Tulva

Omnia Sub Nobis

General Information

In ages long past Tulva was a superpower among the mortal realm, mastering the land, sea and sky long before other nations. They excelled in the areas of magic and science, surpassing all others in their pursuit of control over the realm. However, a great calamity befell them, which dragged the central pillar of their country down into the ocean. Many perished, and much of their technology was lost, but there were some who survived and made a pact with Daelaghsh
The calamity left the country splintered, with mountains and rivers cracking the land in its wake. The states that remained still hole control over the vast majority of the landmass, but their former glory now lies beneath the waves in the territory of The Ocean Man.

Geography

Tulva is a series of islands which vary in size. These islands have formed regions with their own allegiances and political structures within the country, though they all still stand under the Tulvan flag. Their nothern alignment results is icy winds and frigid waters.

Organizations and Ethos

Tulva is a country divided by those simply trying to survive in a land that once held the answer to life's greatest mysteries, and is now a cold, unforgiving and deadly place. The communities the have sprouted up among Tulva include:

Trinnt

Ulthus

Lyphwin

Vhaifh

Agthrid

While each of these five regions unite unnder the single Tulvan banner, it is common-place for Tulvans to have a region they openly despise. Large scale battles can break out at just the mere mention of what region your from if said to the wrong person. While the alliance between these regions is tenuous at best, they all still use the old common phrase Omnia Sub Nobis meaning All Beneath Us. While this was once used to signfy Tulva's superiority, it now serves as a grim reminder that all they once were now lies beneath the waves.

Notable History

Tulva's history has been defined by the following events:

Age of Prosperity (unknown-150)

At the beginning of the epoch, Tulva was the dominating superpower in the mortal realms. Their technology far surpassed those of other countries and their control of magic exceeded what many thought possible. It was even widely believed that Tulva, combining their expert control of magic and greatest scientific minds, was close to solving death and producing a means of beccoming immortal.
It is unknown how long this age lasted for, as no records remain from the early days of Tulva's supremecy.

The Great Flood (150)

Thought by many to be divine retribution for tampering with the essence of immortality, Tulva experience a flood the likes of which had never before been witnessed. The land cracked as giant ravines were carved through the land, before the country's centre was dragged beneath the waves drowning thousands.
Tulva's survivors cried out for the gods to save them, so cease their retribution but it seemed their wishes fell on deaf ears.

The Birth of Daelaghsh(150)

As people cried out for salvation, a new voice made itself known. Daelaghsh was his name, and he offered the drowning a choice:

Become one with the sea, and feed the gods that forsook you.
Or offer unto me your reverence, and I shall spare you of this terrible fate
-Daelaghsh, The Ocean Man

Thus the deal was made. Those who remained devoted to the twenty-two drowned in the flood, but those who survived became the first of Daelaghsh's followers, thus giving birth to a demigod.

The Seperation Conflict (150-1000)

After the destruction of Tulva, it didn't take long for those who survived to fight over who should rightfully rule over what little of their country remained. What started as civilised debate and dscussion eventually became arguments. And what started as arguments eventually became full scale war, as each region attempted to claim supremacy over the others with what little technology they still held.
During this time, many of the regions became bitter and petty, seeking to destroy or steal the technology of other regions for themselves to secure dominance. It is the squabbles of this era that has lead to so many of the myths and superstitions in Tulvan society. And these, in turn, cause many of the disagremments and, in some cases fervent hatred between the regions.

Age of Trepidation (1000-1670)

In the millenia that followed the separation conflict, the regions of Tulva enterred a pact with each other famously stating:

"Against one another, there can be only death, pain and sadness. Where as together, we can rebuild and reforge old alliances!"
-Jarl Burtos Steeljaw of Vhaifh

This symbolic line in his speech would go on to be one that the old Jarl would claim to "deeply regret."

Military

The Tulvan military is predominantly made up of smaller naval factions aligned to each of Tulva's larger regions. These groups act as a standard navy for their region, but are more akin to mercenary companies when asked to defend other regions of Tulva, includng those that they have good relations with.

Religion

Tulva remains devoted to the twenty-two of Laan's pantheon. Though most of its citizens, and even higher ranking officials rever the demigod Daelaghsh, refering to him as "The Ocean Man" or "King of Waves."
So many worship Daelaghsh that he has become the core religion in Tulva, though few outside of the country practice the beliefs.

Foreign Relations

Tulva, despite their small size has managed to avoid being claimed by their neighbours through a combination of negotiation and force of will. Each region will react differently to outsiders, with some opening trade while their neighbouring regions may choose to raid incoming vessels instead.

Omnia Sub Nobis

Type

Geopolitical, Country

Demonym

Tulvan

Official State Religion

Daelaghsh

Neighboring Nations

• Hydenbur