[Forum Game] An Alternate World

[Noco19]

History of the Kragrook Tribe​

Humble Beginnings​

What is now deemed the Kragged Isthmus, the land bridge connecting two distinct sections of the northernmost island, began as a docile land. Evidence suggests that the Isthmus-dwellers all shared a common origin and culture, one of the subsistence farming of cabbage and wood carvings from the towering, nearly black Lukrin trees indigenous to the Isthmus. While small communities existed, the Isthmus remained rural and quiet.

It was not until the year 337 that a change was found within the people of the Isthmus, the migration of a new species, wolves. Hunting this beasts was a major sport and source of food for the tribes to the far north, calling themselves the Bani. As the Bani grew, the remaining wolf population fled their lands, moving south and ending up inhabiting the Isthmus. Rather than killing these beasts however, the wolves were domesticated widespread, graciously accepting whatever scraps were given to them by curious woodworkers or farmers.

Life continued as normal on the Isthmus, with the addition of the canine companions, until the year 851. While the people were content to live contently, their neighbors were not. Vovok raiders, a small tribe from the north-west section of the northern island, following the southern coastline, struck quickly, looting the region of what little trinkets could be found. Having no military experience whatsoever, the defeat was brutal, with several of more isolated communities completely wiped out. From the ashes and blood arose many who were radicalized from the sight, including the future leader, Kragrook.

The Rise of Kragrook​

Kragrook, born in 837, was a mere youth when he witnessed the sacking of his community. Soon after, he declared that it was his duty to protect against foreign enemies, regardless of cost. Uniting a warband of fellow militarists, Kragrook quickly seized control of a section of the western lands of the Isthmus, where he built his grand hall and capital. From there he ordered an ultimatum levied across the Isthmus, "Join my cause, or be used for my cause."

The first few communities were unphased, and ignored his demands. Soon, all men from those settlements were executed, the women and children drawn into slavery, and the lands seized. No more made the same mistake to ignore Kragrook. Soon the entirety of the Isthmus, now formally known as the Kragged Isthmus, was under the control of the Kragrook Tribe in 859.

The First Subjugation​

After the unification was complete, Kragrook acted quickly, deciding to strike north into the lands of the Ulkeraak, a tribe reputed for their greed. Rumours were told that the Ulkeraak had made deals with the Volvok raiders years ago, offering directions to potential easy-pickings, namely the Isthmus-dwellers. Happy to settle the debt, the Ulkeraak women and children were enslaved, and the men given their death. Thus, the Kragrook borders were expanded eastward past the inland Sea of Ice, and bordering the outskirts of Bani hunting camps in 901.

Death of Kragrook​

Whilst Kragrook was a mighty warrior, he did not die a glorious death in the field of war. Determined for further expansion, his warband was quickly set to conquer the western side of the Sea of Ice. Upon arrival, Kragrook found the lands deserted. Angered by the lack of bloodshed and combat, Kragrook angrily ordered a hunt to relax himself. He was subsequently gored by a bear amidst the woods after he reportedly taunted it for battle. The question of succession was a frightening one, for no precedent had been set, and Kragrook bore many sons from many women.

The Grand Quarrel​

The Sons of Kragrook gathered in his grand hall and devised a method of which to continue their father's legacy, a tournament of fighting. An arena was to be constructed, where all the brothers would commence fighting one another with their fists until one stood. Much blood later, and Harras "Lukriner^[1]" Kragrookson was the next High Chief of the Kragrook Tribe in 903.

[1] - Literally translated as "The Tree". He was said to be so fierce a fighter and so fast at swinging, that he seemed to have more arms, such as branches on a tree, than most.

The Reign of Harras​

Harras finished his father's work in the north, subduing the last border tribes, and consolidating a clear border. Turning south, Harras sought new campaigns to wage. The tribes of Kerp were largely ignored the previous years, existing as herders at the southern mouth of the Kragged Isthmus. Their subjugation proved easy, and brought Harras easy glory to his name as an adequate successor. He ruled with little else to note until his death at the age of 72, fairly ancient in local terms.

The Ascension of Lykr​

Becoming High Chieftain in the same form as his father in 959, Lykr too was an incredibly strong warrior, but above all, intelligent. Opting to consolidate instead of conquer was met with some hesitation, but was ultimately accepted when new prosperity fell upon the tribe. Trade was formalized with the various southern merchant kingdoms, and fine Bani furs were brought from the north as tribute. The traditional wooden carvings were sold as a unique commodity to foreign peoples, spreading a bit of Kragrook culture across the markets of the island. This new direction brought the tribe into the year 1,000.

