Klåneva
Klåneva is a traditional continent of Meptla. It is located in the far southeast of the planet.
Geography
Physical geography
Klåneva is dominated by a central steppe that surrounds most of (large bay). The north of the continent is formed by the (mountain range that separates Klåneva from Tlava). The south of the continent is largely cold frozen tundra and ice. Most the coasts are forested.
Klåneva is traditionally divided into the following regions (letter codes will be replaced by names as soon as possible):
A
(Region A) is notable for its diversity of plants and animals. The coastal region is known for broadleaf plants, such as (ordinary pyrophilic shrub) and (fire magic seed dispersal shrub). The more inland region contains a few woodlands with high amounts of (pyrophilic conifer). Some animals that live throughout the region are (small flycatcher bird) and (small cat).
B
(Region B) is known for its tall trees and damp forests. (Tall coniferous tree) is very common in the region, as is (large fern). The southernmost portion of (region B) is colder, with higher amounts of (shorter pine). Some animals in the region include (large wind-magic bird of prey) and, in the ocean, (tiny fish).
C
(Region C) is known primarily for (shorter pine), but also contains a number of glacial lakes with (water redirecting stream fish).
D
(Region D) is very cold, and is primarily inhabited by (cold climate grazing animal) and (low lying shrub).
E
(Region E) is largely treeless, except for on the very southwestern edge, where (pyrophilic conifer) is found. It is known for large amounts of (tall grass). Also present in (region E) are (ground-nesting bird), (large warm climate grazing animal), Plunåv, and (life magic sensing vulture).
F
Like (region E), (region F) is largely treeless, except for on the very southwestern edge, where (pyrophilic conifer) is found, and the eastern edge, where (broadleaf deciduous tree) is found. It is also known for large amounts of (tall grass), although (short grass) is more common than in (region E). (Ground-nesting bird), (large warm climate grazing animal), Plunåv, and (life magic sensing vulture) are all present in (region F).
G
(Region G) is almost entirely treeless, and largely barren. (Short grass) is the predominant plant in this region, along with more rarely (ordinary pyrophilic shrub). Some animals found in the region include (life magic sensing vulture) and (small warm climate grazing animal).
H
(Region H) is very mountainous. The lower elevations are mostly filled with (deciduous mountain tree), while the higher elevations transition to more (conifer mountain tree). (Raven-like bird) is common in the region, as is (small bear).
I
(Region I) has a high presence of (shorter pine), but (deciduous mountain tree) can also be found along the coast. (Earth magic mole) is found in the region, in addition to (large woodpecker).
History
Early human settlement
Humans first arrived in Klåneva about 11000 years ago. By roughly 10500 years ago, they had spread throughout the continent. Humans on Klåneva remained hunter-gatherers through roughly (4000 years ago), when cultivation of (staple root vegetable) began in (region A). Agriculture then spread to other areas. By (3000 years ago), cultivation of (staple root vegetable) was common throughout (region C), and along rivers and coasts in (region E), (region F), and (region I). Pottery was also developed during this period, first appearing in (3500 years ago) and spreading alongside cultivation of (staple root vegetable). Writing was developed in (region A) in roughly (2500 years ago), and spread across the continent from there. Metalworking developed in north (region F) in roughly (2500 years ago).
Beginnings of (Major Klåneva religion) and (holy city theocracy)
In the year (2294 years ago), a coppersmith named (major Klåneva religion founder name) who lived in the city of (holy city) near the source of (northern major river in region F) discovered the ability of hollow copper to store (life magic energy). He claimed this property to be a divine gift to himself, and became a (life magician) healer in the city. He became very popular with the populace, leading to the ire of the (six oligarchs) who controlled the city. One of them, (duel challenger name) challenged him to a duel for his position, which he accepted. (Major Klåneva religion founder name) showed up unarmed, to which (duel challenger name) laughed and, at the start of the duel, attempted to stab through him with his sword. However, as he reached (major Klåneva religion founder name), he withered and died on the spot. (Major Klåneva religion founder name) then challenged the rest of the (six oligarchs) to a duel for the city, which they all declined, forfeiting the city to him. (Major Klåneva religion founder name) then ruled over (holy city) as the "god of the city" until his death at the very old age of 124. Shortly before his death, he selected a successor, (major Klåneva religion founder's successor name), who took over the city after him.
