History of Unuvun and the Nautical Peace: Difference between revisions
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Unuvun has been inhabited by tool users for more than 100,000 years. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of stone tools as well as ''[[Homo unuvifelis]]'' ("Unuvi cat-man") dating back to approximately 120,000 B.Y. Homo unuvifelis was then displaced by an initial wave of ''Homo sapiens'' from southern [[Nokhta]] approximately 45,000 years ago, who then combined with another wave of humans from | Unuvun has been inhabited by tool users for more than 100,000 years. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of stone tools as well as ''[[Homo unuvifelis]]'' ("Unuvi cat-man") dating back to approximately 120,000 B.Y. Homo unuvifelis was then displaced by an initial wave of ''Homo sapiens'' from southern [[Nokhta]] approximately 45,000 years ago, who then combined with another wave of humans from Hsuqlihta approximately 25,000 years ago and yet another wave of humans from [[Lysteriok]] 18,000 years ago. These three ancient groups of people together form the Memba people, who inhabited Unuvun for the subsequent 23,000 years until their displacement around 6,800 Y by the green-haired [[Raiwlawbiwmtë]] people from the [[Shattered Islands]]. Genome research shows that modern Unuvi people inherit approximately 90% of their genome from the Raiwlawbiwmtë people, and the remaining 10% from the Memba people. | ||
Writing first spread into Unuvun during [[1024 Year Spring]], when various merchantile states in the southern [[Shattered Islands]] began trading with the Unuvi people in the 82nd century, as well as establishing small colonies along the northern half of Unuvun. This exchange of culture and technology would last until the spread of [[Blinding Plague]] into Unuvun during the 87th century, after which [[Emperor Akuush]] expelled all foreigners from Unuvun and took control over the Htaevic colonial ports. Unuvun would then | Writing first spread into Unuvun during [[1024 Year Spring]], when various merchantile states in the southern [[Shattered Islands]] began trading with the Unuvi people in the 82nd century, as well as establishing small colonies along the northern half of Unuvun. This exchange of culture and technology would last until the spread of [[Blinding Plague]] into Unuvun during the 87th century, after which [[Emperor Akuush]] expelled all foreigners from Unuvun and took control over the Htaevic colonial ports. Unuvun would then repel several attempted invasions by the [[Second Htaevic Empire]] throughout the next several centuries until the collapse of the Second Htaevic Empire to an expansionist Nokhta in the 91st century. It was during the 9th millenium that Unuvi culture flourished in a period known as Udarshe civilization. Udarshe civilization would gradually decline due to cultural stagnation and infighting in the 92nd and 93rd centuries, and the island was invaded by [[Idetka]] in the 94th. | ||
= | =Raiwlawbiwmtë civilization= | ||
==Migration into Unuvun== | |||
The Raiwlawbiwmtë had been visiting Unuvun and trading with the native Memba people since the mid-7th millenium. They established many small settlements along the northern half of the island, though they were hindered by the unusually cold and rainy climate of Unuvun, which proved unsuitable to many of the crops they brought with them from the Shattered Islands. But in the seaside villages that did exist, the residents began experimenting with the domestication of crops such as '''fusave''', a rice-like grain. Indeed, by approximately 6,700 Y fusave grain had been sufficiently domesticated to replace gathering and fishing as the main means of nutrition for the Raiwlawbimtë settlers. | |||
A century later, in 6,800 Y, the Htavic Empire began their invasion of the Raiwlawbiwmtë's homeland, the Shattered Islands. The Raiwlawbiwmtë were outmatched and hundreds of thousands of them migrated to Unuvun over the century, completely displacing the native Memba population and turning the once backwater island into a thriving bronze age civilization. The largest of the Raiwlawbiwmtë settlements was called '''Re''', and it was located in the large coastal plain on the northeastern coast of Unuvun. Though the Raiwlawbiwmtë had an unusually flat hierarchy back in the Shattered Islands, when they migrated to Unuvun the most powerful and influential clans all migrated to the area around Re, creating a power imbalance that quickly centralized Raiwlawbiwmtë civilization in the early-mid 8th century. | |||
The | The Raiwlawbiwmtë that migrated to Unuvun were predominantly the green-haired ones, and some Raiwlawbiwmtë became obsessed with turning their hair even more green than it already was, leading to the development of the first permanent green hair dyes. As this new invention spread among the upper class, it soon became a requirement in order to hold political office or own land. | ||
''The | Their complex oral tradition known as the Raiwlaw had long been decentralized, but the growing influence of Re and its surrounding villages gradually strained it until in the 7200s, with the introduction of writing from the Haki Republic, the legal component was transformed into the written '''Tsakka Code'''. The Tsakka Code was painted onto large wooden boards and transported to villages throughout Unuvun. Every year, clan heads would travel to Re in order to attend the yikt - a week long ceremony in which they all attended various affairs such as judging trials, suggesting new laws, and resolving disputes. Clan heads also brought their clan shaman with them for religious rites. At the end of the yikt, they would debate amendments to the Tsakka Code. And at the end of every eight years, a new Tsakka code with all the amendments would be finalized and shipped off to all of Unuvun's villages. | ||
==Invasion by the Haki Republic (7,394-7,523 Y)== | |||
{{CrossReference|History of Htaevic Rouge}} | |||
The Haki Republic launched their invasion of Unuvun in 7,394 Y, however by then the Raiwlawbiwmtë states had grown prosperous due to centuries of peace and trade, and were able to field moderate armies that repelled the first few waves of highly mismanaged Republican invasion. However, the sheer quantity of Republican soldiers eventually overwhelmed the Raiwlawbiwmtë and Unuvun soon came under Republican control. The Haki Republic tried to assert its rule over the Unuvi by forcing them to burn and bury their Tsakka codes, however in protest the Unuvi began building large stone monuments over the remnants of their old Tsakka codes, as well as returing to their old oral tradition of having anonymous shamans memorize and recite the Tsakka code. The Unuvi ran a parallel underground legal system, and used cues such as fluency in Unuvi and green hair in order to secretly be more lenient on people tried for crimes that were illegal under Republican law but permissible under Unuvi law. In the late 7,400s, they began to mix in the ashes of esteemed clan members (often executed by the Republicans) into the stone monuments that they built over the Tsakka code's remnants. | |||
==Pyramid Age (7,523 Y -)== | |||
As the Raiwlawbiwmtë spread into the rest of Unuvun under Republican rule, several large competitors to the city of Re began to spring up. These included the city of Zhavei on the imperial plain, and the city of Nuevë towards the eastern edge of the island. While Re was still the most prestigious city on the island, these other cities wanted to showcase their growing power and as a result began to construct increasingly large pyramids. One famous pyramid, the '''Cataracts Pyramid''' in Zhavei, took over twenty years to construct and housed the ashes of over five thousand Zhavei citizens. It was surrounded by two moats filled with water from the Pacific lake, which in turn was surrounded by a massive shrine complex to pay respects to those buried inside of the pyramid. | |||
To showcase the dedication and astuteness of their citizens, many of the pyramids in Nueve were staffed by the '''Haki Watchmen'''. They were required to face towards Haki at all times, standing atop the pyramid. A series of messengers asked the watchmen for status updates once per hour, and the watchmen were required to reply "Nothing to report" or, if in the case of an eclipse, "Bolek gathers his men". | |||
= The Fractured Era = | |||
As the other settlements of Unuvun continued to grow in power relative to Re, tension began to build since the vast majority of the island's political power remained concentrated in Re. The tribal chiefs of Re attempted to compromise by hosting a yikt in Zhavei, closer to the geographic center of the island. However at the Zhavei yikt a fight broke out due to an ex-marital affair in which two tribal chiefs from Re were killed, causing the yikt to be abandoned. A second yikt was scheduled later in Re, however the chiefs of Zhavei refused to show up and claimed that their yikt at Zhavei was legitimate. The next year, three yikts were hosted. One in Zhavei, one in Re and one <wip>somewhere else</wip>. And then the year after, five concurrent yikts were hosted, fracturing the island further into many individual states. Over the ensuing centuries these individual states began to develop their own unique identities. | |||