The Kragrook Tribe entering in to the year 1,000.​

Religion​

The Kragrook Tribesmans share the common belief that when one dies and leaves the mortal realm, their soul is sent down below to face judgement in the dark and cold of the Underworld. There, the Grim King awaits, judging your life based on glory and loyalty to family. Those who are deemed worthy will be sent to their ancestors, and those who aren't, stay in the dark forever. Minor gods represent the elements and certain ideals like war, but are all ultimately pawns of the Grim King and subservient to his will.

 

[99KingHigh]

May I have a turn?

 

[Noco19]

Another turn please.

 

[Stormbringer]

So (Storm, Dadarian, Ekon, jeeshadow, Noco,) Dadarian, Fingon, Spectre, Riccardo, Mathrim, Afa, Ekon, jeeshadow, King, Noco, and videonfan will finish out the first age.

Also, I do not want people to "reserve" areas ahead of time. Otherwise someone has to keep track of all of the reservations. I suppose nothing stops you from indicating an interest, but I will not be making people be required to respect any of these qasi-reservations.

 

[unmerged(271387)]

I'll take a turn since I lost mine.
Or should I post the last civilisation before we move on?
Here is the area I claim:

Yhttp://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/542/y8or.png/es,there is a little bit continental mainland in there.

 

[XVG]

I would like a turn.

 

[Spectre17]

Since neither Fingon nor Dadarian have posted and it's been quite a while I thought I'd post mine:

The Nahirleri Kingdom

Introduction: The Nahirleri people originated upon the river Aresna. They first began as a small group of divided tribes that slowly began to group together for defense until by the year 500 they were fully united as a single nation. The Nahirleri continued to grow until by 800 the river had several cities upon its banks. After this people slowly began to move north into the nearby forest. Eventually the Nahirleri reached the Hardos Mountains.

Geography and Economy: The Aresna river is the lifeblood of the Nahirleri. It is used to transport goods between the cities and towns on it’s banks as well as irrigate the farmlands near it. The Northern parts of the river are the richest with large stone deposits and lots of wood from the forest nearby. The soil is also richer than in the south, the northern part is therefore more heavily populated than the south.

The Southern areas have seen increasing emigration towards the Northern parts of the river and the migrants, upon finding the area already crowded, continue north. The forest area between the Aresna and the Hardos Mountains is quite sparsely populated due to a combination of factors. This means that many of the migrants reach the foothills of the Hardos mountains where they settle.

The Hardos Mountains are an area rich in minerals as well as large amounts of wood from the forests to the south and north. The soil in the area is quite rich as well with plentiful rainfall. The majority of the major settlements are located in the Southern and Eastern parts of the foothills.

Religion: The Nahirleri believe in a pantheon of Gods of which the principal is Aresnara who is the God of the River which is the lifeblood of the Nahirleri. The people of the Hardos have started to move away from the Nahirleri gods towards newer ones.

History: The Nahirleri were originally a large number of related tribes that lived around the Aresna river. In the year 500 the several different tribes, most along the border, decided to unite to fight the Forest Tribes that lived further out. This union slowly grew until by the year 700 it encompassed the entire length of the Aresna river. Between 700 and 900 the Nahirleri began to settle and found cities the largest of which include Ja’leer, Deliar, Banem and Yu’lil.

Around 800 the Nahirleri began a military campaign to defeat the Forest tribes, lasting until 850 this campaign was only partly successful with the northern forest (the poorer area) being pacified and the local tribes being forced out. In the south the tribes successfully resisted the Nahirleri even defeating them several times.

Around 870 the Aresna, especially the Southern part, began to become overcrowded. People began to move into the recently cleared forest areas to the north however to due to the poor quality of the soil, the lack of good building wood and the confusing paths of the forest itself the migrants continued north towards the Hardos. Meanwhile in the heartland of the Nahirleri around the Aresna trade and commerce along the river continued to grow. The area also saw an increase in the number of craftsmen and other such trades in the major cities and towns. By the year 1000 the Nahirleri were a thriving and prosperous people with their heartland around the Aresna being an extremely rich region. The colonies in the Hardos are growing increasingly independent with little oversight coming from the government in Deliar.

