Catulum District

The Catulum District is a subdivision in the city of Rema. It is located in what is commonly referred to as the Catulum Valley, a small basin nestled inside of the Snake Valley within Talasi. It is primarily inhabited by the Catulum, an ethnic group of gopher dogs.
== History ==
=== Beginning ===
The Catulum Valley was first settled early into the history of Abexilas and served as the first major gopher dog settlement, a significant milestone. At the time, the entire area was yet to be colonized by humans and the Catulum Valley was governed by its own community government. Although the area was limited and primitive, early Catulumese society was prosperous and successful, with Catulumites farming food, learning how to mine, starting successful trade businesses, and engaging in democratic governance. Although the Catulumese were isolated, encounters with humans and other groups were still frequent and provided essential trade and ideals to the area.
=== Reman Republic ===
Although the area fared well, it soon struggled as the Snake Valley became increasingly unstable, and the settlement struggled to maintain its population, finances, and land, and the Catulum government effectively collapsed along with nations like Zerkstein and Alleghania. After some time, the Catulum community struck a deal with a nearby nation called the Reman Republic. Catulum would officially join the republic as long as it got autonomy and help rebuilding. Eventually, the city of Rema grew into the Catulum District, making Catulum a part of the city as a district subdivision.
== Government ==
Although the Catulum District is under the Reman government, it continues to govern itself with its local government. Local government is composed of the Senior, a well-respected elder in the community who makes most decision and judgements. Decisions are also made in congruence with other groups in the community and citizens are encouraged to participate in government by attending seminars and hearings. The current Senior is yellowdog6.
== Trade and Economy ==
=== Agriculture ===
Catulum is a very prolific food producer and is known for its farming culture. Cash-crops such as bamboo, cactus, potatoes, and wheat are commonly grown in Catulum and exported.
=== Retail and Tourism ===
Retail business and tourism has become a large industry in the district with an increasing number of foreigners travelling through the district as well as significant population increases. The district contains a large amount of retail establishments proportional to its population and promotes many smaller industries. As well as retail, tours are regularly held, and many attractions have been built to draw in tourists.
== Culture ==
=== Architecture ===
Catulum has a very unique architecture. The Catulum are commonly referred to as the "ground-dwellers" as most live in the ground inside mounds and houses embedded into the terrain. Above ground architecture is mostly limited to the downtown, which is characterized by towers and small buildings built out of wood, logs, and stone. 
=== Cuisine ===
Raw fruits and vegetables such as carrots, berries, and potatoes are most commonly eaten. Fine delicacies such as finely simmered vegetables, soups, soaked breads and barley stuffed with cooked vegetables, as well as fine grasses and seeds, are also commonly eaten. Luxuries such as beer and smoke are commonly consumed by those who can afford them. Foods such as meat and some grains and drinks, however, are very taboo as they may be considered cruel or unclean.
=== Language ===
Traveller's tongue is most often spoken since exposure to other peoples. However, indigenous languages and creoles are still commonly spoken.
=== Religion ===
Galfism is the primary religion in Catulum. It is centered around a mysterious deity known as "Galf". It is said that Galf came to Catulum as a gopher dog long ago and led the Catulum to their land and rescued them from a rival tribe of giants that sought to destroy them. A fountain of water in Downtown Catulum is said to be "Galf's Holy Water". According to tradition, one can be washed clean from their past if they bathe in the water and that Galf can inhabit them if they drink it. The water is very revered in Catulum and many holes have been dug to store it across Catulum.