Ichan Iluiteomeh
"Land of Phoenixes"
This is a bit of worldbuilding made for Tal'Rakan homeland from which Iberian Lynxes come. It takes inspiration from mixed Deccan Hindu and Mesoamerican history and cultures that I mean no disrespect to through this portrayal.
Short summary:
Land of Phoenixes is a small nation far southwest from Vulpinsula. Local population is primarily made of Lynxes with smaller populations coming from other, native to biomes equivalent to Mexican Highlands and Yucatan Jungles.
They function as a Theocratic Monarchy that always has two twins as rulers called Phoenixes. Those are chosen upon the death of the previous pair by the high priests from their own ranks. They wield absolute power over the nation.
Their society is very strongly intertwined with religion. This leads to stratified into casts society. One where any social mobility is depended on the priests.
Despite small size and not great population, harsh terrain, size and strength of Lynxes as well as access to enriched ores that results in natural creation of blue steel, provided them with enough power to resist conquest. They are however backwards technologically, lacking any knowledge of steampower, gunpowder or any contemporary technologies.
Due to climate, they grow sugar, cocoa, tobbaco, tea, opium and corn. They have few gold and silver mines too but those are controlled by the state and fully used for the local needs. They do not trade with their steel, considering it their gift from the Phoenixes.
Recently in history due to failed rebelion, they shut access to any foreigneers, resulting in a prolonged conflict that they could survive thanks to other crisies that other nations dealt with like VI's Revolution. They now try to restore those conacts as new Phoenixes see the need to catch up with the modern world.
Long Lore:
From the earliest days, the land of Phoenixes was always swamped with blood. The first of the beasts solved any dispute with bloodshed. Many tribes with their customs have perished until there were only ten of those left. All run by the biggest of the beasts, Lynxes. With other smaller creatures having to serve them as the weak should.
At one day however one of those tribes brought to the battlefield two figures clad in red and blue feathers. All others, enraged by the profanity of using such sacred symbols, waged war against them. However, the two Lynx twins, thanks to luck, utilized resources their tribe had controlled. They were the first one to break the tradition and mined the very earth, sacrilegious act but one that brought them to the goods they provided to their people. Steel, however crude, was far beyond any material other tribes had used. Burning tar and oil were seen as magic while spreading fear and pain across the faltering armies.
As a result, in one battle, the war was over. Everyone yielded and swore their fealty to the two divine beings who came to their land to provide their kind with gifts. Tletototl, Red phoenix and Setototl, Blue Phoenix. Those were the names they were now revered under.
With this one nation formed across the whole land. Spreading from the northern deserts to the great waters that covered all other sides and kept them isolated. The Phoenixes in their first act, brought their wisdom and stratified the people. Some came from families destined to fight for them, others were destined to command and communicate with divine. Most were however destined to serve with their lives and work alike. Ensuring that the emerging nation will survive.
That wasn't taken lightly by most of the common folk. They felt betrayed by those they worshipped and brought a rebellion upon the land mere few years after it was united. One that the Phoenix Court could quench with the secrets of their craft, kept only among the few who were loyal. It still took few decades to fully pacify the beasts that spoke against serfdom. And by the final embers of the rebellion, the Phoenixes have died. More specifically. Red Phoenix have died and blue one took her life. That is why all future Phoenixes did the same.
Naturally, they left very vague instructions to their closest Itlahtoani uil. High priests who spoke their will. Phoenixes never truly die, they reborn in a new body. The instructions called for a pair of twins. One that truly will understand the carry the will of the skies upon their people. As such a search for such pair from their ranks begun and soon a few suitable candidates were presented. Each of them was to speak before the whole group and, at the end, High priests were to decide which one was the closest. Naturally it wasn't that easy since disagreements and favourism became a problem. Thus it was established that all pairs with at least two supporting priests from the ten, were to fight among each other for the title. As both had to survive, this quickly become a very bloody tradition since taking away even one of two opposing twins was enough to win.
