This has been a long time, but I think I should post it. I have written Fan Fics for Glest and posted them on the fourm in the summertime, when Glest was being made, and was assumed to have campagins and such. If anyone wishes to resurrect Glest, and allow for campagins, use these stories as a starting block, along with the Background created by Tucho. Please read and review. Thanks....
-Silent
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Deep rests Science in the Mind
as Magic deep in the Heart;
Those on which the Will is strong,
Those will reign on Their behalf.
Science was a fairly new doctrine, compared to the creation of Magic at the dawn of time. At the dawn of time, the followers of Magic played important roles in the creation of ancient societies and nations. Although Magic has a dangerously high rate of failure of higher-level spells, and the many failures of low-level spells, Mages could have changed the weather for the benefit of the caster, might have controlled the use of fire, and might of even summon monsters with the whim of their hand, however, there is evidence of this all myths and legends. While Magic received much attention, Technology also played its role in the rising of Man. While Magic brought the rain for farming, Technology invented the plow. While Magic blessed hunters with enhanced eyesight and speed, Technology blessed hunters with spears and camouflage. While Magic use senses to see where to go, Science use the stars to see where they are. Magicians are rare, and most tribes would be lucky to be blessed with more than 35 magicians during its lifetime, so Technology was relied on usually. Even when magicians existed, Technology still assisted when the Mages failed, which is very often. Technology and Science are very similar, however, Science wasn't developed until the rise of the city-state of Spari.
This was because Technology is a firm believer of Magic. Technology involves creation of new machinery, and inventions. In fact, Technology not only supported Magic, but believed Magic is actually integral to Technology. Several supporters of Technology tried to learn Magic, with some extent of success. Technology was very moderate, and believed in the current ideas at the time. However, Science is different from Technology. Science is a doctrine that tried not only to improve buildings and machines, but also to improve on ideas. A few Scientists was born in these early villages controlled jointly by Magic and Technology. However, their endless questioning and strange beliefs caused them to be lynched and murdered. They were cursed to be madmen, and were brutally suppressed by the elite and the peasantry.
Spari is different from other city-states formed during its period. Unlike most nations, which were either kingdoms or priestdoms, it was a Republic, where people elect their leaders. In the beginning of the Republic's history, Mages and Wise Men ran for election, but soon, Mages were banished from the city-state, sometimes even killed. It is still unclear why Spari did this. Perhaps it was jealousy, hatred, or worse. According to recently revealed documents, in the Spari Year 50, the last Archmage was put to death, and all elements of Magic was removed from Spari. The residents of Spari was very brave and must have been motivated by something terrible, like a bad mage, to eliminate all the magicians, both good and bad.
It is likely that Spari is the first place where Science prospered. This is because Spari had a tolerant attitude on all ideas, good and bad. Spari was originally just a settlement built by outlaw Scientists who fled nearby city-states. Some of these outlaw Scientists belivied in such radical ideas that even their own comrades were appaled: The Sun was at the center of the Solar System, not the Earth, there are no such things as Gods, a mystical force called Gravity is what keeps everything from flying…Still, all of these Scientists were allowed to speak their views. They wanted this to happen because even the moderate of the Scientists were considered radical by their city-states in which they left, and they didn’t want to lynch anybody.
These Scientists-in-exile created a City Council to rule over their settlement, seeing it dangerous and scary to actually appoint a King. Soon, many people started to flee to this safe sanctuary and the Council expanded its territory. In the Spari Year 25, the Council officially became a Republic, with two consuls, the Tribal Legislative Body, and the Senate. Philosophers reasoned on why the Earth was made, and was thought to question everything and everyone. The first Scientists of Spari did not just focus themselves on ideas. They also built outstanding new inventions such as schools and libraries and laid the foundations of Medicine and Algebra. Yet, it was the strange ideas is what made While a variety of views were shared in Spari, most people were very nationalist, and believed in the density of Spari's dominance and greatness.
It is no surprise that Spari started to take over Sairai, an important region in Glest. It was located in the middle of Glest, and it was central to most trade routes. In the beginning of Spari’s quest for glory, several city-states around Spari revolted against their kings and priests, allying with Spari. Spari, at first, allowed for these city-states to join as citizens in Spari. Many people love the ideas of a republic, and idealized Spari. However, Spari became corrupt with glory and arrogantly limited citizenship and raised taxes. At the highest extent of Spari's rule, most of Sairai and parts of other regions of Glest was ruled by Spari, and yet, only a few who lived in lands owned by Spari were citizens in Spari, and only a few of those citizens could vote in Spari. However, not many of them vote because of the high poll taxes, and that some elections were tampered with. Nevertheless, at the height of its glory, Spari became a major power in Glest, allowing for the once radical ideas of Science to spread to all parts of Glest, and allowing for these radical ideas to slowly become accepted norms.
There was much resistance to Spari's dominance, and rebellions were very common indeed. Spari's military was vastly spread apart, and republican debates that served well in the past proved itself to be obsolete and even deadly. (One debate over a bill to distribute land equally caused a riot that killed about 50 people and injured 260.) Only the rise of Juial Maio, a wily exile and warrior, saved Spari from sudden destruction. Juial destroyed the useless Republic in its entirety in the Spari Year 512, and turned Spari into a monarchy. Most people in the city of Spari and the people that lived in the lands occupied by Juial supported this new regime, as Juial cared about liberty and the poor more than the Republicans ever could. It must be noted that Juial and his descendants were magicians.
