Post by sapphire on Dec 1, 2014 16:49:04 GMT
The Protectorate of Ayberk, commonly known as Ayberk or simply the Island, is an island country located in the Northern Aydan Sea.
It is governed by a Lord Protector. The Protectorate began in 676 FE when following the victory over the Yabans, Lord Aytakis, the last Governor of Ayberk was declared by the three peoples of the Island as their sovereign. Turning down the role of Kingship, Lord Aytakis opted for the title of the Lord Protector instead. Its capital city is Simjang. The current Lord Protector is Lord Ilhan. The Island consists of three regions: the Golden Cities, the Lowlands and the Highlands. The three regions have varying powers of administration.
History
Before 649 FE : Colonisation and Conquest
Prehistorically, the population of the Island is thought to be the Salamdeul who arrived from the unknown lands from the south. The Island was first colonised by the Ilkers who established the cities along the eastern coast. Later, the Esenvers later arrived who established the cities along the western coast. As the Ilker and Esenver trading communities grew more populous and more powerful, the Salamdeul were pushed further inland. The Esenvers came into conflict with the Ilkers and the dividing line on the southern coastline between the Esenver west and the Ilker east moved backwards and forwards frequently in the ensuing centuries. Appealing to their motherlands, the City of Esenver and the Ilkin Hegemony went to war, struggling for the domination over the Aydan Sea. Eventually, the City of Esenver was victorious and annexed the entire Ilkin Hegemony, establishing its presence on the continent of Ilknur.
During the reign of the Emperor Metin, his Legions under the command of the first Governor-General Zeki, was despatched to the Island to conquer the rest of the island under Salamdeul control. However, the Salamdeul was locked in strife between nine Great Clans. Taylan waged a series of military campaigns against six Great Clans in a war that lasted from 308 FE to 317 FE, in which a complete Esenver victory resulted in the expansion of the Esenver control over the whole of the Lowlands. The last three Great Clans noting the fall of their kins in the Lowlands formed an alliance with one another, agreeing to aid one another against any attempts by the Esenver Empire to attack them. Taylan opted for the containment of the Highlands instead. The Esenver Empire made few attempts to conquer the Highlands. However, the Governors were unable or unwilling to maintain large expense in subduing the Highlands.
Over the next three centuries, the Great Clans and Clans system in the Lowlands were destroyed and the Clan tattoos were outlawed at the pain of death. The local clan chiefs became the local nobility with the support of the Governor while the people became subjects. The nine cities settled by the Esenvers and the Ilkers became very dominant in the economy of the Island and generally known as the Golden Cities. While there has been few minor uprisings against the Esenver rule, the control over the majority of the island was never threatened. All this changed with the large invasion by the powerful Cahyan Empire in 649 FE.
649 to 676 FE : Decline and Disavowal
In this century, the Esenver Empire could not longer defend itself against either internal rebellion or the external threat posed by the Cahyan Empire in the West. While the Esenver Empire was convulsed by the invasions and rebellions, the Island avoided these troubles. But there were increasing attacks by the Yaban raiders from the south.
In 655 FE, the Esenver Empire withdrew its Legions across the Island to the Western Esenver to send them against the Cahyans, but continually maintains its Legions in the Golden Cities and along Taylan's Wall. However, the Legions based on Taylan's Wall left the Island on 661 FE and finally the Legions based on the Golden Cities left the Island in 667 FE. The loss of the military might of the Esenver was a serious blow to the Island's new governor, Lord Aytakis.
In the winter of 669 FE, capitalising on a depleted military force on the island, an immense Yaban force landed, with the intention to conquer the Island. With most of the Island in turmoil and under attack, Governor Aytakis made a serious and urgent request for the Legions, but there was no reply from the Esenver Emperor. The Governor disavowed his Oath and used the Emperor's Estate to raise his own military and used his friendship with the Great Clan of Bangagim for military aid.
Strengthened by his new army and the alliance with Bangagim, Lord Aytakis fought the Yabans for six years until they had been driven back to their homelands and the order returned to the Island. The peoples of the Golden Cities and the Lowlands were grateful to Lord Aytakis. However, they were scandalised by his marriage to Aleumdaun of Bangagim. Still, Lord Aytakis, the last Governor of Ayberk was declared by the people as its sovereign. Turning down the role of Kingship, Lord Aytakis opted for the title of the Lord Protector instead.