(Major Klåneva religion founder's successor name) set up a temple dedicated to (major Klåneva religion founder name) and ordered that all other temples be destroyed. He trained a small number of priests in (life magic), and declared them the only ones allowed to practise (life magic). He and his successors sent out missionaries to other parts of Klåneva to spread the religion, beginning its spread across Klåneva.
Domestication of the (large warm climate grazing animal) and subsequent conflict
While Plunåv had interacted with humans before (2100 years ago), it was only around this time that the Plunåte from near southeastern (region F) started using them as a riding animal. This allowed them to travel greater distances in search of game. This brought them into conflict with neighbouring groups. The Plunåte quickly won these conflicts due to their usage of Plunåv for mounted combat.
In the following years, Plunåte began to rapidly expand throughout (region F) and later (region E). In (2073 years ago), two major armies were formed, one led by (young female leader name) and one led by her younger brother (young male leader name). The army of (young female leader name) went to the west, while the army of (young male leader name) went to the north.
Conquests of (young female leader name)
The army of (young female leader name) became widely feared as they swept across western (region F) and (region E). As they continued to rapidly advance, other groups, most notably (western region F people), began to move west in anticipation. This brought (western region F people) into conflict with the people of (region C). (Western region F people) eventually conquered (region C) in (2069 years ago). Meanwhile, the armies of (young female leader name) conquered the remainder of (region F), but were held off by (western region F people) at the boundary of (region C), due to (young female leader name) being less familiar with warfare in more forested regions. (Young female leader name) then turned her attention north, and began a conquest of western (region E).
By (2067 years ago), (young female leader name) had conquered all of western (region E). She turned her attention to conquering (region A). However, a messenger named (region A messenger name) warned her city (region A easternmost city) of the coming attack. When (young female leader name) and her army arrived, they found a small army present. (Young female leader name) began an attack, and was winning when it began to thunderstorm. When lightning struck one of the trees, a (fire magician) from (region A easternmost city) named (fire magician region A hero name) used (fire magic) to throw a massive fireball directly at (young female leader name). She died instantly from the attack, and after her army was hit by more fireballs, they eventually were forced to retreat.
After that battle, the army of (young female leader name) returned to the city of (western regions E/F capital), which they had conquered many years ago. They chose (apprentice who becomes leader name), the former apprentice of (young female leader name), as their new (female leader title). She made (western regions E/F capital) the capital of her new empire in (2066 years ago), and formed a small government to rule over the territory that their army had conquered. However, she continued to lead her army in defending their new territory.
Conquests of (young male leader name)
The army of (young male leader name) continued to conquer to the north. However, when they reached (holy city) in (2072 years ago), the (holy leader of the city) stood outside the gates to meet (young male leader name) alone. When (young male leader name) demanded their surrender, (holy leader of the city) said he wanted to show him something that would lead to a peace agreement. (Young male leader name) agreed, on the condition that they met in his tent surrounded by armed guards, and that he was searched for weapons. After no weapons were found, they met in the tent of (young male leader name). During this meeting, (holy leader of the city) demonstrated his powers in life magic using a (flowering plant). (Young male leader name) was very impressed with this demonstration, and requested to have access to this power. (Holy leader of the city) offered to him that he could have priests accompany him if he spared (holy city) from destruction and allowed (holy leader of the city) to continue his rule, and if he agreed to spread (major Klåneva religion) to his subjects. (Young male leader name) agreed, and (holy city) was spared any destruction.
(Young male leader name) received the priests to accompany him as requested, and he continued his conquests of the north of (region E) and (region F), going as far as the north end of (region G), although he never attempted to cross the (region H mountains). He was less ruthless in these conquests, but insisted that every one of his subjects convert to (major Klåneva religion) or face death. In (2065 years ago), he retired from conquest and settled in (northern regions E/F/G capital), where he became increasingly pious and dedicated to (major Klåneva religion). He dictated several short sermons and reflections on the topic, which were written down by his scribes and stored as prized possessions of future (male leader title plural). He died in (2031 years ago) of old age.
Visual arts in (region I)
Around the same time as leaders from Plunåte were conquering (region E) and (region F), the (main early region I culture) experienced an explosive growth in art, especially wood panel painting. Painting became highly valued in (main early region I culture) society. Bright colours were especially valued, with many pigments being imported from (region H). One particular focus of painting was edges, such boundary between the land and the sea or the boundary between the sky and the land.
