Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

Link to this comparison view

Both sides previous revision Previous revision
Next revision 		Previous revision
atlas:kresh [2013/09/06 14:27]
galacticcmdr [Statistics] 		atlas:kresh [2021/12/03 23:36] (current)
Line 1: Line 1:
 ====== Kresh ====== ====== Kresh ======
  
-Located ​high in the Abjurer ​Mountains, Kresh is more of a religious community than a powerful eastern nation. They seek the true path to human enlightenment, ​the purification ​of body and soul. +Located ​along the northern ridges of the [[atlas:​Anor ​Mountains]], Kresh is not a [[wp>​Nation State]] as many of the nations on [[Miran]] are becoming. Instead it is land currently occupied by escaped [[lore:​Karellian]] slaves that the [[Turan]] brought ​to the eastern shore of Miran when they conquered [[atlas:​Carthia]]. While a few other slaves have also come into the mountains ​seeking shelter, ​the majority ​of the population are Karellians.
- +
-Their priests travel the lands, even into Turan where its death to practice their religion, offering assistance to any who have need. They are the only people that can travel throughout ​the mountains ​freely. Although many of the people living there do not follow the path of the Kreshites, they allow them to bring succor to their people.+
  
  
Line 10: Line 8:
   * **Capitol:​** None   * **Capitol:​** None
   * **Languages:​** [[lore:​languages#​Sankar]];​ [[lore:​languages#​Turanian]]   * **Languages:​** [[lore:​languages#​Sankar]];​ [[lore:​languages#​Turanian]]
-  * **Demonym:​** [[lore:​Karellian]]+  * **Demonym:​** [[lore:​Karellian]] ​or Kreshin
   * **Government:​** Per Holding   * **Government:​** Per Holding
-  * **Monarch:​** ​Town'​s ​Master+  * **Monarch:​** ​Venerable ​Master ​(unoccupied since 375 AH)
   * **Area:** xx km<​sup>​2</​sup>​   * **Area:** xx km<​sup>​2</​sup>​
   * **Population:​** xx   * **Population:​** xx
Line 19: Line 17:
 ===== History ===== ===== History =====
  
-The first Kreshites were Turanians that claimed ​they had achieved a more enlightened state of being. They claimed they sought ​the truth of the universe ​and peace for the inner soul. While this sometimes put them at odds with the worship of Uhl, the Kreshites were considered harmless enough to continue their practice.+The lands the Karellian slaves ​claimed ​as their own is named for the [[Kreshian Valley]] that runs through this mountainous region. Over the long history ​of Miran, several [[creatures:​human]] cultures have settled in this valley known for its rich farmland and ample rivers. None of these cultures survived due to the [[Jula Volcano]] ​and the north-north-east running [[wp>​Fissure Vents]]. Aside from ash and magma caused by the eruptions ​the water and sky are often poisoned by [[wp>​Volcanic gas]].
  
-However, it was when Azekial Haziem reached ​the peak of his own enlightenment that he issued a statement ​that changed everything. He claimed that Uhl was merely ​the embodiment ​of all human souls that had achieved true enlightenment - this blasphemy resulted ​in his immediate stoning by the Followers ​of Uhl. However, the damage had already been done.+When the first Karellian slaves fled into these lands they had been inhabited by humans for hundreds of years as the [[orgs:​carthins]], who once lived on the plains now occupied by the Turanians, considered the land evil and cursed. While the Turanians cared little for the customs ​of the primitive Carthins, the land was ill-suited to their horsemen ​that they employed to chase down slaves. The mountains gave the slaves plenty ​of caves in which to hide and good sources ​of both water and vegetation.
  
-Kreshites across Turan began to take up Haziem’s matra and soon found themselves hunted for their beliefs. However, so true was this statement that many Kreshites would rather die that lose the truth. They tried to resist, but they were scholars and philosophers and not warriors. The break came with the Followers of Uhl captured ten Kreshites ​and burned them alive in the Punishment Square at Dariabar.+As more Karellian slaves arrived the first villages were constructed. The Karellians fears being taken as slaves by the Turanians, so the villages ​were built high in the mountains. The Karellians used crevices, ropes, bridges, ​and simplistic elevators to move from the farms on the valley floor to the mountains. It was in these villages where the Karellians rebuilt their culture that the Turanians worked so hard to destroy.
  
-The Kreshites had long considered the northern spur of the Abjurer Mountains to be a place of complete enlightenment and many of their wisest converts had travelled there. However, the Kreshites always stayed among the Turanians so they may pass on their knowledge to those who would listen. While their wisest leaders burned, Kreshites everywhere heard a call to travel to the mountains. 
  