=== 77th and 78th centuries === | |||
* The Re League leaned into a sea-fairing, merchantile identity and became synonymous with trade in the southern half of the Htaevic sea. It became something of a plutocracy dominated by merchants descended from the old clan heads. | |||
* The Imperial Plain claimed to be the most legitimate of the successor states, becoming a highly centralized state that valued the construction of massive monuments. They formalized [[Raiwlawism]] by writing down the then-traditionally oral Raiwlawbiwmtë religion. They established a system of high priests, monks and more. | |||
* The small, isolated states of Unuvun's southern and south-eastern coasts were more laid back, as the land was colder and less fertile here. Villages were smaller, and on the south-eastern coast often tucked deep into isolated fjords. There was a string of famous mathematicians who re-derived knowledge that rivalled and surpassed what could be found in the libraries of the Shattered Islands. | |||
=== 79th century === | |||
* The <wip>Re league</wip> gradually became more and more centralized under the power of a single merchant family who eventually declared themselves royalty. | |||
* The Imperial Plain continued to grow and prosper, and expanded southwards to integrate some of the isolated fjord states. | |||
* The eastern peninsula of Unuvun was taken over by the Sinchuknu sea peoples. | |||
* The southern fjord dwellers made great advances in astronomy, navigating beyond Haki's gaze to the islands south and west of Unuvun. | |||
=== 80th century === | |||
* The <wip>Re League</wip> lost a lot of territory after its Shattered Islands holdings were scooped up by more powerful states in the area. They decided to start trading with the Nokhtans after they struck literal gold. | |||
* The Imperial Plain had by this time integrated most of the isolated fjord states, and those who were unhappy with the new management used their mathematics to go colonize the fringe islands away from Unuvun to the south and west. A really famous philosopher with green hair from somewhere in Meó decided to move to Unuvun, and his disciples became really inspired and had a lot of very impressive thoughts. Some of these thoughts included the idea that (1) we should be more willing to accept foreigners as long as they dye their hair green (2) there is a correct order in which to do almost every task. They also began wearing shoulder pads. | |||
* the Sinchuknu sea peoples kinda just vibed and started doing Sinchuknu things in the eastern peninsula | |||
=== 81st century === | |||
* The <wip>Re League</wip> spent a lot of manpower and money scooping up islands in between them and Nokhta. They almost finished doing it when another more powerful state tried to take them over again. They got pissed off and used their Nokhtan connections to make sure that state would never be able to challenge them again. | |||
* Imperial Plain established this thing that was kinda like a university-monastery. They had more thinkers and also sent people to the Shattered Islands to do some thinking together and spread Raiwlawism. They were kind of over their pyramids phase so they started building cool gardens with small temples. The thinkers thought in the garden and the monks prayed in the temple. Then they had these dialogues. | |||
* The big Sinchuknu sea peoples empire fractured into a bunch of pieces and the eastern peninsula gained its independence, though under the rule of a dirty brown hair. | |||
= First Unification = | |||
=== 82nd century === | |||
* The Reconquest of Unuvun begins in earnest as the Imperial Plain and Re League team up in order to subjugate the eastern peninsula. Afterwards, they give the brown haired Sinchuknu people citizenship if and only if they dye their hair green<ref>https://www.erichgrunewald.com/posts/why-rome/</ref>. | |||
* Re is weakened in a series of wars where it tries to defend its Shattered Islands territories from other aggressors. Imperial Plain state takes the opportunity to subjugate Re, and the merchant monarchy moves off to some random Shattered Islands island. | |||
=== 83rd century === | |||
* The Imperial-Plain <wip>Jason the Infertile</wip> is unable to produce a heir, and as a result various factions vie for dominance. Backed by powerful Htaevic states, <wip>Gwynne the Blinded</wip> from the eastern peninsula ascends to the throne, and moves the capital to the eastern peninsula. This is the first time it's ever been there. | |||
=== 84th century === | |||
* As a compromise, the capital is moved a bit westward to Fihano by <wip>Howard the Sickly</wip>. | |||
* <wip>Howard II</wip> implements sweeping reforms that, among other things, establish a national road and ferry system. He also leads the conquest of many islands between Unuvun and Sinchuknu. | |||
=Age of Exploration= | =Age of Exploration= | ||
==Establishment of the Imperial Capital (~9,200)== | |||
In the late 91st century, the green-haired [[Emperor Hkämman]] of the Second Htaevic Empire fled to Unuvun, accompanied by a small army. At the time Unuvun was divided between several warring factions, and two of the largest ones threw their support behind Hkämman and helped him conquer the island. Afterwards, he settled down in Zhavei and commissioned the construction of the Green Imperial Palace (in direct reference to the famous [[Crimson Imperial Palace]] on the Yot river. | |||
Emperor Hkämman decided that, in order to establish full control over Unuvun, he should marry one of the leading dynasties of the island. Many speculated that he would marry Akamuhanatä, Merchant Princess of Re, as the Re dynasty was the largest and most powerful in Unuvun. Additionally, as the merchantile republic was so heavily intertwined with trade in the Shattered Islands, they played a major part in helping Emperor Hkämman escape to Unuvun. Furthermore, the decision to base his rule out of Zhavei as opposed to the republic's capital city of Re had already angered the dynasty. However, Hkämman was overcome by the beauty of the young Queen Shena of Pazhil, who ruled a small yet influential city-state on the western shore of [[The Flow]]. The two married in what was known as the [[Verdaqua]] Wedding, establishing the Pazhil imperial family as an offshoot of the Htaevic imperial family. At the Verdaqua wedding, <wip>something bad happens.</wip> | |||
==Invasion by Idetka (9,315-9,334 Y)== | ==Invasion by Idetka (9,315-9,334 Y)== | ||
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===Invasion years (9,315-9,321)=== | ===Invasion years (9,315-9,321)=== | ||
After the [[Great Famine of 9,312]], the [[Pazhil Dynasty]] was significantly weakened. It was during this time that Prince [[Saeran]] of [[Idetka]] launched his invasion of the island. Saeran's invasion lasted | After the [[Great Famine of 9,312]], the [[Pazhil Dynasty]] was significantly weakened. It was during this time that Prince [[Saeran]] of [[Idetka]] launched his invasion of the island. Saeran's invasion lasted 6 brutal years, during which he was aided by [[Piracy in the Htaevic Rouge|mercenaries and privateers]] from throughout the Shattered Islands and even Meó. | ||
The invasion ended in the near-complete destruction of the Pazhil imperial line, with the exception of | The invasion ended in the near-complete destruction of the Pazhil imperial line, with the royal family being almost completely wiped out with the exception of Princess [[Rzame]], who was saved from the gallows and dramatically escorted from Unuvun to the island of [[Suvi]]. | ||
===Eight Years of Suffering (9,322-9,329)=== | ===Eight Years of Suffering (9,322-9,329)=== | ||
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On 9,330/1/50, Prince Saeran was assassinated by Pazhil loyalists, causing Idetkan-ruled Unuvun to fall into a chaotic period known as '''The Thunderstorm'''. Idetka quickly named a successor, [[Siho Endaya|General Siho Endaya]], however he was killed by Pazhil loyalists mere weeks after Saeran's assassination during the [[Storming of the Imperial Octagon]]. | On 9,330/1/50, Prince Saeran was assassinated by Pazhil loyalists, causing Idetkan-ruled Unuvun to fall into a chaotic period known as '''The Thunderstorm'''. Idetka quickly named a successor, [[Siho Endaya|General Siho Endaya]], however he was killed by Pazhil loyalists mere weeks after Saeran's assassination during the [[Storming of the Imperial Octagon]]. | ||