Timeline:

100: First evidence of tribes occupying the area near the Aresna
400: River tribes slowly begin to ally in order to combat raids from the forest.
500: The Northern tribes unite into the Nahirleri Federation
600: The Federation slowly begins to take control of the south of the river
650: The Tribes slowly begin to settle down and establish major cities
700: The Federation secures control of the entirety of the river and the nearby lakes
790: The Nahirleri Kingdom is established with every tribe voting on who should lead the Kingdom
800: The Nahirleri begin forcing the Forest tribes back
850: A military campaign is launched against the Forest tribes, the northern ones are quickly forced back and all but destroyed, in the south however the tribes are able to keep the Nahirleri back.
900: Colonization of the Hardos mountains begins
1000: The Nahirleri begin exploring the sea to their east

If someone wants to touch up the map go ahead

 

[Spectre17]

I'll take another claim, I'll probably be doing stuff in the area east of where the Nahirleri are.

 

[Stormbringer]

I guess the order is now Riccardo, Mathrim, Afa, Ekon, jeeshadow, King, Noco, and videonfan.

And then XVG and Spectre for the next era. Let's try to finish this one by the end of the weekend.


EDIT: Please post the order at the end of your post so people know who goes next.

Also, I did say you cannot reserve areas ahead of time. So please don't.

 

[Fingon888]

I thought I was supposed to go after Dadarian. Plus it was kind of unfair to fault me while I was sleeping. Anyways I would like a turn.

 

[unmerged(271387)]

I have a question.Who decides what happens after each age passes?Or are we the ones who are supposed to write about that?

 

[Revan529]

((incoming wall of doom text))

The Haraxan Empire at its height (274 AT (Aparaxi Theroni, or birth of Theron)) shortly after the death of Xraalani Titran II Artaxian. Harpaxan Civilisation and Pseudo-Harpaxan societies span somewhat farther (the latter typically were tribal societies that interacted heavily with the Haraxan Empire; most of these societies embraced portions Harpaxan language and religion).
​

Harpaxan Civilisation 0ST-1000ST:
Harpaxan Civilisation developed on the Haraxi Peninsula during the Stone Age. The earliest ruins of a Harpaxan town (commonly called Larnixi) discovered by archaeologists has been dated to 400 years before the dawn of the Bronze Age. This early society developed mostly along the eastern coast of the Peninsula, and fought or traded with various other societies to achieve dominance over the region by 200 ST.

Harpaxan Civilisation entering into the early Bronze Age was largely unspectacular; agricultural projects were easily undertaken due to the richness of the expansive flatlands on the Haraxi Peninsula. The resulting surpluses greatly promoted the founding of towns across the land, which in turn led to the creation of strong trade routes, writing, and other such niceties found in civilised society. It was also during this early period that the Harpaxan Pantheon became more developed.

The Haraxan Empire, established in 524 ST, was at one point, the largest empire in existence (though some historians dispute to what degree the ruling Haraxi Dynasty actually controlled the lands outside the Peninsula; they argue that the Empire merely controlled the upper Peninsula and the surrounding lands were tributary states that gradually adopted Harpaxan culture. Some believe a primitive version of the feudal system may well have been in place). Despite having a technologically inferior army compared to other civilisations (largely due to the general lack of large copper veins on the Haraxi Peninsula), it used superior tactics and political intrigue to expand its borders and create hegemony over a large swath of the western world for over three centuries.

During the reigns of Parnarix II and Titran II, the Haraxan Empire reached its pinnacle; under the former, trade routes expanded drastically, as did the colonial reach of the Empire; the settlement of the lands west of the Marit Parnari (Parnari's River, also known as the Azeratii River), would become a source of contention with the Azeratii (known as Mariti Potraxi or "River People") towards the end of Parnarix's reign; the Azeratii's superior weaponry quickly pushed back Haraxan forces, and it was only due to the strong walls of Loranxi that the Empire wasn't forced entirely off the island. Under Titran, who was personally leading the Haraxan forces, the Empire was able to fight the Azeratii to a stalemate, resulting in a treaty recognising the northern portion of the island as Haraxan, and the southern portion as Azeratii; with peace between the two in place, trade quickly flourished, as the Azeratii were in awe of the treasure-trove of Haraxan goods shipped from the far-flung borders of their Empire, and the Haraxans were in turn were in dire need of a source of bronze. With these more advanced weapons, the Empire’s military reached its peak, as most neighbouring tribals were subjugated and coerced to pay tribute to the Empire.