Spari wasn't saved from its eventual destruction by Juial. Instead of a rapid decline like those of past empires that existed before Spari, Spari was destined to slowly lose power in Glest, surrendering it to warlords and barbarians one acre at a time. It is important to note also that the rise of Juial paved the way of organization of magicians into 'schools'. These schools lived all around Glest, but these magicians rejected to see the peasantry or the poor. They only intended to meet the rich and powerful, so they can secure power. This is why people soon forgot that magicians was once friendly towards them, and only know the magician who pushed the beggar on the street, or gave that beggar the evil eye.
Scientists became the friends of the peasantry. They also courted favor with the friends in high places too, but scientists supported the masses if rulers and the people came in conflict. Scientists gave their last pence to the beggar, and sometimes dressed as the common folk, just to see how they live. These Scientists advanced their field so much that they knew everything, expect Magic. It not that Scientists know how Magic works. It is the 'WHY' that bothered them. Why did Magic was invented? Why did Magicians exist? There were suggestions that magic wasn't real, and that was accepted, for a while. It was obvious magic was real. No, the suggestion they accepted was that they were unnatural. They were conflicting with nature, battling against the forces of nature. Therefore, siding with nature, Scientists vow to destroy mages. While the regular Scientist pray for the poor, he curses at the magicians.
Personally, after compiling this essay after a long while, we believe that the reason that Scientists hated Magicians so much is that Juial, a magician, destroyed the Republic. The Republic championed Science and Technology. Juial, however, after declaring himself King, restricted Scientists, fearing that Science has grown too powerful, and maybe because of revenge of the banishment of all magicians in the Spari Year 50. Several of these Scientists were die-hard Republicans and wanted self-rule back. All of the Scientists placed the blame of the destruction of the Republic on Juial, and claimed once all the magicians are gone, then the Republic will come back. These Scientists have forgotten that there were much flaws in the Republic, instead idealizing the Republic to such an extent that they never thought farther than the Republic.
Of course, Scientists needed the help of the royalty and the barbarians who ruled Glest. It was hard persuading these people, but after a long while, these people decided to ally with the Scientists. The magicians were too powerful in their eyes, and they were a bit suspicious on the part of the peasantry. Plus, the estates of the Magicians were ripe for plucking, and a little extra cash wouldn't hurt.
Finally, Scientists needed to overthrow the King of Spari. The current king, the Archmage Shandalar, was old and fragile, and the military was tired of his crazy speeches and lavish palaces. Now, Spari was a pale shadow of its former glory. It is only a collection of slums and thieves, thrown together. It was ripe for a revolution.
Scientists took cheer on the "Repression", which occurred in the Spari Year 1000. This was a great and sudden movement with its main goal the destruction of magic everywhere. It started with the murder of a young peasant boy by a bad Magician, which was really a Scientist in disguise. This minor event snowballed into the greatest purge ever in history. Schools were burnt. Magicians were lynched. Properties were confiscated. Most Magicians, including the last King of Spari, Shandalar, have fled into the four corners of Glest, and the "Repression" was considered finished by the Spari Year 1005. The Republic was reformed, and the Scientists took pride. The revolution has finished, and now the Scientists can start on rebuilding Spari's republic, and soon dream of one day when they will conquer Sairai, nay, the whole Glest!
Yet, the magicians were down, but not out. Indeed, several magicians were protected by some barons and dukes, who believed that securing their alliance will further their own goals. Some people genuinely believed the Magicians were attacked wrongly, and hated Science. There were loyalists to the last King Shandalar. Plus, some people in Spari were disillusioned by the failures of the Republic to root out corruption and bring the nation of Spari back to power. The "Counter-Repression" has begun. All areas of Glest is now under this conflict, between the Magicians and the Scientists, for dominance of Spari and the world.
Today, it is the first of the new year, the Spari Year 1010. It has been 1010 years after our Founding Fathers laid foot on the city that is now called Spari, and convened the first Council meeting. There is nothing to celebrate however. We must now conclude, it is now daylight, and we must ascend back to our garrison duties. Our city is under siege by terrible enemies. We really don't care if there are magicians or scientists. These two civilizations need each other, and without each other, they wouldn't exist. We wouldn't exist. Why don't these people live in peace?
But, no, they can't. They will never live in peace. They will continue fighting, and leave me and thousands of other peasants to fear for their lives and suffer for their useless feud.
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The Legend of Atl:
Many people today believe Atl is not the legendary city-state that it is assumed to be. However, those many are actually a few. Most people take comfort in this legend, and leave their homes to find this lost and forlong city.
According to legend, Atl was built upon a city-continent. No accurate maps exists of this continent, but myths say the continent is a very tropical climate, with several rainforests and mountains dotted about. This continent was originally settled as a farming village, but then grew into a land of commerce, and trade. Legend has it that Atl actually prospered because of a spell cast by a loyal magician. In fact, Atl owed everything to the magicians, who strangely appeared more commonly in Atl than in other areas. Atl became a gathering place for wizards and warlocks of the World to learn how to do magic. The Kings of Atl was content with their luxurious lives, and seemed to enjoy the magicians' loyalty. However, later on, the Kings of Atl became more and more angry at the magicians, who swear loyalty to the Magical Order of Atl, not to the King of Atl. It was a matter of time before the Magical Order of Atl was clamped down by the royalty of Atl.