On 9,330/1/83, Princess Rzame returned to Unuvun accompanied by Arbin, and many Pazhil loyalists were unsatisfied with her calls for peace, as they did not believe that Arbin had the legal right to take the Unuvi throne. | On 9,330/1/83, Princess Rzame returned to Unuvun accompanied by Arbin, and many Pazhil loyalists were unsatisfied with her calls for peace, as they did not believe that Arbin had the legal right to take the Unuvi throne. Some of the more radical ones even split off into their own faction, the [[Sayammians (Unuvun)|Sayammians]], a reference to the ancient democratic city state of [[Sayamm]] that existed in the 9th millenium. In their [[New Constitution]], the Sayammians demanded democratic checks and balances on Arbin's power, with some of the more radical revolutionaries calling for the eradication of the monarchy altogether. | ||
After the routing of the Idetkans, the fighting lasted for two more years until the Sayammians finally surrendered in the [[Compromise of 9,334]]. Emperor Arbin, exhausted from war, allowed for the formation of a parliament headed by a handpicked ambassador of his choice, much like the system that already existed in the [[Third Htaevic Kingdom]]. | After the routing of the Idetkans, the fighting lasted for two more years until the Sayammians finally surrendered in the [[Compromise of 9,334]]. Emperor Arbin, exhausted from war, allowed for the formation of a parliament headed by a handpicked ambassador of his choice, much like the system that already existed in the [[Third Htaevic Kingdom]]. | ||
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In 9,349 Y, [[Vahkètto|Prince Vahkètto]] of the [[First Meó Empire]] stopped at Rvarshen on his trip to Zhavei, where he was to discuss his recent conquests in the [[Shattered Islands]] with Emperor Arbin. During the early morning of 9,349/1/69 Y, mere hours before the Meó delegation was set to arrive, Suekasui and his male harem all passed away in [[The Orgy at Rvarshen Castle|a massive sexual orgy]]. Shortly before falling into unconsciousness, Suekasui called in his royal court in order to name an heir. In his delirious state, Suekasui declared that his pet crab [[Azu]] would be the new heir to the Rvarshen throne. | In 9,349 Y, [[Vahkètto|Prince Vahkètto]] of the [[First Meó Empire]] stopped at Rvarshen on his trip to Zhavei, where he was to discuss his recent conquests in the [[Shattered Islands]] with Emperor Arbin. During the early morning of 9,349/1/69 Y, mere hours before the Meó delegation was set to arrive, Suekasui and his male harem all passed away in [[The Orgy at Rvarshen Castle|a massive sexual orgy]]. Shortly before falling into unconsciousness, Suekasui called in his royal court in order to name an heir. In his delirious state, Suekasui declared that his pet crab [[Azu]] would be the new heir to the Rvarshen throne. | ||
After his death, his closest royal advisors fiercly debated whether or not they could actually follow through on his appointment. The legality of appointing a crab was unclear, but it was unlikely that it could be challenged, according to the castle lawyer | After his death, his closest royal advisors fiercly debated whether or not they could actually follow through on his appointment. The legality of appointing a crab was unclear, but it was unlikely that it could be challenged, according to the castle lawyer Ufshi Kije. He referenced the Rat Family of Ggethe as an example where | ||
After Prince Suekasui's death, the royal advisors debated whether or not they could legally appoint the crab Azu as Prince of Rvarshen. Castle lawyer Ufshi Kije brought up the fact that there have been several instances in Unuvi history where an animal was in fact appointed as a temporary regent. In the case of the ''Rat Family'', a rat named Poa inherited the title of Duke of Hpanik. After Poa's death his vicious son, Wikti, ruled over the city of Hpanik and bit anyone who approached him. Though marriage between human and animal was forbidden, a local knight named Mezhen was, with the backing of the emperor at the time, able to secure a marriage license between him and vicious rat Wikti. Wikti would die of natural causes a year later and then Mezhen ascended to the throne. | |||
Though it was unlikely emperor Arbin would grant anyone a marriage license with crab Azu, the Rvarshen royal court decided to go through with the appointment regardless. Suekasui had no close relatives that could be appointed to the throne, and he had no eligible children of his own either. The Rvarshen royal court determined that Arbin would have bulletproof pretext for appointing a Htaevic puppet as the new razuku of Rvarshen, and that the only way to stop this would be to indeed follow through and grant the title of Prince to the crab. | |||
Kije drafted a message to Arbin and stamped it with the Imperial Seal of Rvarshen. He reasoned that Arbin would have no choice but to accept the coronation of Azu onto the Rvarshen throne, as rejecting it would be rejecting the will of an Imperial Seal and would greatly harm Arbin's legitimacy as emperor, and possibly give the remaining razuku a rallying cry for rebellion. The message was sent off on the fastest [[kiya]] the royal court could find, in order to beat any other rumors of Suekasui's death. | Kije drafted a message to Arbin and stamped it with the Imperial Seal of Rvarshen. He reasoned that Arbin would have no choice but to accept the coronation of Azu onto the Rvarshen throne, as rejecting it would be rejecting the will of an Imperial Seal and would greatly harm Arbin's legitimacy as emperor, and possibly give the remaining razuku a rallying cry for rebellion. The message was sent off on the fastest [[kiya]] the royal court could find, in order to beat any other rumors of Suekasui's death. | ||
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During the unveiling of the main course, several members of the royal court allegedly began to feel extremely nauseous, realizing that Suekasui had forbidden crab from being served in the castle ever since an incident several years prior. However, none of them spoke up as Vahkètto began to devour Azu's royal flesh. One quickly found pretext to get up and ran over to the kitchen, and spotted Azu's intricate crab armor near the stove. The dinner was artificially lengthened as the royal court secretly conversed, trying to figure out how to best handle this disastrous turn of events. It was decided that a castle gardener known as [[Sayesa Sayesan]] would deliver the bad news. Sayesan explained to Vahkètto that, not only did he commit regicide, but also technically cannibalism. Vahkètto became enraged, as his father had committed both regicide and cannibalism in order to inherit the Meó throne, and the prince had desperately seeked to distance himself from his father. He pulled out his sword and beheaded Sayesan on the spot in one, clean swipe. | During the unveiling of the main course, several members of the royal court allegedly began to feel extremely nauseous, realizing that Suekasui had forbidden crab from being served in the castle ever since an incident several years prior. However, none of them spoke up as Vahkètto began to devour Azu's royal flesh. One quickly found pretext to get up and ran over to the kitchen, and spotted Azu's intricate crab armor near the stove. The dinner was artificially lengthened as the royal court secretly conversed, trying to figure out how to best handle this disastrous turn of events. It was decided that a castle gardener known as [[Sayesa Sayesan]] would deliver the bad news. Sayesan explained to Vahkètto that, not only did he commit regicide, but also technically cannibalism. Vahkètto became enraged, as his father had committed both regicide and cannibalism in order to inherit the Meó throne, and the prince had desperately seeked to distance himself from his father. He pulled out his sword and beheaded Sayesan on the spot in one, clean swipe. | ||
''The Declination of Crab'' is a tradition carried out when a foreign head of state visits the Nautical Peace. At formal dinner, a plate of crab is placed on the table. To show that the two nations are at peace, both the Emperor and the foreign head of state decline to eat the crab. In Unuvi culture, to "steam the crab" is to threaten conflict, while to "decline the crab" is to try and defuse a tense situation. When someone is unknowingly tricked or deceived into doing something against their personal morals, they are said to have "eaten the crab." Something and/or someone who is used against their will to further the agenda of someone else is termed a "crab." | |||
===War=== | ===War=== | ||