-By the thousands the Kreshites left behind everything and took to the road travelling north. Northern Turan was sparsely populated so the number of pilgrims far outnumbered the local Satrap’s troops.He called upon his Vizers, who issued a request to the Sultan for more troops. The Sultan sent his wisest general with ten thousand men to bring the Kreshites to heel.+==== Turaning Campaign ====
  
-The troops came upon the Kreshites at the Shining Pass, entrance into the Abjurer Mountains. As they moved into position ​a great rumbling came from the earth. As the ground shook, the nearby peaks collapsed ​into the pass, killing nearly all of the soldiers. ​Less than five hundred Turanians left that pass alive; however, the Kreshites continued unopposed into the Mountains.+In early Summer of 360 [[lore:AH]] Prince Imad Nahas, who rules the most northern [[wp>​principality]], was politically forced to attack Kresh and recapture ​the Karellian slaves. It was a disaster as there is only a single passage ​into the valley wide enough to move large numbers ​of soldiers ​and their train. The Karellians caused landslides to break up Turanian columns and struck from hidden caves along their route.
  
-Over the years they constructed large schools in the mountains ​so they could teach their followers. They saw the need to train physically and spiritually, as many Kreshites died on the pilgrimage north from simple exhaustion. Each year more humans ​from across ​the world hear some inner calling that leads them to Kresh. Once there they all those who wish to journey upon the path to true enlightenment are welcomed into their dojos.+What eventually caused ​the most widespread destruction was the use of chemical warfare by the Karellians. They had learned to use the gasses that had so plagued the previous people that settled into these valleys. Most of the gasses simple caused the recipient'​s eyes to water, but a few caused choking or even death. The most devastating where those that would burst into flames upon contact with fire. 
 + 
 +Heedless of their losses, Prince Imad pushed his soldiers up the valley, often breaking off smaller companies to secure the flanks. There are dozens of smaller valleys that all empty into the central valley, each one could give the Karellians the chance ​to flank his army. 
 + 
 +From 360 - 363 Prince Imad's army constructed keeps along the valley to secure his supply ​train. In addition, most of the commanders built smaller [[wp>​ramparts]] to protect their own soldiers. In the late Summer of 363 AH, the army began the first to three attempts to push up the mountains and sack the Karellian villages. The first push resulted in a line of small wooden keeps nearly one-quarter (1/4) of the way to the village before an early winter stopped their progress. 
 + 
 +As soon as the winter broke in 364 AH, the army continued to move up the mountain. Each week their losses mounted ​from the dangerous terrain of the mountain ​to ambushes by the Karellians. In late Summer 365, Prince Imad brought in additional troops and immediately force marched them up the mountain so they could link up with the troops already holding the uppermost line. It was a disaster as winter struck early the the new soldiers were ill-equipped for freezing mountainous conditions. 
 + 
 +In 366 a broken army came down from the mountains. Less than ten-percent (10%) of the army remained and none were without serious injuries. The large Karellian villages on the mountains had not only survived, but only a few of the smallest holdings on the lee side of the mountain were even attacked. By 368 Prince Imad had met with the Karellians and arranged for his organized withdrawal from the valley. Only 25% of Prince Imad's army was left when he finally returned to his lands. He was forced to leave intact ​all of the keeps he had built to support his campaign, including the large [[#Yakari Keep]] that sits atop of the river [[wp>​escarpment]] bridging the waterfall that cascades unto his lands. 
 + 
 +The defeat was costly in other ways as well. In 375 Prince Imad and his family were publicly beheaded for their failure to capture the slaves. In addition, the family lineage has been considered cursed, forcing their relatives elsewhere to denounce them as in-league with devils and their demonic servants. Those few members of the family that did not have strong enough political support fled rather than be killed. 
 + 
 + 
 +==== Five Masters ==== 
 + 
 +The Turanian campaign was not a complete victory for the Karellians. The venerable master ​who was their spiritual leader was killed during a night raid on a smaller village. While rumors persist the attack was actually carried out by one of the [[#Five Masters]], most accept that it was Turanian scouts that killed him. With the death of the Venerable Master tradition holds that the Five Masters that served under him would meet and select a new Venerable Master. 
 + 
 +That meeting as yet to take place, instead each of the Masters left that mountain and vowed to never return. When they left, their disciples and their families came with them, leaving behind those that large number of scholars and musicians that worked at the temple. The First Village still survives although it is mostly used as a religious retreat for those seeking enlightenment. None of the Masters can return to claim the title of Venerable Master or risk breaking oaths that bind them and all those that follow them.
  
-The Turanians have tried several times to force their soldiers into the mountains to eliminate the blasphemers,​ but each time the Kreshites have turned them back with great losses. Meanwhile, the Kreshites have splintered into various factions as each dojo seeks its own true path to enlightenment. 
  
