CarmenNES04: Seeds of the Earth

Wow you have late finals. I have been out of school since the beginning of May >.>
 
My bad. I had completely forgotten that the rest of the world had finals along with me:blush:.

Will go hibernate until Update 0.
 
How's the progress on the update?
 
The Great Kings of Veisung are fine with the current situation. Change and progress can always cause rebellion and upset with the natural order of things. ;)
 
We are all eager for this Carmen :D Hope all is well.
 
Doing more stories to pass the time.

Zarmashtrism
The question of nationalism and anti-nationalism was not the only one considered by the intellectual classes. During the time of the "Middle Way" (as the Ebrites and Claredites called it), for a brief period even the tradition of an intellectual having to renounce one's family was challenged.

The source of the challenge was the intellectual brothers Zarmash and Zarmastri (although the elder brother Zarmashtri tried to keep his involvement a secret for as long as possible to avoid the obvious argument that it was simply an emotionally motivated foolishness). The basic "game plan" (certainly what actually happened) was for Zarmash to champion the arguements while Zarmastri helped him with ideas in secret, while secretly vaccilitating between keeping his head down and becoming a "straw man" opponent of Zarmash with arguments designed to make him look better.

Most intellectuals hated the idea of Zarmashtrism anyway, if tolerating of it's existence on principle. The meeting known as the Conference of Claredia (in the name of equality, some intellectual conferences had to be had there) persuaded most of the non-Ebrite, non-Claredite members, and a tenth of the Claredites, but that was still a small minority. (The Claredites were less then a fifth of the state and the barbarians less then 1%)

Zarmash, although primarily emotionally motivated despite his self-delusions (Zarmastri wasn't, which is why he thought it best Zarmash bring the argument) argued that they were breeding intelligence out of the population. The counter-argument was that discipline was necessary to be a true intellectual and free-thinker, and that his evidence for hereditary traits (the society was still very primitive) was primarily speculative. A failed attempt at compromise would have the intellectuals taking wives and the children returning to the population- it would be too much of a distraction, it was said. (About 5% of intellectuals would end up supporting it, but this was very slightly disfavored- the idea would lose "ground" at a rate of about 1% of the total a century until it went out of existence)

Over time, the ideas would spread elsewhere though- the concept of dynasties including an intellectual branch appealed to the nobility and the peasant class considered it a very small issue but one in which they stood for Zarmashtrism. In extreme cases in the minor region of Negria, parents even refused to give up their children despite legal compulsion on the basis that they would have to renounce their families. (A practice which, due to the extreme clout of the intellectual class, was previously so rare as to be insignificant)
 
Update 0: The Dawn of Time

??? - Year 0​

For eons, the sun has shone over this planet named "Earth". It is not exactly known where this name had come from, nor what it had ever meant. Nonetheless, life had emerged on Earth, and over time, it had evolved into a species known as "humans". These humans had grouped together to survive, and over time, had overcome many other species on the Earth.

It is not exactly known what happened in the days of early humans, as our time machines have not been able to venture into this time period. However it is safe to say, from the artifacts uncovered, that humans mastered the art of firemaking and pornography. (See cave paintings) These humans hunted and gathered stuff to eat. They used stone, wooden, and bone tools. Eventually, they discovered how to plant and harvest crops, a process known as agriculture. Now, humans no longer had to wander around the Earth to gather food. This would be the start of "civilization".

---------------------

The first known civilizations begun on a mostly semi-arid peninsula, rich in resources and containing great rivers. Various tribes flocked to this region, and settled down. However, competition between these tribes would lead to warfare, but also cooperation.

It is unknown exactly which tribes were the first to settle, nor exactly where first were settlements created, but it is agreed by historians that the Ashbar Tribe was among the first. They settled at Lake Tsvaro, which was fed by four rivers. They united some other tribes in the area; some by force, others by diplomacy; and were most likely the first to utilize cavalry, interestingly comprised entirely of women (and horses). Their capital is the town of Thonite, the local trade center. This civilization was called Aralthon, and it is now led by Seran Ashbar, whom some call a cruel and wicked conqueror.

North of Aralthon at the end of one of the intersecting four rivers was the town of Crossroads, capital of a civilization called The Directorate. This town was founded not by tribes, but by a ragtag group of refugees. Some suspect they were descendants of the Aralthon's conquered tribes, but it is unknown. Even more mysterious is the leader known as Marshall Jones, who doesn't seem to have even come from this peninsula. Nonetheless, these refugees settled in a great forest, filled with all the resources needed to flourish.

