Daftpanzer
canonically ambiguous
"To be strong is not enough. Your enemy is not conquered until he is consumed by fear."
- Kyzar Khan
"Fear is the source of all superstition and cruelty. To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom."
- Ivan Avaryk
A new age has arrived, and it is one of great opportunity for most. Trade routes are well established around the world. The various sciences, arts, and crafts have all reached new heights. Muskets and cannons are taking over the battlefield. Steam power, metal working and engineering all hold great promise for the future. This may well be an age of entrepreneurs and innovators, as much as warlords and emperors. The old order is already broken. Any number of countries could rise to be the new superpowers...
A NES by:
KrimzonStiker: Rytarrian Empire
jalapeno_dude and Symphony D.: United Empire
Thlayli: Imperial Republic of Antalya
Luckymoose: Kingdom of Rove
The_Farow: Empire of Germanica
Warman17: Videssian Empire
Lord_Iggy: Pangari Republic
TerrisH: Tuscan Republic
~Darkening~: Macrabi
Shadowbound: Freiland Alliance
The_Loser: Tanyis
Slavic_Sioux: Shimazu
Justo: Pegu
Andis-1: Oryx
Insane_Panda: Ceinurissian Aonsaise
Yssian Republic: Kol.7
Daftpanzer: presiding deity
With thanks to:
das, Ironman2055, Neverwonagame2
---
- Kyzar Khan
"Fear is the source of all superstition and cruelty. To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom."
- Ivan Avaryk
A new age has arrived, and it is one of great opportunity for most. Trade routes are well established around the world. The various sciences, arts, and crafts have all reached new heights. Muskets and cannons are taking over the battlefield. Steam power, metal working and engineering all hold great promise for the future. This may well be an age of entrepreneurs and innovators, as much as warlords and emperors. The old order is already broken. Any number of countries could rise to be the new superpowers...
A NES by:
KrimzonStiker: Rytarrian Empire
jalapeno_dude and Symphony D.: United Empire
Thlayli: Imperial Republic of Antalya
Luckymoose: Kingdom of Rove
The_Farow: Empire of Germanica
Warman17: Videssian Empire
Lord_Iggy: Pangari Republic
TerrisH: Tuscan Republic
~Darkening~: Macrabi
Shadowbound: Freiland Alliance
The_Loser: Tanyis
Slavic_Sioux: Shimazu
Justo: Pegu
Andis-1: Oryx
Insane_Panda: Ceinurissian Aonsaise
Yssian Republic: Kol.7
Daftpanzer: presiding deity
With thanks to:
das, Ironman2055, Neverwonagame2
---
Its a world just like Earth, but with very different geography. And thus, very different history...
The Story so far:
5000 BC: The so-called 'Desert Age' came to an end. The climate began to cool down, and agriculture became a more practical enterprise. It seems that the first towns and cities appeared in the Taejon valley region of southern Asia.
The existence of Zoroqian civilisation at this time is based on Pangari studies of the region's ancient ruins. They are known to have invented pictographic writing and left behind many impressive monuments before mysteriously dying out.
Pyrmidan civilisation is pure conjecture - some Tuscan and Antalese scholars believe an advanced civilisation arose at the same time as the Taej, and was responsible for constructing the original Great Pyramid, as well as harnessing 'magical' technologies which have yet to be rediscovered. If there was any firm proof of the Pyrmidian's existence, it has been buried under the debris of many other civilisations since.
3000 BC: By this point, sea levels had dropped to their modern levels, as glaciers reappeared near the poles. The Mediterranean had become home to many fine city-states, with knowledge of bronze working, and various alphabets. Yet it seems they remained some way behind the Taej in terms of wealth and sophistication. The 'Great Taej' kingdoms reached heights of literacy, mathematics, masonry, medicines, astronomy and metalworking, none of which would be equalled for another 2000 years. Strong tribal peoples lurked on the borders of the civilised world, slowly absorbing their ideas, while waiting for any sign of weakness...
