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The dawn of civilization is at hand. Small groups of humans have decided to end their nomadic life-style, favoring the settled life-style, harvesting bountiful crops in the rich river valleys of the world. Others rely on the oceans of the world, the bounties of the sea filling their fishing nets. And all around these peoples are those who are less civilized. Hunters and gathers. Pillagers and slavers. Cannibals and wildmen. It is a diverse and wondrous world we watch. One that is complex and beautifully unique. Empires will rise and fall. Great disasters will befall many. Amazing feats will be accomplished over the course of history.
However, all things have beginnings. And before any giant leaps can be made, the smallest steps must be taken.
The first steps towards the greatness of civilization were taken by a people that call themselves the Ik. A people emphasizing the importance of simplicity, they developed a flourishing civilization at the mouth of the river Diarbi. Extremely bountiful crops allowed their population to expand rapidly. Along the river they expanded, their numbers giving them an advantage over all who crossed their path. They founded bustling cities along the Diarbi as they spread. The world’s first written language first developed within their walls, a side effect of their surplus food. Much like many things in their culture, this language is simple. Thus it is easily understood, and quickly spoken.
Their connection with the land they inhabit was almost as strong as their devotion to their formless god, Bo. It was said from the vast fields of the peasants, to the colorful gardens of the nobles, Ik agriculture was the most refined in the entire world. and perhaps this was true, for the Ik were practically the only people to have any notable agriculture. However, they soon realized they were not the only people along their fertile river to have adopted the civilized life-style.
The first people they met were the Sheol. A people to the north of the Ik, they were a strange sight. Their words were long, and they did not worship Bo, but their rulers instead. Gods on earth they called them, a divine presence among man. The Ik found this concept strange, but none the less began trading with the Sheol. Unlike the Ik, the Sheol had at least a noticeable amount of experience with the sea. Their ships traveled along the coast, bringing goods north and south over the centuries.
Of course, not all was peaceful between the two peoples. Early contact between the two largely consisted of the Ik pushing Sheol farmers off their land or worse yet, enslaving them. But finally, Moki, ruler of Wa-ik secured peace with the Sheol upon realizing they were not just simple barbarians. Still, occasional border wars happened over the centuries, but nothing too major. It should be noted that the Sheol are less united than the Ik. While the Ik have so far managed to stay largely under the banner of Wa-ik, the Sheol have multiple countries over which they rule. But how long will this last? Already Wa-ik shows signs of fracturing, rebellions coming increasingly common along the northern portions of the Diarbi. Meanwhile, Sharnol, the Sheol country along LaVey river (a tributary of the Diarbi), has begun eyeing the costal land of Heol greedily
To the south of the Ik is another group of people. They called themselves Jorisi. They inhabited many islands southwest, as well as much land along the Deros River. Sea farers far superior to the Ik, or maybe even the Sheol, Jorisi trade ships bring precious gold off of the Hanyi Islands. Those who control the Hanyi control the trade of the region it is said, and many certainly believe it. Seas of blood have been spilt for the Hanyi Islands, although never once have they been completely controlled by a single Jorisi state. However, the rising star Sohoi is ambitiously looking to change this. With extremely fertile lands along the river, and control of Sahoro Island, the largest of the Hanyi Islands, its wealth is unimaginable.
However, certain factors have stopped them from waging all out war against their neighbors. A people exists south of them, a people rather strange. They call themselves Iun. Belonging to an extremely rigid society, each Iun knows his or hers place in society. Almost like automatons they work to please a supposedly superior group known as Skaar’a. Legend says they are the god-like 7th tribe out of the 7 that make up the Iun. The other 6 tribes exist just to work for them and obey their will.
However, the lands the Jorisi met the Iun in were not the Iun’s homeland. These Iun told the Jorisi a tale (after much difficulty due to their titanic words and phrases). Long ago a member of the Skaar’a, named Naem, became too greedy and powerful. He began to gain a following, and along with a small group of other Skaar’a, attempted to seize power for himself and become the sole ruler of the Iun. However, Naem was overconfident, and misjudged his power. Eventually he was pushed northward, along with his followers. There they dwelt, living in isolation from their brothers. Later Naem attempted to apologize to the other Skaar’a, but was killed on the spot.
