The Story of CivilizationBoard

Regno De Sanctianapolae, a small yet resilient city-state, traces its origins to a modest settlement founded by a group of enterprising traders and farmers. The city-state's founders sought to emulate the virtues of discipline, innovation, and strategic prowess, laying the groundwork for its eventual growth and prosperity. Over time, Regno De Sanctianapolae flourished into a bustling urban center, strategically positioned along key trade routes and driven by the entrepreneurial spirit of its inhabitants.

Despite its modest size, Regno De Sanctianapolae quickly emerged as a hub of commerce and culture in the region. Merchants from distant lands converged upon its markets, fostering a vibrant exchange of goods and ideas that enriched the city-state's cultural tapestry. Artisans, scholars, and craftsmen thrived within its walls, contributing to a flourishing intellectual and artistic community that attracted visitors from far and wide.

The rulers of Regno De Sanctianapolae, descendants of the founding families, governed with a blend of pragmatism and ambition. Recognizing the importance of diplomacy and strategic alliances in a volatile geopolitical landscape, they skillfully navigated shifting alliances and rivalries to safeguard the city-state's security and prosperity.

Militarily, Regno De Sanctianapolae maintained a small yet well-disciplined force of citizen-soldiers, trained in the art of warfare and dedicated to defending their homeland against external threats. Though conflicts with neighboring city-states and tribes were not uncommon, Regno De Sanctianapolae relied on its strategic defenses, including fortified walls and watchtowers, to deter potential aggressors and preserve its sovereignty.

Despite the challenges it faced, Regno De Sanctianapolae stood as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of its people. Through trade, diplomacy, and a commitment to self-reliance, the city-state carved out a niche for itself in the tumultuous landscape of the region, leaving an enduring legacy in its wake.

As Regno De Sanctianapolae continued to prosper, it became renowned not only for its economic prowess but also for its rich cultural heritage. Grand theaters, temples, and academies dotted its landscape, serving as centers for intellectual exchange and artistic expression. Festivals and religious ceremonies drew pilgrims from neighboring lands, further enhancing the city-state's reputation as a beacon of culture and spirituality.

In Regno De Sanctianapolae, the recruitment of young men into the armed forces was a revered tradition, embodying the city-state's commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and protecting its citizens. From a young age, boys were instilled with a sense of duty and honor, taught to honor the martial heritage of their ancestors and aspire to uphold the ideals of valor and sacrifice.

Recruitment efforts were led by experienced military officers and seasoned soldiers, who traveled across villages, towns, and urban centers to identify potential candidates for military service. Young men who displayed physical prowess, mental fortitude, and a dedication to duty were singled out for further evaluation and training, while others were encouraged to pursue alternative paths suited to their interests and skills.

Upon being selected for military service, recruits underwent solemn initiation ceremonies, pledging their allegiance to Regno De Sanctianapolae and swearing to defend its interests with unwavering loyalty and bravery. These rituals served to instill a sense of pride and purpose in the recruits, reinforcing their commitment to serving their city-state with honor and distinction.

Training for new recruits was rigorous and demanding, designed to mold them into disciplined and proficient soldiers capable of facing the challenges of warfare with courage and resilience. Under the tutelage of experienced instructors, recruits underwent physical conditioning, weapons training, and tactical exercises, honing their combat skills and learning the importance of teamwork and camaraderie on the battlefield.

As they progressed through their training, recruits developed a strong sense of camaraderie and esprit de corps, forging bonds with their fellow soldiers that would endure throughout their military careers. They learned to trust and rely on one another, knowing that their collective strength and unity were essential to their success in battle.

Upon completing their training and officially joining the ranks of Regno De Sanctianapolae's armed forces, recruits were assigned to seasoned veterans and experienced officers who mentored and guided them as they acclimated to military life. They participated in drills, exercises, and simulated combat scenarios to further hone their skills and prepare them for the realities of warfare.

