Axdel: Difference between revisions

After conquering Kormistazm and consolidating control over its vast mainland, Morstaybishlia began looking increasingly outwards from Aurora with the goal of overseas exploration, expanding trade and establishing new colonies. This was largely borne out of competition with other Auroran powers, who were also pursuing similar goals in Arcturia and the [[Cerenerian Ocean|Cerenarian ocean]]. the MBE was uniquely experienced amongst its competitors with its numerous developed ports, large presence on the east Arcturian seaboard and its successful domination of Kormistazm. The lessons already learned from its enterprises in the previous centuries and its vast labour force it could draw from gave it an immense advantage, and lead to the empire becoming a powerful influence across the globe. Long term economic downturn from the collapse of the Kormistazic empire alongside its rapidly growing cities meant the majority Cavan labour from the area was amongst the cheapest and often the most willing for the difficult work of establishing colonies overseas. Whilst Cava were legally protected against slavery, transportation to penal colonies was a common punishment for minor crimes such as theft or vagrancy until the late 19th century, providing a bountiful supply of workers. This was reinforced and justified by the emerging culture of human supremacist speciesm, where Cava quickly became seen as 'tamed savages' by the broader population of the empire. Many Cava, including those outside the Axdelian peninsula, emigrated voluntarily as a result of the pressures on them, travelling in large numbers to any more accepting country or colony. The vast majority would travel to other Cava majority countries such as [[Qayam]] and [[Quariin]], but also to other welcoming destinations like [[Antora]].

After the revolt of the Monks, incidents of organised resistance reduced significantly across the region and the next century and a half was considered relatively peaceful. During this time the population rose tremendously whilst Morstaybishlia as a whole was enriched by its burgeoning network of colonies and deeply invested in it's competition against other powers to monopolise global trade. Axdelia was not seen as a core territory of the empire, and was affected by several acts affecting sea trade with [[Staynes]] and [[Kaltariezh]] which imposed tariffs on goods exported but exempted imports, which worked to keep Axdelian peasant workers impoverished. Despite this, Axdelia's desperate culture and convenient position on the periphery of the empires core made it infamous as a place where dissident Morstaybishlian academics would convene to discuss controversial ideas in politics and science. Such intellectuals usually met in the well established Qayami style coffeehouses in major towns and cities, using the stimulant in the drink to excite thought, which quickly became popular as centers of conversation. They were also notable in that Cavan intellectuals were also welcomed into such spaces, many of which would subsequently spur on a domestic scientific movement, reinvigorating old universities and founding new ones that would host the conception of the modern scientific method and produce numerous advances in technology over the years. Many principles of the Auroran democratic and republican movements were developed in Axdelian coffeehouses, as well as several influential theories of economics. Whilst certain products of academia were eagerly embraced by the empire, the right of the Morstaybishlian monarchy to absolute rule was keenly defended. Generally, throughout the 17th and 18th century, all attempts to reform the overall structure of society were resisted. Even reforms being increasingly accepted by other monarchies such as an independent legislature were considered seditious. Regardless of the political tension, as academia became centralised and institutional, Axdelia was now cemented as a center of science and engineering.