676 FE to 708 FE : Lord Protector Aytakis' Rule
After his victory over the Yabans, Lord Protector Aytakis set about building a system of fortified towns and forts across the Lowlands, known as Kales in response to the threats. In the event of attacks, the Kale was a place of refuge for the rural population who lived within a day's journey of the Kale. He also built a network of well maintained roads that interconnected the Kales, allowing the population quick access to shelter. This enabled the Protector's soldiers to move swiftly to engage the enemy. This eventually became known as the Protector's Roads which are equal to the mighty Imperial roads on the Continents. He created the Island's only professional standing army called the Protector's Guards. Simjang was established as the new capital as it is more centrally and strategically located then the old capital, Kelebek.
The Esenver Empire now located at the City of Nuraylin after agreeing peace with the Cahyan Empire decided to focus its energies on retaking rebellious provinces, sparking a series of major conflicts fought between the Esenver Empire and the recently established states, lasting for twenty three years from 700 FE to 723 FE. It is known as the Great Esenver War. Protector Aytakis played large role in agreeing the alliance with other rebellious provinces against the Esenver Empire.
Aytakis had two children with Aleumdaun named Berkant. Aytakis was only 71 when he died, but after forty years of energetic rule he was physically exhausted. It is known that the premature death of his wife, Aleumdaun in 687 FE affected him deeply. He never remarried and he dressed in mourning colour for the rest of his life. His rule was considered as the Golden Age by the later generations
708 FE to 709 FE : Lord Protector Berkant's Rule
Only heir of the Lord Protector Aytakis, and remained overshadowed by his father for much of his life. His rule only lasted for only a year since he was assassinated by conspirators after the treaty which temporarily ended hostilities between the Esenver Empire and the Island signed by him.
709 FE to 733 FE : Lord Protector Cemil's Rule
Succeeded to the Sword after his father was murdered at the age of twenty four. Known for establishing the Protector's Council, which became the supreme state advisory body to the Lord Protector. He supported the education so aid was lent to the sciences and arts, creating the University of Simjang.
In foreign policy, his greatest triumph came in 720 FE when the Emperor's invasion proved a total disaster for the Esenvers and with the allies, they were able to besiege the City of Nuraylin and peace returned to Aydan Sea as the Esenver Empire recognized the independence of the states that revolted from it.
733 FE to 763 FE : Lord Protector Direnc's Rule
The younger brother of Lord Protector Cemil, Direnc's rule is best known for his frequent wars, repression of dissent, economic stagnation, poor policies and a corrupt government. Taking advantage of the Fleets, which became one of the largest in the Aydan Sea during the Great Esenver War, he waged the wars to acquire more islands around the Aydan Sea. Experiencing the trauma of the rebellions by the Nobility, he ran a network of spies and informers. He abolished the local powers of the Golden Cities and the Highlands, although the Great Clans were able to keep its power due to their participation in crushing the Nobility Uprising in 738 FE.
The Protector's Guards were very large due to his frequent wars as he lavished his attention on his army, glorifying in its victory in the Great Esenver War. He put the officers in charge in government, regardless of their competence and the corruption among its ranks came to light in the Short War in which the Island lost to the alliance between the Island's former allies. The Short War highlighted that it is militarily weak and administratively incompetent. He died during the Short War.
763 FE to 789 FE : Lord Protector Ekrem's Rule
After the death of his father, Lord Protector Ekrem took the Island out of the Short War on very unfavorable terms, including the losses of all territories beyond the Island apart from ancient Island of Chulbal, the southernmost island in the Middle Ocean . He is responsible for numerous reforms such as ending some of the privileges of the Nobility and promoting the University as well promoting the local governments and abolishing death sentences. On the other hand, due to his father's acts, he became the target of numerous assassination attempts. He then set up a brutal Secret police, which sent many thousands of dissidents into exile aboard.
He focused on developing the natural and economic resources of the Island, attempting to make it self-sufficient as possible. The Protector Guard, which performed so poorly in the Short War was downsized heavily, focusing on improving the standard. His foreign policy is pacifistic, rebuilding ties that were shaken by his father's acts, boosting trade between the Island and other realms. Ultimately, he was assassinated by a group of ex-soldiers who never forgave him for losing all the territories aboard.