And with that the next Phoenixes were chosen. Those two chose to not only further destroy any dissent, they did so with little regard for life. Their Tlamatki iuiistemeh, Generals chosen from fiercest and most loyal warriors, in short time brought rule of terror. Sacrificial pits were filled with those who attempted any dissent no matter of their position or actual beliefs. Upon the end of their reign, the High Priests themselves became more wary and changed the criteria of deciding who will become next Phoenixes. They now included aside from presentation and combat a third test, one that were to test humility by enforcing serfdom for one year upon all the candidates. One that they could end at any give point if they were to forfeit their title.
This led to the third incarnation of Phoenixes to be a pair of twin sisters who whilst not as dreadful as their predecessors, brought the hedonism to the upper echelons of this society. Common folk after many pogroms were now grateful to be only mildly controlled, blissfully unaware of the acts of extreme hedonism within the newly built gilded palace that was meant for the Phoenixes. After all, they were gods in their eyes and prosecution from last two made anyone believing otherwise dead. Current populace was by no means capable of entertaining other ways of thinking.
Other than the warrior and priest caste, Mauisoyotlatlayentin, Entertainers were separated as ones who brought joy to life. They became a main source of control over the masses, brining bread and circuses to pacify them. With that, absolute power of the Phoenixes was contemplated by administrative clergy, politicised military and all the soft power in entertainers' paws.
By the very end of Third incarnation, first contact with beasts upon ships from beyond the water was made. It went as badly as it could, the explorers were killed by the mob due to lack of proper reverence of the Phoenixes. Luckily the next ship came only as the Forth incarnation already came to power, one that explicitly ordered to welcome those due to curiosity.
It was that contact that marked the new era for the Land of Phoenixes. The Forth incarnation Phoenixes seen trade as something natural. And very soon they found that more and more ships were coming for their goods. Giving often gold and silver in equivalent weight for tobacco or cocoa. It brought sudden prosperity to the nation. One that allowed for rapid expansion of the military that was now needed to protect their homeland from expeditions that tried to conquer them. There were plenty of those who tried but failed because they couldn't bring that many troops to navally invade and hold in the homeland of often stronger, fierce lynxes who were used to jungles and rough mountains as well as the heat.
But the newcomers brought also something else. Ideas and concepts that were not only new but also controversial here. Phoenixes enforced tolerance for those, but the seed they've planted was already there. Populace started once again seeing they were kept on short leash. This time however it was especially present in the coastal cities. For now however they kept to the underground. Building their powerbase with wealth they got from smuggling. Truly as the Phoenixes reborn and Fifth incarnation came to power. They were ready to strike but were stopped as a certain reform came. One that kept the system as it was before but granted more freedoms to the common folk. It was unexpected and really took a huge chunk of supporters away from the cause.
The Fifth incarnation of Phoenixes was really a one of cunning. They in fact gave more freedoms but at the same time empowered zealotry. Furthering legitimisation of their actions through their godly status. This resulted in some displeased priests to also form their own revolutionary faction, using their status to rile up the people they were in overseeing. After many years it resulted in Rebellion of the Marked. Named as all rebels wore a black dot upon their forehead. It was really a grand rebellion, one that also had means to properly equip and was on equal footing as Blue Steel and Burning Oil were present of both sides.
Their issue was however lack of unified structure and fact that actual military was on the Phoenix Court's side. Serfs were levied en masse on both sides but only one of them had actual military knowledge. Nauatlahtolukuepa iuiiluimeh, The Capital, also known as The Nest, was the only city that seen any prolonged fighting. All the other places were held by the garrisons and military. The Nest however had to withstand bulk of the attackers as they believed storming the palace was the surest way to win. This misconception cost them any real chance at winning. The Phoenixes soon forbid any traders to come, both to stop the flow of the ideas and to stop sources of income rebeliants had. Since the rebelion was still ongoing, many nations that wished for the trade to continue decided now it was time to strike, taking this land for good for their own profits or to support the rebelion.