The enthusiasm for painting lasted from roughly (2060 years ago) to (2000 years ago). After this, the prolific production of paintings declined, but they did not disappear entirely.
Invention of (bottled wind) sailing in (region B) and subsequent pandemic
In (2025 years ago), someone named (older inventor of bottled wind sailing) was the first person on Klåneva to successfully use a pewter rod of (wind magic energy) to redirect the flow of wind to push against a sail, allowing for sailing in the otherwise fairly still air off the coast of (region B). Unlike (major Klåneva religion founder name), (older inventor of bottled wind sailing) shared his discovery with all of the people of (region B). He travelled by a (bottled wind) sailing ship throughout (region B), providing demonstrations to all who asked. He travelled as far as (region A easternmost city), before turning back and returning to his home community of (central region B community).
Another member of (central region B community), (first long-distance bottled wind sailor), travelled out across the (ocean to the west of region B) in (2019 years ago). She returned from (southwestern continent) in (2017 years ago) ill with (disease associated with bottled wind). This disease swept through the community, with a mortality rate of almost 30 percent. Infections continued throughout Klåneva, with (disease associated with bottled wind) reaching (region A) and (region C) in (2016 years ago), (western regions E/F) in (2015 years ago), (region D) and (north regions E/F/G) in (2014 years ago), and (region I) and (region H) in (2013 years ago), before spreading onwards into Tlava. (Bottled wind) was banned in (region B) after a council from all (region B groups) in (region B) determined that the disease had offended (region B god of wind).
Golden age of (northern regions E/F/G)
About 20 years after the pandemic of (disease associated with bottled wind), (northern regions E/F/G) began to grow increasingly prosperous. This period is generally stated to begin with (male leader who liberalized trade) removing the requirement for traders to be licensed by the government in (1999 years ago). This encouraged more trade between (northern regions E/F/G) and other places, including (western regions E/F), (region I), and over the (region H mountains) to Tlava. The introduction of (dry climate vegetable from Tlava) from Tlava allowed increased agricultural growth, including in areas further from major rivers, while luxury goods such as wood panel paintings from (region I) became more accessible, if still restricted to the élite classes.
One of the most notable developments in this period was the development of an extensive system of priests. A class of élite priests called (Major Klåneva religion élite priests name), who reported directly to the (holy leader of the city title), were created. Temples were constructed across (northern regions E/F/G) in the newly settled regions, and were increasingly the centre of life in (northern regions E/F/G). Healing magic became relatively available to those who were devout enough to the temple. Conversions were accepted, leading to the spread of (major Klåneva religion name) across other regions, especially (region H) and (region I).
One region where (major Klåneva religion name) didn't spread as much was (western regions E/F). In (1981 years ago), (female leader who forbid major Klåneva religion) forbid the practise of (major Klåneva religion name) within her territories, seeing it as a threat to her power. This led (western regions E/F) to face increasing hostility from (northern regions E/F/G). However, conflict between the powers didn't break out until after the failed conquest of (region A) and (region B) by (western regions E/F).
Twenty years war and (region A)-(region B) alliance
In (1970 years ago), (female leader of western regions E/F who started war) threatened (region C), demanding tribute and threatening to invade if the tribute wasn't provided. The leader of (region C), (region C leader name who attempted to form alliance), did not oblige. Instead she put out a call to the city-states and collectivities of (region A) and (region B), requesting that they form an alliance against (western regions E/F) to protect themselves. While a few delegates from the various governments of (region A) and (region B) travelled to (historic region C capital) to discuss the proposal, not one of them agreed to an alliance.
In (1968 years ago), (female leader of western regions E/F who started war) personally led an attack on (region C), swiftly taking (region C easternmost city). (Region A northernmost city) invited delegates from (region B), but not (region C), to visit in the prospects of forming an alliance. This time, they came to an agreement, with all of the cities and collectivities of (region A) and (region B) except the southernmost collectivity of (region B) agreeing to form an alliance that was only defensive, and nothing else. (Female leader of western regions E/F who started war) continued to personally lead a conquest of (region C). (Region C leader name who attempted to form alliance) pleaded with (region A) and (region B) to allow (region C) into the alliance, but was refused every time. By (1960 years ago), (region C) and the southernmost collectivity of (region B) had been conquered by (western regions E/F).