789 FE to 802 FE : Lord Protector Ferit's Rule
Like his father, Lord Protector Ferit fought no wars. He restored the privileges of the Nobility. He believe that the Island should follow a single language, religion and a form of administration. He banned the use of the language and religion of the Salamdeuls in his presence, focusing his attention on promoting the Esenver language and Arazi-Deniz faith. This causes tension with his son as his heir Lord Ilhan objected to this. The relation between between these two worsen to the point when it was rumoured that the Lord Protector was about to execute him for treason. Instead, he was exiled from the Island upon his majority in 792 FE. Ultimately, as Ferit favoured his second son, declared Kagan as his heir over the objections of his relatives.
800 FE to 802 FE : Succession Crisis
Due to more extreme view of Kagan as Arazi-Deniz as only gods in existence, refusing to believe in other gods, it was becoming clear to the general population that he is increasingly unacceptable as the potential Lord Protector. His younger brother, Murat was backed as far more reasonable candidate. However, Murat was killed by Lord Protector Ferit in outburst of rage. The tension became increasingly violate after the death of Lord Protector Ferit in 802 FE with the minority of the subjects and the Great Clans refusing to recognise Kagan as new Lord Protector. However, the decision on who will become the next Lord Protector is marred by the competing claims of Lord Protector's family.
Fortunately, High Captain Ilhan, commanding a Cahyan Horse Company was in the Cahyan Empire's process of restoring the Far Eastern Provinces to its control after the Outsider Wars. He was given the leave of absence and after gaining the support of the Great Clans, High Captain Ilhan defeated Kagan in the Battle of the Taylan's Wall. There were few skirmishes afterwards but ultimately on the Seongsugi Day in 802 FE, the Golden Cities, the Nobility and the Great Clans recognise him as the Lord Protector.
Geography
Simjang is the capital of the Island. It is most populous city with a population of forty two thousand inhabitants. Standing on the River Nehir, it grew to become a vital trade hub between the Golden Cities, the Lowlands and the Highlands. Founded by Aytakis, it became the leading city and home to the Winter Kale and the Summer Hall, the primary residences of the Lord Protector. It is located close to the Highlands as it is believed that it will help to maintain a strong presence.
The Golden Cities
The Golden Cities are the settlements established during the colonization of the Island by the Esenvers and the Illkers. The lands they possessed are most fertile on the island, meaning while they control only one-tenth of the lands, a quarter of the Island's population lives within this abundant land. Each city is governed by a local Council, led by its Mayor and treat each other as rivals although they have known to take a united position should their interests get threatened by others in the Island.
Kelebek is the most populous of the Golden Cities. It is on the island within large harbour. Founded by the Esenvers, its location helped the city grow in significance as a trading port and became the capital of the Island during the period of Esenver rule. The population of Kelebek is over twelve thousand. While there are many cities inland with a greater population, it is still considered as the second city of the Island due to its economical importance. It is the location of the ruling Temple of Arazi, the God of the Land, the ruling god of the Faith. Its symbol is a golden butterfly on the green field.
Ahtapot is the second most populous of the Golden Cities with the population of over eleven thousand. It is the first settlement on the Island to be founded by the Ilkers. Sitting at the mouth of the River Nehir, it flourished as a center of commerce between the Island and Ilknur. It is the location of the ruling Temple of Deniz, the Goddess of the Sea, the ruling goddess of the Faith. The Symbol of Ahtapot is a golden octopus on the blue field.
All other Golden Cities has the population of over nine thousand and are ordered in years of its founding. The rest are named below;
Turna was founded by the Esenvers. Its symbol is the crane on the green field.
Yunus was founded by the Ilkers. Its symbol is the dolphin on the blue field.
Karga was founded by the Esenvers. Its symbol is the crow on the green field.
Yengec was founded by the Ilkers. Its symbol is the crab on the blue field.
Kartal was founded by the Esenvers. Its symbol is the eagle on the green field.
Kaplumbaga was founded by the Illkers. Its symbol is the turtle on the blue field.
Baykus was founded by the Esenvers. Its symbol is the owl on the green field.