A devastating Civil War developed, between the kingdom of Atl and the Magical Order of Atl. The Kingdom of Atl won several battles, but they soon gave in, and the last King committed suicide while in prison. The Magical Order of Atl became the rulers of Atl.
The Magical Order became power-hungry, and filled with greed. They did not remain content with the wealth, they want more! They see themselves as the rightful ruler of magic, and therefore, the rightful rulers of all. The Magical Order slowly began charging tribute, and taking over nearby lands, with some successes, and most failures. The Magical Order's futile campaigns drained the income and prosperity of Atl.
What did the Magical Order in was the quest for the "Will". They wanted to find this Will, and rule all of the world. They believed the Will has magical powers, so they sent their best warriors to try and find the Will, with failure. The Gods were very angry at this Order, and the Gods try to prevent the Order from getting the Will. The Order came very close to grabbing the Will had it not been for a breeze or for a straw.
Anyway, one God finally got an idea to destroy the Order before they get the Will. It was a suprise the Gods never thought of that before, and it can be assumed the reason the Gods didn't do it before is because they were stupid.
Atl was "gobbled by the living seas". Destroyed, and devastated, the mythical city is now an watery grave...remains of the Magical Order of Atl did escape from the disaster alive, and disperse themselves throughout the world.
The Second Magical Order of Atl was formed from self-proclaimed descendants of the original Magical Order of Atl. This was created in the Spari Year 815. This Second Magical Order swears their loyalty to the King of Spari, and was counted upon to be the old guard of the King during the Repression. The Second Magical Order fought against the Republicans, and were soon routed, but they are regrouping, preparing to liberate Spari from the Republicans.
The Second Magical Order is also on the quest, searching for the Will...The Second Magical Order is motivated on finding the Will maybe for glory, maybe for gold, or maybe, just for curiosity. Not much is known about the Second Magical Order...
The Headquarters of the Second Magical Order is at the Sea of Tranquialltisa. The Sea has a myriad of life forms, and is next to a small fishing village. The Sea of Tranquialltisa is believed to be where the magician who blessed Atl with prosperity and greatness long ago descended
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Aswan:
(Based on Ancient Egypt. Desert landscape, with oases, and a farming climate near the Hierak River)
Aswan is a backward-looking region. It rarely improves on its technology, and the people of Aswan farm the same way they farmed thousands of years ago. It is a land time have forgotten, and life remains the same as always on the land, with the subtle changes of rulers, and polices.
Most of the population live alongside the Hierak River, but the desert landscape is still sparsely settled, if only to spread the influence of the royal family and priesthoods that ruled Aswan, and to exploit the riches that lie below the surface. These small settlements are usually centered around the rare oasis that turns up in the harsh Desert.
The Royal Family of Aswan is powerful, as there is a major ruler-cult over this Royal Family. According to folktale, the Royal Family is actually the sons and daughters of the Gods themselves, and so should be treated as Gods. The Royal Family claimed that they have not been threatened by revolts or chaos or anything, and says they rule uninterrupted for hundreds of thousands of years. They just might be stretching the truth.
However, the Royal Family increasingly was being squeezed out of power in Aswan by the Royal Priesthood. The Royal Priesthood is made to support the religious affairs of Aswan, and was originally a pawn of the Royal Family. Soon, the Royal Priesthood became independent, and acted as regent for weak kings once in a while. The Royal Priesthood soon know that the King is useless, and the Priesthood rules over all.
Indeed, there was much chaos at the Priesthood, and politics in the Priesthood is much complicated with secret treaties with secret clauses, and hired assassins who kill by poison. The Royal Family is afforded token support during the conflicts of the Royal Priesthood, due to its religion, but it was only a figurehead, and the Royal Family knew it, but never told that unless in private.
Aswan has fought several wars to defend its frontier, and one of its most famous wars was the wars with Republican Spari. Spari tried to subject Aswan to its dominance, as Spari hated Aswan. The religion on Aswan placed much emphasis on magic, and the persists usually are also magicians. People who studied Republican Spari knew that they were all united in their hatred of Magicians.
Once, Spari forces occupied the mouth of the Hierak River, and massacred thousands of magicians living at the small town of Alkai. This massacre symbolizes the hatred of the Republican Sparians and the Aswanians. Later, when Alkai is taken back, the Aswanians killed most Sparians that were living there.
Once the Republic ended, relations started to improve with the new magician-ruled Spari, and trade started to occur. Spari and Aswan became allies, but there was still that hatred.
The leadership had essentially been the same, with the Royal Family living in splendor, then dying and being placed in mystical buildings called Yarimds, where they will remain forever. There has been several moves for reform in the past...all has failed, but this time, one reform movement might succeeded...
The current king of Aswan, Aton, was a reclusive fellow, and seemed to be minor in the struggle for power in the Priesthood...until Aton got a 'revelation'. Aton told his family, and then announced it to the public...Aton got a message to worship One God...not the many Gods who ruled the world, but One True God, who is fighting against all the Other Gods to gain power, but is the True and the Ultimate God who is Destined to Triumph Over All The Other Gods...The God of the Sun, Kola.