2500 BC: The first civilisations all came crashing down in a storm of war, famine and disorder. The causes are not exactly clear. The uncivilised peoples have often been blamed by early historians - particularly the Garanshi, the legendary ancestors of both the Pangari and Ormashi peoples - but a brief change in climate or gigantic natural disasters may have been to blame.
2000 BC: Civilisation had recovered, in three separate places. The Taej city-states were but feeble shadows of their former glory. With blood and bronze, the Argosian Empire had forged together the remnants of old Mediterranean cultures. It was a brutal militarist state, though not without a fondness for the old arts. Finally, Kairon was a newer and more innovative culture, born from the mixing of refugees with the native peoples of the fertile Oryx river.
Meanwhile, the messy death of the older civilisations had spread 'civilised' ideas to a much larger area. Many other tribes and cultures were beginning to settle down into farming life, centred around the forts or fortified towns were the rulers lived. Most of the world's modern cultures can trace their roots back to this time.
1000 BC: From humble beginnings, the 'Tengrian' peoples had forged an empire far larger than anything seen before - Altyn Kanalat, the empire of the golden throne. Though dismissed as sky-worshipping barbarians by later writers, their achievements should not be understated. Their capitol, Altyn Sarai, was home to the famous 'Hanging Gardens' and was probably the most beautiful and cultured city in the world at this time.
The Kaironians had been beaten after an epic series of wars, and now the Argosian generals turned on each other. The two civilisations had been locked in a death-spiral for centuries, and were so weakened that the emphasis had shifted elsewhere...
The Almothians were fierce warriors, notable for their monopoly on high-quality iron weapons, as well as their obsession with enslaving defeated peoples. Anguille was another strong military power, noted for its well-trained and disciplined swordsmen. Anguille was also a keen importer the best of mediterranean culture, which was adapted to local tastes. The Anguille of this period is often looked back to as the classical, ideal, almost utopian European state, though the reality was far from ideal.
Yssian seafaring culture spread from the Hebridiean islands to western Africa, and absorbed many ideas as it traded with the mediterranean.
Asia was already home to a lively mix of cultures, mostly equal in strength. However, the Yaktan armies were the first known to use riders on horseback, instead of chariots as was the norm. This proved very successful in battle, and the idea spread rapidly amongst the peoples of Asia.
500 BC: This was a period of decline for northern civilisation. Local plagues and climate shifts may be partly to blame. Meanwhile, the civilisations of central and southern Asia went from strength to strength.
The ancient Argosian Empire finally collapsed, leaving behind its capitol city - Argos - full of many great monuments dating back throughout history. The nearby city of Mycenae was one fraction that managed to survive on its own, as a strong city-state with a fearsome army of Hoplites. The remnants of Kairon were reborn as the Umidian Empire, destined to be one of the longest lasting of all empires.
The Ulak peoples, who had been exiled from their homelands by Altyn-Kanalat centuries earlier, now become masters of the horse and bow.
Altyn Kanalat, having fended off repeated attacks by horders of Ulak and Samar horse-riders, finally fell to invasion by the Librians and other tribes from the north. The empire split into two - Altynai was the 'true' inheritor, while the much stronger Aahnad Empire incorporated Librian and Argosian cultures. Libria itself collapsed into anarchy, releasing its hold on the Germanic peoples, who then headed into central europe.
A giant tsunami struck the east coast of europe, later though to be caused by a volcanic landslide on the central Euris Ocean island of Ember. This brought about the end of the old Yssian seafaring culture. The Catalyans emerged as a separate power, and had a brief period of glory, while the later Yssians became distracted with the unification of the Counille peninsular.
Meanwhile, Pictish peoples had reached North America by this time, in sturdy boats of Yssian design. They mixed with the few natives of the area, and eventually gave rise to Kinlander culture. These first colonists were apparently accidental arrivals, and were never in contact with Europe, though old legends hint at several secret voyages to the 'great eastern lands' over the centuries.
