Update 0: From the Beginning
Since time immemorial, the Hok people and their various tribes have inhabited the length and breadth of the So River and its tributaries. Among the very first to develop agriculture, the RoHok tribe came to early prominence. Exercising the strength afforded by their population, greatly expanded by the rich delta around which they lived, they came to dominate their surroundings. Under the rule of Si the Cunning, the tribes of the upper Ro, So, and Ad rivers were brought into the fold, but many other chieftains continued to resist. At the time of Si's death, the RoHok domain, ruled out of the eponymous city on the delta, held a far-scattered collection of lands along the river, often interspersed with recalcitrant tribes who refused to kneel to his might. Following a succession of less adroit rulers, the RoHok lands have shrank somewhat, but they remain a formidable presence.
Isolated from other civilized neighbours, the moon-worshipping Sasaharan people have coalesced into a stable agricultural society. Their society has developed a simple aristocracy, with village leaders electing a Praetor, who provides an amount of unity to the league. After uniting the initial confederation of communities, the Sasaharans have found themselves faced with a lack of significant threats beyond the primitive and quickly dismissed hunter gatherer societies living just outside of the tilled lands. As such, there has so far been little need for the Praetor's leadership, and in recent years the present Praetor Karasu's leadership has become nearly as ceremonial as that of the figurehead Empress Yumiko.
Away from the Sasaharans and upriver of the salty Lake Atsu, the Umbrans chant their praises to the long night. Ruled by a small but influential priesthood, the Umbrans also rule over several vassals in the Matran tribes who live around their one temple-city of Mourne. These tribes, many of whom have converted to the Penumbran Nightcult, provide muscle to support to the priesthood, as well as the farmers to feed the Umbran nation.
At the edge of the great Athwood forest, the feuding Englorvelen have been drawn into a semblance of allegiance by the works of Feddel Doren, now known as the High-Thane of Englorvel. Through military force and shrewd diplomacy, the legendary general has established a small, but centralized government, backing it up with the tacit support of the Priesthood of Maenoch. Granting minor positions to many of his lieutenants, the High-Thane finds himself frequently preoccupied in holding down the rebellious lords in his lands. A multitude of minor lords and rivals from outside of his small Thanedom place his reign under constant threat. Also worrying is rumours of another nation in the unknown lands, equal or even greater in power to the High-Thane.
The Aarthein, of whom these rumours refer, have been rather more peaceful than the High-Thane might fear. A rather peaceful folk, they remain content to till their riverside fields and fish off their rich coastal waters.
Founded on a long tradition of intrigue and infighting, the Kevygi are the coalescence of the various tribes of the Siriw River. Maintaining strict internal caste and tribal boundaries, the Kevygi have quickly come to dominate their environment, through skillful application of a well-organized army and more recently the devastating effect of simple military chariots.
Passing over a multitude of city-states, one would be struck by the unique sight of Errodi, the roofed city. Beneath it, one would find the first home of the Errodim. Denying the light and embracing the life-preserving darkness, these pale folk have come to be skilled manufacturers and traders of goods. However, they are heavily reliant upon 'outsiders', neighbouring peoples who farm and perform all of their undesirable work.
Beyond Errodi, we find the city-state of Murair, or 'Great Wall'. Situated between deep sea and soaring mountains, the walled city has become a nexus of trade and economic activity. With a diverse population and ideal positioning, this merchant republic is rapidly developing into a powerhouse in its region- but at the same time, it is becoming an increasingly lucrative target.
Traders from Murair and Errodi are known to travel as far as a land named Kjarar, whose skilled craftsmanship commands a high price in the far-off cities. The Kjarar themselves possess a regimented society in many ways similar to that of the Kevygi. Led by the Benesh Taithin, the awakaned spirit, these totemic people have carved out for themselves a prosperous and stable nation.
Beyond Kjarar are the desert-dwelling Lavarians. A strange folk, at least as seen through the eyes of their neighbours, the Lavarians are difficult to deal with due to the alternating nature of their divine Monarchy. Two facets of Morva, their god, are represented in two Kings, both of which hold radically different views on their own roles and those of the Lavarian people. As such, most outsiders simply work to avoid the upriver deserts altogether.
The Aurseusu, quiet fishers along a rainy coastline, have begun to cooperate, with increasing amounts of their population settling around the excellent fishing waters near their village of Masara. For now, times are good.
In the nearby uplands, however, a new threat to their peaceful existence is rapidly rising. The Annokha tribes, while still disunited, have become the terror of the Tambuk Highlands. Already having developed basic agriculture, they supplement their existences with much hunting and raiding. Conquering and enslaving numerous neighbouring bands, and trading with several others, the Annokha have come to learn of a wide area around their homeland.
Also threatened, and in many ways defined by the Annokha, the tiny village of Zalin, located on a small island just off the coast, has risen to prominence. With excellent natural defences against periodic raids, the village attracted many refugees, swelling its numbers and influence. Faced with constant threats on land, the Zalinese chose instead to expand on the sea, pushing their fishing fleets ever further outwards to feed the teeming city. Over time, the Grand Guardians of Zalin began to spread their influence beyond the island, adopting several coastal villages under their aegis in an exchange of goods for protection.
Isolated, but heard of in dire rumour by all three of these nations are the Draal. Fearsome worshippers of a bloodsoaked god. On the shores of Lake Tecar and the River Araal, they are a populous group united by worship of their eponymous god, who demands constant sacrifice and bloodshed. This has led to a state of constant warfare with their neighbours, which provides enough to sate Draal. So speak the voices of the Temple at Drala.
The matriarchal Chumburs, the chosen people of the Bright Queen, have maintained an ordered society for centuries already, and continue to flourish on their small parcel of land. Led by the clerics of their goddess, they stand on guard against a newly ascendant neighbour.
Led by Jai-Tensei, voice of the heavenly Emperor Hei-Kata, the Jaisho people have been united by the theocratic Tensei clan, who promises little good to those not chosen by the human god. Rapidly expanding, the forces of the First Heavenly Regent have come into contact with both the Chumburs, and strange, disunited polytheists living on a river delta further down the coastline. Scouts have also made mention of a people called the 'Haraj', living near the headwaters of their life-giving river.
The Hatta are the largest and most advanced of several states along the Karum River. Periodic wars are raged with the other peoples of the river, typically over various slights to each others respective patron gods. Recently, however, they have encountered scouts of some nation not of the river, who seem to come with hostile intent. Nonetheless, strife on the Karum continues unabated.
Throughout the world, disunited masses of humanity are beginning to awaken into civilization. They seek the favour of their gods, wealth, power, or simple survival, but the path will not be easy. Every trial and tribulation yet to happen stands in their way. Whether they shall see immortal success, or forgotten failure, is as of yet just a whisper on the northern wind.