They all underestimated just how fierce the military was. It was probably the only branch of the government that despite being politicised was still primarly meritocratic. The Lynxes who were the only one who could belong to warriors caste used everything they could to secure a victory. Ambushes, spreading plague, setting entire parts of the jungle on fire. All was fair in the war. But it was a bit of luck that helped them survive in the end.
Vulpinsula had to reterat any forces and support due to their own revolution. Other nations underwent plagues, fiscal or social crisises as well roughly in the same time. Meaning that very soon, the military cleaned up and burned down last places with rebels. Infamously, the largest port city in the nation, Ixitlamatoka ome Semanauameh, "Where two worlds touch" In more common languages, was fully razed with its entire population.
A short period of reconstruction and few purges occurred, leading to, once more, very devoted and unitary society. One that very firmly believed in the Phoenixes and didn't dare to question them. Isolation hurt their prosperity aplenty however and it was a difficult period for all but the elites. They weren't however the only nation that was rebuilding. Just over a decade later, a ship from VI came to the shores of the former port, now reduced to small town with one pier among the ruins. They were shot at so they responded with cannon fire. Something the local populace was not prepared for at all. General Tal'Rakan was one leading the defence. He kept the more by manning the mangonels himself among his people and won this encounter.
The saved crewbeasts by Tal'Rakan's plea were kept and utilised for secrets and intel. Thus they've learnt about the world progressing past them. New technologies were in particular scary as those involved in translating were afraid that Land of Phoenixes could fail just due to them. Fortunately while the Fifth incarnation was very against revoking total isolationism. They soon have died and were replaced by the youngest pair to date. Sixth incarnation of Phoenixes was impressionable and listened to concerns. Thus they allowed for a limited diplomatic mission to VI for the sake of seeing if returning to previous way of just trading with others was possible.
WIP as I need to figure out few more names and dates :3
Culture:
(I need to rethink it
for now it is WIP)
This is the style of their architecture (based on Dravidian style):
"Land of Phoenixes"
This is a bit of worldbuilding made for Tal'Rakan homeland from which Iberian Lynxes come. It takes inspiration from mixed Deccan Hindu and Mesoamerican history and cultures that I mean no disrespect to through this portrayal.
Short summary:
Land of Phoenixes is a small nation far southwest from Vulpinsula. Local population is primarily made of Lynxes with smaller populations coming from other, native to biomes equivalent to Mexican Highlands and Yucatan Jungles.
They function as a Theocratic Monarchy that always has two twins as rulers called Phoenixes. Those are chosen upon the death of the previous pair by the high priests from their own ranks. They wield absolute power over the nation.
Their society is very strongly intertwined with religion. This leads to stratified into casts society. One where any social mobility is depended on the priests.
Despite small size and not great population, harsh terrain, size and strength of Lynxes as well as access to enriched ores that results in natural creation of blue steel, provided them with enough power to resist conquest. They are however backwards technologically, lacking any knowledge of steampower, gunpowder or any contemporary technologies.
Due to climate, they grow sugar, cocoa, tobbaco, tea, opium and corn. They have few gold and silver mines too but those are controlled by the state and fully used for the local needs. They do not trade with their steel, considering it their gift from the Phoenixes.
Recently in history due to failed rebelion, they shut access to any foreigneers, resulting in a prolonged conflict that they could survive thanks to other crisies that other nations dealt with like VI's Revolution. They now try to restore those conacts as new Phoenixes see the need to catch up with the modern world.
Long Lore:
From the earliest days, the land of Phoenixes was always swamped with blood. The first of the beasts solved any dispute with bloodshed. Many tribes with their customs have perished until there were only ten of those left. All run by the biggest of the beasts, Lynxes. With other smaller creatures having to serve them as the weak should.