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Simultaneously, the Sayammians wrote and released a document called [[Declaration of a Nautical Peace]] that called for the installment of 23-year old Fihano Pazhil onto the throne of Unuvun in order to 'usher in a nautical peace in which the green-haired folk of this maritime island shall become naïve to the horrors of war.' Thus began the '''Second Thunderstorm''', a year-long revolt during which almost the entirety of Unuvun rose up against Emperor Arbin. Arbin, unable to quash the rebellion, fled the island from the port of [[Serzilea]] and returned to the [[Shattered Islands]]. After Emperor Fihano rose to the throne of Unuvun, he collaborated with his Sayammian supporters to draft the [[Unuvunese Constitution]], a document that incorporated many revolutionary ideas such as a unified measurement system, as well as many old ideas derived from the governmental system of Sayamm and other similar democracies. | Simultaneously, the Sayammians wrote and released a document called [[Declaration of a Nautical Peace]] that called for the installment of 23-year old Fihano Pazhil onto the throne of Unuvun in order to 'usher in a nautical peace in which the green-haired folk of this maritime island shall become naïve to the horrors of war.' Thus began the '''Second Thunderstorm''', a year-long revolt during which almost the entirety of Unuvun rose up against Emperor Arbin. Arbin, unable to quash the rebellion, fled the island from the port of [[Serzilea]] and returned to the [[Shattered Islands]]. After Emperor Fihano rose to the throne of Unuvun, he collaborated with his Sayammian supporters to draft the [[Unuvunese Constitution]], a document that incorporated many revolutionary ideas such as a unified measurement system, as well as many old ideas derived from the governmental system of Sayamm and other similar democracies. | ||
===Establishment of Rvaneok Politics=== | |||
For centuries, the Unuvi warrior caste, the jusha, maintained internal order via the ''rvaneok'' system. Rvaneok was a leaderboard system with different leagues of jusha warriors. Jusha warriors would be constantly ranked against each other during skirmishes and tests of culture and strategy. Once a year, top performers would be promoted to the next highest league, and bottom performers would be relegated to the next lowest league. This system of promotion and relegation would gradually influence the culture of Unuvun, spreading into other parts of society such as universities and sports. | |||
It was natural that the Unuvunese, when trying to overhaul their political system, began to think along Rvaneok lines. Many argued about its efficacy and potential unwanted effects, but the idea that the best would rise to the top, creating a meritocracy, was so alluring that in the end, Emperor Fihano directed that the new political system be a Rvaneok one. Some of the other reasons that Fihano wanted the Rvaneok system implemented was because he believed it would cause rabid political infighting and help him maintain a strong grip over the island. | |||
The newly developed Unuvunese Constitution stipulated that the centralized legislative body of the country be separated into two leagues: a provincial league and a national league. Provinces were allowed to further subdivide their provincial leagues as they deemed fit, while the national league would be divided into three houses (lower, middle and higher). Promotion and relegation between the three houses of the national league would happen once a year. Promotion and relegation between the provincial and national league would happen once every two years. | |||
The specific method used to promote and relegate politicians is described as follows: during the promotion and relegation period, the bottom quartile of politicians are put on probation if not already, and any politician in this bottom quartile who is on probation is immediately dismissed into the lower league. | |||
Politicians are ranked via a counsel of 11 rankers. Six national rankers are picked by the emperor, and five voted into office by the parliament that they are ranking. For provincial rankers, provinces may choose to assign rankers however they wish. Most chose to decide all 11 rankers initially by parliamentary vote. | |||
===The Incentive System=== | |||
In ancient Sayamm, common folk could contribute to society in order to earn the right to do things such as own property and vote in local elections. Actions they could take included passing proctored exams, serving in the military, creating great works or art and literature, or displaying acts of heroism. | |||
==Exploration of Ivinis (9,368- Y)== | ==Exploration of Ivinis (9,368- Y)== | ||
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== The Dream of Democracy == | == The Dream of Democracy == | ||
'''The Autumn Fall.''' In late autumn, the Imperial family gathered in the court for a family portrait. Unbeknownst to them, disloyal nobles in cooperation with Veiivinis revolutionaries had placed dozens of barrels of gunpowder nearby, which exploded and killed | '''The Autumn Fall.''' In late autumn, the Imperial family gathered in the court for a family portrait. Unbeknownst to them, disloyal nobles in cooperation with Veiivinis revolutionaries had placed dozens of barrels of gunpowder nearby, which exploded and killed many members in the line of succession of the Imperial family except for young Prince Hau and his older brother, Prince Imrahen. The botched coup attempt led to the dismantlement of the Hatluyi royal house and made Prince Hau despise the nobility. Imrahen would later inherit the throne and pursue policies of reconciliation with the nobility. | ||
'''The Western Rebellion'''. Much of Veiivinis revolts from Nautical Peace control and forms their own independent nation known as the Veiivinis Alliance, leaving only the city of [[Daifihanoshai]] and outlying regions in Unuvunese control. | '''The Western Rebellion'''. Much of Veiivinis revolts from Nautical Peace control and forms their own independent nation known as the Veiivinis Alliance, leaving only the city of [[Daifihanoshai]] and outlying regions in Unuvunese control. |
Latest revision as of 15:33, 7 October 2022
Unuvun has been inhabited by tool users for more than 100,000 years. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of stone tools as well as Homo unuvifelis ("Unuvi cat-man") dating back to approximately 120,000 B.Y. Homo unuvifelis was then displaced by an initial wave of Homo sapiens from southern Nokhta approximately 45,000 years ago, who then combined with another wave of humans from Hsuqlihta approximately 25,000 years ago and yet another wave of humans from Lysteriok 18,000 years ago. These three ancient groups of people together form the Memba people, who inhabited Unuvun for the subsequent 23,000 years until their displacement around 6,800 Y by the green-haired Raiwlawbiwmtë people from the Shattered Islands. Genome research shows that modern Unuvi people inherit approximately 90% of their genome from the Raiwlawbiwmtë people, and the remaining 10% from the Memba people.
Writing first spread into Unuvun during 1024 Year Spring, when various merchantile states in the southern Shattered Islands began trading with the Unuvi people in the 82nd century, as well as establishing small colonies along the northern half of Unuvun. This exchange of culture and technology would last until the spread of Blinding Plague into Unuvun during the 87th century, after which Emperor Akuush expelled all foreigners from Unuvun and took control over the Htaevic colonial ports. Unuvun would then repel several attempted invasions by the Second Htaevic Empire throughout the next several centuries until the collapse of the Second Htaevic Empire to an expansionist Nokhta in the 91st century. It was during the 9th millenium that Unuvi culture flourished in a period known as Udarshe civilization. Udarshe civilization would gradually decline due to cultural stagnation and infighting in the 92nd and 93rd centuries, and the island was invaded by Idetka in the 94th.
Raiwlawbiwmtë civilization
Migration into Unuvun
The Raiwlawbiwmtë had been visiting Unuvun and trading with the native Memba people since the mid-7th millenium. They established many small settlements along the northern half of the island, though they were hindered by the unusually cold and rainy climate of Unuvun, which proved unsuitable to many of the crops they brought with them from the Shattered Islands. But in the seaside villages that did exist, the residents began experimenting with the domestication of crops such as fusave, a rice-like grain. Indeed, by approximately 6,700 Y fusave grain had been sufficiently domesticated to replace gathering and fishing as the main means of nutrition for the Raiwlawbimtë settlers.
A century later, in 6,800 Y, the Htavic Empire began their invasion of the Raiwlawbiwmtë's homeland, the Shattered Islands. The Raiwlawbiwmtë were outmatched and hundreds of thousands of them migrated to Unuvun over the century, completely displacing the native Memba population and turning the once backwater island into a thriving bronze age civilization. The largest of the Raiwlawbiwmtë settlements was called Re, and it was located in the large coastal plain on the northeastern coast of Unuvun. Though the Raiwlawbiwmtë had an unusually flat hierarchy back in the Shattered Islands, when they migrated to Unuvun the most powerful and influential clans all migrated to the area around Re, creating a power imbalance that quickly centralized Raiwlawbiwmtë civilization in the early-mid 8th century.