200 BC: The unique and isolated culture of Videssos first appears on the scene around this time. Its earlier origins are not clear, although exiles arriving from the old eastern empires may have played a role in its creation. The Videssians worshiped Phos, the God of light, sun, and life. Phosism would eventually spread across northern Asia and into western Europe.
Under Bazilevs Alexandyr I, the Aahnad Empire became the Agrinese Empire, with a new capitol at the small hill-city of Agre.
The Ulaks had regrouped under new leaders. With jungle and mountains blocking their path to the Ormash Empire, they only ever had one suitable target - the Agrinese lands. Several great invasions took place, but the young Agrinese Empire was able to resist, keeping the steppe peoples from attacking anywhere else.
The expanding borders of Umidia set off a wave of migrations by tribal peoples across Africa. The old culture of Hlobane in the south gave way to the new power of Saruk, which would eventually overtake Umidia as the leading power in Africa.
Meanwhile, the old balance of power in South Asia ceased to exist. New religions were also appearing on the scene - the faith of Oruism drove the Oru warriors to great feats of bravery against the expanding armies of Ormash, while peaceful Taoist philosophy was taking hold in Taejon.
The Pangari states were officially united, and a golden age of science and philosophy began. Taejon, too, was more unified than ever before, though still not quite an empire. The loosely-unified Yaktan kingdoms had splintered, while the Gyut tribes moved in from the north - related to the Ulak, the Gyuts were tough fighters and would cause problems for centuries to come.
At this point, two young religions were competing for influence over southern Africa. Tarrism had evolved from old Kenbuan beliefs, while Theosim was based on the teachings of the prophet Murabi.
51 BC: Minor powers were swallowed up as a set of huge empires began to dominate the old world, though none were particularly stable.
Through betrayal and blatant aggression, the Taej conquered their eastern neighbours, and the legendary Taej Empire was born. An army of spearmen and bowmen with powerful long-range composite bows was able to defeat the legendary heavy cavalry of the Yaktans. Taej's level of culture and learning was finally surpassing the best of the ancient achievements. However, the rapid expansion caused various problems, and Ormash took advantage, soon reaching its peak in size and strength.
By this time, the Agrinese Empire had became closer to old Argosian and Mycenean cultures. After the mostly-peaceful annexation of the Mycenean cities, the Agrinese Empire reached its height, and set a record for territory which has yet to be beaten in modern times. In 51 BC, an expedition into the heart of Ulakam would cripple the Ulaks for centuries, though it would be last major campaign the Agrinese would ever undertake.
Meanwhile, new pioneers had reached the Americas, this time in greater numbers - Pangans reached South America from the east, while Yssians reached North America from the west. The Pangans arrived just as South American civilisation was reaching new heights, with bronze and iron working, literacy and complex astrology. Seafaring was reaching new heights, especially among the Yssians, though the original invention of the Compass is credited to the Taej. In any case, trade across much greater distances was becoming possible. Many different cultures were coming into contact with each other for the first time.
40 AD: Having defeated Ormash in a long and bloody war, the Taej Empire was at the peak of its power and wielded tremendous influence. Great Pangari, with its relatively small army, was unable to resist annexation by the Taej. Pangari independence was restored a few years later, when a new emperor came to power, but in the meantime the Pangan colonists had their first taste of independence.
In any case, the golden age of Pangari science continued. The first practical steam engines were built at this time, used for pumping water on a small scale. It would be centuries before the art of metallurgy had improved enough to allow more powerful engines to be built.
61 AD: Ormash lost its grip on the central Asian territories. The rival Orion Empire was established by rebel generals and nobles. Ot was destined to have a relatively short life span, but would nonetheless leave its mark on world history.
78 AD: The divided Anguille states had fallen under the influence of Saxon warbands they originally hired as mercenaries. After a lifetime of fighting and political intrigue, Prince Vos of Saxony managed to create a new empire for himself, centred on the old Anguille city of Lenierde, which for a brief time rivalled anything in Asia. Unity didn't last long, but Anguille culture and central europe were never the same.