Northwest of Aralthon and The Directorate was the civilization known as Veisung. The Veisungy were a warlike people, stemming from the battles over this fertile and strategic location between the Keng and Upper Jingel rivers. The city of Mapung serves as the capital, and the area is ruled by King Jesin. They are at the border between the known and unknown lands of the Peninsula.

In between Aralthon and Veisung, along the Lower Jingel river, was the city of Orro, capital of the kingdom known as Orrenia. It is ruled by a tribal council, overseen by King Huron. Using their infantry and cavalry, they have conquered and assimilated several nearby tribes.

Southeast of The Directorate is the Khitai Khaganate, ruled by the warrior king Bei Huang. The Khitai are believed to be the first people to practice an organized religion called Xiela. Xiela revolves around the God Xie, and He says that the Khitai will inherit the Earth if they find the Altar of Xie on the highest mountain. This belief has caused the Khitai to become an extremely warlike people, distrusting of neighbors in their quest for the Altar. They rely on fierce horse archers, and have only one true city, their capital of Shangjing. This city is a religious center, and is believed to have been picked by Xie in a divine compact. Bei Huang also gets his mandate from Xie.

Southeast of the Khitai warriors is a civilization of equal aspirations, known as Airemithaeya. It is made of up of many tribes, the original of which received a mandate from an apparition and were given instructions to found a great Order. The nomads were also given titles by this apparition, which would be the descendants of the ruling Qwamus bloodline today. After the nomads settled, they assimilated other tribes through sheer amazement. Airemithaeya's capital, Aoiurbis, was founded by the nomads following the apparition's instructions, and it is a coastal city. The nation has an abundance of fish, and there are some fertile lands for agriculture.

South of Airemithaeya, along the Charada River, is the civilization of Dzhibar, comprised of dark-skinned peoples, led by the Zhivandardurard Dynasty. While most likely not the first to settle down in the region, it was certainly the first truly advanced civilization, an empire formed of Dzhibari city-states conquered by Turbarghidar, Firebird King of Durbar. This flourishing Dzhibari Empire [of Durbar] eventually succumbed to corruption and weak leadership. After the collapse of the Dzhibari Empire, the Eagle Lords of the Zhivandardurard Dynasty from the surviving city of Gabar begun to extend their influence over the surrounding areas. The Second Empire of Dzhibar has begun.

Southeast, and downriver of Dzhibar, are the followers of Vius, who founded the civilization of Viusenith at the Viuson River, a small branch of the the Chandra River delta. They are ruled from the capital Vius, by the Council of Alran comprised of the heads of the five orders of [their perception] of life; Defense, Knowledge, Land, Sea, and Wealth. The followers of Vius wish to advance the betterment of the world, even if this goal needs to be achieved by force; an act of civilizing the lands willed by the God, Vius and against the will of his brother, Imael. This way of life has attracted many followers, which is both and advantage and a hindrance. (See Random Events)

League of People -> Will take a bit longer due to amount of stories

Beyond the mountains of the League of People is an island in which the civilization of Costonian lies. This civilization has always depended on the sea, both for its food and its defense, stemming from its origins of only a small fishing village, now the capital Costonia. Most of its inhabitants follow Ascalinism, named after the worship of the main God of the Seas, Ascalin.

Thunukainki

Confederation of Jorise

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RANDOM EVENTS:

Thanks to the central location of Aralthon's capital and trading center, Thonite, the roads have been much better developed, and thus the people [and armies] in the area can move much faster than normally would be expected within the entire peninsula. However, their assimilation of other tribes has stirred some discontent among the defeated. (Aralthon: +5% infrastructure, -3% Stability)

Due to their situation as refugees, the people of The Directorate have received some of the smartest runaways from other civilizations in the region, and thus they have a small amount of educated workers with useful skills. However, these refugees are somewhat unorganzied, and thus more unruly. (The Directorate: +5% Education, -3% Stability)

The Veisung have always been a warlike people, and because of this, their military is particularly experienced, stemming from their role in many previous wars for control over this region. However, their constant warring scarred the landscape and blocked many pathways. (Veisung: Two militia companies have upgraded to Military Quality 2, -1% Infrastructure)

Orrenia has grown increasingly stable and expanded rapidly in recent years, as the strong leadership of King Huron led to increased loyalty among the masses. However, such expansion has caused the army to become rather stretched and unable to construct proper roads to connect several isolated agricultural areas. (Orrenia: +5% Stability, -1% Infrastructure)

The Khitai Khaganate and their ravaging hordes have attracted more warriors and their religion is catching on with some of the conquered. However, some discontented people have destroyed vital infrastructure in the region, limiting expansion westwards. (Khitai Khaganate: +1 Light Cavalry Company, -3% Infrastructure)




UPDATE STILL NOT FINISHED, BUT PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE.