Kola was worshipped much before, but this revelation sparked a civil war, as peasantry, commanded by Aton, killed persists and tore down temples of the other Gods. The Persists retaliated, saying that Aton is a fraud, who is supporting an evil force. Great chaos ensured in the religion of Aswan.
In fact, some people said that Aton had this 'revelation' precisely to counter the Persists. Aton and his Royal Family wanted the power, not to be figureheads. This was their way to gain their rightful power. Aton said that the Royal Family are sons of Aton, and that the Persists are sons of the Other Gods who wanted evil to occur.
The great conflict started in the Spari Year 995...5 years before the start of the Repression in Sariai. Shalandar, the King of Spari, decided to aid the Persists, and sent Military Aid to protect the Persists. Some of that Aid was intercepted by Aswan's navy fleets, and Aton himself plotted an invasion of Spari to seize its throne and further expand his power.
However, in the Spari Year 1005, the Kingdom of Spari ended, and a feeble Republic takes power. The Republic and Aton decided to reinstate a peace treaty with each other, for the time being. The Republic wanted Aswan's soils, and Aton wanted Sariai lands. They did not send military aid to one another, and decided to let them fight their own internal conflicts...
The relations between the two nations are shaky, and could collapse any minute...even so they both hate magic, and they both support technology. Aton is a firm supporter of technology, because Aton said technology and science are a gift from Aton. Much reform is done with Aton's regime, but there is still more reform to be done, and the civil war still continues...as the Persists secured Southern Aswan, and is preparing to assault the North, controlled by Aton. The Persists are in direct alliance with the last King of Spari, Shalanadar (who might be hiding in Southern Aswan), and of all magicians in concern, including the powerful Second Magical Order of Atl.
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Gaul (Gaul is the old name of the territory known as France during the Roman period...Gaul has the same look as France) :
This region has been a center of chaos and barbarians. It wasn't always that way. Gaul was once a major world power, led by the mighty Jamis Family. The Jamis Family ruled over a vast territory including outlying fortresses on Sairai. The Jamis Family allowed for city-states in Sairai to rule however they will, but they must pay tribute to the Jamis Family.
The Jamis Family became worried at the rise of Spari, the Republican city-state that hated royal familes. Spari led a colation of rebels who overthrew Jamis' rule over Sairai. Later, Spari marched deeply into Gaul territory, and took over the Jamis' family...that was around the Spari Year 215.
Spari held onto this powerful reigion, using it as a powerbase. It also used it as a propaganda tool, trying to how the Republic is the correct form of government. The propaganda had mixed results, some Gauls supported Spari, but most hated it.
After Juial's rise to power in Spari, and the fall of the Republic, it became harder for Spari to exercise control over Gaul. Barbarians, which were always a thorn in the Republic, became a raging tide. Barbarians overran Gaul, and its capital, Maisa. The Kingdom of Spari was successful sometimes in these mighty campaigns, but finally, the Kingdom's final outpost of Geanis was destroyed in the Spari Year 713, and no more reinforcements were expected to arrive.
The Barbarians were all united against the Sparians, but they all hated each other too, and therefore, the chaos that now plagued Gaul. There are around 35 tribes in Gaul, each claming to be the rightful ruler of Gaul. Maisa, the capital of Gaul, once a prosperous city, is now a crime-ridden village. When the Repression came, there was not much that change in Gaul. There was still fighting amongst themselves. However, some of the tribes, in order to finance their campaigns, decided to sell themselves as mercenaries to the conflict, giving the oath of alliance to those with the highest bidder and only for the duration of the contract.
Some of the Tribes of Gaul has possessed magical items that they use in combat...these magical items are not shown to foreigners, especially the Sparians, but this hiding of these magical items actually increases interest in them...some believe these magical items can grant the person who has it powers in battle and might be useful in the current conflict between Magic and Science, while other speculate that the items might be bits and parts of the Will itself...
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Rouge Islands/Norse Republic
(Based on England)
Legends said of the people from the north that ravages the entire World and can loot everyone and everything. These people are the Norse, and the Norse Republic rules over what is known as the Rouge Islands.
Rouge Islands has a great navy, the most advanced in the world. The Norse Empire uses it for piracy, patrolling the seas and seizing nearby ships. They are so effective that merchants pay Norse Empire to 'ignore' their ships. However, the Norse Empire also exploits Rouge Islands' natural resources.
Before, Spari conquered this land in the Year 312, which was easy since no empire a foothold established there. Spari's oppressive rule, with its high taxes and massive looting, united the rivaling barbarians together. This is what Spari feared. A famous Spari proverb is “Divide and Ruleâ€. If the barbarians unite, Spari will no longer ruler. In the Year 512, the barbarians started a major revolt which forced Spari out of the Rouge Islands.
It is assumed the Barbarians would fight against each other, and they did for some time…but soon, the barbarians agreed to form a republic, much like Spari, only ‘better’ and ‘more improved’. Each tribal leader ruled their own territory, but will send representatives to the central council at Engisiam, the capital, owned by no tribal leader. The Council at Engisiam decided the major decisions for the Republic. This system was stable for some time, expect for just a few disturbances and civil uprisings.