Saxon-Anguille leaders began to take an interest in the emerging religion of Aeonism, based on the teachings of 'Aeonis' who had lived and been executed in Lenierde during the previous century. But the ancient gods and mysticism would last for a long time yet.
86 AD: The Ys League was thrown into chaos by Saxonguille invasion. But Gustornii the Great, a Pictish chieftain, arrived to defeat the Saxonguilles. The Thulean League was born, uniting both Yssian and Picts on equal terms.
115 AD: Kyzar Khan formed a brief empire from the broken steppe peoples, and invaded the Agrinese Empire seeking revenge for old insults. The Agrinese were fighting on all fronts, including rebels within their borders, and it was down to local forces in the north - Antalyans - to halt Kyzar's advance at all costs. Kyzar Khan was killed at the battle of Antalyak, his hordes of horsemen scattered by the frightening - but primitive - gunpowder rockets of the Antalyans, the likes of which had never been seen before.
300 AD: The Khanate founded by Kyzar was still in existence, and still causing trouble. But the crown of the steppe had passed to Tian, a new and mostly-civilised state.
The original Agrinese 'Empire' was reduced to a few cities in northeast Africa, under attack from all sides. After a series of civil wars, power had shifted to Antalyak and the new Antalese Empire.
In Europe, the Holy Rovien Empire had been brought together by Rovien, one of the splinter states left behind by the Saxon-Anguille empire. Simultaneously, the western kingdom of Germanica was busy with the task of re-uniting the Saxon and Gothic peoples, as well as conquering various other cultures.
The Thulean League had begun to set up serious colonies in North America, and had already regained much of former Yssian glory - save for south africa, where a fierce war was now being fought between Saruk and fierce Tarrist invaders from Kenbu. The rival Almhadar dynasty and its tribal allies also fought against Saruk.
Inspired by their Theosist faith, the fanatical Aj-Savar horsemen had conquered large swathes of east africa. Umidia had also embraced Theosim, and it had quickly spread to Umidia's colonies.
365 AD: The Taej Emperor was able to take residence in his great and wondrous new palace, Tianzou, on the outskirts of Huichon. Hundreds of envoys from across the then-known world were invited to attend the opening ceremonies.
The first officially-recognised circumnavigation of the world was achieved a few years later, unsurprisingly by Thulean navigators.
376 AD: The Umidian Empire had reclaimed much of its old territory, and had begun settling colonies of its own in the east. Umidian armies were among the first to use reliable gunpowder cannons on land as well as at sea. With growing confidence, the Umidians attacked the Thulean League, and enjoyed great success at first.
415 AD: Umidia was losing one war after another. The Thuleans had adopted the new gunpowder weapons, and could now build better ships on a much larger scale. At the same time, Thulean soldiers and cavalry were aggressively stamping their mark on North America.
The Holy Rovien Empire had embarked on a Holy War to cleanse Theosim from southern europe, and rescue the Catalyans from their Umidian overlords. But Theosim was still on the rise elsewhere - Saruk had defeated the Kenbuan invaders and their tribal allies.
In Asia, the Orion Empire was locked in a costly series of wars with the Antalese. Orion forces briefly besieged Altyn-Sarai, though that was as far as they got.
Tian was rapidly growing in power, and began to compete with Ormash for influence over the fractured Rayamese peoples of the west. The Videssians would later side with Tian in a series of wars against Ormash. Garuda was one Rayamese kingdom that briefly flourished around this time, and even founded its own colonies in the Americas.
Taej prestige and influence had been falling for some time, allowing a bold new Republic to take power in Pangari. With the help of a strong fleet, the Pangans first overran half of the Hocatelco Empire - which had been threatening the Pangan colonists in South America - and then invaded the Taej Empire itself. Around the same time, the Chimuko Empire reached its height, and made vassals out of the isolated Taej colonists of the far south.