At one day however one of those tribes brought to the battlefield two figures clad in red and blue feathers. All others, enraged by the profanity of using such sacred symbols, waged war against them. However, the two Lynx twins, thanks to luck, utilized resources their tribe had controlled. They were the first one to break the tradition and mined the very earth, sacrilegious act but one that brought them to the goods they provided to their people. Steel, however crude, was far beyond any material other tribes had used. Burning tar and oil were seen as magic while spreading fear and pain across the faltering armies.
As a result, in one battle, the war was over. Everyone yielded and swore their fealty to the two divine beings who came to their land to provide their kind with gifts. Tletototl, Red phoenix and Setototl, Blue Phoenix. Those were the names they were now revered under.
With this one nation formed across the whole land. Spreading from the northern deserts to the great waters that covered all other sides and kept them isolated. The Phoenixes in their first act, brought their wisdom and stratified the people. Some came from families destined to fight for them, others were destined to command and communicate with divine. Most were however destined to serve with their lives and work alike. Ensuring that the emerging nation will survive.
That wasn't taken lightly by most of the common folk. They felt betrayed by those they worshipped and brought a rebellion upon the land mere few years after it was united. One that the Phoenix Court could quench with the secrets of their craft, kept only among the few who were loyal. It still took few decades to fully pacify the beasts that spoke against serfdom. And by the final embers of the rebellion, the Phoenixes have died. More specifically. Red Phoenix have died and blue one took her life. That is why all future Phoenixes did the same.
Naturally, they left very vague instructions to their closest Itlahtoani uil. High priests who spoke their will. Phoenixes never truly die, they reborn in a new body. The instructions called for a pair of twins. One that truly will understand the carry the will of the skies upon their people. As such a search for such pair from their ranks begun and soon a few suitable candidates were presented. Each of them was to speak before the whole group and, at the end, High priests were to decide which one was the closest. Naturally it wasn't that easy since disagreements and favourism became a problem. Thus it was established that all pairs with at least two supporting priests from the ten, were to fight among each other for the title. As both had to survive, this quickly become a very bloody tradition since taking away even one of two opposing twins was enough to win.
And with that the next Phoenixes were chosen. Those two chose to not only further destroy any dissent, they did so with little regard for life. Their Tlamatki iuiistemeh, Generals chosen from fiercest and most loyal warriors, in short time brought rule of terror. Sacrificial pits were filled with those who attempted any dissent no matter of their position or actual beliefs. Upon the end of their reign, the High Priests themselves became more wary and changed the criteria of deciding who will become next Phoenixes. They now included aside from presentation and combat a third test, one that were to test humility by enforcing serfdom for one year upon all the candidates. One that they could end at any give point if they were to forfeit their title.
This led to the third incarnation of Phoenixes to be a pair of twin sisters who whilst not as dreadful as their predecessors, brought the hedonism to the upper echelons of this society. Common folk after many pogroms were now grateful to be only mildly controlled, blissfully unaware of the acts of extreme hedonism within the newly built gilded palace that was meant for the Phoenixes. After all, they were gods in their eyes and prosecution from last two made anyone believing otherwise dead. Current populace was by no means capable of entertaining other ways of thinking.
Other than the warrior and priest caste, Mauisoyotlatlayentin, Entertainers were separated as ones who brought joy to life. They became a main source of control over the masses, brining bread and circuses to pacify them. With that, absolute power of the Phoenixes was contemplated by administrative clergy, politicised military and all the soft power in entertainers' paws.
By the very end of Third incarnation, first contact with beasts upon ships from beyond the water was made. It went as badly as it could, the explorers were killed by the mob due to lack of proper reverence of the Phoenixes. Luckily the next ship came only as the Forth incarnation already came to power, one that explicitly ordered to welcome those due to curiosity.
It was that contact that marked the new era for the Land of Phoenixes. The Forth incarnation Phoenixes seen trade as something natural. And very soon they found that more and more ships were coming for their goods. Giving often gold and silver in equivalent weight for tobacco or cocoa. It brought sudden prosperity to the nation. One that allowed for rapid expansion of the military that was now needed to protect their homeland from expeditions that tried to conquer them. There were plenty of those who tried but failed because they couldn't bring that many troops to navally invade and hold in the homeland of often stronger, fierce lynxes who were used to jungles and rough mountains as well as the heat.