In addition to their martial training, recruits were educated in the history, values, and traditions of Regno De Sanctianapolae, instilling in them a deep appreciation for their city-state's heritage and the sacrifices made by those who had come before them. They learned of the heroic deeds of past warriors and the enduring legacy they were called upon to uphold, inspiring them to serve with honor and distinction in defense of their homeland.

In conclusion, the recruitment and training of young men into the armed forces of Regno De Sanctianapolae were integral to the city-state's defense and prosperity. Through rigorous training, mentorship, and a commitment to duty and honor, recruits were prepared to uphold the proud traditions of their city-state and safeguard its interests for generations to come.

As part of their training, recruits were also educated in the principles of leadership and command, preparing them for the responsibilities they would assume as they advanced through the ranks. They learned the importance of effective communication, strategic thinking, and decision-making under pressure, recognizing that their ability to lead and inspire others would be essential to the success of their missions and the welfare of their fellow soldiers.

Furthermore, recruits were trained to adapt to a variety of combat scenarios and environments, ranging from urban warfare to open-field battles and mountainous terrain. They underwent specialized training in survival skills, including navigation, camouflage, and evasion tactics, ensuring that they could operate effectively in any situation and overcome unexpected challenges on the battlefield.

In addition to their combat training, recruits were instructed in the laws and customs of war, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct and respect for human rights. They learned to distinguish between lawful and unlawful targets, adhere to rules of engagement, and treat prisoners of war with dignity and compassion, reflecting the city-state's commitment to justice and fairness even in times of conflict.

Moreover, recruits were exposed to the latest advances in military technology and tactics, including the use of siege engines, cavalry formations, and projectile weapons. They received instruction in the maintenance and operation of weapons and equipment, ensuring that they could effectively utilize modern tools of war to gain a tactical advantage over their adversaries.

As they progressed in their training, recruits were evaluated based on their performance, aptitude, and leadership potential, with those showing exceptional promise being groomed for advancement within the ranks. They underwent regular assessments and examinations to measure their progress and identify areas for improvement, receiving feedback and guidance from their instructors to help them reach their full potential as soldiers and leaders.

In conclusion, the recruitment and training of young men into the armed forces of Regno De Sanctianapolae were comprehensive and thorough, preparing them for the challenges of military service and instilling in them the values of duty, discipline, and dedication to their city-state. Through rigorous training, practical experience, and a commitment to excellence, recruits were equipped to defend their homeland with honor and valor, ensuring the continued security and prosperity of Regno De Sanctianapolae.

Furthermore, as part of their training regimen, recruits underwent mental conditioning to cultivate resilience, adaptability, and the ability to perform under stress. They participated in simulated combat scenarios and realistic exercises designed to replicate the chaos and uncertainty of warfare, allowing them to develop the mental fortitude and composure necessary to make split-second decisions and maintain focus in high-pressure situations.

In addition to their physical and mental preparation, recruits were taught the importance of teamwork and cooperation on the battlefield. Through collaborative exercises and group drills, they learned to trust and rely on their fellow soldiers, understanding that success in combat often depended on effective communication, coordination, and mutual support among unit members.

Moreover, recruits received instruction in battlefield medicine and first aid, equipping them with the skills to provide emergency medical care to themselves and their comrades in the event of injuries or casualties. They learned how to administer basic medical treatments, apply field dressings, and evacuate wounded soldiers from the battlefield, ensuring that they could effectively respond to medical emergencies and minimize the impact of injuries during combat operations.

As part of their training, recruits also underwent cultural sensitivity and diversity training to prepare them for encounters with different peoples and cultures on the battlefield. They learned about the customs, traditions, and languages of potential adversaries and allies, helping them to communicate effectively and navigate complex social dynamics in diverse environments.

Furthermore, recruits were instilled with a sense of civic responsibility and duty to their fellow citizens, recognizing that their service in the armed forces was ultimately in defense of their city-state and its inhabitants. They were encouraged to embody the values of courage, honor, and selflessness both on and off the battlefield, serving as role models and guardians of the community.

