Economics
Economic systemsGlobal tradeNatural resourcesLabour & industryTransportUrbanismInfrastructureEconomics
The categories below aim at giving a comprehensive picture of Ecbethians' economics throughout their planet.
Hand-drawn map of Ecbeth, with underwater mountain ranges (in blue), coral reefs (in red), forests (in green) and mountains (in brown)
Economic systems
Below is a graph of humans' average heights from age 0 to age 100, compared between the 13 different climates on Ecbeth.
Hand-drawn map of Ecbeth, with underwater mountain ranges (in blue), coral reefs (in red), forests (in green) and mountains (in brown)
Global trade
Below is a graph of humans' average heights at age 100 in different types of climates.
From very cold (blue) to very hot (red) temperatures.
Natural resources
Mushroom Mycelium
Harvesting: Mycelium can be cultivated on various substrates, such as wood chips, straw, or agricultural waste. In some cultures, like the Mazatec people of Mexico, wild mushrooms are harvested from the forest during specific seasons.
Processing: Mycelium can be grown in molds or forms to create specific shapes and structures. It can also be dried and ground into a powder for use as a nutritional supplement. The Haida people of the Pacific Northwest make a fermented beverage called "skoeh" from chaga mushrooms.
Use: Mycelium can be used to create biodegradable packaging materials, insulation, and even furniture. The indigenous Mixtec people of Mexico use mushrooms in traditional medicinal practices.2. Seaweed and Algae:
Harvesting: Seaweed can be harvested by hand or with specialized tools in coastal areas during low tide. In Japan, the practice of cultivating seaweed, known as "nori," dates back centuries.
Processing: Seaweed is typically dried and pressed into sheets for use as a food wrap or building material. It can also be ground into a powder for use as a nutritional supplement. In Ireland, a type of red algae called "carrageenan" is used as a thickening agent in food products.
Use: Dried seaweed can be used as a roofing material or to create walls and partitions. In Welsh culture, a traditional dish called "laverbread" is made from edible seaweed.3. Insect Exoskeletons:
Harvesting: Insects can be collected by hand or with nets in various environments. In some parts of Africa, termites are harvested for their nutritional value during the rainy season.
Processing: Insect exoskeletons can be cleaned, dried, and ground into a powder for use as a protein supplement. They can also be pressed and molded into building materials. In Thailand, crickets are farmed and roasted for human consumption.
Use: Insect exoskeletons can be used to create biodegradable plastics and packaging materials. In Mexico, ant larvae, known as "escamoles," are considered a delicacy and are used in traditional dishes.4. Nut Shells and Seed Husks:
Harvesting: Nuts and seeds can be collected from wild or cultivated plants during specific seasons. In the Amazon rainforest, Brazil nuts are harvested by local communities for their nutritional and economic value.
Processing: Nut shells and seed husks can be cleaned, crushed, and compressed into building materials. They can also be used as a fuel source or mulch for gardening. In parts of Africa, the shells of shea nuts are used as an exfoliant in traditional skincare routines.
Use: Crushed nut shells can be used as a natural abrasive for cleaning or polishing. In the Philippines, coconut husks are used to make a durable floor-cleaning brush called a "walis tingting."5. Clay and Mud:
Harvesting: Clay and mud can be collected from riverbanks, lakeshores, or other areas with suitable soil. In many parts of the world, clay is dug by hand from local deposits.
Processing: Clay and mud are typically mixed with water and other organic materials, such as straw or dung, to create a malleable building material. In some cultures, like the Pueblo people of the southwestern United States, clay is shaped and fired to create pottery for food storage and cooking.
Use: Clay and mud can be used to create bricks, tiles, and other building materials. In parts of India, a type of clay called "multani mitti" is used as a natural face mask for its cleansing and exfoliating properties.These examples demonstrate how different cultures and societies on Earth have developed unique ways of harvesting, processing, and using these natural resources. When incorporating these ideas into your worldbuilding, consider how the specific environmental conditions, cultural practices, and technological capabilities of different groups on Ecbeth might shape their relationship with these resources.Think about how the availability and use of these resources might influence trade, social structures, and power dynamics between different communities. Also, consider how the knowledge and skills associated with these resources might be passed down through generations or shared between cultures through various means, such as trade, migration, or conquest.By drawing inspiration from real-world examples and adapting them to the unique context of your fictional world, you can create rich and believable systems that showcase the ingenuity and diversity of the cultures and societies on Ecbeth.
From very cold (blue) to very hot (red) temperatures.
Labour & industry
Ecbethians require mainly a plant-based diet to survive, and therefore are not used to eating animals. That being said, they have religious, medicinal and familial rituals which have and continue to involve cannibalism.
Ecbethians don't drink, they absorb water through their skin. Their pores act as pipes which suck water in. Thus the importance of baths, which take central stage in most (if not all) settlements on Ecbeth.
From very cold (blue) to very hot (red) temperatures.
Transport
Below is a graph of humans' average heights at age 100 in different types of climates.
From very cold (blue) to very hot (red) temperatures.
Urbanism
Below is a graph of humans' average heights at age 100 in different types of climates.
From very cold (blue) to very hot (red) temperatures.
Infrastructure
As Ecbethians grow throughout their lives, the planning and architecture of their shelter is of great significance. They must plan for growth whenever possible, leading to adaptive ceilings and burrows. By digging underground and lowering their flooring over time, Ecbethians can take full advantage of their environment.
From very cold (blue) to very hot (red) temperatures.