Älemsi Negdel: Difference between revisions
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=== The Unveiling ===
The central power of the steppe nomads began to decline from the sixteenth century in the face of growing contact with the outside world. Many coastal townships had begun to engage in overseas trade, particularly with the increasingly present Kingdom of Cryria. Wealthy coastal merchant towns had long despised the violent and taxing reign from the Älemsi interior, and would seek outside help in asserting their autonomy. An increasingly fractured Älemsi state signaled the return to internecine violence and disorganization. While the Khaganate persisted as an institution, its authority had now entered a period of decline. Simultaneously, the Cryrian Kingdom would increasingly intrude into Älemsi by conducting trade and diplomacy directly with coastal settlements and establishing naval outposts. Cryrian hegemony in the region primarily depended on economic power and the control of sea lanes, as such its power relied heavily on a cooperative Älemsi elite and rarely extended far inland.
=== Great War and Aftermath ===
While the Älemsi Khaganate did not formally enter the war, Älemsi auxiliaries served extensively with Cryrian forces on various fronts. These formations would prove important upon their return to Älemsi, as they provided an experienced and unified Älemsi force which had extensive experience from years of modern warfare. The weakening of the Cryrian state due to the war had further sent the Kingdom's regional influence into terminal decline, and rising Älemsi nationalism created pressure for a truly independent Älemsi state. Faced with this situation, the Yul of Yul, previously a figurehead, declared the end of the Khaganate and called for a Grand Mazhilis of all Älemsi peoples to gather in Amrakh Gazarvh and form a new government.
Simultaneously, in exchange for assurances regarding its economic interests, the Kingdom of Cryria agreed to end its military presence in Älemsi and to hold referendums in Älemsi-majority regions of the Duchy of Tynam. These referendums took place separately on the Ay-populated islands of Baltu, Kalle, and Juha, and included options for union with Älemsi, the status quo, and autonomy. Surprisingly, all three voted for the third option, an outcome largely attributed to both the Ay's violent history with their other Älemsi neighbors, close economic ties to Tynam, and ongoing disputes with various Älemsi polities. In order to avoid a more serious dispute, Cryria agreed to forgive loans previously granted to the Älemsi government in exchange for firm recognition of the new status quo. This ended much of the economic leverage held by Leidenstad over Älemsi, and ensured that the newly formed Älemsi Negdel could chart a genuinely independent course.
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