The Ruler of Sanctiapolae, Theodosius Naveous would sought out to expand his borders to secure a greater position in the region. Which in turn increases the safety and prosperity of both our economy and Influence. Therefore we’d mobilise 15,000 Footmen to our borders under the banner of Legio Conclavis. Our reconnaissance units would scout out the surrounding area identifying warlord rules tribes knowing of there poor leadership and disloyal hierarchy, small yet fast attacks would be employed, the strategy being to spend more time in enemy territory deteriorating loyalty of the main leader causing a disassemblement of their ranks into smaller forces more easier to handle with our numerical advantage. Therefore using this tactic our legionares would raid villages “living off the land” opposed to traditional supply lines that could lay vulnerable to enemy attack. This tactic gave us the ability to control small portions of land on fast paced time, creating havoc amongst general governance to the tribe leader. With most lands consolidated into sanctianapolae occupancy we’d lay siege their capital, using sphincter formation to deter enemy battery's and archers. Within days we’d penetrate the south wall controlling it and creating a shield wall allowing time for our reinforcements to swarm the inner city massacring its populace. And employing this technique for days on end forced the leader to subdue to an ultimatum ceding all lands and territories aswell as full treasury and loyalty.

Not Quite Far, But Certainly East - I -
Expansion post

Gathered in the galleon’s ample quarters, Teggerdam gathered intel on these strange lands with a handful of seamen picked off the capital’s docks.

Knowledge of the demure archipelago somewhere to the east of Gemsamegh was not uncommon prior to the Reich’s colonial ventures, but it had been agreed it held no particular value and was not worth the resources needed to bring it under the imperial fold.

Fast forward a few decades later and incursions into the New World are in full swing. With ever-increasing traffic making its way through the strait of Zwietracht, the decision was made to establish permanent imperial presence on the archipelago, as a stopover to the newly acquired territories on the New World.

For this purpose, the Kaiser would grant Elias Teggerdam command of a flotilla carrying gifts and guns to either woo the natives over or subjugate them, provided they refused his pleasantries.

With him were a few sailors, who had previously visited the islands for a myriad of reasons and were acquainted enough with the natives to lend themselves useful.

“Where should we make landfall? I hope to get as close to their heart as possible.” Teggerdam inquired, seated behind his desk and scribbling furiously on a piece of parchment.

“The innermost of their isles. Thereabouts they call it ‘Caliraya’. Has a whole bunch of them stuffed into it.” a man with a scraggly gray beard and skin so tanned it could be mistaken for leather retorted.

“Aye. Thereabouts is their king too.” Another, younger-but-nearly-as-old sailor added.

Teggerdam froze for a moment. “A king? Of the entire archipelago?”

The two nodded solemnly.

“Tell me more.” he beckoned, leaning back in his chair.

“No one unites them islanders quite like him. High atop one of them mountains, he reigns over them chieftains, who rule all them islands for’im.”

Teggerdam leaned back, pleased with himself.
It would certainly be easier to convince one monarch to kneel than to go all over getting promises from disparate chieftains.

“And how sturdy are their defenses? Surely they can’t be too advanced.”

The old sea dog shook his head. “Them jungles are the defenses. The heat alone can kill a whole battalion. I’ve felt it in ma’own skin.”

Judging by the man’s tolerance to heat in general, Teggerdam took the advice on good faith.

“What of their general demeanor? Have they been hospitable to you and yours?”

“Methinks so. Them women shower you with drinks and dried roots.” A sly smile crossed the crone’s face. “Easy on the eye too. Don't be asking for kisses though, cuz you ain’t getting any!”

Elias glanced over unamused. “Duly noted.”

“Them women run the place. Got them men on a rope tighter than a gnat’s chuff!”

“Do they? That might come in handy in the future.”

Not Quite Far, But Certainly East - III -
Dev post

One week passed following their arrival and still no word from above.
The crew was growing impatient, despite the best efforts of the locals to make them feel welcomed.
Teggerdam, for his part, was giddy like the child as he uncovered more regarding the sariiayans.

For one, children were raised communally; marriage was all but a foreign concept, with sariiayans engaging in sexual intercourse with multiple members of their community seemingly on their personal whims and desires. A few ‘couples’ existed, where two sariiayans seemed to display a higher level of affection towards one another, but these were rare and nearly impossible to spot in public.

