The Kingdom of Darasuum

Written by RC-1136 Darman

Bal kote, darasuum kote, Jorsor'an kando a tome, Sa kyr'am nau tracyn kad, Vode an (And glory, eternal glory, We shall bear it's weight together, Forged like the saber in the fires of death Brothers, all) Traditional war chant Size: Small Terrain: Rocky coastlines and cliffs in the north, with swamplands in the south. Spreading grasslands inland, with some dense locust forests scattered throughout. Numerous rivers and inlets, and two large lakes, Ne'tra in the north, and Suumpir to the south. Climate: Moderate, humid temperatures year-round (Similar to Ireland) Description: Darasuum (meaning 'eternal' in Mando'a) is a territorial and warlike land generally misunderstood by the rest of Ashnuw, as few have traveled there, and some of those have never returned. They have little to do with any other country, choosing to remain largely isolated, and only getting involved in a conflict if it directly concerns them. They are known as some of the most ruthless warriors on the continent, and are as such often regarded as savages, due to their primitive, tribal society, and brutality in battle. Though their ancient days of conquesting and war are long over, they are still distrusted by most of Ashnuw. People: About two thirds human, though there is also a mix of almost every race and nationality. Culture: There are no large cities in Darasuum, save for the capital of Aloriya, (which even it is small by comparison to the other cities in Ashnuw.) The people instead live in scattered clans along the shoreline, mostly independent from one another. This can, however, cause pride and occasional conflict between tribes. Despite all this, a deep sense of brotherhood and solidarity exists between the diverse people of Darasuum. The high chieftain, known as the Alor, is the one who unites the people, and if any tribe should have a disagreement, it is immediately laid aside should he call upon them in a time of strife. Clan structure: The people of Darasuum live in large, fortified yurts built deep into the ground. These structures are arranged in a defensive circle, with arrow/gun ports placed along the outside walls to ward off any attackers. A large, communal fire is at the center of this ring, and this is where most business and social activity occurs. Family means everything to Darasuum, and it is considered to be a fate worse than death to be cut off from one's clan. Though there is a special place for the parents, children are raised by the entire tribe, and they learn the ancient ways of their people from a young age. Fathers begin training their sons and daughters with various weapons at the age of six, and usually bring them to their first battle when they turn eight. Often times, when the children come of age and are at last warriors, they are gifted with a piece of their ancestors armor, as a way to honor their memory, and allow them to 'live on' in battle. Military: There is no standing army in Darasuum, for every last man, woman and child is trained for combat. However, not all march to war when it comes to their lands, as some of the women and oldest men choose to stay behind and guard the villages and the very young. When the Alor is in need of soldiers, whether it be for conquest or defense, a signal is sent out across the country using a system of horns placed in every village, calling every able bodied warrior to ride with haste to Aloriya. When they arrive, each clan quickly gathers into their units, before they are briefly addressed by the High Chief, who explains the reason for the summons. Though chainmail, plate, and great helms are preferred, there is no standard armor for Darasuum's military, each soldier being outfitted with their own wide variety of equipment and weapons. A common battle strategy used is to have the archers and riflemen move to the front line, and fire on the enemy forces first to thin their ranks. Then the bes'bavar (cavalry) ride forward at the head of the warriors, using spiked, iron flails and beskade (curved sabers) to reap devastation among the enemy soldiers, before the infantry charge in to finish them off. After the battle, many of the Darasuum warriors go about the field and collect the scalps and teeth of those whom they have slain, an ancient practice considered barbaric among most people in Ashnuw. To the people of Darasuum, it is of utmost importance to remember warriors who have fallen. When a soldier is killed, and their body cannot be retrieved, his comrades collect his helmet and return it to the warrior's immediate family. Afterwards, the fallen soldier's clansmen carve his name into a piece of their armor, as a way to honor his memory, and as a reminder to avenge him. Most similar culture: Darasuum culture/architecture is based heavily off the Mandalorians, but