When Titran II was slain in battle fighting the Jukarix Batarizi, the Empire began its steady decline. The reign of his son, Marindis II, began well enough, but following the death of his son and would be heir, he became increasingly unhinged and wasted huge amounts of resources and time on building projects (such as the Temple of Haraxis Kanari in Theron). His younger son is now regarded as possibly the worst ruler in the Empire’s history, due to his extreme paranoia, his ruthlessness, and his overall incompetence (his constant fear of the nobility rising up against him paralyzed into inaction as barbarians continued to make headway into the Empire, and his attempted purge of those nobles began a bloody civil war that further destabilised his family’s hold on power). His son, known as Titran Artrexic (the Cursed) ascended to the throne of an empire in decline, and simply did not have the fortitude or the willpower to change course; when the Great Plague struck in 883 ST, his family, like most of the Empire’s population, perished (historians believe that up two-fifths of the Haraxan Empire’s population died during the plague). He himself succumbed to the disease the following year, leading to the Age of Fear, an extended period of chaos and disorder lasting from 884 ST to roughly 975 ST.

In the wake of the Empire’s collapse, large swaths of Haraxan lands were lost to foreign invaders (such as the Azeratii raiding most of the lands outside of the heavily fortified city Loranxi) or to ambitious city leaders, and the trade networks established by Parnarix II (which are not thought to be responsible for the Great Plague) were quickly abandoned. The massive economic contraction led to an upswing of banditry and the rise of warbands, which in turn led to the establishment of the first confederacies to help create some semblance of stability. It was from these confederacies, and the numerous city states that survived the Age of Fear, that the Harpaxan trade empires of the Iron Age were born.

Miscellaneous:
A key area of contention about Harpaxan Civilisation is when a written language was established; some scholars believe that some written form of Harpaxi was developed as early as 400 ST, when Harpaxan society seemed to have an explosion of cultural growth (the Pantheon became far more complex, as did the rituals associated with each deity; furthermore, some argue that early Harpaxan philosophy was developed at this time); however, some argue that a written language was still another four-hundred years off, roughly the same time the Thelasean civilisation was developing theirs. This theory is disputed, though, due to the sheer size and complexity of Harpaxan culture. Presently, the oldest document written in ancient Harpaxi is from roughly 950 ST; proponents of an older written language argue that most documents written prior to that date have either not been discovered yet or were destroyed over the course of several millennia; they further question how Parnarix II could have developed an expansive, if rudimentary, trade empire if his people did not have a written language. As of this writing, most linguists and historians opt for a more moderate approach, saying that the Harpaxi written language was developed around 700 ST and that anything prior to that was merely a form of proto-writing.

Another area of contention amongst historians is the nature of the Haraxan Empire, specifically over whether or not it was even an “empire.” Most historians now consider a primitive feudal system a viable position; however, a growing minority believe that the Haraxan Empire was actually more of a primitive republic, with each largely autonomous city state having a representative and the city of Theron being held as the capital and most important city. This theory is further validated by the ease of which a trading society built around confederacies and city states developed following the decline of the Haraxi Dynasty. Another key tenet of this view would be the existence of the Xraali Korani (the Esteemed Council, which was long viewed as an institution that advised the Xraalani) as actually being a senate that may have even elected the Xraalani. They further ague that it became more centralised under Titran II, which led to the decline of the Empire, since such a primitive society wold not have the infrastructure in place to run such an expansive area, and under his far less competent heirs, the Empire faltered.

An artist's rendering of what late-Bronze Age/early Iron-Age Theron looked like; somewhat inaccurate, due to the absence of Marix Theraxi (Thera's Lake) in the background.​