The Lowlands
The Lowlands are dominated by the Nobility whose cities, towns and estates inhabits half of the Island. Its lands ranged from hills, swamps, forests to farmlands. The combined population form a majority on the Island with three-fifth of the population. Once of the ancient six Great Clans whose ruling Great Clan families were exterminated by the Esenver Empire, the local clan chiefs who collaborated with Esenvers became rich and eventually became the ruling class of the Lowlands. As a means of organisation by Lord Protector Aytakis, five Circles were set up primarily for the purpose of organising a common defensive structure and of collecting the revenues. The Lowlands are divided into the Sword Lands, five Duchies, forty six Counties and countless Baronies.
Olenji Circle is the cool, dry lands. Its capital city is named Tateusham which contains over eighteen thousands residents. The Duke of Tateusham is premier Noble of Olenji Circle.
Nolansaeg Circle is the temperate and hilly lands. Its capital city is named Baegyeol which contains over seventeen thousands residents. The Duke of Baegyeol is premier Noble of Nolansaeg Circle.
Nogsaeg Circle is the rocky and chilly lands. Its capital city is named Samlimji which contains over fifteen thousands residents. The Duke of Samlimji is premier Noble of Nogsaeg Circle.
Beullu Circle is cool, dry lands. Its capital city is named Heuleum which contains over twelve thousands residents. The Duke of Heuleum is premier Noble of Beullu Circle.
Peopeul Circle is the temperate and hilly lands. Its capital city is named Jasujeong which contains over twelve thousands residents. The Duke of Jasujeong is premier Noble of Peopeul Circle.
Over a tenth of the Lowlands which are the most abundant remains unencircled as it is the personal lands of the Lord Protector and became known as the Sword Lands. Its capital capital is Simjang and contains over forty two thousand residents.
The Highlands
The Highlands are dominated by three Great Clans who inhabits two-fifth of the Island. However, the lands are bleak and so the population is small compared to other regions. A fifth of the Island's population live in this region. Three capital cities dotted around the Highlands, where each Great Clan Chief resides at.
Gangbyeon is a city which sits by the River Nehir and dominated by great Waterfall Fort, the residence of the Great Clan Chief of Bangagim. Over thirteen thousand people live in this city. Surrounded by rich natural resources, the gold and silver mines dotted in its local ranges and rich fertile soils provided by the volcanoes. It is also at risk from the dangerous earthquakes and volcanoes. It has been under siege by the Esenver Imperial Legions several times, none were successful.
It is governed by a Lord Protector. The Protectorate began in 676 FE when following the victory over the Yabans, Lord Aytakis, the last Governor of Ayberk was declared by the three peoples of the Island as their sovereign. Turning down the role of Kingship, Lord Aytakis opted for the title of the Lord Protector instead. Its capital city is Simjang. The current Lord Protector is Lord Ilhan. The Island consists of three regions: the Golden Cities, the Lowlands and the Highlands. The three regions have varying powers of administration.
History
Before 649 FE : Colonisation and Conquest
Prehistorically, the population of the Island is thought to be the Salamdeul who arrived from the unknown lands from the south. The Island was first colonised by the Ilkers who established the cities along the eastern coast. Later, the Esenvers later arrived who established the cities along the western coast. As the Ilker and Esenver trading communities grew more populous and more powerful, the Salamdeul were pushed further inland. The Esenvers came into conflict with the Ilkers and the dividing line on the southern coastline between the Esenver west and the Ilker east moved backwards and forwards frequently in the ensuing centuries. Appealing to their motherlands, the City of Esenver and the Ilkin Hegemony went to war, struggling for the domination over the Aydan Sea. Eventually, the City of Esenver was victorious and annexed the entire Ilkin Hegemony, establishing its presence on the continent of Ilknur.
During the reign of the Emperor Metin, his Legions under the command of the first Governor-General Zeki, was despatched to the Island to conquer the rest of the island under Salamdeul control. However, the Salamdeul was locked in strife between nine Great Clans. Taylan waged a series of military campaigns against six Great Clans in a war that lasted from 308 FE to 317 FE, in which a complete Esenver victory resulted in the expansion of the Esenver control over the whole of the Lowlands. The last three Great Clans noting the fall of their kins in the Lowlands formed an alliance with one another, agreeing to aid one another against any attempts by the Esenver Empire to attack them. Taylan opted for the containment of the Highlands instead. The Esenver Empire made few attempts to conquer the Highlands. However, the Governors were unable or unwilling to maintain large expense in subduing the Highlands.
