Môn'Su (Country)

Môn'Su, previously known as Csil'Ebô, is an island nation off the eastern coast of North Alaehan. The island is the ancestral homeland of the Ebôn peoples, who now populate the countries of Môn'Su, Bélsâr, Nûv'erlix, and Volhy'ska. The nation was founded in 0 EC, or -794 YGP, by groups of natives based around the central obelisk of the island. A massively pious religion was formed in worship of this massive structure, and would go on to shape Ebôn life for much of their history.

Excerpt from Ancient Texts Detailing Sacrificial Rituals

The time has come once more to the people of Ebôn. The gods demand sacrifice, the Obelisk demands tribute. Two hundred slaves are gathered at the base of the holy spire, the largest amount in Ebôn history, each knowing they are to die within the next day. The priests of Csil'ebô ritually prepare the slaves for what awaits them. First, they are washed and stripped. The priests then carve the shape of an obelisk on the left side of the slaves' chests, just above the heart, caring not for the screams of pain. The eyes of the strongest slave are removed, symbolic of the blind and unquestioning faith all must have. This now blind man, chained to all the others, is marched toward the Obelisk. The men all form a circle around the obelisk (if possible, idk how large it is). The High Priest, Ro'tô'néraq, chants a holy saying, translating to: "Oh, great and powerful gods of the world, accept our sacrifice to you and provide us with good fortune in war and harvest to come." The slaves are then tasked to simply walk forward into the Obelisk, all at once, and all dying to the powerful force produced, some slower than others.

Bél'sâriux, Emissary of the Divine

Bél'sâriux was the first great king of the Ebôn, who led the people on great crusades to conquer the entirety of the isle of Mon'Su'Taq. He was born in the year 894 EC, and succeeded the throne of his father at 7 (or 14 in Earth years). The Great King adopted the title of "Harbingers of Order" for the Ebôn people, which would be a title used throughout multiple generations. Claiming he had direct orders from the Divine to carry out a so-called "Divine Plan," he quickly set out upon a great warpath. The Divine Army quickly adopted multiple warchants: "Mon'Su'Taq shall be ours! All who oppose us shall burn! Death to the unbelievers! Death to the heathens! Glory to the Obelisk!"

Bél'sâr'ii Dynasty

Following the death of Bél'sâriux, his successors adopted his name, forming the first dynasty of the Ebôn. They adopted the traditional standard of a tan elk on a green backdrop, and established the first regional system. Their lands were divided into 5 regions:

N'orka, the land where fanatic warriors and expert huntsmen and archers dominated.

îri'kalica, the central region of the realm, where the capital was situated.

Fâ'rinti, the agricultural hub of the realm.

Xo'éâ'nica, the coastal trade hub of the realm where many ships were built.

Erlix'ca, where many great architectural feats were accomplished, including the massive Ebôn pyramids.

These regions were further divided into 100 provinces, each ruled by a Csil'Côx.

 Beginning of the Age of Discovery 

Eventually, many began to think: is there land beyond this isle? Along with this speculation of discovery came a demand for technological innovation. Some, in particular the Phi'kara'ii of N'orka, believed that the only way to ensure advancement was to topple the current regime and replace it with a more efficient form of governing.

