Ąpawičhak’ya

History

Ąpawičhak’ya started as a small village. Before the Hilealeans came to Mahka Nata and began conquering, this area was just a small village inhabited by the Free Spirited. It was peaceful, and since it was in an area deep within the mountains, there was not a lot of outside interaction with the old Astorian kingdoms. The Free Spirited existed on their own, harvesting the natural resources around them to maintain a quiet lifestyle. However, when the Astorians were pushed north, their small village saw an exponential increase in population. Their quiet lifestyle quickly got a lot louder, and they were forced to adapt to the sudden influx of outsiders.

As the Hilealean kingdoms developed, the new Astorian kingdoms did as well. They reformed themselves to live in the northern environment, learning to survive in the mountainous terrain. The cities were created, but Ąpawičhak’ya was the last to be formed despite it being in the middle of the other two. Once the Astorians were pushed north, they began to spread throughout the mountains, leaving Ąpawičhak’ya to house those that did not want to relocate again. Ąpawičhak’ya stayed this way for a long time; they had a bigger population, but still kept to themselves. But that didn't last as long as they would have liked. Once Madhiba was created, the Astorian rulers decided to send a majority of their military force to Ąpawičhak’ya to serve as a defense. They appointed their top ranked general to oversee Ąpawičhak’ya's full founding, as well as the protection of the land.

Despite basically sharing borders, Madhiba and Ąpawičhak’ya didn't immediately fight. Instead, they initiated trade. The merchants of Ąpawičhak’ya gained a lot from the Hilaelean artisans, and vice versa. Ąpawičhak’ya saw a growth in the creation of art and technology, and it was partly due to the steady income of new materials and designs. The two kingdoms benefitted from each other even though they were of differing faiths. Trade flourished, and the artisans of both kingdoms were satisfied. But the Astorian nobility was not. They still sought to reclaim the land that was rightfully theirs. Years of this state of balance went by until the nobles eventually gave the order to Otaktay Fir, the current military commander, to begin pushing out Madhiba and its residents. With no choice but to carry out their orders, the Reclamation began.

To begin this revolt, the Astorian nobles placed an embargo on Ąpawičhak’ya, blocking them from trading with Madhiba any further. This upset the artisans and merchants who were flourishing, but they could do nothing as Fir began gathering the Astorian forces. Since Ąpawičhak’ya was the center for military, it didn't take long to bring them together to form an army. Once assembled, they began to invade Madhiba with ill intent. Large scale battles were fought all across the central area of Mahka Nata, and eventually, Madhiba began to lose ground. They were forced west, away from the majority of their Hilaelean allies and towards the river. Fir planned to push them across the river to make it harder for them to come back suddenly. In this endeavor, he succeeded. The final battle, the Battle Between Two Rivers (Iyuktą ok’ Owąka), sent the remaining Hilaeleans across the river. Fir successfully reclaimed the land for Ąpawičhak’ya, and for Astoria.

However, there was still civil unrest. Ąpawičhak’ya's territory grew significantly, but they still lost their main source of trade with Hilaelean culture. The merchants were upset with those in power, but they weren't the only ones. Fir themself harbored some resentment towards those in power. They had expected to be praised for their excellent removal of Madhiba, but had received nothing beyond more orders. Instead of a higher position or more power, they were told to now watch over the new land. With a silent rage, they obeyed, but they had ulterior motives. If they would not be given power, they would take it. Fir planned with his trusted council of officers, and using the anger of the merchants and artisans, began to plan a coup...

Geography

The city of Ąpawičhak’ya lays on a mountainside with The northern side of the mountain is a taiga. A region filled with snow, pine and spruce trees. Going north in the mountains, the native animals increasingly get bigger, more carnivorous, and dangerous. The city where the general populace live are close to where these creatures would be but are defended by walls and the military. Making a path south, the capital of Ąpawičhak’ya stands tall with a large military influence that keeps rising by the day because of the land feud. Getting to the bottom of the mountain, a military outpost is hugging the forest, seeing beyond it and the warzone ahead. A rapid river cuts through the continent, ending in the ocean.

