What would an Arabian mining town look like?
I haven't made anything because I haven't figured out what makes sense. FWIW, I don't own City Designer just yet, but I was about to download it when I realized I don't know the answer to this question.
Imagine an oasis owned by nomads in the desert right at the foot of the mountains. This is in Forgotten Realms, specifically near Calimshan. They have tents and they move in and out, but it's also along a road that is somewhat useful for trade. They make one or two small buildings and make a little money by charging travelers for lodging and water.
Then nearby someone discovered rubies. A lot of people come out to mine this place, and the oasis has no choice but to grow into a small town to support mining operations. It is profitable, and there's a good bit of trade going through. Ten years pass... What does it look like? What's the equivalent of an old west mining town in an Arabian setting? It will have to remain small because the water supply is limited by the oasis and kind priests.
I know this is a fairly stupid question and that it can be whatever I want it to be, but I want something that makes sense. Would it remain primarily tents? Permanent structures build from... umm... rock? Yurts? Assuming deep wells would help pull up some water, would it be isolated groups focused around these wells? I'm picturing a wealthy sheik building himself a smallish palace, but that's the only constraint I have right now.
I'm planning on ruining my adventuring party's day here, so I'm just trying to come up with something that makes sense and is interesting. Thanks.
Imagine an oasis owned by nomads in the desert right at the foot of the mountains. This is in Forgotten Realms, specifically near Calimshan. They have tents and they move in and out, but it's also along a road that is somewhat useful for trade. They make one or two small buildings and make a little money by charging travelers for lodging and water.
Then nearby someone discovered rubies. A lot of people come out to mine this place, and the oasis has no choice but to grow into a small town to support mining operations. It is profitable, and there's a good bit of trade going through. Ten years pass... What does it look like? What's the equivalent of an old west mining town in an Arabian setting? It will have to remain small because the water supply is limited by the oasis and kind priests.
I know this is a fairly stupid question and that it can be whatever I want it to be, but I want something that makes sense. Would it remain primarily tents? Permanent structures build from... umm... rock? Yurts? Assuming deep wells would help pull up some water, would it be isolated groups focused around these wells? I'm picturing a wealthy sheik building himself a smallish palace, but that's the only constraint I have right now.
I'm planning on ruining my adventuring party's day here, so I'm just trying to come up with something that makes sense and is interesting. Thanks.
Comments
You will get pictures like this:
http://www.exodus.co.uk/picfiles/03473.html
http://www.minamar.com/images/siwa_shali01.jpg
That will at least give you some inspiration.
I don't think the town will remain mostly tents once it grows and turns into a more permanent settlement. The people will build their houses with material that's readily available though. Maybe brick (there should be mud available), wood (probably not enough trees) or stone. The residents will want to remain close to the oasis as that's where the water is and it will be the most pleasant.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Ain ... shows the mountain and date plantation by the oasis
http://www.travelblog.org/Photos/3297294.html ... shows a reproduction vintage arabic house with the wind turret above
They had wind powered swamp coolers? That's awesome. I'm sure they didn't call them swamp coolers, but that's absolutely amazing.