 The Eagle Revolt and Fragmentation 

The Phi'kara'ii Dynasty, having gained the support of the entirety of N'orka, has revolted against Bél'sâr'ii rule. They wished to create a more powerful state with higher autonomy for the provinces, and with them as the head. This had created political turmoil in the nation, with provinces that had previously been completely loyal having thoughts of revolt. All provinces eventually aligned themselves with a dynasty in the great War of Man. The Region of Fâ'rinti had risen up in revolt against all nobility and monarchs, believing that the people, the farmers and workers, should rule themselves rather than the small noble minority. Many states had aligned themselves with the Bél'sâr'ii, including the Tha'qil'ii and Iq'taq'ii. However, others dynasties had, with inspiration derived from the Phi'kara'ii, revolted in hopes of gaining sovereignty over Man. The Kraz'tar'ii, once the closest allies of the Bél'sâr'ii, rose up in arms to take the Obelisk for themselves. They justified their claim with their many marriages to the Bél'sâr'ii, concluding that they are the rightful rulers of Man. Few other provinces supported the Kraz'tar'ii, viewing them as untrustworthy for betraying their kin. Thus, the Kraz'tar'ii were dubbed Kinslayers and traitors. However, the Erlix'ra'ii of Erlix'ca had more success in gaining support. The entirety of their region supported them in their quest for sovereignty, knowing that it would bring them more power. Lastly, the small but wealthy Nûv'ebôn'ii, or "New Men" of Obélî'taq allied itself with their neighbor, wishing to unify their island and take further coastal provinces to fund their Age of Discovery. Conflicts along the borders resulted in early territorial changes. The old Phi'kara'ii dynasty renamed itself the N'orkar'ii, as they were the official rulers of all N'orka and the bringers of Northern Glory. The N'orkar'ii were aggressive, wishing to reach the capital of the Bél'sâr'ii loyalists as soon as possible to kill the royal dynasty. The Fâ'rinti chose a defensive stance, having wished only to maintain their independence rather than spread their revolt. Similarly to the N'orkar'ii, the Kraz'tar'ii also made pushes toward the capital and the Obelisk, to claim the land for themselves. The Erlix'ra'ii only made minor advancements, as while they wished to gain the throne as all other dynasties, they were weak fighters. The Nûv'ebôn'ii secured the entirety of their isle, and set their eyes toward the eastern coast of Mon'su'taq. The N'orka advanced further into Bél'sâr'ii land, and neared the capital. However, in the south, the Bél'sâr'ii had great success under the leadership of A'tla Bél'sâr'ii, a cousin of the Csil'Tyrannica. The Bél'sâr'ii believed that both the Erlix'ca and Kraz'tar'ii would succumb within a few months. After nearly 50 years of fighting, the war finally came to a close. Generations died and new ones born. None of those who started the war lived to see the end. The land was decimated, many died, and none saw a reason to continue fighting. The Csil'Tyrannica of the Bél'sâr'ii proposed an autonomous confederation of the provinces. While still under the rule of the Bél'sâr'ii, each province would have sovereignty over its land. There were made seven "electors," who were tasked with choosing the heir. The electors were the most powerful dynasties of Ebôn, the Tha'qil'ii, Iq'taq'ii, Erlix'ra'ii, Kraz'tar'ii, N'orkar'ii, Nira'taro'ii, and the Nûv'ebôn'ii. The Bél'sâr'ii were not an elector. Whoever was elected ruled from the province of the Bél'sâr'ii, thus the province was renamed "Csil'Tyranni," or "Realm of the King."

 Foreign Arrival 

Around 1306 EC, foreign, advanced ships washed up on the coast of the island. A malnourished boy was found in the wreckage and taught the language of the Ebôn by a family of fishers. The wreckage, studied by Ebôn shipbuilders, allowed us to recreate these ships, and led in an age of mass discovery and power. Soon after, the ships of the Ebôn landed on the mainland of Alaehan, in the nation of Nielenacht. Their ports were used to resupply, and voyages continued along the coasts, with colonies eventually set up at key points. Eventually the knowledge of shipbuilding reached the N'orkar, who used this knowledge to launch massive raids on the Shokrieg states and Narv, quickly burning villages and cities and taking their loot.

 Nûv'Ebôn League 

With their mastery of trade, the Nûv'Ebôn created a trade league on the eastern coast of Mon'Su'Taq. In exchange for protection, the states would pay a tax to the Nûv'Ebôn. This lead to the N'orkar'ii to call a meeting of the N'orkan states, for the invasion of Nielenacht. From this point, they wished to create a massive empire to further their will and power (This state eventually become what is today the Volhy'ska).

 Jéx'ûq 

Jéx'ûq was a man who was able to touch the sacred obelisk, where others would be electrocuted and killed. He would gain a cult following, however was forced to flee into hiding in Fâ'rinti. The military of the Bél'sâr'ii was sent to find and execute the man to prevent a great religious divide. Jéx'ûq, the so-called "Prophet" of the Divine, would eventually have been killed. It was decided that he was a heretic, and thus punished for his crimes. However, a notable group in Fâ'rinti still followed him, despite his sacrifice. This group became known as the Jéxuî, or the Followers of Jéx'ûq. They rose up against the noble lords once more, as the Fâ'rinti had done in the Great Civil War. Now, not only were they driven by their desire for freedom, but also their beliefs. One priest, whom had stripped Jéx'ûq and prepared him for his sacrifice, studied the clothing worn by the man, discovering an odd material in it(rubber). He carried out secret tests with the material, and discovered that it protects from the Obelisk. He refused to tell anyone but his direct apprentice of this fact, as if it were to be found out that the power of the Obelisk could be negated, there would have bee great religious turmoil. By the time the nation converted to Aelyonism, Jéx'ûq was proclaimed a saint of Lainor, as he was able to touch the obelisk without harm.