Climate

Shrouded North:

In the far north of Ąpawičhak’ya, way above Waziya is a tundra uninhabited by civilization but home to many monsters that none have ever seen. Stories of a legendary reindeer that evades any predator by using grace and pacifism are popular amongst children and the predators they think roam the area are bigger and more fantastical than the human eye can imagine. Dragons, wyrms, werewolves, griffins, phoenix, ect. Most people that try to traverse the steep snowy mountains are often lost to the ever active snow storms and turn back before it’s too late. The ones that keep going never come back. What lies beyond is a mystery.

Boreal Valley:

Between the Shrouded North and south is a city called Waziya. This is where most of the middle and low class civilians live. In this location, they are still deep into the mountains with lush pine and spruce trees spread across the city and use the environment to their advantage. The entire city is within a valley so wind is less severe here and in the war between Hilaeleans and Astorians, this place is practically impenetrable. Some houses are built into the mountain while most use the pine trees to make wooden houses. They use the fur from the animals here to make insulation, clothing, ect. The military of Ąpawičhak’ya are less prominent here because of the little threat the other nations impose but still have a presence because of the animals' inhabitants. The animals in comparison to central Mahka Nata could render them to pieces. They are bigger, more carnivorous, and dangerous.

Moonlit Citadel:

Farther south of Waziya is the capital Ȟelote and where the climate gets a little more temperate but still cold for plants to struggle growing. The Archbishop resides here along with the high class in bigger, higher quality housing and the Archbishop lives in a large stone castle with golden filigree, banners of the city, and iconography of Maka, the Earth Mother. The military presence here contests with the presence of them in Chaska Bastion. Inside the Archbishop’s castle are greenhouses tended to by his servants that grow plants not able to grow in this environment like olives, various vegetables, and fruits.

South:

At the bottom of this mountain lies farms and more importantly a military outpost called Chaska Bastion. This military outpost is looking beyond the small forest of Imperial Canopies and to the warzone where Madhiba used to live. There is an active war going on between these two cities.

Governance

The kingdom of Ąpawičhak’ya is ruled by the traditional hierarchical structure of Aštorian culture. The government is theocratic in nature with members of the Wahošiya echelon holding the majority of leadership positions and mandates of the state often holding religious significance. The kingdom is ruled by a central executive known as the Natąyųkh or archbishop from the capital city of Ȟelote. Underneath the Natąyųkh is a Secretary of Lords, usually a scribe of either the Wahošiya or Itąčą echelons who assists the Natąyųkȟ in their duties. Additionally, Ąpawičhak’ya boasts a bicameral system of advisors to the archbishop: The Council of Lords and The Holy Tribunal. Both councils advise the archbishop on matters of state, trade, warfare, welfare, and religion.

The Council of Lords

The Council of Lords is composed of twenty representatives of elite Itąčą clans. One representative on the council is elected to the position of Chancellor by majority vote. The Chancellor serves as the chief voice of the council’s will and emissary between the council and archbishop. Chancellors can serve indefinitely so long as they do not die, retire, or are voted out of office. A vote to remove the Chancellor from office can happen at any council meeting and, if removed, a vote to elect the next Chancellor must immediately follow. Chancellors can be reelected to the position but cannot be reelected following the vote for their removal.
The council has a democratic structure and is divided into four main factions. Each faction represents the political and economic interests of a different group within the Itąčą echelon. The four factions are Capitalists, Moderates, Conservatives, and Socialists. Capitalists primarily encompass residents of the capital of Ąpawičhak’ya and the oldest or richest Itąčą clans. Moderates are defined by a business approach that primarily balances the political beliefs of other factions in support of the kingdom’s overall interests. Conservatives are traditionalists resistant to change and adverse to Adair or Hilael cultures, the faction is often highly religious and consists of older clans. Socialists are frequently of religious or new wealth backgrounds and advocate for the advancement of welfare and the reduction of religious power in government.