Timeline:
1 ST: It is accepted that agriculture was widespread amongst the Harpaxan people by this point, and that city building had also become more common.
200 ST: Harpaxan Civilisation expands to control all of the lower Haraxi Peninsula.
400 ST: The first traces of copper tools and items appear from this time; unlike the Jean culture, due to the scarcity of copper on the generally flat Haraxi Peninsula, Harpaxan metallurgy remained rudimentary and backwards compared to other civilisations. Some argue it is around this time that a written language was developed.
524 ST: Haraxis Karani (the Founder), the namesake of the Haraxan Empire, is born
561 ST: Haraxis Karani marries Thera, daughter of a powerful tribal leader on the edge of the Haraxi Peninsula; the marriage provides Haraxis with the wealth and leverage to bring many of the Harpaxan tribes under his control.
563 ST/ 1 AT: Haraxis Karani founds the city of Theron (and with it, the base of the Haraxan Empire).
591 ST/ 28 AT: Haraxis Karani dies, succeeded by his son Parnarix Manisa (the Old)
640 ST/ 67 AT: Parnarix establishes hegemony over the Haraxi Peninsula
655 ST/ 92 AT: Parnarix dies and is succeeded by his grandson, Haraxis II Kharix (the Conqueror)
670 ST/ 107 AT: Haraxis II completes his conquest of the “Great Crescent” (named due to its shape)
675 ST/ 112 AT: Haraxis II reaches Mariza Paranixi (Lake Paranix) and declared himself Lord of the West.
688 ST/ 126 AT: Haraxis II slain in battle subjugating tribals living on the islands in Marizi Teraxisa (the Bay of Teraxis); his son, Titran Patrixian (the Wise) takes to the throne.
700 ST/ 138 AT: This is the accepted date for when the written Harpaxi language was developed.
727 ST/ 165 AT: Titran Patrixian dies; his son Hanarix Artraxian (the Great) ascends to the throne.
735 ST/ 173 AT: Hanarix puts down a revolt in the Bay of Taraxis and builds several forts and towns to ensure Haraxan control.
754 ST/ 192 AT: Hanarix dies; his son Marindis Polexic (the Cruel) takes to the throne.
779ST/ 217 AT: Marindis dies, and his son Parnarix II Laraxi (the Merchant) becomes King.
790 ST/ 238 AT: Due to Parnarix’s encouragement of trade, the Haraxan Empire reaches its economic peak. Seafaring becomes increasingly common and leads to the colonisation of the sourthern islands and the first expeditions northwards.
795 ST/ 242 AT: The Haraxan Empire reaches its easternmost point, Marit Parnari (Parnarix’s River); Theron is believed to have reached a population upwards of 100,000, making one of the largest cities at the time.
801 ST/ 239 AT: Parnarix II dies; his son Titran II Artaxian takes the throne.
815 ST/ 263 AT: Titran defeats the northern tribals (usually called Jukarix Batarizi (the Jungle Monsters)), thereby ensuring Haraxan colonies are protected for the next generation.
836 ST/ 274 AT: Death of Titran II Artaxian; his son, Marindis II takes to the throne. The Haraxan Empire is at its territorial height.
840 ST/ 278 AT: Panarix, heir to the Haraxan Empire, is slain fighting a resurgent Jukarix Batari; Marindis II becomes a recluse. He also begins to siphon resources away from the governance and protection of the realm in order to fund the construction of massive monuments.
855 ST/ 293 AT: With fewer resources given to administration and the military, the Haraxan Empire loses most of its southern possessions. The Temple of Haraxis Karani (possibly the most intact archaeological site from the Bronze Age discovered) is completed.
859 ST/ 297 AT: Marindis II dies; his oldest surviving son, Ranarix Etrolic (the Mad) takes the throne.
870 ST/ 309 AT: Ranarix, fearing that the nobility is conspiring against him, begins to purge them from power. It soon degenerates into civil war.
876 ST/ 314 AT: Ranarix is captured and executed; his nephew Titran III Artrexic (the Cursed)
883 ST/ 321 AT: The Great Plague strikes; almost half of the Harpaxan population wiped out.
884 ST/ 322 AT: Titran III dies of the Plague, as had the rest of his family). The Harpaxan Civilisation descends into what was called the Age of Fear. Tribals and other civilisations make inroads into Haraxan territory (though most adopt large portions of Harpaxan culture). Theron and other cities depopulate drastically (Theron’s population pre-Plague was believed to have been roughly 110,000; following the Plague, a paltry 30,000) as people rush to the farmlands for food.
900 ST/ 338 AT: The first confederacies appear, bringing some modicum of order back to Haraxi and the surrounding areas. By this time, all historians agree the Harpaxan written language was developed.
1000 ST/ 438 AT: It was at this point that the confederacy/city state system seemed firmly entrenched, with several of the latter slowly becoming petty kingdoms, and former rudimentary republics.