He hadn’t noticed this during his initial observations, but the higher status sariiayans actually built their houses atop stilts, not out of necessity since their settlements weren’t built on zones prone to regular flooding, but to be slightly elevated above the commons.
They also donned floral arrangements on their head and around their necks that were seemingly the local version of jewelry, though jewelry could also be occasionally spotted, courtesy of trade with the Kaiserreich.

Curiously, the more prestigious occupations such as priests, overseers, and even ‘baylans’, a caste of spiritual leaders, were almost entirely female-dominated.
Back home, women were treated with a certain degree of condescension by their male peers, but here women were revered as betters over their male counterparts.

The baylans were essentially the highest local authority, just below the throne. A council of them administered each island — with at least one in every settlement — and decided on all matters of life, from the religious to the bureaucratic. These were often older women, who passed down the mantle of baylan to a candidate that showed promise as devout priestesses.

Another aspect that also shocked Teggerdam was how sophisticated their commerce was.
Instead of the typical informal barter he expected of these barely-civilized people, they had actually established port customs, tariffs, charters and other such commercial tools all too common back west. He wasn’t certain if the growing influx of western trade or their own ingenuity were the cause for this innovation, but it was a queer sight nonetheless.

Their divine pantheon numbered in the hundreds, foremost of which was Arayat, the supreme creator.
Arayat and her four male siblings were born simultaneously, though the men soon quarrelled over the daughter of the goddess herself, Adlao, leading to their untimely demise.
Still, it was not all a tragedy, as their carcasses became the archipelago that the sariiayans currently inhabit, with the vast sea being Arayat herself.

Adlao perched atop her solar abode high above the clouds, birthed a daughter, Bulan, who would join her mother in the sky, watching over the empty world down below.

However, Bulan was not content with the company of her divine parent, sinking into a deep melancholic state that eventually blossomed into a crippling depression.
Reaching her breaking point, Bulan burst into a crying fit that shook the very foundations of the world, her tears too light to fall, instead remaining on the night sky, shimmering as brightly as her solar mother.

At last, she found company, and with their sight, she was overjoyed.
Adlao, seeing Bulan happy for the first time since her birth, made a human woman in her likeness, followed closely by a man to keep her company. And so began humanity in the sariiayan mythos.

An adorable little tale that wouldn’t be taken kindly back home, but such was life.

Their religious rituals also exuded an aura of simplicity that was truly in line with their beliefs.
Woven baskets filled with fruits, flowers and trinkets were sent out to sea on a daily basis as offerings to Arayat and her offspring, with ceremonies on land including a similar array of material things as extensions of the divine.

Perhaps they were closer to their gods than the so-called ‘civilized’ folk…

Not Quite Far, But Certainly East - V -
Expansion post

The crew was incredulous, but Teggerdam could only laugh to himself.
Of course the monarch would be a woman! All other leadership positions were dominated by women, it would make no logical sense if the most prestigious of them all was a man, especially with how the sariiayans viewed the male sex.

According to them, men were more given to passion, often to bordering on madness and brutality. Their actions were controlled by lust, which prompted them to be bad judges of character. Women, on the other hand, were much purer in their intentions and diplomatic in their demeanor, making for naturally better leaders.
Teggerdam thought to himself that, with how much he had seen throughout his life, he was inclined to agree.

Discreetly observing the sariiayan queen, he studied what made a royal in these strange lands.
Her skin was no lighter, nor her hair a color too dissimilar, nor her stature much taller or shorter than her subjects. She was perfectly average insofar as those features were concerned.

She was noticeably chubbier than the average sariiayan, though nothing too outrageous nor bordering on obesity.
Her attire was also of dried fern held together by string, though hers seemed much more carefully-crafted than most. Floral accessories were numerous in and around her person, from a series of mother-of-pearl bracelets featuring several small beads carved into their shape to an intricate horned headpiece of similar material topped with a colorful garland around the lower rim.