NOTE: Names of Geographical Features, particularly rivers, have been assigned via preference, although I assured that all names of such features created by players are on the map. (Example: Dzhibar and Viusenith both had names for the "Great River". Thus, since Dzhibar was the first civilization in the area, the river was named Chandra. Viusenith's name for the river, Viuson, has instead been assigned to the river closest to them, branching out of the Chandra. I hope this doesn't offend anybody, but I really prefer if ONE name is assigned per feature.
 
The Ashbar were the first? Bah, it is well known by the widely-scattered ruins that the Dzhibari preceded all!

:)

Nice first half carmen, now let's get some more!
 
YAY! Something has been posted. Glad to see that this woesn't going to be DOA.:)

Viusenith claims that they were the first civilization of course.:p
 
Yes! Nice start, im the most civilized of these "barbarians" ;)
 
Woo, so can I join in after this update or after update 1?
 
How long until the next portion of the update, realistically?

The Rise and Fall of the Middle Way:
OOC: To avoid inconvienience, not requesting any bonuses for stories after the first update section.

Part 2: The Early Middle Way and the Great Race

i: "Speed Bump"
The first question was who would be the new King. The candidates were Hojantes, Kelmoth, and Kormates. Of the three, Hojantes and Kelmoth were intellectuals (Hojantes having a coalition of most yasulan and Kelmoth compensating with Claredite support and relative freethinkers), while Kormates was a strong candidate in his own right backed by the remnants of the nobility.

The election was fiercly contested between parties (if with nobody disputing that the intellectuals would choose the winning candidate). A Hojantes-Kelmoth "Unity Front" managed to prevent Kormates even entering the intellectual halls (creating significant internal dissent and even a battle but obtaining victory), before the two candidates faced off. The result was technically a Hojantes victory, but the vote was called by those running it for Kelmoth. All candidates, even Kelmoth himself, argued the election had been rigged.

ii: New Policies
Kelmoth's primary advantage when it came to running the country was that he was a workaholic. This energy was diverted into the choosing of new noblemen ("Kelmothites"), mostly able candidates at the time but who would in a few generations become like the old nobility in all but name. Kormates was already a nobleman, but in exchange for an oath not to run for office again his lands were expanded until he was the single largest nobleman in the realm.

Meanwhile, he consolidated his government by using of a fake coup. The palace guard, who had indeed been considering mutiny (several had been bribed or manipulated to raise the issue), were betrayed to the intellectuals. Kelmoth quickly (he had been practising) ordered the gathering of weapons and a suprise attack on the palace guard. The assault was suceessful due to defectors, and another enemy of the intellectuals was defeated. An election was called immediately afterwards- another close vote, but this time a slight victory for Kelmoth himself.

Now crowned Kelmoth I of Ebria and Kelmoth I of Claredia, Kelmoth formalised Claredian autonomy and implemented it through having a Governor of Claredia elected by the intellectuals. The Governor (Also named Septem, as it turned out) would be subordinate to the King on foriegn and military affairs, but autonomous in everything else. This measure was attacked for being a return to the rejected system of seperate Ebrite and Claredite states (opponents wanted two seperate laws by the same people), and whilst Kelmoth argued his system was more stable he did lose a degree of support.

iii: The Time of Kelmoth
The problem for Kelmoth was dual. Not counting actually running the country, in order to stay King he would have to firstly legitimise his new government and secondly compete with Hojantes for the throne. The first and second did overlap (The three candidates who challenged his throne were Hojantes, Kormates, and Ligurian of the hereditary monarchy), but not completely.

To attempt to counter this, he focused on buying off his rivals- a not entirely sucessful policy. Kormate's lands were expanded to create a region later called the Kormate, but whilst he was in negotiations with Ligurian Hojantes used the fact he was attempting to "usurp our rights" to his fellow intellectuals to usurp control.

(Incidentally, the intellectual fashion was quite stable in this period- but that was not influenced by Kelmoth. The primary issue had turned for a time from nationalism to Kelmoth v.s Hojantes, and more broadly where the yasulan were a broad alliance or a unified federal system)

iii: The Time of Hojantes
Hojantes faced the same problem as Kelmoth (although his majority was significantly larger then Kelmoth's had been), but had a different solution. His measures were threefold- firstly to create a new institution, the Assembelies (they had an advisory role only, but they were representative of the Ebrites and Claredites), secondly to cut taxes and extract tribute* to pay for the lost income, and thirdly to claim that his rule was good for the people and therefore it was justified.