Chief Gods of the Harpaxan Pantheon:
Harpaxos Karani/Patixi Artaxian (the Great Founder/Father): the Father of the World and all the gods and chief god in the Harpaxan Pantheon; the patron of leaders, the Harpaxan people, and the defender of the Haraxi Peninsula.
Larixi Matixi Artaxian (the Great Mother): the sister and wife of Harpaxos and the Mother of the World and all the gods; the patron of mothers, midwives, and children.
Moratran Shirantriani (the Masked One): the God of Death, brother of Harpaxos; the patron of the Cult of the Blind One (a religious sect that handled funerary rituals and ensured the maintenance and protection of tombs; their name originates from their wearing a white cover with painted eyes over their face whilst preparing a body for the afterlife; is should also be noted that the Blind Ones of the Bronze and Iron Ages sharpened their teeth as a way to intimidate dark spirits, and the souls of fallen foes on battlefields, away), and defender of graves.
Marindixu Marintizi (the Wave Rider): Oldest son of Harpaxos and God of the Sea, husband of Molixa; patron of seafarers. When Harpaxan River civilisation began to develop as a distinct society in its own right, he became their chief deity.
Pekunaax Patixamal/Laronhi (the Old Father/ the Storm Bringer): The father of Harpaxos, Matixi, Moratran, and Samedix (amongst others), the Master of Thunder and the Skies; at one time the Master of the Universe, his throne was usurped by Harpaxos and his powers diminished greatly. It was believed that rain was born from him weeping over his loss of power, and that storms are from his raging. Despite his ferocity, he is the patron of both abandoned fathers and farmers.
Samedix Ixcuina (of Two Faces): the God of Lies and Deceit, son of Tiamaziz and twin brother of Tianoz; patron of liars and criminals. He is the rival of Marandixu and despises Sheshatix.
Tianoz Etrolicani (the Mad One): the God of Madness, son of Tiamaziz and twin brother of Samedix; considered by some to be the “patron” of the mad and forgetful.
Zazinoxi Ladaniiza (the Wildfire): the God of Chaos, and youngest son of Tiamaziz, lover of Molixa, and father of Uatiziz; he is the patron of nature, the protector the wild things, and the Master of Emotions; like his older brother Samedix, he despises Sheshatix.
Sheshatix Ganesi/Xranaali (the Wise/the Dreamer): the God of Wisdom, the Mind, and Writing (some also include storytelling and/or truth); only god in the Pantheon not related to Harpaxos; patron of scholars, writers, philosophers, and artists.
Tiamaziz Plaadroni (the Dragon): The sister and wife of Pekunaax, and the Goddess of Destruction; mother of Samedix and Tianoz; the Mistress of the Lost Souls, those who were slain in battle and whose bodies were not sanctified by the Blind Ones.
Molixa Hanarixani (the Free One): Youngest daughter of Harpaxos, sister and (estranged) wife of Marandixu ,and Goddess of Freedom and Rebellion; she angered her father by first marrying Samedix (which he had expressly forbade her from doing so
Uatiziz Lazanitix (the World Eater): the child of Samedix’s and Molixa’s union, born with the might of Harpaxos, the ruthlessness of Tiamaziz… and the hunger of Aniizataxi; he was, however, born in an egg that has yet to hatch; it is believed that once he breaks free, he will devour the entire universe, as well as all the gods. Harpaxos, fearing this, crafted the Earth to keep the egg forever in stasis. Because of this, a stigma exists on miners and mining in general, due to an incessant fear that a careless miner could possibly unleash the World Eater upon humanity.
Aniizataxi Ralnazilna (the Sleeping God): The Creator of the Universe, father of Pekunaax, grandfather of Harpaxos; he is also occasionally referred to as “Porazilna” (the Hungering God) due to him creating the universe and his multitude of divine children simply so he could devour them all. He was struck down by Pekunaax and thrown into the Sun, where he now sleeps at its core.

As is plain to see, Harpaxan Civilisation had a highly developed polytheistic religion, with a host of emotional and highly volatile deities, a clear lineage for the majority of the gods and goddesses, and specified roles for each one; the greatest anomaly amongst them Sheshatix, who is neither related to Harpaxos, nor ever displayed as emotional. This uniqueness was what led to a religion based on Sheshatix distinct from the traditional Harpaxan Pantheon; though it never became a common faith, the Cult of Genasiazi would become one of the most enduring secret societies.

Harpaxan civilisation had no real concept of heaven or hell; however, its afterlife was largely that, if you honoured the gods, defended your home, and lived an upright life (depending on which deity you followed), your soul would be in turn honoured by the gods, and you be sent to live on the star of your deity (stars were believed to be the homes of the gods); however, if you were dishonourable, dishonest, and worst of all, cowardly, your soul would be devoured by Tiamaziz, or be forever forced to hide from her. Some philosophers and historians posit that the belief in a "good" or pleasurable afterlife was an Iron Age addition, largely influenced by religions practiced by other nearby civilisations; due to the woeful lack of Bronze Age writings on the matter of the afterlife, it remains purely conjecture.