One of the baylans crept to the queen’s side, whispering something indiscernible in her ear.
The queen closed her eyes in a knowing way, before beckoning Teggerdam and his men to come closer.

She gave the viftaelian adventurer a stern look, observing him up and down much like he had done to her, before waving her hand dismissively.
Teggerdam remained silent for a moment, before on of his men told him it was his cue to talk.

“Greetings, your highness. It is an honour to be in your presence.” he announced, curtsying with a hand over his heart, much like he would’ve done back home.

The puzzled look on her royal face told him the gesture was not fully understood or appreciated. Still, he marched on.

“I come from a place to the west, a realm of splendor and delight, with an insatiable curiosity to learn more about you and–“

The queen interjected, shaking her head and loudly saying something in her native language.

“She says she knows who ya are.” One of the sailors clarified. “She knows whatcha want too.”

Teggerdam was taken aback by the man’s word.

“What do you mean? Ask her to clarify, if you may.”

The man cobbled together a few snarled sounds in the strange language, receiving a few softer ones as a reply.

“She’s seen them big guns ya carry. She dun want to see’em shoot.”

“What?! We would do no such thing!”

“It appears you would.” an elderly voice chimed in, from the back. It was heavy with accent, but it resembled viftaelian more than anything else.

Everyone turned to face the interloper, only to be greeted by the sight of one of the baylan who had accompanied them up the hill.

“Those who came before you taught me to speak your tongue. They also warned us of your visit, of your greed and lust for power.”

Teggerdam tried to defend himself, but the elder was hearing none of it.

“If it is the islands you seek, have them. Greater foes opposed you in the past and received grimm fates as a result, or so I’m told. In the face of such violence, so typical of the male psyche, we can do little to oppose you. We only ask that we be allowed to do as we did before. Abide by it, and you shall find no resistance.”

Teggerdam was flabbergasted at the whole ordeal. The mission had been a success, sure, but the utter surrender of these marvelous peoples pained him deeply.

The Legacy of Huzaru, I
Colonization post

The city of Akuwa stood on the shores of the great landmass that presented such a fundamental barrier to Medilan exploration of Läyas. Truth be told, Ilyas had never expected there to be a civilization in the new world. The oldest colony faced a barren frontier, and the second one controlled but an island. The visit of Huzaran envoys proved to be a complete surprise to him.

It was another of Göle’s follies. The woman neglected exploration. She had never even tried to glean the origin of the city of Hazrö that she conquered. Ilyas’s archivists worked day and night to explore the old archives, or their remains at any rate, after an envoy narrated the history of the entire island and its original inhabitants. Ilyas made a note to reprimand his predecessor and cut her pension. Some squalor would do Göle good. It would serve her right for subjecting Ilyas to the indignity of ignorance in the face of a foreign emissary.

There was a small mercy in the entire debacle. The envoy represented but a single city-state in the general vicinity of Hazrö.

“Indeed, master Ilyas, Akuwa is but one of many,” the man spoke. “We are a lone hub of civilization in the sea of ignorance. You represent another force of civilization, and for that reason, my master seeks an alliance with you.”

“Your master?” Ilyas asked.

“Indeed,” the man bared his collarbone, revealing a burnt mark on his flesh. “I am a loyal servant to His Grace, Dal sebdar Haruwanduli Pihasu.”

Ilyas turned towards the translator who appeared lost. The man came from Hazrö and knew the local dialect and Medilan. Ilyas narrowed his eyes.

“Your Empire has no precise equivalent, çekcä,” the man bowed.

“Then approximate,” Ilyas ordered. He wondered for a moment why he was doing a translator’s job, but then realized that the locals had slavery before the Empire came. The translator had never exposed his collarbone in Ilyas’s presence, giving rise to a bit of conjecture as to the man’s status in Huzara.

“Yes, çekcä,” the man bowed. “A fadiq, I would say, is the closest in terms of office, but his authority stretches beyond city walls and encompasses satellite settlements around the city.”

“I see,” Ilyas nodded. He turned towards the envoy. “And what exactly does your… master want from the alliance with the Imperial Throne?”