421 AD: Saruk and the Savarians were united into one large empire - The Kaliate of Acre - founded by Ismail 'al Zaiye, who many considered to be another prophet of the divine. The Kaliate soon tried to open another front against the aggressive Aeonist powers in Europe, supporting the last dregs of Almothien resistance with an ambitious invasion of southern Germanica. This ended in failure and the final annihilation of Almothian hopes, doing no good for Ismail's reputation. Ismail died in 444 AD, leaving behind many doubts about his divine nature. Meanwhile, much of Europe was left in the grip of xenophobic Aeonist extremists.
464 AD: The Antalese finally achieved their goal of conquering Orion, which had already been weakened from within. But the Antalese were soon set upon by various invaders, at the same time as a vicious civil war broke out - the faith of Phosism refused to yield to the new 'Rationalist' philosophy without a fight.
Tian had emerged as the victor in western Asia, gaining influence over the Rayamese region after a series of bitter wars against Ormash and its allies. Tian would later annex its vassals and become the Rytarrian Empire. The Taej and Pangari had also settled their differences, going back to old borders.
Ruled by the successors of Ismail, the Kaliate of Acre continued to dominate Africa, while neighbouring Umidia was in terminal decline after many long and exhausting wars ended in defeat. Help from the Kaliate's growing navy had not been enough to hold off the mighty Thulean fleets. However, Umidian and Sarukian culture had left their mark on parts of the Euris Ocean.
The Holy Rovien Empire was starting to come undone. Aeonist fanatics and 'Crusaders' steamrolled their weakened Emperor into wars with the 'heretical' Freilanders and 'pagan' Thuleans. These wars ultimately ended in disaster for the HRE.
484 AD: Kaelazar the Great had formed a huge new empire from the fragments of the Orions and a declining Ormash. After conquering the Taej, Kaelazar invaded the struggling Antalese Empire, now known as Antalya. Kaelazar died of old age on this final campaign, sparing the Antalyans from almost certain defeat, while leaving much of Asia in turmoil.
Within a few years, Antalya had regained its core territory and defeated every invader, thanks to its battle-hardened army of Rationalist troops. Though, fighting against die-hard Phosist rebels continued for decades.
Around the same time, the southern Africans had split from the Kaliate of Acre, and had reverted to traditional Theosim. But the Savarians and others in the north remained loyal to the legacy of Ismail. The state of Haman was soon trying to rebuild the Kaliate, in the name of Ismail's descendents.
The Thulean League continued to expand aggressively, though it was beginning to outpace itself. Raids and reprisals by the North American natives became more serious.
The Holy Rovien Empire existed in name only, as fanatical Aeonists had taken hold, and central authority had collapsed.
511 AD: Germanica and the western Rovien provinces agreed to create the Holy State of Lenierde, to serve as the formal centre of Aeonist faith, an authority that could keep a lid on the troublesome fanatics.
539 AD: The Thulean League had reached a height of wealth, power, and unfortunately arrogance also. Under the pretext of defending the League from the fanatical Aeonists, the Thuleans invaded the Rovien States, and came close to crushing all resistance. But a dispute over war taxation arose with the Vancuissi colonists, who were already struggling to fend off the Videssians encroaching from the east. Other colonists joined in with various long-running grievances of their own, while several nobles gave support from Europe. A brief civil war was fought. The reformists won, but the Thulean system never recovered from the turmoil, as more and more power was gained by local leaders.
However, the Thuleans maintained control over most of the Rovien territories for another three decades. It was not until local factions began to gather around three strong causes - Gallica, Rove and Vengano - that Thulean control was pushed back into the north.
In Africa, Haman had also reached the height of its power, and it too was also facing decline, as it had simply made too many enemies by this point.
In Asia, the successors of Kaelazar had achieved the near-miracle of keeping his diverse empire together, as an 'Alliance of Peaceful and Prosperous Empires', otherwise known as the United Empire.
