mekezisi is a few hours on foot away and with the bridge and gate tolls, the people of Sachang don't make the way very often.

The village is nestled in a valley surrounded by low hills, with the forest stretching out in all directions. Aside the hills, the landscape is largely flat, and a small stream that has its source nearby meanders through the village. It is thin enough to jump over, but where paths are the villagers have made simple bridges from a few wooden boards, mostly for carts or the elderly. The children often play in or near the stream and occasionally dam it up using twigs and muds, not always to the amusement of the adults. The villagers have built a small dam at the south end of the village to create a small pond, which they use to irrigate their fields and water their animals.

To the south, the Maldon River flows peacefully, but it is too far and difficult to reach through dense forest, and the villagers do not use it for fresh water or transport. Instead, the villagers rely on a well in the heart of the village that provides fresh water for the community. The well is surrounded by a small garden filled with fragrant herbs and flowers. The water from the well is clear and cool, and it is drawn up using a simple pulley system that has been in use for generations.

The people of Sachang have developed a strong sense of community over the generations. The village layout is centered around the central square, which serves as a gathering place for the locals. The winding roads are lined with a few small shops, stalls, and homes, and most of the buildings are constructed from locally sourced materials such as wood, stone, and thatch. The villagers have developed a strong economy based on agriculture and animal husbandry, with many of them tending to their fields and livestock on a daily basis. Most of the fields and pastures are to the east of the village, outside the forest. The reasons for locating the village within the forest are lost to history, but it is not much of a hardship as there are plentiful fruits, berries and mushrooms around, as well as wild animals and of course easy access to wood for fires and construction.

The professions found in the village are varied, with many villagers working as farmers and animal herders. The fields are tended using traditional methods, and the animals are raised for their milk, meat, and wool. The villagers also have a strong tradition of weaving, and they create beautiful tapestries and rugs from the wool of their sheep. Additionally, there are a few skilled tradespeople in the village, such as blacksmiths and carpenters, who create essential tools and goods for the community.

The history of the village is rich and colorful, with tales of brave knights and fierce battles on the nearby grasslands that have been passed down from generation to generation. Several feasts throughout the year celebrate important days in the village history. The villagers are proud of their history, and they work hard to preserve their traditions and way of life.

Despite the challenges posed by the location of the village, the community thrives. The villagers have developed a strong sense of self-sufficiency, relying on the resources available to them and working together to overcome any obstacles that come their way. In the evenings, the villagers gather in the central square to share stories, music, and food, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that is felt throughout the community.

During the day, the atmosphere within the village is equally livid. There is the bleating of sheep or the lowing of cows, and the sounds and sights of groups of villagers working together to tend to their fields. In the central square and the small shops nearby, villagers sell or exchange their goods, such as fresh vegetables, fruits, and honey.

There are few travellers making their way to Sachang, as the roads ends in the village. The few travellers that do make it are mostly travelling merchants and entertainers, and they find the village curious for news. Despite its remote location and lack of easy access to the Maldon River, the village thrives, and visitors are welcomed with open arms.