 War of the Obelisk, as told from an Excerpt of a General's Diary 

The Great War of the Obelisk has begun. The Nûv’ebôn have launched a great campaign for the entirety of the isle. The first challenge they must overcome in their war of reunification is that of the Bél’sâr’ii. Long have they ruled, since the days of the great Bél’sâr’iux of the old Csil’ebôn Empire. Now, however, it is time for the traditions of old, the rulers of old, and the old men to be crushed before the might of the New Man. In order to assert control over the island, there must be a centralized religion under a centralized state. However, the Grî’ebô is disunified, there are many different ways to practice it and there are even multiple sects, the most distinct of which being the Jéxuî. However, those of the Nûv’ebôn also follow a different sect: Nûvéxilã. The High Priest of the Nûv’ebôn has called a glorious crusade for the Holy Obelisk, for it must be under our control to confirm the validity of the faith. If we are the chosen of the Divine, then we must hold the great Divine Obelisk. Thousands have gathered in the single largest army in Ebôn history. The force numbers well over 200k, consisting only partially of the professional army of the Nûv’ebôn. Thousands of peasants have joined the army, armed with minor weaponry and their faith alone. Further forces of monastic and holy orders, including the well-known Holy Order of the Divine and the Harbingers of the Divine Will, Order, and Unity, Brethren of War, and the Prophets of the Obelisk, have also gathered to participate in the Holy War. Lastly, the guards of minor nobles and many wealthy, aspiring nobles have come to fight. The force marches on the capital of the Bél’sâr’ii, within it being the Obelisk. However, despite their vast numbers, the battle rages on for many months. The defenses of the Obelisk are great, and the defenders numerous. The city constitutes of many layers of walls, with a wide moat and soaring towers, lined with thousands of archers and artillery. The great is made of iron, nearly impenetrable. Contained within the walls, there are vast farms and forges, to allow for survival during a siege. On main streets, there are hidden points from which an archer may shoot from. There are numerous concealed areas for ambushes to be launched, such as secluded alleyways. Even the sewers are made to assist in the defense of the city, allowing for easy, covert transport of men to encircle anyone who breaches the walls. The siege began with, as usual, the surrounding of the city and the barrage of the walls. However, the craftsmen of the Bél’sâr’ii are numerous, and their direct holdings have a large population despite its small size. The artillery of the Bél’sâr’ii initially outnumbers that of the Holy League, able to force the attackers to build their own fortifications to last long enough for more trebuchets and catapults to be constructed. For months on end, the defenders held on, desperately awaiting a relief force that would never come. Eventually, the first layer is breached, and the forces of the Holy League storm in. The scent of death reeks the field of battle, as many are slaughtered before the attackers can truly infiltrate the city streets. The fighting continues in the streets for a month before all layers and defenders are beaten. At long last, the Obelisk is in Nûv’ebôn hands. Thousands lay dead on the field of battle; at least 20,000 Bél’sâr’ii and over 40,000 Nûv’ebôn. However, the army cannot rest long in the city, for the reunification must continue. They move through the lands of the Fâ’rinti and Kraz’tar’ii with little opposition, due to their excessive numbers. However, the peasants do riot as they are conquered, even if they do not directly amount and attack against them. They merely throw rocks, tamper with supplies, and some do occasionally launch ambushes, though these are quickly crushed. The Holy League does not truly come under threat until the N’orkar’ii join against them. With the aid of the powerful Volhin’ii, they are able to amass a large army capable of defeating the Holy League. While smaller in numbers, only 100k compared to the recently replenished 200k Nûv’ebôn, the people of the north are a warrior culture, bred since birth to slaughter any that oppose them with a ruthless and savagely disciplined assault. On the fields near a town called Tûtõbêq, these great armies meet. The combined forces of the Volhin and N’orkar quickly move forward to attempt a direct assault, despite being outnumbered. With their experienced and deadly longbowmen providing harassment of their foes, they rush against the Nûv’ebôn with haste before lobbing their spears and charging in. The ruthless Nôrc’ebôn, or Northmen, slaughter the inexperienced forces of the Nûv’ebôn. However, they have pushed into only one spot on the Holy lines, hoping to quickly be able to break through and kill the archers and artillery while also attacking the backs of the infantry. This oversight has allowed the Nûv’ebôn to completely surround them, and the Nôrc’ebôn continue fighting in a desperate last stand. They last for a whole day of fighting, not a single one surrendering, even to the last man. The last man standing was the King of the N’orkar’ii himself, Gnae Agrî’pqa N’orkar. It is said that he stood on a pile of death, slaughtering hundreds before succumbing to his multitude of wounds. The archers of the N’orkar, however, did retreat, and regrouped with another force. While the Battle of Tûtõbêq was the most decisive battle of the war, with over 70k Nôrc’ebôn and 120k Nûv’ebôn dead, many smaller skirmishes and assaults were fought. Ultimately, the N’orkar lost, and their aspirations for total, traditionalist control of the isle were crushed. The ways of the old have succumbed to the New Order, the New Religion, the New Nation, the New Man. It is time for the Ebôn to be united, and with the united isle, we may spread our people across all the known world. We are destined to rule over all man. It is time that we forget our internal divide and unite to fulfill the Great Plan of the Divine. We are the Harbingers of Order. We are the Bringers of Unity. We are united at last, and with that we are unstoppable.