The Raiwlawbiwmtë that migrated to Unuvun were predominantly the green-haired ones, and some Raiwlawbiwmtë became obsessed with turning their hair even more green than it already was, leading to the development of the first permanent green hair dyes. As this new invention spread among the upper class, it soon became a requirement in order to hold political office or own land.
Their complex oral tradition known as the Raiwlaw had long been decentralized, but the growing influence of Re and its surrounding villages gradually strained it until in the 7200s, with the introduction of writing from the Haki Republic, the legal component was transformed into the written Tsakka Code. The Tsakka Code was painted onto large wooden boards and transported to villages throughout Unuvun. Every year, clan heads would travel to Re in order to attend the yikt - a week long ceremony in which they all attended various affairs such as judging trials, suggesting new laws, and resolving disputes. Clan heads also brought their clan shaman with them for religious rites. At the end of the yikt, they would debate amendments to the Tsakka Code. And at the end of every eight years, a new Tsakka code with all the amendments would be finalized and shipped off to all of Unuvun's villages.
Invasion by the Haki Republic (7,394-7,523 Y)
You can help keep this canon consistent by cross-referencing it with: History of Htaevic Rouge
The Haki Republic launched their invasion of Unuvun in 7,394 Y, however by then the Raiwlawbiwmtë states had grown prosperous due to centuries of peace and trade, and were able to field moderate armies that repelled the first few waves of highly mismanaged Republican invasion. However, the sheer quantity of Republican soldiers eventually overwhelmed the Raiwlawbiwmtë and Unuvun soon came under Republican control. The Haki Republic tried to assert its rule over the Unuvi by forcing them to burn and bury their Tsakka codes, however in protest the Unuvi began building large stone monuments over the remnants of their old Tsakka codes, as well as returing to their old oral tradition of having anonymous shamans memorize and recite the Tsakka code. The Unuvi ran a parallel underground legal system, and used cues such as fluency in Unuvi and green hair in order to secretly be more lenient on people tried for crimes that were illegal under Republican law but permissible under Unuvi law. In the late 7,400s, they began to mix in the ashes of esteemed clan members (often executed by the Republicans) into the stone monuments that they built over the Tsakka code's remnants.
Pyramid Age (7,523 Y -)
As the Raiwlawbiwmtë spread into the rest of Unuvun under Republican rule, several large competitors to the city of Re began to spring up. These included the city of Zhavei on the imperial plain, and the city of Nuevë towards the eastern edge of the island. While Re was still the most prestigious city on the island, these other cities wanted to showcase their growing power and as a result began to construct increasingly large pyramids. One famous pyramid, the Cataracts Pyramid in Zhavei, took over twenty years to construct and housed the ashes of over five thousand Zhavei citizens. It was surrounded by two moats filled with water from the Pacific lake, which in turn was surrounded by a massive shrine complex to pay respects to those buried inside of the pyramid.
To showcase the dedication and astuteness of their citizens, many of the pyramids in Nueve were staffed by the Haki Watchmen. They were required to face towards Haki at all times, standing atop the pyramid. A series of messengers asked the watchmen for status updates once per hour, and the watchmen were required to reply "Nothing to report" or, if in the case of an eclipse, "Bolek gathers his men".
The Fractured Era
As the other settlements of Unuvun continued to grow in power relative to Re, tension began to build since the vast majority of the island's political power remained concentrated in Re. The tribal chiefs of Re attempted to compromise by hosting a yikt in Zhavei, closer to the geographic center of the island. However at the Zhavei yikt a fight broke out due to an ex-marital affair in which two tribal chiefs from Re were killed, causing the yikt to be abandoned. A second yikt was scheduled later in Re, however the chiefs of Zhavei refused to show up and claimed that their yikt at Zhavei was legitimate. The next year, three yikts were hosted. One in Zhavei, one in Re and one somewhere else. And then the year after, five concurrent yikts were hosted, fracturing the island further into many individual states. Over the ensuing centuries these individual states began to develop their own unique identities.
77th and 78th centuries
- The Re League leaned into a sea-fairing, merchantile identity and became synonymous with trade in the southern half of the Htaevic sea. It became something of a plutocracy dominated by merchants descended from the old clan heads.
- The Imperial Plain claimed to be the most legitimate of the successor states, becoming a highly centralized state that valued the construction of massive monuments. They formalized Raiwlawism by writing down the then-traditionally oral Raiwlawbiwmtë religion. They established a system of high priests, monks and more.
- The small, isolated states of Unuvun's southern and south-eastern coasts were more laid back, as the land was colder and less fertile here. Villages were smaller, and on the south-eastern coast often tucked deep into isolated fjords. There was a string of famous mathematicians who re-derived knowledge that rivalled and surpassed what could be found in the libraries of the Shattered Islands.
79th century
- The Re league gradually became more and more centralized under the power of a single merchant family who eventually declared themselves royalty.
- The Imperial Plain continued to grow and prosper, and expanded southwards to integrate some of the isolated fjord states.
- The eastern peninsula of Unuvun was taken over by the Sinchuknu sea peoples.
- The southern fjord dwellers made great advances in astronomy, navigating beyond Haki's gaze to the islands south and west of Unuvun.
80th century
- The Re League lost a lot of territory after its Shattered Islands holdings were scooped up by more powerful states in the area. They decided to start trading with the Nokhtans after they struck literal gold.
- The Imperial Plain had by this time integrated most of the isolated fjord states, and those who were unhappy with the new management used their mathematics to go colonize the fringe islands away from Unuvun to the south and west. A really famous philosopher with green hair from somewhere in Meó decided to move to Unuvun, and his disciples became really inspired and had a lot of very impressive thoughts. Some of these thoughts included the idea that (1) we should be more willing to accept foreigners as long as they dye their hair green (2) there is a correct order in which to do almost every task. They also began wearing shoulder pads.
- the Sinchuknu sea peoples kinda just vibed and started doing Sinchuknu things in the eastern peninsula
81st century
- The Re League spent a lot of manpower and money scooping up islands in between them and Nokhta. They almost finished doing it when another more powerful state tried to take them over again. They got pissed off and used their Nokhtan connections to make sure that state would never be able to challenge them again.
- Imperial Plain established this thing that was kinda like a university-monastery. They had more thinkers and also sent people to the Shattered Islands to do some thinking together and spread Raiwlawism. They were kind of over their pyramids phase so they started building cool gardens with small temples. The thinkers thought in the garden and the monks prayed in the temple. Then they had these dialogues.
- The big Sinchuknu sea peoples empire fractured into a bunch of pieces and the eastern peninsula gained its independence, though under the rule of a dirty brown hair.
First Unification
82nd century
- The Reconquest of Unuvun begins in earnest as the Imperial Plain and Re League team up in order to subjugate the eastern peninsula. Afterwards, they give the brown haired Sinchuknu people citizenship if and only if they dye their hair green[1].
- Re is weakened in a series of wars where it tries to defend its Shattered Islands territories from other aggressors. Imperial Plain state takes the opportunity to subjugate Re, and the merchant monarchy moves off to some random Shattered Islands island.
83rd century
- The Imperial-Plain Jason the Infertile is unable to produce a heir, and as a result various factions vie for dominance. Backed by powerful Htaevic states, Gwynne the Blinded from the eastern peninsula ascends to the throne, and moves the capital to the eastern peninsula. This is the first time it's ever been there.
84th century
- As a compromise, the capital is moved a bit westward to Fihano by Howard the Sickly.
- Howard II implements sweeping reforms that, among other things, establish a national road and ferry system. He also leads the conquest of many islands between Unuvun and Sinchuknu.
