Aikthudr'zhur: Difference between revisions

The Aikkian coasts were first home to native lutryne groups, while the Atiovha mountains were later settled in 1,000 B.C. by exiled Vhydaszi Akuans. The new arrivals lived a mostly pastoral lifestyle and primarily raised goats and sheep. Around 800 B.C. the region saw an influx of Shatlo Elves who had been pushed out of their homeland on the Oshombran Peninsula by Taragai and later Talveri pressure. They named their new home "Aikthudr'zhur," or literally, "The Eastern Places." The arriving Shatlo converted to Akuanism but maintained much of their existing hierarchy and cultural traditions. Their comparatively long lifespans also allowed them to establish their power in region, and many modern political dynasties can trace their roots back to these original settlers.

=== Foundation of the Kingdom, Migrations, the Enshrinement and the Century plus a quarter of Troubles ===

According to the written record, in 400 AD, the Royal Family unites the Kingdom and takes the nation's name for their dynasty. They are enshrined in the Akuan tradition, supported by four powerful Shatlo elves families which in return were granted a form of “trusted” status to manage areas of the kingdom. This created a division between Akuan traditionalists and Akuan monarchists, as while a majority of the kingdom was traditionalists many seats of power were held by monarchists. Traditionalists cited the Akuan traditions and religious stories of non-hierarchical methods of government, while monarchists cited the need for a centralized and organized government to resist external influence.

The monarchists had an unexpected political ally in the local Ny'Sænuri clans within the kingdom. Ny'Sænuri history of wishing for a more hierarchical system came to fruition and universally supported the enshirement. As a result they gain influence and become the enforcement arm of the monarchy.

While the troubles never turned into a violent uprising, they led to passive resistance and general discontent against the monarchy. The new Royal Family utilized divisions between traditionalist factions and their own centralized powers to win popular favor and stabilize their reign.

==== Dwarven migrations ====

In 539 the initial dwarven migrations are welcomed into the kingdom in exchange for their support of the Royal Family’s enshrinement. The small dwarven communities are settled along the mountains which tended to be a Akuan traditionalist strongholds. The dwarven migrations ultimately ended the troubles, and only a handful of traditionalist holdouts continued to reject royal authority.

Again in 1558, another wave of dwarven migrations occur in the face of repression from foreign governments. Royal decrees require that new arrivals convert to Akuanism, something which angers traditionalist factions who oppose forced conversions.

==== Government Reform ====

The formation of the modern Aikkian state started in 1643, with the writing of the constitution, creation of a formal parliament and land reform. Then in 1643, the monarchists faction and traditionalists faction came to a formal agreement to create a constitution to define the monarchy and the ‘elected’ nobility’s powers. The creation of a parliament helped legitimize the monarchy in the eyes of the Akuan traditionalists and resolved many of the country’s long running cultural disputes.