The Holy Tribunal

The Holy Tribunal oversees all religious matters and ceremonies and is in charge of judging criminals on trial for religious crimes. Ten Loteyųkȟ (bishops) are appointed to the tribunal with each member representing one of the Itąčąįyųkȟ. While the tribunal does advise the Natąyųkh, many of their functions and activities are separate from the archbishop’s oversight.
The tribunal also oversees the organization and funding of all churches within the kingdom as well as the training and maintenance of the Holy Knights also known as the Akičhtayųkȟ, the church’s private army. As a religious order the Holy Knights are separate from the Akičhta echelon and exclusively answer to the archbishop of Ąpawičhak’ya or the pontiff (Čąteiyųkh) residing in the kingdom of Wakątakte.

The Military

The military of Ąpawičhak’ya is composed of and overseen by members of the Akičhta echelon. The kingdom’s military answers to the archbishop but is sometimes directed by the will of the Council of Lords. The military is responsible for defense both within the kingdom and outside the kingdom’s borders—i.e. the policing of laws, capital security, as well as war. Military strongholds within the kingdom include the Southern Wall of Ȟelote, Chaska Bastion on the southern border, and Fort Akhi along the river of Waziya.
The capital city Ȟelote was originally constructed as a fortress against Hilael invaders. Utilizing the valley between the mountains as a bottleneck to funnel enemy advances down a predetermined path, a great wall was built to trap and dissuade attackers from laying siege on the fortress. The Southern Wall is ninety feet tall at its highest, seventy feet at its lowest, fourteen miles long, and forty feet thick. The Northern Wall, conversely is half the height and does not fully enclose the breadth of the valley with towers built at equal distances from each other and manned by rotating guard.

War Council

Under periods of martial law or during periods of conflict a war council is established. War councils are composed of the Natąyųkh, Secretary of Lords, Chancellor of the Council of Lords, Blotahųka or War Advisor, and Commander of the military. The Blotahųka is appointed by the Natąyųkh or Council of Lords in unanimous agreement and is traditionally a former Commander or high-ranking military official. 
The War Council discusses strategy, battle tactics, and the negotiation of peace treaties, hostage return, or surrender. To declare war a War Council must be summoned and the decision discussed with all members present. Any member with a position on the War Council may summon a council to declare war or discuss terms of peace or surrender except for the Secretary of Lords and Blotahųka. War Councils effectively elevate the political position of the Akičhta and grant power especially to the Commander and officers.

Current Political Affairs

With the Battle of Two Rivers (Iyuktą ok’ Owąka), the stirrings of a Holy Reclamation have begun. Following the lead of the Pontiff in Wakątakte, The Holy Tribunal has formed an Inquisitorial team from members of the holy Knights. The Tribunal has additionally begun to push for harsher laws against non-Aštorian citizens and heretics. While currently unsuccessful due to the active military engagement with Madhiba, whispers from the capital speak of the appointment of a new archbishop. 
Commander Otaktay Fir and certain members of the Council of Lords have formed a political alliance against The Holy Tribunal and the archbishop. The Commander's forces are resistant to new anti-Hilael laws and religious rule. While the conflict with Madhiba is ongoing, active combat has reduced to a point that Commander Fir has withdrawn many troops from the southern border. Some members of the Council of Lords have been buying up resources and property. Trade routes around the mountains surrounding the capital have been mysteriously blocked. Rumors of a coup against the archbishop have trickled north into Waziya. 

Economics

The economy in Ąpawičhak’ya is currently suffering due to the political tension and ongoing conflict with Madhiba over the lands to the south. A trade embargo has been affected between Ąpawičhak’ya and the Hilael duchies. Trade with Wakątakte, the kingdom’s Aštorian neighbor, is strained by hefty taxes placed on exports from Ąpawičhak’ya. The kingdom’s other Aštorian neighbor, Las Isloyatą Kheya, remains amicable and open to trade and efforts are underway to further reduce the ability for either kingdom to place sanctions on the other. The major exports of Ąpawičhak’ya are grain and root vegetable crops, gemstones and crystals, furs, wood, and stone. The kingdom primarily imports fruits, seafood and ocean products, luxurious metals, textiles and fiber goods, alcohol, and luxury goods.
Farmland occupies the central region of Waziya and the forest south of Ȟelote. The southern farmlands have been heavily impacted by the Battle between Two Rivers and many of the villages in the region have been deserted. Mining operations, while not as robust as the other Aštorian kingdoms, produce semiprecious and precious stones and base metals such as copper, iron, tin, lead, and aluminum. These operations occupy the mountains framing the capital. The lower mountains near the southern border boast large stone quarries that produce marble, granite, and chalk.