However, (female leader of western regions E/F who started war) was not satisfied. In (1958 years ago), she decided to launch an attack on southern (region B). While she won the initial battle, when the combined forces of (region B) and (region A) showed up, she found her army stuck in a protracted stalemate. This lasted until (1949 years ago), when (northern regions E/F/G) launched a surprise attack on (western regions E/F). (Western regions E/F) was not well defended, as most of their army was fighting in southern (region B).
(Female leader of western regions E/F who started war) quickly attempted to make a peace treaty with (region B) and (region A). Sensing an opportunity, they agreed, and signed a treaty in (1949 years ago) establishing the current line of control as the border. (Female leader of western regions E/F who started war) then attempted to move her army very quickly over to the other border. However, they were only able to stop the advance of (northern regions E/F/G) at (western major river in regions E/F) in (1948 years ago). When she arrived, (male leader of northern regions E/F/G) offered a peace treaty where (female leader of western regions E/F) gave up all claims to the land northeast of (western major river in regions E/F) in return for peace. (Female leader of western regions E/F) agreed, and a treaty was signed in (1947 years ago).
The resulting shift of borders led to some social unrest. The populace of (region C) was not pleased to be ruled by (western regions E/F), and a few rebellions broke out, although they were quickly crushed. Nevertheless, they maintain a distinctive language and culture. Meanwhile, (central region E/F) was quite resistant to conversion to (major Klåneva religion), especially due to the prohibition by (major Klåneva religion) of female priests. However, in (1944 years ago), (holy city leader name) agreed to make an exception allowing female priests, but only in (central region E/F).
Eruption of (volcano near G/H border)
In (1920 years ago), (volcano near G/H border) erupted, spewing massive amounts of molten rock, pumice, and ash across (region H) and (region G). The eruption destroyed the nearby city of (G/H boundary city destroyed by eruption), blocked the main trade route between Klåneva and Tlava, and caused a volcanic winter the following year. Ash clouds travelled as far as (northwestern continent).
The volcanic winter that followed killed crops and animals across Klåneva, causing famine and death in all regions. (Famous chronicler of eruption) noted that frost was seen for the first time in memory in (region G). (Region B) and (region D) fared slightly better than other regions, due to their greater reliance on fishing and hunting, respectively.
Trade with Tlava was cut off for many years following the eruption. The combination of famine and economic decline is generally considered to be the end of the golden age of (northern regions E/F/G).
Attacks on (region I) by the (water magic people)
In (1888 years ago), (region I) faced a sudden attack by the (water magic people). Believed to have come from (southwestern southwest continent), the (water magic people) came from the south on extremely fast ships. The (water magic people) plundered (region I), sometimes making strange choices of targets, such as sometimes (but not always) passing by more wealthy cities in favour of plundering smaller ones. Their attacks were very powerful, and very destructive, with sources from (region I) describing them as "unstoppable".
Responses to the (water magic people) varied, with two main groups forming by (1850 years ago). The first group, the (atoners), basically believed that the arrival of the (water magic people) was a divine punishment, and required atonement. The second group, the (region I water magicians), descended from a man named (water magic capturer name), who captured (captured water magic person) and forced him to give up the water magic. Then the (region I water magicians) used the water magic to fight back against the (water magic people).
The last attack of the (water magic people) on (region I) was in (1827 years ago). The (atoners) took this as a sign that their atonement had been successful, while the (region I water magicians) took this as a sign that their counteroffensive had been successful. This disagreement would later lead to the (cult wars).
War of Confederation
In (1849 years ago), a rebellion broke out in (historic region C capital) against (female western regions E/F leader who started second war), the (female leader) of (western regions E/F). On (26 July equivalent) (1849 years ago), the eldest daughter of (female western regions E/F leader who started second war), (assassinated daughter), was assassinated when riding through the city. (Female western regions E/F leader who started second war) blamed (region A/B alliance) for stoking unrest and declared war on (30 July equivalent).