The former Taej Empire remained fractured into squabbling territories, each driven by its own ambitions. The Sung would grow to prominence by the end of the century, though they faced much competition.
590 AD: By this point, the Thulean League had been split apart until it only existed in the form of common culture and customs. Many new Leagues and states had appeared in its place, keeping trade routes flowing across half the world, and beyond.
The next few decades were relatively quiet, as the borders took their modern shape.
650 AD: An unusually quiet year began, with no serious wars taking place anywhere in the world...
Technology: AD and BC mean nothing to this world, except as a convenient measure of time. It can be assumed that the stone age began to end around the same time as in the real world, but the pace of change accelerated after 2000 BC, and there has since been no real 'dark age' to slow things down. Generally speaking, the technology of this world is now similar to 1650 AD in real-world history. In the area of machinery and metallurgy, things are closer to 1750 AD. And in terms of living standards, things are better still.
Industry: Huge state foundries and metalworks have been built by several countries, mainly for making armaments. Smaller private ventures have been the real source of profit and innovation, though these have been limited by the societies of the time. Steam power has been around for centuries, though it is only recently that the quality of metal working has allowed more powerful engines. So, the technology is already there - it is social problems that are the biggest obstacles. Anyone wishing to spark an industrial revolution will probably be heading towards a more liberal and enterprising society, and risking potentially-violent conflict with the established order...
On the other hand, masses of cheap labour can still move mountains with their bare hands, or at least get various things done without the need for social change and expensive machinery. This may be a better option for some, especially the larger empires, at least while industry is not too far advanced elsewhere.
Society: Repressive feudalism is a common theme, and some form of slavery is present in most cultures. Laws may be fair and just, but peasants have few 'rights' as such, even if they do own land. As for political freedoms, these are basically unheard of. If there is voting to be done, usually it is a select group of aristocrats who will do it. Luxury goods are still reserved for the aristocracy, most common people do not have the means to buy anything beyond the essentials of life. Religion also has a great hold over people's beliefs and attitudes, especially in Europe and Africa.
Living standards: Many cities will still be stinking, filthy messes - particularly in central Europe - but sanitation has been a background theme of African and Asian civilisation throughout history. City buildings can rise to eight or more floors, thanks to semi-reinforced concrete, with water pumped around using steam power. Plant-based anaesthetics were pioneered by the Videssians centuries ago. Cleanliness is known to be important when carrying out surgery. Micro-biology is a new science being pioneered by the Pangans, which may hold the key to further discoveries on this front.
Seafaring: This is still something of a mystery for most. But the Thuleans, Sarukians and Pangans have become experts, and their ship designs are the most common on the open ocean. Thulean navigators are the most prized of all, as they routinely circumnavigate the world in pursuit of profit. European and African ships are fast and manoeuvrable - the biggest warships are roughly the size of real-world 'Frigates', with three masts at most. Meanwhile, Asian ship design has leaned towards larger vessels, tough and storm-proof, with plenty of room for weapons and cargo, at the expense of speed and manoeuvrability. In shallow coastal waters, especially the mediterranean, cannon-armed galleys and galleasses are still common.
Warfare: The tangled mess of history, cultures and religion provides almost any excuse needed for going to war. And there will probably be lots of it. After centuries of use, gunpowder is now at the heart of warfare, in the form of reliable, if slow-loading muskets, and a vast array of artillery weapons. Gunpowder weapons have been widely traded, and only the most isolated tribal peoples will be without any, though obviously the quality can vary tremendously.
Those musketeers armed with the very latest muskets and tactics are on the verge of being able to stand alone on the battlefield. But for now, aggressive use of fast cavalry and melee infantry can still rip them to shreds. And so pikes, swords, maces, and all kinds of sharp implements still have a role to play in war. Armour is not out of fashion either, and it can still deflect shots from weaker muskets and pistols. 'Primitive' crossbows and longbows still have the advantages of rate-of-fire and lower cost.
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