Over the next three centuries, the Great Clans and Clans system in the Lowlands were destroyed and the Clan tattoos were outlawed at the pain of death. The local clan chiefs became the local nobility with the support of the Governor while the people became subjects. The nine cities settled by the Esenvers and the Ilkers became very dominant in the economy of the Island and generally known as the Golden Cities. While there has been few minor uprisings against the Esenver rule, the control over the majority of the island was never threatened. All this changed with the large invasion by the powerful Cahyan Empire in 649 FE.
649 to 676 FE : Decline and Disavowal
In this century, the Esenver Empire could not longer defend itself against either internal rebellion or the external threat posed by the Cahyan Empire in the West. While the Esenver Empire was convulsed by the invasions and rebellions, the Island avoided these troubles. But there were increasing attacks by the Yaban raiders from the south.
In 655 FE, the Esenver Empire withdrew its Legions across the Island to the Western Esenver to send them against the Cahyans, but continually maintains its Legions in the Golden Cities and along Taylan's Wall. However, the Legions based on Taylan's Wall left the Island on 661 FE and finally the Legions based on the Golden Cities left the Island in 667 FE. The loss of the military might of the Esenver was a serious blow to the Island's new governor, Lord Aytakis.
In the winter of 669 FE, capitalising on a depleted military force on the island, an immense Yaban force landed, with the intention to conquer the Island. With most of the Island in turmoil and under attack, Governor Aytakis made a serious and urgent request for the Legions, but there was no reply from the Esenver Emperor. The Governor disavowed his Oath and used the Emperor's Estate to raise his own military and used his friendship with the Great Clan of Bangagim for military aid.
Strengthened by his new army and the alliance with Bangagim, Lord Aytakis fought the Yabans for six years until they had been driven back to their homelands and the order returned to the Island. The peoples of the Golden Cities and the Lowlands were grateful to Lord Aytakis. However, they were scandalised by his marriage to Aleumdaun of Bangagim. Still, Lord Aytakis, the last Governor of Ayberk was declared by the people as its sovereign. Turning down the role of Kingship, Lord Aytakis opted for the title of the Lord Protector instead.
676 FE to 708 FE : Lord Protector Aytakis' Rule
After his victory over the Yabans, Lord Protector Aytakis set about building a system of fortified towns and forts across the Lowlands, known as Kales in response to the threats. In the event of attacks, the Kale was a place of refuge for the rural population who lived within a day's journey of the Kale. He also built a network of well maintained roads that interconnected the Kales, allowing the population quick access to shelter. This enabled the Protector's soldiers to move swiftly to engage the enemy. This eventually became known as the Protector's Roads which are equal to the mighty Imperial roads on the Continents. He created the Island's only professional standing army called the Protector's Guards. Simjang was established as the new capital as it is more centrally and strategically located then the old capital, Kelebek.
The Esenver Empire now located at the City of Nuraylin after agreeing peace with the Cahyan Empire decided to focus its energies on retaking rebellious provinces, sparking a series of major conflicts fought between the Esenver Empire and the recently established states, lasting for twenty three years from 700 FE to 723 FE. It is known as the Great Esenver War. Protector Aytakis played large role in agreeing the alliance with other rebellious provinces against the Esenver Empire.
Aytakis had two children with Aleumdaun named Berkant. Aytakis was only 71 when he died, but after forty years of energetic rule he was physically exhausted. It is known that the premature death of his wife, Aleumdaun in 687 FE affected him deeply. He never remarried and he dressed in mourning colour for the rest of his life. His rule was considered as the Golden Age by the later generations
708 FE to 709 FE : Lord Protector Berkant's Rule
Only heir of the Lord Protector Aytakis, and remained overshadowed by his father for much of his life. His rule only lasted for only a year since he was assassinated by conspirators after the treaty which temporarily ended hostilities between the Esenver Empire and the Island signed by him.
709 FE to 733 FE : Lord Protector Cemil's Rule
Succeeded to the Sword after his father was murdered at the age of twenty four. Known for establishing the Protector's Council, which became the supreme state advisory body to the Lord Protector. He supported the education so aid was lent to the sciences and arts, creating the University of Simjang.
In foreign policy, his greatest triumph came in 720 FE when the Emperor's invasion proved a total disaster for the Esenvers and with the allies, they were able to besiege the City of Nuraylin and peace returned to Aydan Sea as the Esenver Empire recognized the independence of the states that revolted from it.