From then on, the Naemi-Iun dwelt in the north in quiet bitterness. In a way they continued to share characteristics with their southern brothers. They continued to live a strict life, always trying to fill the shoes of their ancestors perfectly. And in a way they still follow the will of a Skaar’a. They have started worshipping Naem as a god, priests of Naem now taking the place as the ruling caste in Iun society.
The southern Iun, calling themselves Aahee, are in possession of one of the grandest cities of the world. Oono, capital of Aahee, sits beside an extremely active oasis. Like an emerald gem in the desert, it sustains a large amount of plants, including some a large amount of Aahee crops. Will this marvelous city become a place of culture and teeming with people, or will it cause less positive side effects…..
To the north of the Iun roam the Sadhilim chiefdoms of Na-Tothdilim and Na-Sakilim. An extremely proud, perhaps even arrogant people, they gained an affinity for warfare in the hot deserts. They were noted as being the first people to use horses for warfare in recorded history. Their chariots and mounted infantry allowed them to quickly attack a target quickly, and leave almost as quickly into the deserts sands. Their knowledge of where oases were also gave them an enormous advantage in their raids.
And often did they partake in these raids, for they saw outsiders, or Borilim, as weak unless proved otherwise. And rarely did they prove them otherwise. The raids against Iun, Jorisi, and Ik lands were largely successes, while only occasionally did a war-band get captured or killed by the enemy. However, they are beginning to feel pressure as more Borilim begin moving closer and closer. In particular, some Borilim have even begun converting some Sadhilim to their faith!
These Borilim are known as the Aotomites. To the east they dwell, next to the Sea of Khofarat. A highly religious people, they are said to have fled their homes in the mountains to escape an extremely war-like tribe called the Ortomites. They believed that the strip of land in which they live was given to them by God so that they may live in peace. They’ve dedicated many works to their god. Priests ordered grand temples to be dedicated to God, while warrior-monks keep watch at the borders. A vast library of religious texts has also piled up in Dovodia, written in a language almost exclusively known by priests.
Their contact with the Sadhilim has been cold at best and bloody at worst. Initially the Aotomites thought that the Sadhilim were the Ortomites, and quickly prepared to defend their lands. The Sadhilim saw them as just another source for slaves and plunder, and attacked without mercy. But over time the Sadhilim fighting the Aotomites have started becoming more and more like their enemies. Na-Sakilim has an unusually high number of Dovodians. This hybrid-state is becoming a battleground for the Sadhilim and Aotomites, each claiming the land as their own.
The Aotomites largely don’t have any actual countries or governments, but act more like a confederacy than anything else. Small city-states and villages agree to help each other in case of an invasion, while largely just ignoring each other in any other case. Still, they are bound by faith and maintain good relations with one another.
To their north and south exist the Neolitian city-states. In stark contrast to the devoted and religious Aotomites, the Neolitians focus on profit and trade. Believing themselves to be children of an ocean spirit, have begun sailing in the Sea of Khofarat vigorously in search of more peoples with whom they may trade. Their early attempts were fairly successful, although many colonies have broken off and become independent. But this has only increased the amount of competition for trade in the region.
Besides the large merchant class, the Neolitians largely live just like the Aotomites in terms of day-to-day life. They really on rain to help grow their crops, and numerous fishing villages dot the coast. Their expertise on the water is unparalleled, and their ship-making is beyond comparison. Some joke that one day the greedy Neolitian merchants are just going to sail off of the edge of the world. But so far they have just found small communities along the coasts, eager to trade and learn from the Neolitians. Some from the south have traded interesting white materials with the Neolitians. Almost like bone it is, although beautiful carvings have been made in it. This has caused ambitious merchants to look further and further south for the origin of this material. Legends of great beasts and massive forests has reached the Neolitians, although some disregard the stories as tricks, and that the real source is some hidden mines or some other supply being kept secret from the Neolitians. Still, the money keeps on flowing in, regardless of what conspiracies the merchants think up as they explore further into the unknown.
Now we shall go west, to the mouth of the Deros and Yiol Rivers. There sits a land fertile and lush with life. This is the land of the Onysabr. Dotted by numerous city states and realms, the land of the Onysabr has been one filled with conflict and achievement. Early in their history they took to aggressive expansion, enslaving those they conquered. Early contact was rough with Jorisi and later Iun, slavers attacking border towns and villages. Eventually the more aggressive city-states were conquered or beaten into submission by the Jorisi and Iun, although they must keep a tight leash on their Onysabr subjects or risk having it all start over again.