Rulers of the Haraxan Empire 1 AT-322 AT (563 ST-884 ST):
(Harpaxan rulers are called Xraalani or “esteemed one” (many Pseudo-Harpaxan societies use the corrupted Kraalani or simply Kraal))
Haraxis Karani (the Founder) x (524 ST)-28 AT (591 ST)
Parnarix Manisa (the Old) 28 AT-92 AT
Haraxis II Kharix (the Conqueror) 92 AT-126 AT
Titran Ganesi (the Wise) 126 AT-165 AT
Hanarix Artaxian (the Great) 165 AT-192 AT
Marindis Polexic (the Cruel) 192 AT-217 AT
Parnarix II Laraxi (the Merchant) 217 AT-239 AT
Titran II Artaxian (the Great) 239 AT-274 AT
Marindis II Kanaxin (the Builder) 274 AT-297 AT
Ranarix Etrolic (the Mad) 297AT-314 AT
Titran III Artrexic (the Cursed) 314 AT-322 AT

 

[Dadarian]

Qaseem Desert Tribes

Introduction: The following is a description of the Qaseem Desert Tribes of the Hardos Desert, named after the Hardos Mountains located between the two deserts.

A Summery of Qaseem Early Oral History: It is indistinct when humanity moved into the Hardos Desert, however we do know that by at least -2000 ST that the cave paintings of the nearby Forest Tribes show men riding atop camels. It has been assumed that an earlier cave painting, dated tentatively at around -3400 ST, shows early Qaseem riders in the sense of demons that are half animal, half man. This may show one of the earliest known domestication of an animal in the world.

What we know today about the Qaseem during this period (Bronze Period 0 - 1000 ST) is based off written down accounts of the Qaseem songs. The entirety of their history and culture seemed to be derived into a singular choral history. The first documentation is off colonial Nahirleri pottery in the Hardos Mountains, which showed lines of men on camelback with what seem to be sound emanating from them.

The Qaseem seem to be nomadic herders, who based their entire livelihoods around the camel. They farmed it for it's milk, fat, meat, bones, organs, and as transport. Recent archeological digs have shown what seem to be a Qaseem noble (as regarded due to his bronze rings littered around his face, refer to section Qaseem Culture. He was buried with sixteen (16) camels, arranged in a circle. Due to their belief in the Wind God, it is assumed that this is a primitive attempt to protect the noble from sandstorms. For more on the Qaseem noble, please refer to The Njuur Man.

They traded with outsiders, notably the Nahirleri following their colonization of the Hardos Mountains. They mainly seemed to have traded camels and camel byproducts for bronze and watering stations. It is noted that the Qaseem never left the desert, this may be due to their religious beliefs regarding the Hardos Mountains.

By 1000 ST, they seemed to have barely changed from the first recording of them in cave paintings. They had expanded to the Eastern Hardos Desert by unknown means, perhaps by a curious tribe or a tribe of outcasts. While they staked no claim on land, they did end up controlling the entirety of the Hardos Desert by 1000 ST, simply because no one else wanted it.

Culture and Religion of the Qaseem: The Qaseem had their culture and religion very much intertwined. Their supposed fear of leaving the desert is based around their belief in that the Hardos Mountains were Heaven, and to enter them was of greatest sacrilege. Their gods were plentiful, however the only ones that are now known by name are Try@n and @alysp (the @ representing a guttural throat stop used in the Qaseem language), the Gods of the Sand and Wind respectfully.

Interesting to note is both the system of wealth and justice amongst the Qaseem. The system of wealth was two fold, the first measure is the amount of camels that one owned. The second (and far more bizarre) was based around the amount copper, brass and bronze rings (in ascending order of precedent) that were pierced on the face and ears. As a recently discovered statue of the god @alysp has shown, this was a wind of subjection to the God of the Wind, as she is shown as a thin, tall and dark women completely covered with bronze rings.

The system of justice seemed to be harsh and unforgiving. The first offense resulted in all worldly possessions being given to the victim. The second offense was enslavement to the victim for a period dictated it seems by the adjourning strongman or leader. Lastly the third and final offense was banishment from the desert. In their traditional belief it is seen that they have betrayed their various gods and cast from their sight. It is presumed that this is meant they are denied from heaven.

A final interesting note, the Qaseem did participate in infighting. Combat was fought with mostly bone weaponry, though nobles are known to have wooden swords studded with stones bought from traders outside of the desert or made at hidden oases. The final insult for a hated enemy, dead or captured, was for their throat to be bashed in in order to destroy the speech box. If they survived, they would forever be outcasts, seen as silent devils on earth who would wander to the mountains in search of salvation.