  
Line 39: Line 52:
  
 The highest part of the Abjurer Mountains is located in a large spur in the north-east. The peaks rise high into the sky often shrouded in clouds, while the valleys cut deep enough to support streams, lakes, and herd animals. It’s a dangerous land of predators, volcanic tremors, bitter cold, and icy winds. However, the snow-capped mountains are considered quite beautiful during the dusk and twilight. The highest part of the Abjurer Mountains is located in a large spur in the north-east. The peaks rise high into the sky often shrouded in clouds, while the valleys cut deep enough to support streams, lakes, and herd animals. It’s a dangerous land of predators, volcanic tremors, bitter cold, and icy winds. However, the snow-capped mountains are considered quite beautiful during the dusk and twilight.
 +
  
 ==== Statue of Azekial Haziem ==== ==== Statue of Azekial Haziem ====
Line 46: Line 60:
 ==== The Five Guardians ==== ==== The Five Guardians ====
  
-The Tiger, ​Condor, Ki-Rin, Dragon, and Ape - these are the five guardians along the path to true enlightenment. The Tiger represents strength, the Condor ​is vision, the Ki-Rin brings intelligence, the Dragon ​is power, and the Ape is clever. ​Each dojo will have a place where the five guardians ​stand watch. It is here that students must stand before their masters ​and defend their own basis of existence.+The Tiger (Fire), Ram (Earth), Qilin (Metal), Serpent (Water), and Monkey (Wood) ​- these are the five guardians along the path to true enlightenment. The Tiger represents strength, the Ram is determination, the Qilin is humility, the Serpent ​is power, and the Monkey ​is clever. ​Upon the death of one of the Five Master their disciples ​will gather before ​the guardians and stay there for five (5) days. On sunset ​of the fifth day the guardians will choose a new Master.
  
-Once a student has mastered all five basic understandings they are named a disciple. Unlike a student, a disciple is expected to pursue their own path to their personal enlightenment. Many do this by teaching other students, learning from the masters, or even travelling to other lands to seek their own answers. 
  
  
Line 72: Line 85:
  
 === Turan === === Turan ===
 +//Main Article: [[Turan]]//
  
 The Turanians have waged a religious war against the Kreshites for hundreds of years. Once tolerant of their belief, the Followers of Uhl have become so blinded by faith that they can no longer see the truth of Uhl. Some Kreshite disciples and masters still travel the lands of Uhl, offering what assistance they can. However, any Kreshite priest caught by the Followers of Uhl is put to death - typically burned alive or drawn and quartered. The Turanians have waged a religious war against the Kreshites for hundreds of years. Once tolerant of their belief, the Followers of Uhl have become so blinded by faith that they can no longer see the truth of Uhl. Some Kreshite disciples and masters still travel the lands of Uhl, offering what assistance they can. However, any Kreshite priest caught by the Followers of Uhl is put to death - typically burned alive or drawn and quartered.
 +
  
 === Carthins === === Carthins ===
 +//Main Article: [[Carthia]]//​
  
 The Kreshites have a great deal of respect for the Carthins. They see the journey they were forced to make over the Abjurer Mountains as one of personal sacrifice. Through this sacrifice they were able to throw off the bindings of their previous life and achieve their own internal harmony. Many Kresh travel the Carthin lands, often relying on their martial skills to gain respect from the local tribe. Then they may stay with them and learn their ways, since learning and understanding is often the path to enlightenment. The Kreshites have a great deal of respect for the Carthins. They see the journey they were forced to make over the Abjurer Mountains as one of personal sacrifice. Through this sacrifice they were able to throw off the bindings of their previous life and achieve their own internal harmony. Many Kresh travel the Carthin lands, often relying on their martial skills to gain respect from the local tribe. Then they may stay with them and learn their ways, since learning and understanding is often the path to enlightenment.
  
 === Kithkin === === Kithkin ===
 +//Main Article: [[Kith]]//
  
 The Kresh consider the Kithkin to be where the Carthins were several generations ago. They have achieved the first few steps towards enlightenment with the understanding that the spirits of their ancestors are the truth. However, they have not fully understood that their spirits are also part of their ancestors. Unlike the Carthins, the souls of the Kithkin are not part of the Kresh - a Kithkin soul is part of the Kithkin Kresh. The Kresh consider the Kithkin to be where the Carthins were several generations ago. They have achieved the first few steps towards enlightenment with the understanding that the spirits of their ancestors are the truth. However, they have not fully understood that their spirits are also part of their ancestors. Unlike the Carthins, the souls of the Kithkin are not part of the Kresh - a Kithkin soul is part of the Kithkin Kresh.
Line 86: Line 103:
  
 === Red Wolves === === Red Wolves ===
 +//Main Article: [[Red Wolves]]//
  
 Like the kithkin, the orcs have their own Kresh, or enlightened state, that they must achieve for spiritual perfection. However, unlike the kithkin who have begun along this path, the orcs of the Red Wolves have never started. Unlike their western cousins the eastern orcs are more aggressive, forging a bond with the other races of the Abjurer. Several Kreshite priests have been killed when they wouldn’t teach their “warrior art” to the orcs; however, some Kresh have traveled to these dangerous lands seeking their own enlightenment. Like the kithkin, the orcs have their own Kresh, or enlightened state, that they must achieve for spiritual perfection. However, unlike the kithkin who have begun along this path, the orcs of the Red Wolves have never started. Unlike their western cousins the eastern orcs are more aggressive, forging a bond with the other races of the Abjurer. Several Kreshite priests have been killed when they wouldn’t teach their “warrior art” to the orcs; however, some Kresh have traveled to these dangerous lands seeking their own enlightenment.
Line 151: Line 169:
  
 {{tag>​nation eastern_jewels miran}} {{tag>​nation eastern_jewels miran}}
-