The more eastern Onysabr lands are more unified than the city states to the east and south. With a few cities under their control, these realms dominate the region. Slave trade is extremely popular in these lands, where the Acon of these lands have statues and other monuments built in their honor. Plus massive farms run along the riversides, maintained by legions of slaves. How long these slaves can be kept in line no one knows. The vicious warriors of the Onysabr have refined the art of subjugation and brutality, but as more and more slaves are brought in, they are becoming bolder. The rebellions grow each year, and the larger states of the Onysabr seem to be teetering closer and closer to fracturing as their bloodthirsty brethren look on, eager to make a quick profit at their expense.
As we move south we see less unified realms and begin to see a multitude of small city-states, even more numerous than the Onysabric ones to the north. These are the Spiich states, a splintered region filled with cunning despots and brutal warlords.
Perhaps sharing a common ancestry with the Onysabr to the north, the Spiich are just as divided and war-like as their northern neighbors. Rich despots and ambitious generals carved up numerous empires and kingdoms, only to have them come crashing down back to the status quo. A rising merchant class has contributed to this cycle, adding to the instability and chaos to the region. Armies rush to and from cities as merchants carry valuable goods in and out of the lands.
The religion in these lands reflects the political situation perfectly. Hundreds of deities interpreted in thousands of different ways in many different cities and villages, there is no uniform religion that the Spiich follow. However, Onys, God of the Onysabr, is beginning to get a following in the northern city-states. He is especially revered by the wealthy generals of the region, who have erected majestic temples in his honor, and spilt blood in his name.
Finally as we reach the last of the southern civilizations, we find a land, not surprisingly, divided up into more city-states
These are the lands of the Kalthuans. A unique people, they have shown a love for knowledge and philosophy. The rich upper class has over the decades built up numerous libraries and schools in order for their children to be educated in the philosophical teachings of numerous philosophers and thinkers. While this has greatly benefited the upper class, the lower classes still make a meager living. Slaves dwell the streets, doing many tasks aimed at the betterment of the city. They have even been given tasks like detecting fake currency and other important jobs. Simple farmers work the lands near the cities, supplying them with a steady amount of food, which is then locked up tight in granaries.
A truly remarkable moment in Kalthuan history was their invention of bronze. Copper and tin mined out of their mountains gave them an abundance of material to work with, which eventually culminated in the creation of bronze. This allowed them to create wonderful religious artifacts and tool, not to mention effective weapons. Like wild-fire bronze spread through trade routes, although the main source was always in Kalthuan hands.
Now we shall look north, to a land less pleasant. Where law and order hold no power. Might makes right in these lands, and if you do not grow strong, you die.
Northeast of Sharnol exists the Tralavians. Considered barbaric and vile by the Sheol merchants that pass through their lands, the Tralavians are right at home in their rough mountain dwellings. Their culture values toughness and practicality highly. Talents and things of worth are accepted and prized, while lay-abouts and worthless trinkets are tossed aside. This has earned them the disdain of many a Sheol merchant trying to sell them various treasures and artifacts from the south.
Only recently have they really begun to adopt a sedentary life-style. Settling down next to the Eoril River, they established a few villages, as well as their only city; Yevel. While this doesn’t seem like a significant accomplishment at first glance, many of the surrounding tribes are beginning to take note of the surplus food the settle Tralavians have. Every year more begin planting crops in hopes of living an easier life. In between eating newly harvested crops or killed game, they eat their dead. A practice that is fairly common in the mountains, it has earned them the fear and disgust from many a people, many believe thing Tralavians to not be human at all. But the people of the mountains care not for their opinions, and have continued practicing their traditions.
To the north of the Tralavians exists the Daradula. Upon entering their lands, one is likely to hear a thunderous beating of a drum, or a voice singing the language of the mountains. The land is one of rhythm, something the Daradula value above all else. Everything is part of one massive rhythm according to the Daradula shamans and chiefs, who spend a large part of their days drumming in tune with the heartbeat of the world.
Their lands are harsh and rough, even more so than the ones the Tralavians inhabit to the south. There they make a living herding goats and sheep, as well as occasionally farming the land near the Eoril River. They have recently begun to take on a more sedentary life-style, just as the Tralavians have, although the process towards settled life has gone much slower. Many bands simply see the settling Daradula as weaker and raid them, inhibiting growth immensely. This has been extremely aggravating for the Sheol, who have noticed that when the Daradula settle down in their mountains, they begin to uncover, and soon trade, valuable minerals such as silver and tin. However, due to the instability of the region, the Daradula never stay settled for long and the wealth is lost until another band settles down and begins mining the mountains around them.