with a more seafaring aspect. Economy: Darasuum is largely self-sufficient, exporting little, and importing even less. Shrimping and oyster catching are the most prominent industries on the coast, while farms and mills are a more common sight further inland. Darasuum is known for producing tihaar, a clear spirit made from various fruits, which is said to be so strong, it can knock a giant out in a single bottle. A rare type of black iron is mined within the northern cliffs called urakto, which when properly refined and smithed, can be nearly as strong as antantium. It's rarity, though, makes armor and weapons forged from this iron expensive, oftentimes making it a status symbol among chieftains in Darasuum. Music: A kind of deep chanting, usually accompanied by drums or a type stone ocarina called a bes'bev, (an instrument which can also be swung on the end of its neck strap as a weapon). Language: Mando'a, though the common tongue is also spoken by some. Foreign relations: The people of Darasuum care little for politics, and almost never involve themselves in the matters of other countries, unless it somehow directly concerns them. Though foreigners are not barred from entering Darasuum, they won't receive much of a warm welcome, and none are allowed to settle there unless they are willing to put aside their old life, join one of the clans, and become a Darasuum warrior. Nu kyr'adyc, shi taab'echaaj'la (Not gone, merely marching far away.) Tribute to fallen comrades

History

Unknown - 1017 No one is quite sure where (or when) the people of Darasuum came from. Some say their tribes came from the lands to west, others say they were driven from their home in the northern mountains. Some historians think they came from across the eastern sea long before the Pale War, though most tend to believe there is truth in all these theories, for the Darasuum warriors are such a mixed people. (There is even an old tale among the elders in Darasuum that the first of their people came there in a ship that sailed the stars, though this is generally dismissed by most.) Regardless of where they came from, when they arrived they named the land Darasuum, meaning 'eternal', for it was prophecied among them that though the moon should shatter and the sun fade, their people would endure there forever. The people quickly spread throughout their new home, cultivating the land and forming various clans along the coastline. They built villages and fishing vessels, and began taming some of the native creatures. Among these were what came to be called the Bes'uliik, a type of fire drake (similar to the size of a rhino) which dwelt along the rocky cliffs above the sea. These creatures served as transportation and hunting animals, and in time they became a great asset to the warriors of Darasuum due to their ferocity in battle. Darasuum prospered in the years to come, they kept to themselves and were often hostile towards outsiders, and despite their many conflicts between each other, the tribes grew in strength and number. One day, many years later, a group of Darasuum farmers found that some of their cattle had gone missing. They tracked the culprits into the forest, and found them to be a group of strange soldiers camped in a clearing. Angered by their theft and trespassing, the Darasuum ambushed the soldiers, firing arrows at them from the trees. The soldiers, surprised and confused by the sudden attack of these tribal warriors, retreated and fled back to their ships that were anchored along the coast. The farmers returned to their village and told the people and their chief of these foreign soldiers on their land. The chief gathered together his warriors, and rode to the shore, where they found more of these soldiers waiting for them, with their leader standing at head of the company, arms crossed. Angry shouts were exchanged, and it looked as though a battle was to take place, when the chieftain's son, a young man named Parjai, saw the soldier's leader had no weapon, and yet showed no indication of surrender or fear. Impressed by the man's courage, Parjai called for the warriors to stand down, and went forward to speak with him. Through sign language, the man told Parjai that his name was Doraleous, and that he and and his people had sailed there from across the sea, and had recently settled on the island to the east and were now exploring the surrounding regions. Seeing that the newcomers did not bring war to the land, Parjai calmed his comrades, and convinced his father the chief to invite Doraleous and his cohorts to come to their village. Parjai told Doraleous about the Darasuum people, their way of life, and about the surrounding land. After some some time among them, Doraleous and his associates returned to their island, and brought news to the people of these strange tribal