733 FE to 763 FE : Lord Protector Direnc's Rule
The younger brother of Lord Protector Cemil, Direnc's rule is best known for his frequent wars, repression of dissent, economic stagnation, poor policies and a corrupt government. Taking advantage of the Fleets, which became one of the largest in the Aydan Sea during the Great Esenver War, he waged the wars to acquire more islands around the Aydan Sea. Experiencing the trauma of the rebellions by the Nobility, he ran a network of spies and informers. He abolished the local powers of the Golden Cities and the Highlands, although the Great Clans were able to keep its power due to their participation in crushing the Nobility Uprising in 738 FE.
The Protector's Guards were very large due to his frequent wars as he lavished his attention on his army, glorifying in its victory in the Great Esenver War. He put the officers in charge in government, regardless of their competence and the corruption among its ranks came to light in the Short War in which the Island lost to the alliance between the Island's former allies. The Short War highlighted that it is militarily weak and administratively incompetent. He died during the Short War.
763 FE to 789 FE : Lord Protector Ekrem's Rule
After the death of his father, Lord Protector Ekrem took the Island out of the Short War on very unfavorable terms, including the losses of all territories beyond the Island apart from ancient Island of Chulbal, the southernmost island in the Middle Ocean . He is responsible for numerous reforms such as ending some of the privileges of the Nobility and promoting the University as well promoting the local governments and abolishing death sentences. On the other hand, due to his father's acts, he became the target of numerous assassination attempts. He then set up a brutal Secret police, which sent many thousands of dissidents into exile aboard.
He focused on developing the natural and economic resources of the Island, attempting to make it self-sufficient as possible. The Protector Guard, which performed so poorly in the Short War was downsized heavily, focusing on improving the standard. His foreign policy is pacifistic, rebuilding ties that were shaken by his father's acts, boosting trade between the Island and other realms. Ultimately, he was assassinated by a group of ex-soldiers who never forgave him for losing all the territories aboard.
789 FE to 802 FE : Lord Protector Ferit's Rule
Like his father, Lord Protector Ferit fought no wars. He restored the privileges of the Nobility. He believe that the Island should follow a single language, religion and a form of administration. He banned the use of the language and religion of the Salamdeuls in his presence, focusing his attention on promoting the Esenver language and Arazi-Deniz faith. This causes tension with his son as his heir Lord Ilhan objected to this. The relation between between these two worsen to the point when it was rumoured that the Lord Protector was about to execute him for treason. Instead, he was exiled from the Island upon his majority in 792 FE. Ultimately, as Ferit favoured his second son, declared Kagan as his heir over the objections of his relatives.
800 FE to 802 FE : Succession Crisis
Due to more extreme view of Kagan as Arazi-Deniz as only gods in existence, refusing to believe in other gods, it was becoming clear to the general population that he is increasingly unacceptable as the potential Lord Protector. His younger brother, Murat was backed as far more reasonable candidate. However, Murat was killed by Lord Protector Ferit in outburst of rage. The tension became increasingly violate after the death of Lord Protector Ferit in 802 FE with the minority of the subjects and the Great Clans refusing to recognise Kagan as new Lord Protector. However, the decision on who will become the next Lord Protector is marred by the competing claims of Lord Protector's family.
Fortunately, High Captain Ilhan, commanding a Cahyan Horse Company was in the Cahyan Empire's process of restoring the Far Eastern Provinces to its control after the Outsider Wars. He was given the leave of absence and after gaining the support of the Great Clans, High Captain Ilhan defeated Kagan in the Battle of the Taylan's Wall. There were few skirmishes afterwards but ultimately on the Seongsugi Day in 802 FE, the Golden Cities, the Nobility and the Great Clans recognise him as the Lord Protector.
Geography
Simjang is the capital of the Island. It is most populous city with a population of forty two thousand inhabitants. Standing on the River Nehir, it grew to become a vital trade hub between the Golden Cities, the Lowlands and the Highlands. Founded by Aytakis, it became the leading city and home to the Winter Kale and the Summer Hall, the primary residences of the Lord Protector. It is located close to the Highlands as it is believed that it will help to maintain a strong presence.