The war was bitterly contested. While at first the armies of (western regions E/F) seemed to be winning, their unfamiliarity with the terrain of (region A/B alliance) led to a stalemate. Fighting continued to go back and forth for the next sixteen years, with significant portions of both (region A/B alliance) and (western regions E/F) being completely destroyed. Then, on (13 December equivalent) (1833 years ago), (female western regions E/F leader who started second war) was stabbed to death inside the palace by a mysterious figure named (assassin who tried to become male leader of western regions E/F). He declared himself to be the new (male leader) of (western regions E/F). However, two days later on (15 December equivalent) (1833 years ago), he was stabbed to death by (second assassin who actually becomes leader of western regions E/F), a high commander in the army, who then declared himself to be the new (male leader) of (western regions E/F). His first act as leader (after commissioning a lot of bodyguards) was to sign a peace treaty with (region A/B alliance).
After the war, (mother of confederation), the (elected leader) of (region A northernmost city), proposed that the (region A/B alliance) be formed into a (confederation). While some of the cities and collectivities, especially in (region B), objected, when (mother of confederation) said that (region A northernmost city), which was largely undamaged from the war, would only assist in rebuilding cites that joined the (confederation), all of the cities and collectivities in the (region A/B alliance) reluctantly agreed. The confederation was officially proclaimed on (5 may equivalent) (1832 years ago), with (region A northernmost city) as its capital.
The (great tunnel) and restored trade with Tlava
In (1804 years ago), a man named (first earth magician name) discovered (earth magic) while supervising a mining operation in the (region H mountains). He quickly realized the potential of such power. In addition to using it to expand the mining operations, he also formed a new (organization) to build a road through the (region H mountains) to Tlava.
Construction of the (great tunnel) began in (1802 years ago) and continued to (1799 years ago). The grand feature of the (great tunnel) was a very long tunnel, stretching almost (5 kilometres) under (region H mountain above great tunnel). There were several deaths in the construction of the tunnel. However, construction was completed. The (great tunnel) was then opened to travellers and merchants, with a toll collected for travellers.
The (great tunnel) almost immediately saw a large amount of traffic. (First earth magician name) became very wealthy, and had a large palace-like complex built on a mountain overlooking the (great tunnel). He was mysteriously found dead on a mountain cliff in (1777 years ago). His son (first earth magician's son) took over the (great tunnel) and continued operations.
First (cult war) in (region I)
Barely 50 years after the end of the attacks by the (water magic people), in (1771 years ago) the first (cult war) broke out in (region I). While (region I) had been experiencing tensions between the (atoners) and the (region I water magicians) for some time, when the largest temple of the (region I water magicians) in (region I central coastal city) was burned to the ground in a targeted arson attack, the (region I water magicians) blamed the (atoners). A few random attacks at first became an all-out war by (1769 years ago).
The war was the most destructive ever on Klåneva at the time. It bitterly divided communities, with neighbours on opposite sides fighting each other and entire cities completely destroyed by the fighting. As the fighting went on, however, each side began to unite behind a military leader. By (1754 years ago), the (region I water magicians) had largely rallied around (region I water magicians first leader), while the (atoners) had largely rallied around (militant atoners first leader). (A notable group of atoners who didn't rally behind (militant atoners first leader) will be addressed in the next paragraph.) While they confronted each other directly in several battles, each one of these battles was a draw. In a (1739 years ago) attempt to end the war, they agreed to hold a duel in (region I central coastal city) on (21 February equivalent). However, while the preparations for the duel were being made, an extremely strong storm blew in, forcing them to take shelter. While sheltering from the storm together, they agreed to postpone the duel and began to work on a peace treaty. (Militant atoners first leader) and (region I water magicians first leader) agreed upon a treaty on (22 April equivalent), where they would co-rule over (region I), and each group would be entitled to their own worship. Fighting slowly died down after the agreement.
The only remaining group to reject the treaty were the (pacifist atoners), who were pacifists and had avoided fighting in the war in the first place. While they were accommodated by the co-leaders, they were targets of much hostility from both the (militant atoners) and the (region I water magicians). The (pacifist atoners) believed that the end of the world was coming soon, and that extreme atonement measures were required. They are estimated to have made up roughly 8 percent of the population at the time.
Invention of steel
In (1722 years ago), a military engineer named (inventor of steel name) discovered a method of making steel. He immediately realized its potential in a number of military and civilian applications. He presented these to the (king) of (northern regions E/F/G) and was rewarded by an appointment as the top (general) of the military.