warriors living along the shore. Doraleous returned to Darasuum several times, and in time tensions were eased, and even some trade began between them. Doraleous also formed a friendship with Parjai, who taught him the language and customs of their people. Doraleous told Parjai of their troubles on the island with the deadly creature known as the Farlig, and he found that they knew of this beast, and that more than one of their warriors had attempted to slay it, but had never returned. Though they said it was foolish, Doraleous said he would vanquish this monster so his people could live in peace in their newfound home, and that he would bring back proof of the deed. Fearing for his friend, Parjai decided to accompany Doraleous on this mission, and help him slay this creature. Parjai sailed to the island with Doraleous and his associates, and helped them track down the beast. Though the Darasuum warrior was injured and forced to remain behind, Doraleous continued on his quest and managed to singlehandedly slay the Farlig, bringing back its hand as proof. Parjai later returned to his home, and told the tribes what Doraleous had done, showing them the hand as evidence. Impressed by his skill, strength, and courage, Doraleous earned great respect among the people of Darasuum, and he and the Hoydvinians became a welcome sight on their shores. As time progressed, the friendship between Parjai and Doraleous, and their respective nations grew stronger, and their peoples prospered. 1017 - 1027 When the Pale War first erupted, the Darasuum were largely apathetic, believing that the conflict was distant and did not concern them. But Parjai (who was now chief of his clan) knew that Pale was no ordinary threat, and that should he invade, Darasuum would not likely stand against him. They were a scattered people, united only by name and culture, and were not ready for such a war. In an effort to prepare his people, Parjai rode between the shore tribes, and admonished their chiefs to unite their warriors under one banner, so as to stand a better chance against Pale and his forces. At first, many remained doubtful. But as the War continued to rage, and the armies of Pale drew closer, they began to see the wisdom in Parjai's words. At last, after some time, the chieftains agreed that should Pale attempt to invade Darasuum, the tribes would lay aside any differences they had, and fight as one. Parjai then made his way to the southern clans of the Piryc wetlands and the Kurs forest, and those of the western grasslands and Lake Suumpir, gathering the support of many for the approaching war. But when he came to the northeastern clans of Lake Ne'tra known collectively as the Kyr'tsad, he was met only with hostility and scorn. They had been visited by Pale's emissaries for some time, and had believed his promises of plunder and a ruling hand in Ashnuw. They attempted to apprehend Parjai and his men, and deliver them to Pale as a token of good will. But the young chief and his warriors managed to escape their capture, and made their way back to their clansmen. Angered by their treason, Parjai and the other chieftains led their armies against the Kyr'tsad and the forces of Pale who aided them. The fighting was long and brutal, but after some time the Kyr'tsad were surrounded and defeated. They were declared to be "Dar'tome" (apart from the people), and were banished, driven into the Taakur caves in the north. The Darasuum continued to push back against Pale's soldiers, and largely managed to hold them at the border. Some time later, Doraleous and the Hoydvinians came to Aelyssar, and offered their help in the battle against Pale, in exchange for their aid in establishing their young kingdom. Knowing that his own people were still few in number, Doraleous came to his old friend Parjai, and asked if he could provide additional aid to Aelyssar. Having no love for many of the western nations, Parjai and the Darasuum were at first hesitant to give aid in the defense of Aelyssar. But eventually, for the sake of their brothers the Hoydvinians, Parjai and the other chieftains agreed, and fought along side the Hoydvinians in Glandoria for the duration of the War. However, the tensions between the Darasuum and Aelyssarians remained high. Because of his work in uniting the clans against Pale, and defeating the Kyr'tsad, the chieftains of Darasuum decided to grant Parjai the rank of Alor (High Chief), a position which had not been held in many years. Though at first hesitant to have such a place among his people, Parjai eventually accepted the ancient title. He led the Darasuum in the rebuilding of their nation, which was among the earliest to recover from the damage wrought by the Pale War. (1032 - 1042) The Pale War had brought a new sense of unity and pride among the Darasuum. They wielded