The Golden Cities
The Golden Cities are the settlements established during the colonization of the Island by the Esenvers and the Illkers. The lands they possessed are most fertile on the island, meaning while they control only one-tenth of the lands, a quarter of the Island's population lives within this abundant land. Each city is governed by a local Council, led by its Mayor and treat each other as rivals although they have known to take a united position should their interests get threatened by others in the Island.
Kelebek is the most populous of the Golden Cities. It is on the island within large harbour. Founded by the Esenvers, its location helped the city grow in significance as a trading port and became the capital of the Island during the period of Esenver rule. The population of Kelebek is over twelve thousand. While there are many cities inland with a greater population, it is still considered as the second city of the Island due to its economical importance. It is the location of the ruling Temple of Arazi, the God of the Land, the ruling god of the Faith. Its symbol is a golden butterfly on the green field.
Ahtapot is the second most populous of the Golden Cities with the population of over eleven thousand. It is the first settlement on the Island to be founded by the Ilkers. Sitting at the mouth of the River Nehir, it flourished as a center of commerce between the Island and Ilknur. It is the location of the ruling Temple of Deniz, the Goddess of the Sea, the ruling goddess of the Faith. The Symbol of Ahtapot is a golden octopus on the blue field.
All other Golden Cities has the population of over nine thousand and are ordered in years of its founding. The rest are named below;
Turna was founded by the Esenvers. Its symbol is the crane on the green field.
Yunus was founded by the Ilkers. Its symbol is the dolphin on the blue field.
Karga was founded by the Esenvers. Its symbol is the crow on the green field.
Yengec was founded by the Ilkers. Its symbol is the crab on the blue field.
Kartal was founded by the Esenvers. Its symbol is the eagle on the green field.
Kaplumbaga was founded by the Illkers. Its symbol is the turtle on the blue field.
Baykus was founded by the Esenvers. Its symbol is the owl on the green field.
The Lowlands
The Lowlands are dominated by the Nobility whose cities, towns and estates inhabits half of the Island. Its lands ranged from hills, swamps, forests to farmlands. The combined population form a majority on the Island with three-fifth of the population. Once of the ancient six Great Clans whose ruling Great Clan families were exterminated by the Esenver Empire, the local clan chiefs who collaborated with Esenvers became rich and eventually became the ruling class of the Lowlands. As a means of organisation by Lord Protector Aytakis, five Circles were set up primarily for the purpose of organising a common defensive structure and of collecting the revenues. The Lowlands are divided into the Sword Lands, five Duchies, forty six Counties and countless Baronies.
Olenji Circle is the cool, dry lands. Its capital city is named Tateusham which contains over eighteen thousands residents. The Duke of Tateusham is premier Noble of Olenji Circle.
Nolansaeg Circle is the temperate and hilly lands. Its capital city is named Baegyeol which contains over seventeen thousands residents. The Duke of Baegyeol is premier Noble of Nolansaeg Circle.
Nogsaeg Circle is the rocky and chilly lands. Its capital city is named Samlimji which contains over fifteen thousands residents. The Duke of Samlimji is premier Noble of Nogsaeg Circle.
Beullu Circle is cool, dry lands. Its capital city is named Heuleum which contains over twelve thousands residents. The Duke of Heuleum is premier Noble of Beullu Circle.
Peopeul Circle is the temperate and hilly lands. Its capital city is named Jasujeong which contains over twelve thousands residents. The Duke of Jasujeong is premier Noble of Peopeul Circle.
Over a tenth of the Lowlands which are the most abundant remains unencircled as it is the personal lands of the Lord Protector and became known as the Sword Lands. Its capital capital is Simjang and contains over forty two thousand residents.
The Highlands
The Highlands are dominated by three Great Clans who inhabits two-fifth of the Island. However, the lands are bleak and so the population is small compared to other regions. A fifth of the Island's population live in this region. Three capital cities dotted around the Highlands, where each Great Clan Chief resides at.
Gangbyeon is a city which sits by the River Nehir and dominated by great Waterfall Fort, the residence of the Great Clan Chief of Bangagim. Over thirteen thousand people live in this city. Surrounded by rich natural resources, the gold and silver mines dotted in its local ranges and rich fertile soils provided by the volcanoes. It is also at risk from the dangerous earthquakes and volcanoes. It has been under siege by the Esenver Imperial Legions several times, none were successful.