There are 15 tribes in the Norse Republic, and all of them engage in piracy in one way or another. The Norse Republic has plundered several fortresses off the coast, and competed with Spari for dominance of Gaul. The Norse Republic and Spari fought several wars in the 8th century and the 9th century, with the Norse Republic often times winning. While Spari was a falling star, the Norse Republic was a rising empire, and all feared it.
When Shandalar ascended the throne of Spari, it was obvious what has happened. Shandalar was a puppet of the Norse Republic. A humiliating peace treaty forced Shandalar to be ‘protected’ by the Norse Republic, and ‘generous gifts’ must be paid every year. In return, Shandalar has full rule in his own nation. This made Shandalar very unpopular, and allowed for Scientists to gain support from the peasantry and the military. Even if it seems Shandalar was a sell-out, this treaty was forced upon, and If Shandalar didn’t accept it, ‘unfortunate events will happen’.
At its peak, the Norse Republic is the de facto ruler of the known World. But, the Norse Republic is secretly divided. The 15 Tribes of the Norse usually compete against each other in wars and Engisiam was sacked several times. A power vacuum was forming, and the tribes compete to fill it.
When the Repression began in Spari, the Norse Republic backed the feeble Shandalar against the rebels. Shandalar has fallen, and it can be believed that the Norse Republic gave Shandalar refuge until the Norse Republic finds a way to put Shandalar back on his throne. The Norse Republic’s devastating navy blockaded Spari, and fought several campaigns against the rebels…
However, the Norse Republic was divided. 6 Tribes of the Norse Republic left the Council at Engisiam in support for the Scientist rebels. Some of these tribes may be vowed over by the Scientist charms…other of these tribes want to usurp properties of the mages, and still others wanted to challenge the main government. These 6 Tribes left the Council and formed a New Council at Aisfg. A general Civil War has finally begun. The country was evenly divided. The Rouge Islands exploded in the midst of barbaric warfare, reverting back to their former selves of looting and razing…
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EPIC POEM OF ZAN:
This is a poem that was passed down from generation after generation. No accurate manuscript of this exist, and it varies from region to region. It is a long poem, and here is only a summary of what it talks about:
The Epic Poem of Zan is named after the legendary warrior-king Zansial, a Viking who wanted to rule the known world. Zansial rose to power in the northern seas by using diplomacy and war. He was confirmed as the king of the Northern Armies, and so marched onwards to capture land for the North.
Zansial conquered much land and easily swept the world in flames. Zansial was not looking for land, but was looking for The Will. Zansial belivied he was destined to find it, and so he marched everywhere, razing down empires and city-states, and leaving a wasteland behind. Some people of the Northern Armies settled in the wastelands, but then raped it of all its resources.
Zansial was an evil man who 'ate humans' commonly. However, we believed Zansial is not as evil as the Poem claims he was. Zansial was properly like most empire-seeking people at the time, ruthless, powerful, and mighty.
The watershed for Zansial's empire came with the seige of Ri, an important settlement which Zansial believed has important clues about the whereabouts of The Will. Zansial saw that Ri was tough, and he was getting tired. Finally, Zansial convinced himself the only way to destroy Ri once and for all is to summon a dragon (a 'winged flame')...and so he did.
The spell went horribly wrong. Zansial and his army was decimated by the Dragon, who then left wandering for more tasty morsels, not even passing a glance at the scared city of Ri. Only 50 to 100 survivors escaped; not one of them was Zansial. This is the climax of the Epic Poem of Zan, of how a magic spell went awry saved the World.
It also saved the Gods, who is known for making so no mortal ever lay touch on the Will.
(It is believed by some, but not confirmed, and most likely a lie, that Ri is actually the city of Spari...)
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The Northlands:
The Northlands is a snowy region dominated by Vikings, who usually form themselves into tribes and fight each other for control before the time of Zansial. When Zansial came into power, the Northlanders went on a crusade to victory. To learn more about Zansial, read the Epic Poem of Zan. After Zansial's untimely death, the Northern Armies' fronts collapsed and the Vikings once more competed. The armies were routed back to the Northlands...as strongman after strongman take control of the Northlands.
The Northlands is a land of barbarism, but it recently formed itself into a republic similar to that of the Norse Republic in the Sparian Year 810. Nationalism entered into the blood of the Vikings who lived in the Northlands, and they vowed to return back to "Ri" and find the pieces of the Will. In the early years of the Republic, however, there was much chaos and mayhem between the tribes, but then things started settling down.
In the beginning, the Northlands was supposed to be puppets of the Rouge Islands, but the Northlands won a war in 931 against the Rouge Islands, and easily asserted itself. It seemed as if the Northlanders are about to face off against the Rouge Islanders for dominance over the world...
After 6 tribes left the Engisiam Council and formed their new Council at Aisfg, the Northlanders gave assistance to this new government. They didn't care if it supports Scientists, it just wanted to form a puppet government in the Rouge Islands. Therefore, much campaigns are fought during this time between the Northlanders and the Rouge Islanders who support Engisiam.
There are some Northlander rebellious tribes that existed for quite some time, starting in 931. These tribes hated technology and wanted magic to rule. They follow a religious cult that believed that Zansial will come back to lead the Vikings and the Northlanders, and that Zansial backed the rebellious tribes and will curse any Viking who fight against 'the truth'.