To the west we see the Pahrtan, worshipers of the sun and moon. A largely nomadic culture, they don’t show much inclination towards settling down, except for maybe the more western ones. Indeed, the Pahrtan are largely on the move. The only exception to this is the priests of Amaurkryr (Moon) and Analiese (Sun), who dwell in small temples in the mountains, maintaining in solitude and peace. Sometimes a tribe might settle down in a peaceful little valley for a year or so, but all it takes is one bad storm or drought, and they would have to move away to a new location.
Adoption is extremely common in their culture, although those who are not adopted before they reach adolescence usually live lives of isolation, herding goats in solitude or dedicating their lives to war. While this has made these un-adopted individuals rather bitter at times, they have begun to form their own unique class amongst Pahrtan society, often becoming vital when times of war are at hand.
Further west we come upon lands coveted by many mountain folk. The Pahrtan have been moving ever so slowly towards the northern banks of the LaVey River. The lands claimed by the highly religious Tokatya.
Having settled along the river’s banks long ago, the Tokatya seem miles ahead of the other mountain cultures, although they still have a long ways to go when compared to the mighty empires of the Ik or Iun. They have built numerous cities, although they are for the most part sparsely populated.
Ruled by the elected Atokorans, the Tokatya have a complex system of leadership, involving high priests, kings, high kings, and councils. This complex system has largely been effective in keeping the various Tokatya states intact, although with the influx of outsiders used to simple despotisms or monarchies, this system is coming under the threat of being replaced. In particular, migrating Pahrtan have begun influencing the Tokatya heavily. Still, the west bank of the LaVey is firmly under native Tokatya control.
And last but not least, we have in the northwest corner of the known world, the peculiar Ki. A young, yet thriving civilization, its people sit next to the mighty Wiskansin River. The river has allowed them to harvest bountiful crops, giving them the ability to support a large population. In many ways the Ki resemble the early forms of Ik civilization. And with hot deserts and mountainous terrain surrounding it, the Ki have had plenty of time to refine their agricultural techniques in peace.
One aspect about them that does set them apart from the Ik is the domination of society by the female gender. While most societies are lead by males, or at the most are fairly equal between the two genders, Ki society is the opposite. While this has worked fine for them in isolation, they are beginning to be opened up to a larger world as people of the northern ranges begin migrating slowly towards them and merchant ships from the south bring ambitious merchants along with them.
And so do does this chapter of history close. The first steps have been taken. Now it is time for the leaps. The sprints. The stumbles. The falls. This cradle of civilization will face many hardships and will give birth to many empires. Some may stand the test of time, while others will fall apart in a storm of ruin in chaos.
The sails unfurl in the salty sea winds. The cannibal licks his lips as he stalks his victim.
There are others.
Country Map (fairly Unimportant
)
Cultural Map (IMPORTANT)
Purple-Pink: Kalthurians
Bright Red: Spiich
Green: Onysabr
Blue: Jorisi
Light Yellow: Iu
Orange: Ik
Light Green: Sadhilim
Dark Yellow: Aotomites
Brown-Red: Neolitan
Red: Sheol
Yellow-Green: Tralavians
Sky Blue: Daradula
Brown: Tokatya
Bright Blue: Pahrtan
Yellow: Ki
Please ask any questions you might have about the update, and I apologieze in advance for any mistake I might have made.
@eltain: Your whole Hadryl-Luma system was interesting, but in all honesty I don't think it would really be applicable in a realistic world. Still, I tried to incorporate into your culture, but in a slightly different form.
@All: Sorry if things seemed to focus a lot on military events and stuff. I couldn't really write a whole lot about much else, seeing as how your cultures didn't really change at all. I didn't want to just be repeating the same stuff you posted in your templates. Hopefully the cultural devlopments will get more spotlight in this next update.
Edit: Also, city-states do not have capitals. This is for obvious reasons
(Except the Neolitian ones, which are super-special awesome. I totally didn't forget to remove their capitals or anything.)
I always romanticised the Gallic, Celtic, Germanic, Dacian, etc. forms of life. I personally find that kind of history more interesting than the stuffy success and failure of the romans and their like civilised friends.