Archeological digs in the Hardos Mountains and Desert has shown Qaseem warriors with their throat bashed in, and Qaseem tribals (some with marks and skeletal structure showing vast wealth earlier in their lives) in caves with a destroyed throat and no possessions other then what they have picked up (usually worn stones and poorly made clay pots).

Written by: Historian Sam Parent​

((skipped due to sleeping? That sucks, well I am taking my place back. Only fair that Fingon goes next))

 

[Fingon888]

Nihon​

The people of Nihon have inhabited the island of Koka since the moment of creation. At least according to the Nihon that is. The Nihon are a group of tribes that have survived on hunting-gathering techniques for centuries. It is not 1459 that the first farming appeared in Eastern Koka. It is believed that this was brought to the island by outside traders, but without evidence for this historians must go by what the Nihon say. They say that the dragon Sonno came down with fire and brought the trees. When Sonno saw that the people could not survive without the fruits and berries, Sonno took pity on them. He showed them how to grow rice. It was because of this that warfare was almost an unknown concept among the Nihon until agriculture spread to the whole island.

After agriculture appeared in the eastern parts of Koka it is thought that the local population had trouble with the traditional bamboo tools that had been used in the later parts of the hunter-gatherer society that covered Koka. It appears that the bamboo tools were inadequate for the defense of the farmlands from raiding by nearby hunting tribes. About 1493 iron working was somehow introduced to Eastern Koka. Once again it is believed that iron working was brought to the island by foreign traders, but there is little evidence to prove this. Therefore historians must reluctantly tell the tale told by the Nihon. A dragon known named Mek-Jo had come down from the heavens to take a drink from the sea. However, he saw the people of the farming tribe of Oda under assault by a raiding tribe. He took pity on the poor farmers and after the battle took them to the nearby iron deposits. There he used his fire to weaken the iron and used his great grey arms to mold it into shape. He then showed the tribe how to do this.

With iron the the tribe of Oda conquered the rest of Koka in a massive war that we know very little about. The only reliable records say that a battle in the center of Koka was fought between the forces of Oda and the Warlord of the West who still used bamboo weapons, but had much larger numbers. Legends say that the Oda and the Warlord were matched evenly on the field and that a stalemate had lasted for five hours. Oda Nobunanga, the King of the East, brought down the fury of Mek-Jo who burned the nameless Warlord alive. The armies of the West then submitted themselves to the rule of the Oda. It was said that Koto was founded on that very spot and that Oda Nobunanga was declared Tenno Nihon. Of course this is unlikely to be the truth, but it is a very good legend and a source of pride for the people of Nihon to this day.

Written by Nicholas Petro, historian

 

[Mathrim]

The Variluola Culture​

More to come

 

[Stormbringer]

Updated map:

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/6329/tftc.png

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/109/tftc.png/


Is the order then Afa, Ekon, jeeshadow, King, Noco, and videonfan ? Can someone confirm for me?

And then XVG and Spectre start off the next age/era?

 

[99KingHigh]

((So afa, and ekon, and jee shadow, have to go before I can proceed?))

 

[Afaslizo]

Remnants of Lehim

Once the despots of Lehim ruled a far stretched realm domineering the northern coasts with their war galleys and steering trouble with their spies. These days are long gone and as the wealth has draught up little remains. The Pits of Despair are aptly aimed for the ancient well-watered farmlands have turned into a stinking swampland going on for miles in every direction. The stone cities, home of the merchant class and land owners are half sunken and claimed by bandits and wilderness. Civilization long has left the once vibrant centre of Lehim but the rest has not suffered anything less.

The cities of the Northern Mountains shrink in size every year as farming yields less and less and the land is unstable in the shadow of Urash, the great volcano, which was once the source of the fertile land of which is now the swamp. In the northeast hunters and woodworkers do no longer care for the fables about a distant High King, once the most feared man in the north and protector of the realm. They live simple lives and do not care about history enough to record it.

The ports on the coast of the Winter Sea have fared best but they mourn the losses of the past and are unable to envision a new future. The great roads are used by few travelers and the occasional merchants but the few watchposts have seen better days and in times of short pay the difference between a warden and a robber is less than it was before. Giant monuments of wealth and power dominate the coasts but in these days the people live of fishing, farming and small crafting and only in the capital of Borfrast the King and his sad little court try to invoke a meaning no one is able to see.

 

[unmerged(718634)]

If I may have a turn please.

As well I am by far not a tech savvy individual, so how might I go about making a mini-map of a certain region/nation.?

 

[Ranger900]

Skip my turn, too busy at the moment.