These tribes fought a guerrilla war against the main government, but were considered inactive. Once the Civil War began in Engisiam, the tribes became more active, and more daring. These Northlander tribes want nothing more than to lay waste to the capital of the Republic, Leaos. It is believed that these tribes are supported by Engisiam.
(Northlands based on the countries Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and Greenland)
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THE ATEOLIA
(Based on Greece)
The Ateolians were a divided civilization, as many city-states competed for dominance in the land of Ateolia. Much wars occurred, dividing the Ateolians making them weak. The Ateolians once unified to battle the invading Northlanders and again with the empire of Aswan, but after they fought off their foes, they returned back to battle with themselves.
Several philosophers in Ateolia did not approve of this fighting. They did not want barbarians to rule over their homeland, and so they wanted to form a coalition that would rule all Ateolains and then rule the world. These philosophers were few, but their numbers increased. They were not very popular with the peasantry, as they do not support Magic, and most were 'scientists'.
The Ateolians were known for their advanced technology. They were grand in building, in writing, in reading, in poetry, in trade, in everything. They influenced the culture of Spari, as several philosophers from Ateolia actually fled to Spari because of their beliefs. The city of Spari is named after an Ateolian, Spari Masiao, the first Consul of the Spari government.
When Spari launched into a world empire, it attempted to unify Ateolia. The major city-states did not approve of this, and claimed they want "freedom". Spari, dominated by Ateolians-in-exile, wanted to unify Ateolia, in the extent that they waged a deadly war against Ateolia and massacred thousands of people, and uprooted hundreds of homes. This war, known as the Ateolian Liberation War, happened in 142-146.
The War was a turning point. Ateolia has submitted to Spari. A puppet government was formed, called the Ateolian League. The Ateolian League had the same government as that as Spari. Propaganda said the Ateolians are happy, but they were not. Most were angry at this, and the city-states wanted freedom, not to be unified together by Spari. Ironically, this allowed the city-states to work together to try and overthrow Spari. Revolts always happened in Ateolia, and as it became more and more obvious Ateolia doesn’t want Spari, Spari holds Ateolia even stronger, because it was an important propaganda victory, and if they leave Ateolia, they will abandon their 'ideals'...
In 510, important rebels in Ateolia backed Juial, by then, an important senator and warrior in Spari. Juial made secret deals with rebels that if the rebels work with Juial, Juial will allow them 'power' in the new regime. In 512, Juial seized Spari and ended the Republic...but instead of giving rebels power, Juial annexed Ateolia, and made it a province of Spari...This betrayal angered the Ateolians and made them angrier, and more rebellious.
The rebellions proved too much for the falling empires of Spari. Finally, latter regimes of Spari left more and more territories, giving them to city-states to try and pacify them. By 911, the foothold of Spari on Ateolia only extended to the mere slums of Salo.
The Ateolians fought against each other, as the city-states battled for supremacy. It seems as if they became 'barbarians'. Still, Ateolians are the cultural masters of the world, and they are known for their outstanding abilities, including that of mastering magic.
When the Repression occurred, the Republicans in Spari seized power and exiled Shalandar. The Republicans were a bit starry-eyed, and were blinded by their past. They want to resurrect their empire back, and so, began a "Reliberation" campaign in Ateolia. They started with founding the "Second Ateolian League", with Salo as the capital.
Ateolia was divided, with some city-states backing the Sparians and others wanting to defend their 'freedom'. A major war had begun. The city-states that wanted to defend their 'freedom' enlisted the help of magicians who hated the Scientists.
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ARUSSI
(Based on Russia)
Arussi was a territory of barbarians, until with the rise of the Northlanders described in The Epic Poem of Zan. Arussi became one of the first territories ruled by the Northlanders. It was quickly subdued, and never revolted much. This was because the Northlanders, after searching all of Arussi for The Will, allowed for the autonomy of the city-states in Arussi, as long as these city-states pay tribute to the Northlanders. This system is similar to other systems the Northlanders instituted among the territories that the Northlanders occupied during their 'golden age'.
After the untimely death of Zansial, the territories that the Northlanders occupied were reconquered, and the Northlands went into a steep decline. While that occurred, a city-state named Petrograd in Arussi risen up to the top, as they conquered nearby city-states and formed an empire. Petrograd is ruled by a monarchy, the title of the King is Tsar.
The Northlanders wanted to keep Arussi, seeing its tactical importance. So, they tried to prevent Petrograd from rising to the top. However, Petrograd succeeded in all their attempts, and even became a little haughty. In 626, Petrograd declared that it does not owe any more taxes to the Northlanders. This started an epic war between the Northlanders and Petrograd, with Petrograd winning. In 635, the Northlanders signed the terrible Treaty of Bernes-Isaos. Not only did the Northlanders leave all of Arussi, and give it to Petrograd, but Petrograd also receives a annual tribute of 10,000 gold from the Northlanders for 100 years. This worsens tensions in the Northlanders between the barbaric families, and allowed for Petrograd to enter the world stage.