“What else? Security, esteemed master, and prosperity,” the envoy replied. “You come bearing riches and strong arms. Akuwa would benefit from both.”

“Does your master understand that the Empire’s help must be reciprocated? A Medilan garrison in the city, and an exclusive part of your harbor will be the sole payment I may accept,” Ilyas spoke.

“Granting both may be outside my master’s ability, esteemed master,” the envoy replied after a moment of consideration. Ilyas hid his surprise at the sheer authority the slave before him seemed to wield. “Granting but one may be feasible.”

“A part of the harbor then,” Ilyas agreed.

In truth, he needed just the harbor. In negotiations, one had to have certain sacrificial lambs in place, to portray themselves as reasonable and amicable to compromise. In the harbor, Ilyas would set up an office of the Bank of Has. A detachment of soldiers would guard its assets. Who would argue against it? Who would know that the detachment would be a full garrison?

“You are most generous, esteemed master,” the slave smiled, and for a moment, Ilyas felt himself scammed.

The Bayan Issue - II
Expansion Post

The High Council had finally reassembled for the month, now to finally manage the new administration of Narusula and Thaliyyah. The council had been formed at the founding of Narqaliu, with each member being selected from one of Narqaliu’s great families. Yet at this pivotal meeting, a number of seats were left empty.

The Emir was gone in who-knows-where, Saffiyah al-Nabila was on a personal leave, and Mansur al-Majid had been ill. Emir Talha had disappeared without a trace, leaving his seat entirely vacant. It seemed the Emir had been far too wrapped up in some unknown spiritual journey to arrive, as he had apparently been out of the city for the past weeks.

The absence of Mansur al-Majid was typical. After the retirement of Salah al-Munir, Mansur was now the oldest person to sit on the council, and his health reflected that. His son, Hamal al-Majid now served in his place, clearly to gain experience to replace his aging father.

The most peculiar absence was that of High Councilor Saffiyah. Years ago, she stormed into the city and demanded to fill the seat of her father — Ahirah al-Nabila. The seat had been held by representatives of the Ibris Fleet in the time after Ahirah’s unfortunate execution, but through some unknown means, Saffiyah seized the seat for herself. Her seat had been empty on occasion — most recently as a result of her time spent negotiating the settlement in Narusula. Personal leave was a different matter, however, as she had doggedly insisted on attending High Council meetings throughout her entire time on it.

Rather than leaving a representative to fill in, Saffiyah instead opted to leave a massive pile of notes and requests upon her seat. A small team of her aides was tasked with digging through the pile of documents, which contained various responses to whatever questions the council asked. If anything, Saffiyah was thorough.

The Council’s second chair stood, “It is with the borrowed authority of the Emir that I, Azeem al-Naderi, call this council to order! There are many issues to discuss regarding the recent acquisition of the noble cities of Narusula and Thaliyyah, and these shall come later. Instead, the first point on our agenda has been added by the urgent request of the diplomatic office.”

A flurry of papers were flipped and shuffled around on Saffiyah’s seat. One of the aides snatched up a document, his eyes set alight with recognition. “—How significant is this issue to overshadow Narusula and Thaliyyah?”

“Based on the descriptions, it is quite severe.” Azeem replied, lifting up a hastily penned report by one Rahe al-Karim, “I’m sure that we are familiar with Envoy Rahe. She has recently received a letter alleging that the Bayans have begun raiding the island of Qadibh.”

“A grave infraction,” muttered another councilor, Haiqa al-Nazar, “Have the Sea Lords been notified yet.”

“According to the report, Sea Lord Kadir seems to have refused to provide aid, for fear of angering the Zhari Kingdoms.” Azeem answered, “Envoy Rahe has requested that we hold off on military action until she has confirmed the situation in Qadibh.”

The councilors murmured but generally agreed. They couldn’t take action until more about the situation was known. Another flurry of shuffling from Saffiyah’s aides could be heard as well.

One of them piped in, holding a paper aloft, “The situation is grave, but haste will only worsen things.”