 Aelyonist Civil War, told again by a diary 

The Aelyonists have risen up against the Nûvéxilã! Despite their faith being legal, they believe the native faith to be infidelic, and that it must be wiped out. Further, they wish to put an end to the conflict in the streets. The main forces of the Aelyonists have risen up in the province of Fâ’rinti, near the Hanheri port, and have begun a march for the capital. The army is almost entirely peasantry, with only a small amount of nobility and professional soldiers. However, despite this apparent disadvantage, the Aelyonists have been aided by the Hanheri, and been provided with their weaponry. With the firearms, they are easily able to win battle after battle against the Royal Nûv’ebôn Army, both due to surprise and technological superiority. They quickly reach the capital, and demand that the Emperor convert, with the threat of death if he refuses. Naturally, believing himself to be the Chosen of the Divine, and therefore destined for success, he denies. He is dragged out of the palace brutally, and taken through the streets to the Obelisk. There, he is sacrificed, without the typical honors of a Nûvéxulãn sacrifice. He is merely thrown onto the Obelisk, humiliated in front of his people. His cousin, who resided in the region of the Fâ’rinti, and converted to Aelyonism along with all those around him, is placed on the throne. Thus, the reign of the Aelyonist Diâletiãn I of the House of Câpeli has begun. However, despite their rule of the capital, they must still continue to unify the isle. While resistance in the south is minimal, the traditionalist Nôrc’ebôn continue to fight ferociously. Despite their lack of guns, their mastery of the bow has allowed them to compete with the Aelyonists at range. Battles between the forces are bloody, with numerous casualties on both sides, and all are close. Due to the high casualties of Diâletiãn’s victories, the war has become one of attrition; the forces are nearly equally matched. Though, the numbers favor the Aelyonists, and eventually, after many brutal encounters, the Nôrc’ebôn are crushed.

 The Revolution of the Union 

Thêodoxc began his quest for power in the province of Fâ’rinti, where he already had the most support. From here, he recruited a large army, nearly 400k strong, however it was almost entirely volunteers. This so-called “People’s Army” is supported by a group of 10,000 members of the Bûnd’stix. In June 953, the army marched on Csil’Iride. However, the Emperor had more support than he anticipated. Three months later, in August of the year 953, the forces clashed in a brutal battle. The Imperial forces numbered only 100k, however were highly trained and professional. On the contrary, the People’s Army was ill-equipped, untrained, and disorderly. Only 110k of the total 410k men had guns, while the rest wielded pikes, pitchforks, and sickles. Knowing that attempting to use traditional line warfare against the superiorly trained force would be foolish, Thêo ordered his army to split in two, the men who were properly armed forming a line to march on the enemy while the unarmed peasant horde would maneuver around the enemy in 6 50k man groups. The Imperials did not yet know the full size of the People’s Army, as much of it was gained along the march. Focusing on what they thought was the entire army, the Imperials were soon flanked by hordes of peasants, and were overrun by the numbers. However, this victory for Thêo was incredibly costly, as he lost nearly 50k of his original 410k. Inspired by the victory, Thêo began his final march on the capital of Csil’Iride. A bloody siege broke out, with numerous casualties for the attacking People’s Army. On the verge of victory, disaster struck. Due to his old age, Thêo died of a heart attack on the field of battle, and the moral of the disorganized peasants was crushed. The revolution was over. Without the inspirational leadership of Thêodoxc Îãndor, many saw no reason to continue. The Emperor, Îrides XII, had won. He had secured his absolute rule of the nation, and it did not appear it would end anytime soon.

I'm going to do the rest later - Pagan