In celebration of this, the current Tsar, Phillip, named himself "Tsar of Arussi", and made Petrograd the capital. Arussi entered into a golden period, of trade and prosperity. Barbarians still had to be fought, but Arussi fought them off easily. Arussi even attempted to gain land in the Northlands, taking advantage of the chaos. They were cut off when the Northlanders formed a Republic in 810, which was backed by a major power, the Norse Republic. The boundaries between Arussi and the Northlands was actually between Arussi and the Norse Republic.
When the Northlanders declared war against the Norse Republic in 931 Arussi decided to assist the Northlanders. In return, the Northlanders seceded some disputed territories to Arrusi, and become full allies. Arussi and the Northlands became major allies, and traded with each other often.
The Golden Age of Arussi ended around 965. New trade routes made Arussi obsolete. Finances were handled wrongly, and Arussi was deeply in debt. Tsar after Tsar spent and spent, knowing more money would come, but when they notice no money is coming, it was too late. Arussi is now a weakling. The Northlanders gained much power and influence in Arussi by assisting it in its ever declining state.
Finally, an ultra-nationalist, Niaghr, seized power in Arussi, in 989. Niaghr used diplomacy and courage to persuade the armed forces to back him and overthrow the last corrupt Tsar, Nighter. Nighter was executed, and Niaghr proclaimed that Arussi is changing, changing into something more.
Niaghr first decided to back rebellious tribes in the Northlands who wanted to overthrow the "republic". These Northlander tribes decided Niaghr was the "assistant" of Zansial, and should be trusted. These rebellious tribes were great worshippers of Zansial. At first, Arussi tried to remain friendly with the Northland Republic as well, but then declared support outright in 992, and broke off ties with the Northland Republic.
Niaghr then slaughtered all scientists in Arussi, after an attempted coup that occurred in 995. Scientists were angry at Niaghr's conservative actions, which was crushing of all modern items, and rescriting science. This only served for Niaghr to increase his persecution. In 997, Niaghr made it "an act of treason" to become a scientist or to aid one.
Niahgr then assisted Shalandar and Spari when the Repression happened over there in 1000. Military aid was sent, and much wars were fought, but the Scienists won. Niahgr did not support the rebels however, and continued the war effort. It seems that Niahgr is supporting Shalandar, and might put him back on the throne, but it is also possible, Niahgr could just take Spari and call it his own.
Niahgr's ultra-nationalist policies had mixed success in Arussi. Some recovery was made, but Niahgr's failures are paved over by the countless talk of war. Niahgr controlled Arussi, running it totally with secret policies patrolling about, looking for 'enemies'.
Several scientists, allied with some of the local population, formed a terrorist group called the Arussi Freedom Fighters (AFF). The AFF want nothing more than the complete destruction of the Niahgr's regime. The AFF is most wanted by Niahgr's secret police, which are known for their powerful interrogation tactics and experience in espionage. Still, Niahgr has many enemies in the government, who hated his policies that are increasingly self-centered. Still, these enemies keep their hatred to themselves, at least for now.
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Inquisti:
(Spain)
Inquisti is a territory that had local barbaric tribes that existed. These barabic tribes were allowed to live and fight amongst themselves under the rule of the Jamis Family which was based in Gaul. Soon, however, the Jamis Family's rising taxes and interference in local politics made the Jamis Family hated amongst the nobles and peasantry of Inquisti.
Inquisti forces assisted Spari in overthrowing the Jamis Family that ruled in Gaul. After the conflict, Spari and Inquisti city-states had border tensions, with the city-states of Inquisti wanting full control over Gaul. These border conflicts erupted into several wars on the borders, but all of those wars were inconclusive.
In 501, the five major families of Inquisti got together and decided to create a Kingdom. They elected a royal family, but this royal family was only a pawn, really controlled by Inquisti city-states. The city-states continued to compete internally for control over the new Inquisti Royal Family, but they also focused on gaining power outside of the domains of Inquisti. The city-states became united together under one nation.
Inquisti forces took advantage of the chaos in Gaul in the late 500s to the early 700s to try and seize influence in the area. Sometimes, Inquisti fought against Spari, allied with the tribes in Gaul, and other times, Inquisti fought against the tribes of Gaul, allied with Spari. It is believed that Inquisti generals were behind the decisive battle of Geanis in 713 that herald the end of Spari rule in Gaul, leaving Inquisti as the sole heir to this territory.
However, Inquisti could not secure this barbaric land, and the Gaulians were very independent. In 731, the hastily built fort of Neo-Inquisti was crushed, and Inquisti started to retreat to the borders of Inquisti for protection. Still, the nation of Inquisti continues to be a power-broker in Gaul, and, until 992, was allied with a total of 5 tribes in Gaul. Usually, Inquisti sees it useful to trade with the Gaulians for precious minerals and weaponry.
The noble families of Inquisti still controls the weak Royal Family up until 992. Angered with the corruption of the noble families, and driven by the motto of "Bread, and Land!", the peasants of Inquisti rose up and exiled the nobles. The Royal Family was drowned. The "Inquisti Revolution" has begun.
This Revolution was backed by Scientists, who remembered fondly the time of the Republic of Spari. These Scientists, however, are different from other Scientists. Other Scientists believed in recreating the Republic in Spari, while the Scientists at Inquisti believed that the way to success is enlightening the barbaric nations and bringing the traditions of the Republic to them.