Age of Exploration
Establishment of the Imperial Capital (~9,200)
In the late 91st century, the green-haired Emperor Hkämman of the Second Htaevic Empire fled to Unuvun, accompanied by a small army. At the time Unuvun was divided between several warring factions, and two of the largest ones threw their support behind Hkämman and helped him conquer the island. Afterwards, he settled down in Zhavei and commissioned the construction of the Green Imperial Palace (in direct reference to the famous Crimson Imperial Palace on the Yot river.
Emperor Hkämman decided that, in order to establish full control over Unuvun, he should marry one of the leading dynasties of the island. Many speculated that he would marry Akamuhanatä, Merchant Princess of Re, as the Re dynasty was the largest and most powerful in Unuvun. Additionally, as the merchantile republic was so heavily intertwined with trade in the Shattered Islands, they played a major part in helping Emperor Hkämman escape to Unuvun. Furthermore, the decision to base his rule out of Zhavei as opposed to the republic's capital city of Re had already angered the dynasty. However, Hkämman was overcome by the beauty of the young Queen Shena of Pazhil, who ruled a small yet influential city-state on the western shore of The Flow. The two married in what was known as the Verdaqua Wedding, establishing the Pazhil imperial family as an offshoot of the Htaevic imperial family. At the Verdaqua wedding, something bad happens.
Invasion by Idetka (9,315-9,334 Y)
Invasion years (9,315-9,321)
After the Great Famine of 9,312, the Pazhil Dynasty was significantly weakened. It was during this time that Prince Saeran of Idetka launched his invasion of the island. Saeran's invasion lasted 6 brutal years, during which he was aided by mercenaries and privateers from throughout the Shattered Islands and even Meó.
The invasion ended in the near-complete destruction of the Pazhil imperial line, with the royal family being almost completely wiped out with the exception of Princess Rzame, who was saved from the gallows and dramatically escorted from Unuvun to the island of Suvi.
Eight Years of Suffering (9,322-9,329)
During her exile on Suvi, Rzame sought to amass an invasion force capable of removing prince Saeran from power in Unuvun. She was able to do so under the promise of abdicating from the royal throne, thus ending the Pazhil Dynasty's rule over Unuvun, and allowing the Htaevic King Arbin to take the title of emperor. Ever since ascending to the throne, the ambitious Arbin had wanted to reclaim the title of emperor for the Htaevic dynasty, in hopes of one day reforming the ancient Htaevic Empire.
Thunder on the Imperial Plain (9,330-9,334)
On 9,330/1/50, Prince Saeran was assassinated by Pazhil loyalists, causing Idetkan-ruled Unuvun to fall into a chaotic period known as The Thunderstorm. Idetka quickly named a successor, General Siho Endaya, however he was killed by Pazhil loyalists mere weeks after Saeran's assassination during the Storming of the Imperial Octagon.
On 9,330/1/83, Princess Rzame returned to Unuvun accompanied by Arbin, and many Pazhil loyalists were unsatisfied with her calls for peace, as they did not believe that Arbin had the legal right to take the Unuvi throne. Some of the more radical ones even split off into their own faction, the Sayammians, a reference to the ancient democratic city state of Sayamm that existed in the 9th millenium. In their New Constitution, the Sayammians demanded democratic checks and balances on Arbin's power, with some of the more radical revolutionaries calling for the eradication of the monarchy altogether.
After the routing of the Idetkans, the fighting lasted for two more years until the Sayammians finally surrendered in the Compromise of 9,334. Emperor Arbin, exhausted from war, allowed for the formation of a parliament headed by a handpicked ambassador of his choice, much like the system that already existed in the Third Htaevic Kingdom.
War of the Crab Prince (9,349-9,358 Y)
Crab Prince Incident
After Emperor Arbin began to consolidate his power over Unuvun, tensions between his imperial cabinet and the powerful razuku that controlled much of Unuvun's land began to rise. Arbin was taking every opportunity possible to dismantle the control that the razuku had over their territory, and had managed to end several of the most ancient dynasties.
One razuku who had managed to keep control over his princedom was Prince Suekasui (sway-kaw-swee). He ruled over the small city-state of Rvarshen (ruh-var-shen), located on the northern edge of Unuvun, close to mainland Delezia. As a result, Rvarshen had experienced significant piracy over the past few centuries. Its convenient location made it a common stopping point for foreign envoys on their way to Zhavei.
In 9,349 Y, Prince Vahkètto of the First Meó Empire stopped at Rvarshen on his trip to Zhavei, where he was to discuss his recent conquests in the Shattered Islands with Emperor Arbin. During the early morning of 9,349/1/69 Y, mere hours before the Meó delegation was set to arrive, Suekasui and his male harem all passed away in a massive sexual orgy. Shortly before falling into unconsciousness, Suekasui called in his royal court in order to name an heir. In his delirious state, Suekasui declared that his pet crab Azu would be the new heir to the Rvarshen throne.
After his death, his closest royal advisors fiercly debated whether or not they could actually follow through on his appointment. The legality of appointing a crab was unclear, but it was unlikely that it could be challenged, according to the castle lawyer Ufshi Kije. He referenced the Rat Family of Ggethe as an example where
After Prince Suekasui's death, the royal advisors debated whether or not they could legally appoint the crab Azu as Prince of Rvarshen. Castle lawyer Ufshi Kije brought up the fact that there have been several instances in Unuvi history where an animal was in fact appointed as a temporary regent. In the case of the Rat Family, a rat named Poa inherited the title of Duke of Hpanik. After Poa's death his vicious son, Wikti, ruled over the city of Hpanik and bit anyone who approached him. Though marriage between human and animal was forbidden, a local knight named Mezhen was, with the backing of the emperor at the time, able to secure a marriage license between him and vicious rat Wikti. Wikti would die of natural causes a year later and then Mezhen ascended to the throne.
Though it was unlikely emperor Arbin would grant anyone a marriage license with crab Azu, the Rvarshen royal court decided to go through with the appointment regardless. Suekasui had no close relatives that could be appointed to the throne, and he had no eligible children of his own either. The Rvarshen royal court determined that Arbin would have bulletproof pretext for appointing a Htaevic puppet as the new razuku of Rvarshen, and that the only way to stop this would be to indeed follow through and grant the title of Prince to the crab.
Kije drafted a message to Arbin and stamped it with the Imperial Seal of Rvarshen. He reasoned that Arbin would have no choice but to accept the coronation of Azu onto the Rvarshen throne, as rejecting it would be rejecting the will of an Imperial Seal and would greatly harm Arbin's legitimacy as emperor, and possibly give the remaining razuku a rallying cry for rebellion. The message was sent off on the fastest kiya the royal court could find, in order to beat any other rumors of Suekasui's death.
During the night of Suekasui's death, a tavern worker, Hina Kenachetu, was hired to help clean up the disastrous mess left behind by the orgy. She had recently moved to Rvarshen, having fled Fihanoshai after murdering her step-father, step-sister, grandmother and the local shaman, and as such had no knowledge of Prince Suekasui's royal crab. She picked up Azu and dropped him off in a bucket in the kitchen, not knowing what else to do with him. Later in the morning, Kije and his fellow members of the royal court attempted a desperate search for Azu, but none were able to find him. They got news of Vahkètto's arrival in Rvarshen, and as such decided to have him dine first while they attempted to find the crab.
As many of the chefs had been in Suekasui's harem and had passed away alongside him several hours prior, several chefs from the Rvarshen city docks were drafted to make a meal for the whole royal court to enjoy alongside the envoy from Meó. One of these chefs, Rejirvei Sasual, specialized in cooking crabs and decided to boil Azu, conveniently placed in the kitchen, as the main course of the dinner. Sasual would use his notoriety to later found the Nautical Ihyai Company, one of the most powerful corporations to ever exist.
During the unveiling of the main course, several members of the royal court allegedly began to feel extremely nauseous, realizing that Suekasui had forbidden crab from being served in the castle ever since an incident several years prior. However, none of them spoke up as Vahkètto began to devour Azu's royal flesh. One quickly found pretext to get up and ran over to the kitchen, and spotted Azu's intricate crab armor near the stove. The dinner was artificially lengthened as the royal court secretly conversed, trying to figure out how to best handle this disastrous turn of events. It was decided that a castle gardener known as Sayesa Sayesan would deliver the bad news. Sayesan explained to Vahkètto that, not only did he commit regicide, but also technically cannibalism. Vahkètto became enraged, as his father had committed both regicide and cannibalism in order to inherit the Meó throne, and the prince had desperately seeked to distance himself from his father. He pulled out his sword and beheaded Sayesan on the spot in one, clean swipe.
The Declination of Crab is a tradition carried out when a foreign head of state visits the Nautical Peace. At formal dinner, a plate of crab is placed on the table. To show that the two nations are at peace, both the Emperor and the foreign head of state decline to eat the crab. In Unuvi culture, to "steam the crab" is to threaten conflict, while to "decline the crab" is to try and defuse a tense situation. When someone is unknowingly tricked or deceived into doing something against their personal morals, they are said to have "eaten the crab." Something and/or someone who is used against their will to further the agenda of someone else is termed a "crab."
War
And so began the War of the Crab Prince. The city of Rvàshen was bombarded by the Meó prince’s fleet, and the Unuvi princedoms responded in kind with a coordinate attack on Meo holdings along the coast of the supercontinent. The pirates tried to get in on the action, but were caught between both sides and utterly annihilated for being on neither of them. They would later learn their lesson and go on to rent their services to both sides to maximize profit.
Aftermath
With a total of over 100,000 green-haired casualties in the War of the Crab Prince, the jusha class of Unuvi society was exhausted by war. Htaevic Emperor Arbin carefully tried to rein in the princedoms under a new feudal state with the declaration of the Second New Constitution, a document that gave him the power to hand-select the powerful razuku, that controlled much of Unuvun's land. Additionally, the document expressly forbid the 'appointment of crabs and all other animals into positions of power.'
Arbin's calculated risk greatly angered many of the razuku and he called in the army of his Second Htaevic Empire to Yuuvei in hopes of being able to quash revolutionary fervor. It was during this time that the Sayammians regrouped and infiltrated the Htaevic government over Unuvun in a number of key positions, including several very high ranking parliamentary roles.
Restoration of the Imperial Line
On 9,357/0/12, Htaevic officials raided parliament seat-holder Chena Tise's house under the suspicion that she was aiding the revolutionary cause. Although Sayammian arsonists set fire to the house, they were able to recover key documents that held a list of Sayammians active in the city of Racheinu Chihyu. Emperor Arbin apprehended many of these individuals and declared a public day of execution the following week. In an event known as Foiled Execution, several dozen Kiya-riding Sayammians accompanied by several hundred rogue jusha and over one thousand peasants revolted at the scene of the execution, overcoming the Htaevic troops and preventing the death of all but two prisoners.
Simultaneously, the Sayammians wrote and released a document called Declaration of a Nautical Peace that called for the installment of 23-year old Fihano Pazhil onto the throne of Unuvun in order to 'usher in a nautical peace in which the green-haired folk of this maritime island shall become naïve to the horrors of war.' Thus began the Second Thunderstorm, a year-long revolt during which almost the entirety of Unuvun rose up against Emperor Arbin. Arbin, unable to quash the rebellion, fled the island from the port of Serzilea and returned to the Shattered Islands. After Emperor Fihano rose to the throne of Unuvun, he collaborated with his Sayammian supporters to draft the Unuvunese Constitution, a document that incorporated many revolutionary ideas such as a unified measurement system, as well as many old ideas derived from the governmental system of Sayamm and other similar democracies.
Establishment of Rvaneok Politics
For centuries, the Unuvi warrior caste, the jusha, maintained internal order via the rvaneok system. Rvaneok was a leaderboard system with different leagues of jusha warriors. Jusha warriors would be constantly ranked against each other during skirmishes and tests of culture and strategy. Once a year, top performers would be promoted to the next highest league, and bottom performers would be relegated to the next lowest league. This system of promotion and relegation would gradually influence the culture of Unuvun, spreading into other parts of society such as universities and sports.
It was natural that the Unuvunese, when trying to overhaul their political system, began to think along Rvaneok lines. Many argued about its efficacy and potential unwanted effects, but the idea that the best would rise to the top, creating a meritocracy, was so alluring that in the end, Emperor Fihano directed that the new political system be a Rvaneok one. Some of the other reasons that Fihano wanted the Rvaneok system implemented was because he believed it would cause rabid political infighting and help him maintain a strong grip over the island.
The newly developed Unuvunese Constitution stipulated that the centralized legislative body of the country be separated into two leagues: a provincial league and a national league. Provinces were allowed to further subdivide their provincial leagues as they deemed fit, while the national league would be divided into three houses (lower, middle and higher). Promotion and relegation between the three houses of the national league would happen once a year. Promotion and relegation between the provincial and national league would happen once every two years.
The specific method used to promote and relegate politicians is described as follows: during the promotion and relegation period, the bottom quartile of politicians are put on probation if not already, and any politician in this bottom quartile who is on probation is immediately dismissed into the lower league.
Politicians are ranked via a counsel of 11 rankers. Six national rankers are picked by the emperor, and five voted into office by the parliament that they are ranking. For provincial rankers, provinces may choose to assign rankers however they wish. Most chose to decide all 11 rankers initially by parliamentary vote.
The Incentive System
In ancient Sayamm, common folk could contribute to society in order to earn the right to do things such as own property and vote in local elections. Actions they could take included passing proctored exams, serving in the military, creating great works or art and literature, or displaying acts of heroism.
Exploration of Ivinis (9,368- Y)
Initial exploration and settlement
In 9,368 Y, explorer Arnppe Vzhani left the port of Rae and begun sailing westwards towards the continent of Ivinis. At the time, Ivinis had begun to become filled with various Nokhtan settlements up and down its eastern seaboard. No indigenous peoples had been found, however there had been a wealth of new animals, plants and insects discovered in the preceding century. As such, Vzhani was granted funding by the Nautical Peace to chart out the southwestern coast of Ivinis in order to find potential places that the Nautical Peace could build settlements.
In 9,375 Y, the first colony ships were sent to the island of Rvitaria. Gradually, more and more were sent until the port of Yuechua was well-established as an Unuvunese foothold in Ivinis. It would later become the hub for further expansion deeper into Ivinis.
Settlement of the Vie river basin
Discovered for the Unuvi by Flicha Fihano, the massive Vie river captured the imagination of the Unuvunese. The Nautical Peace soon began sending colonists to secure the mouth of the Vie, and rapidly begun constructing a large port at Daifihanoshai as the true extent of the river system became known. Rivalling many of the large, fertile river basins on Pangaea, the Vie watershed would become the focus of Unuvunese colonization efforts for the next several centuries. As Nokhtan colonies began to sprout up to the northeast of the Vie, the Unuvunese began work on the grand Daifihanoshai Castle, one of the largest traditional Unuvunese castles still in existence.
Lasletsa
Lasletsa Declaration, also known as the Green Gate Declaration, was an imperial declaration in 9,435 Y that asserted both that Hakiism was punishable by the death penalty and that citizenship required green hair. The term "Green Gate" is a reference to the famous Lasletsa temple complex in Unuvun, the main place of worship of Haki in traditional Unuvi mythology, and a place where only green-haired people have been traditionally allowed to visit.
Discovery of Lavaank
ensnared in the forbidden fifties -- an Unuvi merchant ship on the way to Edeto is caught in a horrendous storm and sent flying past the subcontinent, coming upon a new, virgin land called Lavaank by the local Tana people.