But the newcomers brought also something else. Ideas and concepts that were not only new but also controversial here. Phoenixes enforced tolerance for those, but the seed they've planted was already there. Populace started once again seeing they were kept on short leash. This time however it was especially present in the coastal cities. For now however they kept to the underground. Building their powerbase with wealth they got from smuggling. Truly as the Phoenixes reborn and Fifth incarnation came to power. They were ready to strike but were stopped as a certain reform came. One that kept the system as it was before but granted more freedoms to the common folk. It was unexpected and really took a huge chunk of supporters away from the cause.
The Fifth incarnation of Phoenixes was really a one of cunning. They in fact gave more freedoms but at the same time empowered zealotry. Furthering legitimisation of their actions through their godly status. This resulted in some displeased priests to also form their own revolutionary faction, using their status to rile up the people they were in overseeing. After many years it resulted in Rebellion of the Marked. Named as all rebels wore a black dot upon their forehead. It was really a grand rebellion, one that also had means to properly equip and was on equal footing as Blue Steel and Burning Oil were present of both sides.
Their issue was however lack of unified structure and fact that actual military was on the Phoenix Court's side. Serfs were levied en masse on both sides but only one of them had actual military knowledge. Nauatlahtolukuepa iuiiluimeh, The Capital, also known as The Nest, was the only city that seen any prolonged fighting. All the other places were held by the garrisons and military. The Nest however had to withstand bulk of the attackers as they believed storming the palace was the surest way to win. This misconception cost them any real chance at winning. The Phoenixes soon forbid any traders to come, both to stop the flow of the ideas and to stop sources of income rebeliants had. Since the rebelion was still ongoing, many nations that wished for the trade to continue decided now it was time to strike, taking this land for good for their own profits or to support the rebelion.
They all underestimated just how fierce the military was. It was probably the only branch of the government that despite being politicised was still primarly meritocratic. The Lynxes who were the only one who could belong to warriors caste used everything they could to secure a victory. Ambushes, spreading plague, setting entire parts of the jungle on fire. All was fair in the war. But it was a bit of luck that helped them survive in the end.
Vulpinsula had to reterat any forces and support due to their own revolution. Other nations underwent plagues, fiscal or social crisises as well roughly in the same time. Meaning that very soon, the military cleaned up and burned down last places with rebels. Infamously, the largest port city in the nation, Ixitlamatoka ome Semanauameh, "Where two worlds touch" In more common languages, was fully razed with its entire population.
A short period of reconstruction and few purges occurred, leading to, once more, very devoted and unitary society. One that very firmly believed in the Phoenixes and didn't dare to question them. Isolation hurt their prosperity aplenty however and it was a difficult period for all but the elites. They weren't however the only nation that was rebuilding. Just over a decade later, a ship from VI came to the shores of the former port, now reduced to small town with one pier among the ruins. They were shot at so they responded with cannon fire. Something the local populace was not prepared for at all. General Tal'Rakan was one leading the defence. He kept the more by manning the mangonels himself among his people and won this encounter.
The saved crewbeasts by Tal'Rakan's plea were kept and utilised for secrets and intel. Thus they've learnt about the world progressing past them. New technologies were in particular scary as those involved in translating were afraid that Land of Phoenixes could fail just due to them. Fortunately while the Fifth incarnation was very against revoking total isolationism. They soon have died and were replaced by the youngest pair to date. Sixth incarnation of Phoenixes was impressionable and listened to concerns. Thus they allowed for a limited diplomatic mission to VI for the sake of seeing if returning to previous way of just trading with others was possible.
WIP as I need to figure out few more names and dates :3
Culture:
(I need to rethink it
for now it is WIP)This is the style of their architecture (based on Dravidian style):
Last edited:
