Danatelian Lands
The Seven Great Cities
From the towering peaks of the Matdhü Chain, east towards the rolling waves of the Azure Sea, and to the vast fields of the Lands of the Wind: that is the land we were promised by our gods.
The Danatelian Lands are the main ruling power in the Arda Almyed. The nation was established in 328 CE, following the creation of the Treaty of the Seven Cities.
The inhabitants of the Danatelian Lands are diverse, both in ancestry and culture, and these differences have led to both eras of great understanding and deep divide.
Seven Cities, One Land
While the Danatelian Lands consider themselves to be a unified country, most who live there identify themselves as a citizen of their city first, and their nation second. This divide between the city dates back to the initial creation of the country, when the First Danatelians fled their homeland in search of the Arda Almyed.Political Organisation
Regions of the Danatelian Lands by TC
"So it's true what they say about Fleurians heh! Your legs are just as slow as ya brains!"
The Seven Cities each have elected officials who represent them at the Council of Sebe. Together they discuss what decisions the Cities will take together as a nation, and what can be done to help the growth of the country. The Danatelian Lands have little power as a whole, with cities still functioning as almost independent entities.
In some rare and unfortunate cases, some villages and towns fall outside of any city's jurisdiction. This usually happens when the settlement isn't considered "profitable" enough to waste resources on, or simply that they are too far out of reach. These places are called Fawats, and usually attract outcasts and criminals of all kinds.
United by Faith
Most Danatelians share a common faith in the Saohri Gods. During the Danatelian Conquest, those conquered would see their faith and gods assimilated into the Saohri Pantheon. Most of the population is thus united in their faith of the Gods, making the Saohri Temple an incredibly powerful organisation.
But what unites the Danatelians today was once at the source of many conflicts. Each region had its patron god, and many wars were waged in the Age of Princes in hopes of establishing the dominion of one cult over the other.
Today most people worship both the patron god of their profession or region, as well as whatever local god might watch over their village. It is common for faithful to leave on pilgrims, though people rarely make a trip more than once in their life-time.
But what unites the Danatelians today was once at the source of many conflicts. Each region had its patron god, and many wars were waged in the Age of Princes in hopes of establishing the dominion of one cult over the other.
Today most people worship both the patron god of their profession or region, as well as whatever local god might watch over their village. It is common for faithful to leave on pilgrims, though people rarely make a trip more than once in their life-time.
by Albert Joseph Franke
Danatelian Flag by Timepool
Danatelian Crest
Alternative Names: Danatelian Kingdom, Danatelian Federacy
Demonym: Danatelians
Main Religion: Saohri Temple
National Motto: United we Stand, Divided we Fall.
Demonym: Danatelians
Main Religion: Saohri Temple
National Motto: United we Stand, Divided we Fall.
The 7 Cities
Noh’riga
At the southern tip of the country, Noh’riga is the town of Kirïal the Silent. It is one of the cultural centers of the country, counting many famous artists and poets amongst its population.
Ikhala
Home of Samara the Enchantress, Ikhala lies on the eastern coast of the Lands. It is the academic capital of the city, boasting the largest library of the country.
The town of Nares is dedicated to Deïmon the Bright, and is the only town among the seven to rely on internal trade. It is one of the main producers of agricultural goods, selling the finest wines and spices across the land.
Fehlhef
The largest and wealthiest city among the seven, Fehlhef is the political capital of the country. The town is also dedicated to Argus the Protector. This city is the economic center of the country: it is the home of the biggest banks and wealthiest merchants.
Meniwk
Meniwk is built on the vestiges of ancient Baseikan ruins. It is the home of Matazel the Lonely. The town's economy relies partly on fishing and sea trading, and partly on the adventurers and treasure hunters interested in the treasures that lie dormant beneath the streets.
Naïshin
The youngest of the seven cities, Naïshin is located in the north of the country. The largest temple of Seûln the Mother sits at its heart. It is also the weakest of the seven regions, and has been trying to grow its territory to the north-east in hopes of gaining an edge.
Rowsin
Dedicated to Aher the Throneless King, the town of Rowsin is set on the top of high cliffs, hanging above the sea. The region makes a lot of money through trade with the nearby Principality of Kadara.
A Brief History of the Danatelian Lands
Arrival of the Danatelians (??)
Our ancestors came from the seas. They had a home before this one among the Sea of Dusk, but had to leave as the price for their mistakes. Only in death may we return to the place we once came from.
Age of the First Cities (20 CE - 124 CE)
As many cities rose in power and wealth, conflicts started to emerge amongst the once united Danatelian population. Each city for itself became the way of life. The first major open conflict was declared in 83 CE. In 91 CE, a political faction attempted to unite the cities behind a king. He was assasinated within a year, and from his death bloomed princes and princesses, each with their claim to the throne.
Though this period is nowadays thought of as the Dark Ages of Danatelian history, many political and economic ideas were developed in these times of unrest. The wars only came to an official end in 124 CE, when Queen Margeshed finally united the cities under a single banner.
Al Maleukar, 124 CE - 302 CE
What followed the war was an era of economic and cultural growth, as Queen Margeshed gathered all the erudites of the nation around her at her court in Meniwk. For the first time since the arrival of the Danatelians, a longlasting peace had been established. The following century would be a period of growth and prosperity. It is also during that century that the Saohri Temple rose to power.In the middle of the 3rd century CE, famine and poor weather struck the lands for many consecutive years. The country grew poorer, the power of the monarchy diminished, and in 281 CE the island of Bajou claimed its independence.
Dark Ages, ~250 CE - 328 CE
The King and his court live wealthy as always while we grovel in their dust. They take our food, our work, and leave us with debts and dirt! Enough I say! The time of the King has come, no more shall we listen to his crown!
In 302 CE, the last king of the kingdom was murdered by an unknown religious zealot. Striken by poverty and famine, the country was divided once more. Local warlords emerged about the lands, claiming ownership of villages and lands through ruthless pillaging. The following decades were followed with constant struggle for stability.
Age of the Seven Cities, 328 CE - 425 CE, Now
In the year 328, the seven largest Danatelian cities came together to sign a common constitution, signifying the birth of the Danatelian Lands as we know them today. Each city was attributed control around its surrounding region, and the land was divided in various semi-autonomous economic sectors.It took some years for the alliance to anchor itself, and the cities had to squash out the various regional leaders who would not bend to the new law. By the end of the 4th century, the Danatelian lands were once again united in peace, and a still on-going period of growth and prosperity once more blessed the Danatelians.
This is such a good article. I love all the different cities and the really detailed and clear history. Also, your layout is beautiful! <3
Thank you for the kind words! Im glad to hear the article was good, long stuff is always so much harder that short work :')