great strength and power when the tribes fought as one, and soon many of them began to realize this. The kingdom of Pura was empty, and whatever danger that had caused it's inhabitants disappearance had evidently passed. When this became apparent, the southern clans laid claim to land, expanding Darasuum's territory to the borders of Elenthia, a nation which soon caught their attention as well. Ruled by a tyrant, and weakend by the Pale War, Elenthia would be of little difficulty to conquer, as would Maire Glaise, a country which consisted of largely pacifists. The chieftains came to Parjai, and requested permission to continue Darasuum's expansion by subduing these kingdoms, and though at first reluctant, the Alor saw that such an opportunity would not likely present itself again, and at last he agreed. With their newly united army and numerous Bes'uliik riders, Darasuum invaded Elenthia and Maire Glaise, taking the nations by storm. This victory brought another realization to the Darasuum. Ashnuw, was weak. How, they thought, did these countries survive as long as they did against Pale, and how is that Darasuum had recovered so quickly, while these other lands still lay in ruin? A new sentiment that Ashnuw could only benefit from the adoption of Darasuum's warrior culture swept through the people, and soon all, including the Alor, were caught up in the fever of war. For the next ten years, Darasuum invaded the kingdoms of Ashnuw, marching south through Tir Cendel, and the lands that would one day be Vachelous. They then made their way west, attacking Heuntsia and Baleror, before pushing into the mountains of Kelindor. Driving north, the Darasuum conquered vast swaths of the Glandorian realms, even besieging the island of Kokka. In all the cities and nations that they captured, Darasuum absorbed into their ranks any soldier or citizen that would join them, and subjugated all those who resisted their ways. As the war went on, Parjai repeatedly urged Doraleous and the Hoydvinians to join Darasuum in its crusade, and rule the kingdoms of Ashnuw side by side. But Doraleous, being the man he was, refused. Though frustrated with his friend's reluctance, peace between Darasuum and Hoydvann largely remained. In 1041, the Alor and his warriors at last stood before the capitol of Glandoria, eager to bring the mighty kingdom to it's knees. But Darasuum's forces were diminished and weary from the many years of war, and Parjai doubted their ability to breech the city and hold it. In an effort to gain this key victory, the Alor again beseeched his comrade Doraleous to aid them in this battle, but again he flatly refused. Unable to advance, and with no reinforcements coming to their aid, the Darasuum were beaten back, bringing the conquest north to a halt. Outraged at his friend's betrayal of their kinship, Parjai largely abandon the northern front, pulling many of his troops out and making straight for Hoydvann. For the next several months he laid siege to the island, burning as he went, and marching steadily towards the city of Hovestad. In order to spare his people from Darasuum's onslaught, Doraleous rode out with his men from the city, and challenged his old friend Parjai to single combat, which he accepted. From dusk till dawn the two men fought as their soldiers looked on, until at last, gaining the upper hand, Doraleous dealt a fatal blow to the Alor, killing him. Dismayed at their chieftain's death, and hearing news of defeats across Ashnuw, the Darasuum retreated from Hoydvann to defend their homeland. On every front Darasuum was being pushed back. They had removed far too many warriors from Glandoria to focus on Hoydvann, and in their hunger for land and spoils they had stretched themselves too thin everywhere else. The nations of Ashnuw gradually drove them back to their borders, and there they made their final stand. But at last in 1042, leaderless, scattered, and outnumbered, Darasuum was forced to surrender. (1042 - 1320) For nearly three centuries the Darasuum were broken, their pride and culture almost forgotten. Much of the population (now a fraction of it's former size) lived as nomads and vagabonds, while those who remained in their homeland fought and squabbled over territory and leadership. For some time it appeared that the Darasuum would fade, and that their people and way of life would be disappear all together. But in 1320, a man who had risen in prominence known as Dinuir, came to power as the next Alor. Throughout his life, Dinuir endeavored to preserve Darasuum, bringing back many of the tribes who were scattered, and reviving their ancient traditions and customs. He restored their lost culture, honor, and dignity, and united the Darasuum into people and nation again. (1425 - 1430, "Kyr'tsad uprisings") (1578 - 1610, "Hoydvinian Wars") (Present)