The Dream of Democracy
The Autumn Fall. In late autumn, the Imperial family gathered in the court for a family portrait. Unbeknownst to them, disloyal nobles in cooperation with Veiivinis revolutionaries had placed dozens of barrels of gunpowder nearby, which exploded and killed many members in the line of succession of the Imperial family except for young Prince Hau and his older brother, Prince Imrahen. The botched coup attempt led to the dismantlement of the Hatluyi royal house and made Prince Hau despise the nobility. Imrahen would later inherit the throne and pursue policies of reconciliation with the nobility.
The Western Rebellion. Much of Veiivinis revolts from Nautical Peace control and forms their own independent nation known as the Veiivinis Alliance, leaving only the city of Daifihanoshai and outlying regions in Unuvunese control.
The Prince of Determination. Prince Hau grew to despise Emperor Imrahen for how leniently he treated the nobility and the Veiivinis Alliance. With the assistance of his right hand man, Ventus the Second Obliterator, he orchestrated the assassination of his elder brother and successfully pinned the blame on the Berjuda royal family. Emperor Hau subsequently ascended to the Ocean Throne and began preparations to invade Veiivinis. Ventus had convinced his aging father, General Blotz, to hand control of the Imperial Army over to him.
The Butchering of Chancellor Pig. Emperor Hau, looking to grow Unuvun's power in the face of Rokhtaera's meteoric rise, deposes the head of parliament and replaces her with a pig. Parliament continues to refuse to launch an invasion of Veiivinis, which prompts Hau to butcher Chancellor Pig and demand that each member of parliament either eat a strip of its bacon or vote in favor of declaring war on the Veiivinis states. The declaration of war subsequently passes parliament by 43-0 vote, cementing Emperor Hau's dominance over the Nautical Peace.
The Eight Handed Tactician. Under the command of Ventus the Second Obliterator, the Nautical Peace launches its invasion of Veiivinis. Over the next five bloody years, over two million people died in the fighting as the Nautical Peace threw their entire weight into reconquering their former colonial holdings. Ventus' strategic brilliance allowed the Nautical Peace to effectively attack Veiivinis on multiple fronts at once, earning him the fearsome title of the "eight handed tactician."
The War Behind the Castle Walls. It was no secret that Emperor Hau was a strong believer in Sayammian democratic ideals. Growing up, he witnessed first hand many of the atrocities the nobility committed behind the scenes. Though he cooperated with the aristocracy in order to focus on conquering Veiivinis, afterwards he began a decade long power struggle against the nobility during which hundreds of assassinations occurred on both sides. In the end, the nobility was dismantled and replaced with a mostly democratic system with strong checks and balances.
To Every Man a Golden Throne. Also known as the 'Heroic Age,' this time period after the reconquest of Veiivinis saw the rapid industrialization of the Nautical Peace in order to catch up with Rokhtaera and Meó, as well as radical political reform. Some policies, such as the establishment of the Official System of Units, and the creation of a comprehensive system of rural districts and national parks, were highly successful policies that continue to this day. Other policies, such as the abolishment of marriage and the outlawing of dinosaurs, provoked significant civil unrest until compromise was reached. Though the dismantlement of the aristocracy was highly disruptive to Unuvi life, Emperor Hau put so much political capital behind the goal that it became a third rail which no political opponent of his could touch.
Obliterator in the Octagon. The last Unuvunese royal family, the Enares, stormed the Imperial Octagon and attempted to bargain with Emperor Hau for their royal line's survival. Enraged by the killing of his daughter, Emperor Hau ordered the storming of the Octagon and the "obliteration of the last vestige of the monster of nobility." Obliging, Ventus the Second Obliterator led the charge into the Imperial Octagon and personally killed Prince Vralu, Queen Ferzi and Duchess Sayiŋa, ending the Enare royal bloodline once and for all.
ROUTE 1:
The Emperor Machine. Near the end of his life, Emperor Hau announced that he would step down as ruler of the Nautical Peace. He feared that the Imperial Court had grown far too powerful, and that the Nautical Peace could repeat history by slowly devolving into aristocracy once more. To prevent this, Hau commissioned the creation of the Emperor Machine, a large, eighty foot tall anthropomorphic machine resembling an Unuvi shaman. In collaboration with parliament, he passed legislation that stipulated the emperor of the Nautical Peace be chosen as follows: each party member of parliament may write the name of one person on a ballot card and place it inside of the Emperor Machine. The Emperor Machine will then shuffle the cards and select one at random, with the person whose name is on the selected card being crowned the next emperor of the Nautical Peace -- with an eight year term limit.
Legally, the Emperor Machine is the regent of the Nautical Peace. The chosen 'emperor' is legally an assistant who is expected to carry out the will of the Emperor Machine until one day "the Machine shall become advancèd enough such that it shall attain the collective consciousnèss of the Unuvunese people and rule over the Nation itself in a sublime singularity." This power is known as the Mandate of the Machine, and in recent years it has become hotly debated as artificial intelligence continues to grow in power exponentially.
The Black Rose. The First Ganuoan-Unuvunese War is often used to mark the end of the Unuvunese Heroic Age. The Nautical Peace hastily attempted to block Ganuoese expansion deeper into the interior of Edeto, provoking a long, five year conflict with more than 200,000 deaths during which little territory traded hand. The conclusion of the war saw northern Edeto remaining firmly in the Ganuoan sphere of influence, while the Nautical Peace was left dealing with major revolts in southeastern Edeto that led to them eventually pulling out from that region altogether. The Nautical Peace shifted their focus towards investing in Ivinis after the discovery of large coal, oil and gold deposits in the Ivini Backbone.
ROUTE 2:
something something edgy. emperor hau assassinated at world's fair, son ascends to throne and convinces the peace to launch a war against country that did assassination, etc
Second Age of Exploration
"We Come in Peace, from the Peace". The Samtlie-6 Mission was the first manned landing on Haki by the Nautical Peace. Hundreds of millions of people watched worldwide as the lander crashed into the Yešče Plain, starting a firestorm that surrounded Captain Lufain and Commander Mahkika as they climbed out of the lander. With almost all supplies lost, Lufain and Mahkika would become the first humans to attempt to consume Haki flora and fauna as they would need to wait for at least three weeks for supplies to arrive from Pavala.
Do Me a Favor. The Samtlie-7 Mission launched in great haste, seeking to rescue the two men left stranded on Haki during the Samtlie-6 mission. Many had speculated about what exactly would happen to a human being were they to take their mask off on Haki. It was already known that Haki's atmosphere was theoretically breathable, however it was unknown how Hakese bacteria would affect a human being over the long term, as well as whether or not Hakese plant and animal life were digestible. After a successful landing, the world was shocked to discover that bother Lufain and Mahkika were alive, having survived off Hakese megafauna in the three weeks since their crash landing. The two astronauts returned to Pavala on the Samtlie-7 lander, bringing some of their foraged food with them.
The Master Ship. The Master Project was a top secret rocketry project led by the Naborsi engineering prodigy Shimh Hâo and the Unuvunese industrial magnate Tehchuka Flaneybi. Nabors and the Nautical Peace generously poured tens of billions of dollars a year into the development of a sub $100/kg transportation system to Haki. The result was a two staged reusable rocket system to get to Haki, with the upper stage being able to return to Pavala by itself due to Haki's lower gravity. Thanks to the development of the Master Ship, the Nautical Peace was able to begin work on a large city on Haki to serve as a base of operations for its ulterior motive, to lay claim to large expanses of the planet. [Are we entering the future? Does Pavala canon stop here?]
the sibling crosser -- Dadu Ultraheavy Industries releases the Strawberry 5, the wildly successful commercial spaceplane that can take up to twenty people to Haki and back. With one-way tickets to Haki plumetting to $80,000, the Nautical Peace's spaceports are about to get a whole lot more crowded.