Social Relations

Demographics: 50,000 pop. / 80% Astorian / 20% Adairian
After expelling their Hilaelean rulers and inhabitants, tension between classes are rising due to dissatisfaction with the religious caste system. Under Hilealean rule, conflict between the middle castes were mitigated because Hilael didn’t recognize the dawn and dusk castes as separate to begin with; what mattered more was that you were skilled in your trade. Now that leadership is being handed to Hantaywee Mesteth, the religious leader of the upper caste, his traditional faith is clashing with modern ideas of wealth and betterment. More and more people are wanting to secure higher positions within society, despite current inflexibility of the caste system.

Doctors and artisans who were praised by Hilaeleans for their skill are now being reminded of their lower caste status. Merchants, who sit in government with religious leaders, are now losing Hilaelean trade partners because of the war. Many are beginning to feel like Mesteth doesn’t have their best interests in mind. The soldiers are also getting anxious. They hold great power while Ąpawičhak’ya is in a state of martial law. As things return to normal, soldiers are most at risk of falling into the lower caste and losing their place in Wąnkata.
Otaktay Fir, the current military general, wants to be recognized for his success in the recent campaign and kept in the higher caste. He’s plotting a coup with the merchant clans to disrupt the religious chain of command. Levels of piety within Ąpawičhak’ya are fluctuating between people who wanted the Hilaeleans to be expelled and people who did not.
While opinions of the Hilael are mixed, most Astorians are on the same page about Adairians. Their lack of role within society and rejection of Astorian religion make them targets of harassment and ridicule. Adarian quarters where communes rest are within the forests. Since the mountainous land was initially home to many Adarian communes and other Free Spirited people within Astoria, the Adair resent Astorians who deny and dismiss their presence.

International

Madhiba

Terrible relations. The recently expelled Hilaelean rulers fled to Madhiba. Though the war over territory is stalling, it’s resulted in an embargo between both nations.

Wakątakte

Ąpawičhak’ya is taking orders from the Royal Palace and preparing their military for the planned reconquista. Religious leaders respect the word of Mother Earth through nobility. On the surface, it seems as though the two nations are on excellent terms. In reality, the situation is a lot more fragile than the Royal Palace understands.
The merchant classes hold a grudge against Wakątakte for monopolizing trade with Madhiba and ordering the war which caused an embargo. Being in between the two Astorian kingdoms, they’re forced to negotiate between Wakątakte and Las Isloyatan. Import fees from Ąpawičhak’ya to Wakątakte have gradually risen in response to the kingdom’s declining trade.

Las Isloyatan Kheya

Ąpawičhak’ya acts as a trade route between Las Isloyatan and Wakatakte. Because Las Isloyatan has the best relations with Hilael, they are the Astorian kingdom least open to the idea of declaring war. Ąpawičhak’ya is the literal middle ground and splitting between both sides. Religious leaders and those devout are in favor of war, and denounce Las Isloyatan for its hedonistic lifestyle. Middle and lower caste members are into Las Isloyatan’s party culture and night life because the caste system weighs less heavily on them there. Sporting rings in both kingdoms challenge each other and hold friendly competitions throughout the year.

Cultural Influences

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Maps

The capital city of Ȟelote is nested between two ridges that are apart of the large mountain range that holds Ąpawičhak’ya. The capital itself uses the shelter of the two mountains and their man-made tall northern and southern walls for protection. These mountains hold quarries and mining sites that contribute to their economy. Moving further North past the walls of the capital, northern residential areas give way to the valley farms and smaller villages that are referred to as Waziya. On the southern end of the map when the mounatins give way to forest and open areas, the villages and farms become sparse due to their proximity to Madhiba, a nation Ąpawičhak’ya has tensions and past war history with. The structures closest to southern border are now only military bases keeping close watch on Madhiba.

Type

Geopolitical, Theocracy