The Republic begins to reform the country, and the first thing they did was the killing and destroying of all magicians. Riots happened, and purges were common. In 998, over 2000 magicians was slaughtered in Halliao, a small city known for its experiments in Magic, after accusations of trying to 'destroy the Republic'. The death toll was so huge that blood flowed to the knees of the rioters.
Today, the Republic is contending with an insurgency being protected by 5 tribes in Gaul. This insurgency is led by nobles wanting to regain their land back and put the powerless Royal Family back on the throne. The insurgency is being backed by magicians who fled the persecution and murder by the Republic in Inquisti.
The capital of the Republic in Inquisti is Nightfall.
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Atimid Monarchy
(Territory Based on the modern-day countries of Algeria, Tunisina, Lyiba)
Before the creation of the Atimid Monarchy, there was barbarians living here. The Aswan Empire laid claim to this violate region known as "The Sarrahsi". It was hard to fight off the rebels and the barbarians, and several campaigns were fought in the Sarrahsi. Yet, the barbarians were not united, helping the Aswan Empire out in subduing this terrible land.
In 510, the Atimid Monarchy was born. It was started as a small cult called the Darsi. The cult of Darsi believed that their founder, Atimid, is an incarnate of God, and that Atimid will trimpuh over the Aswan Empire. The Darsi religion received much praise and attention, and so the barbarians united together, and fought off the Aswan Empire one by one. In one battle, Atimid was shot by an arrow, and died right there on the spot.
This caused for a morale drop and the Darsi cult seemed to end, but a 'prophet' then appeared in 545, and explained away the death, by saying Atimid will come back one day, and rule the world until the end of time. He will bring about a great Darisan revolution and create an utopia on Earth.
The 'prophet', Alexander, led the faltering resistance, and made so the Atimid Monarchy would remain. Alexander became the Second King of the Atimid Monarchy, the first King was Atimid. Therefore, the Sarrahsi was divided into the eastern and the western. The eastern part is controlled by the Atimid, and the western is controlled by the Aswan Empire.
In 912, the last fortress of the Aswan Empire in Sarrahsi fell to the Monarchy. The Atimid Monarchy aims towards subduing Aswan and then conquering more land. However, by then, the Atimid Monarchy has stretched too far. Rebellions were common, and military desertions increased. New rulers of the Atimid Monarchy now realize that past rulers have devoted much time to conquering and not enough time consolidating power. A series of weak rulers undermine the Monarchy, and Aswan has even tried staged a comeback in the Sarrahsi, with some mixed success.
In 981, one out of many countless rebellion began. This rebellion claimed that Atimid has descended from the Heavens and is ready to take up the throne. They call themselves the Armies of Atimid, and rallied many forces in an attempt to conquer the capital of the Atimid Monarchy, Cairo. Many scientists who lived in the area seem to support Atimid, as Atimid has made a proclamation in 985 that all Magicians are evil and are to be put to death. He justified this proclamation by saying that magicians backed the evil monarchy that ruled in Cairo.
In 990, the Armies of Atimid marched through the gates of Cairo. The Utopian Rule has begun. Atimid fought against the persists' armies in Aswan, until Aton had his 'revelation' and began clamping down on persist. Atimid and Aton decided to have a 'cease fire' for the time being; both knew that war will happen in the near future.
The Armies of Atimid must fight against loyalist magicians, guards of the Old Order, who wants to return the last King of the Atimid Monarchy, Tony, back onto the throne, and get rid of what the loyalists magicians call a 'lying pretender'.
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THE WILL:
The gods of the past created the Will by accident, really. Nobody knows what the Will looks like. Some say it is actually physical, and the Will are forgotten relics the Gods made as tests. Others says the Will are actual ideas of the gods that was created and forgotten.
After the Gods created the Will, they didn't put much thought to it, until it dawns on them that the Will has special powers that can easily bring a mere mortal to immortality. Who knows what would happen if mere Gods gain this? So, the gods fought for this Will, and the Great Wars of the Gods began in earnest, as the Gods plotted and schemed for control of The Will...until they realized ONLY mere mortals can use it, not Gods.
Then, the Gods decided to unify together, and keep this Will safe, so that no mortal can gain control of this Will. Yes, the Gods still fight, but they sometimes do unify to destroy any mortals that goes on quests to find the Will. It is the Gods that sunk the city of Atl, and the Gods that used the Dragon that Zansial summoned against him.
The gods are very numerous, and it is only The Will, or the threat of a mere mortal taking the Will, that bands them together. Even so, the Gods feud in their heavens, fighting over and over. The battles on the world could be mere extensions of conflicts in the Heavens.
In order to protect the Will, the Gods decided to 'possess' mortals, taking them and turning them into slaves of the Gods themselves. These 'Guardians' know only of obedience, and will obey the God that controlled them forever. These 'Guardians' hide in rare outposts and pay homage to their ruler. Whoever that sees these Guardians' secret bases either die or convert to their cause. The Guardian is used to fight in the wars in the Heavens, and in other worlds too, but are usually stationed on this world for the protection of the Will.
The Gods tried to destroy the Will, but that failed. The Gods even TRIED to move the Will, but after they move the Will to another World, or even to the Heavens themselves, the Will would just 'warp' back to this world...Some prophets believed that this could mean that the 'Will' is destined to be found...