Some things were not so reputable, however. Kelmoth was assasinated by posion and Kormates unconvicingly framed for the deed. The death of Ligurian was more sucessfully claimed to be due to foriegners and Kormates very highly suspect, but Hojantes did not come out entirely unscatched.

Whilst superficially the system remained, it was greatly weakened by these events. The people liked the fact they had representation, but the city slaves and nobility were horrified. The Kelmothians especially were ready to support Ligurian's heir (Venetion) to the throne, and Hojantes barely avoided being voted out through the outrage of the intellectuals. Another drastic challenge was thus ready to occur.

*: By going to war with barbarian states.
 
EDIT: Probably unnnecessary post, but will put story here to make up for it.

The Legal Systems of the Middle Way Ebrites and Claredites
Prior to the first Great Reform Declaration, the legal systems of the State of the Ebrites and Claredites* was highly complicated. This was accentuated by inconsistencies in the laws themselves, and inconsistencies even between villages next to each other.

Overall, however, the legal systems can still be classified, although it is worth noting that any given area will have both a Theoretical System (which applies in theory) and a Practical System (which applies in practice). Additionally, there are minor variations both in theory and in practice between given areas.

i- Theoretical Systems:
Kelmoth and Hojantes both attempted to invent a legal system in their time, more for the sake of pride and having a legacy then for any real need. For similar reasons, various noblemen attempted to institute their own Codes of Law, as did yasulan leaders. Finally, Ligurian and other monarchial claimants to the throne had instituted a Code of Law which they claimed (to their discredit) applied to the entire land- this absurd-seeming act was one of the reasons why the monarchy would not later be restored.

The Kelmothian system was designed with no reference whatsoever to existing systems (in order to ensure it's uniqueness). In it, the Seles, an official appointed directly by the King (he was a workaholic, and saw no problem with his sucessors being so) in each village would remind the people of the laws. He would have the right to call what witnesses he chose, and weigh up their evidence to make a conclusion. He would then order the relevant personages punished.

Hojantes was a bit more intelligent, and established what he thought was merely an improvement on the existing Ebrite system. The idea was that all cases would be referred to the local Chief for judgement. However, if people were not satisfied with his judgement they would appeal to the local nobleman. Cases could then move past him all the way up, if the contenders had the resources, to the King. In practice, however, cases would rarely move beyond the local nobleman as those above him would find excuses not to hear them. (Also, practically every case was appealed).

Various noblemen attempted to establish their own legal systems- the most notable single one being the Kormatian Code. Most of the time, they would simply establish a way to allow themselves or their representative to meddle in the existing practical legal system, or "usurp" the role of the Chief. However, some were genuinely original and others would have some degree of influence on practical law.

(Yasulan system)

ii- Practical Systems:
The practical systems of law can be divided into those of the various regions- North Ebria, South Ebria, East Ebria, West Ebria, West Claredia, East Claredia**, Capital, City Slaves, Intellectual System, Yasulan System, Barbarian System, and Road Law.

(North Ebria)

(South Ebria)

(East Ebria)

Whatever the West Ebrian system was in theory, in practice it was a revenge system. Each person had family ties, and if they were killed their family would attempt to avenge them. In practice, judgements were often arbitrary and often wrong but the system was t least good enough to maintain order. The Chief, who theoretically was meant to be doing all this himself, would in practice formally "decline to investigate" in every single case before him, and more importantly help to discover suspicious deaths to help would-be avengers find a starting point.

(West Claredia)

(East Claredia)

(Capital)

(City slaves)

(Intellectual system)

Although aspiring to continue their theoretical system, in practice the Yasulan had to fall back on more practical methods. They continued to use their theoretical system to the extent they could enforce it, but as a punishment for defying them they tended to use different methods. If somebody was suspected of such defiance, they would counter by bribing palace agents to spread negative rumors against them and attempt to put pressure on them to "abdicate" their posistion and revert to peasanthood. This rarely suceeded, but at it's best it would destroy their reputation.

Road Law was the simplest system, as no one power had a stake in it. People would generally travel for safety in Caravans- an informal law existed that they would aid each other in mutual defence punished by expulsion (and probable death by bandits), and in the rare case of a murder or other crime the suspects would be deprived of weapons and taken in the condition of slaves to the nearest village, where local law would be used to judge the case.

*: That was it's theoretical name.
**: Not geographically connected to West Claredia.
 
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