ARCHIVED: The Andalucian Protectorate

Nightsong

Nightsong

Bookworm
w7KHQAG.png

28 Tammuz (April) 2015​



In 2000 B.C.E., the eight Kaltian tribes were caught in the middle of a civil war that had broken out between the Monecians (Peoples of the Monecia Mountains) and the Antorians (Peoples of the Antor Plains). The war threatened to engulf the Andalucian region and destroy the civilizations and livelihoods of everyone, be they Kaltians, Monecians or Antorians. Instead of facing possible destruction, the leaders of the Kaltian Tribes decided to gather their people and flee across the ocean and face an uncertain future in a land far away from the conflict. As the Kaltians loaded everyone onto the boats with provisions, they set sail towards the setting sun. Many chose not to look back at the destruction wrought by the civil war but the leaders of each Tribe looked back pondering what would become of their homeland and if any Kaltian would ever step foot there again. Soon they made landfall in an uninhabited archipelago that came to be known as the Confederation of Kalti. Over the following centuries, the Confederation flourished with each tribe creating their own state and some splitting into two separate states. Despite some troubles, the new Confederation was stable and prosperous and soon the memories of Andalucia faded into history. However, all was not lost. The citizens of the Zarin Tribe, which had set up Castelli di Odivo, were avid historians and had decided to do a renovation project on their capital's library. There were many rumors that there were secret tunnels hidden underneath the library that contained all sorts of lost knowledge, even that of Andalucia. The Odivan government finally gave the go ahead for the renovation and at first things were progressing smoothly, however, fate would intervene and change the lives of all Kaltians. One afternoon, workers were in the main rotunda tearing up the floor. Very quickly they stumbled into an abandoned tunnel that looked to be centuries old and work was halted so a call could be made to Summerland to summon archaeologists from the Kaltian Archaeological Society. Upon the arrival of the archaeologists, everyone realized the workers had stumbled onto one of the fabled tunnels of legend and this soon made national news. Everyone in the Confederation tuned into the news story to learn of what had been found and what it would mean for the nation. As the next few days unfolded, nothing of interest was found as the archaeologists and workers shored up and stabilized the tunnel. By day four, the archaeologists had found an antechamber with a blocked off doorway with an inscription:

"A ydych yn dare i gerdded y wlad eich hynafiaid a gafodd ei rhwygo gan drachwant?" Thankfully, one of the archaeologists was a translator of ancient Kaltian and quickly got to work. The translation read: "Do you dare to walk the land of your ancestors that was torn apart by greed?"

The heads of the Kaltian Archaeological Society were informed and the go ahead was given to open the door to the main chamber but to be cautious. Soon the doorway was opened and one of the archaeologists entered. The main room was circular and full of paintings that seemed to depict a major sea voyage. In the middle of the room was a stone pedestal with a slip of parchment resting on it. The other archaeologists entered the room and began to decipher and preserve the paintings while the translator was brought in and quickly got to work on the parchment...

"Mae hyn yn y cofnod olaf y Zarin Tribe fel ymwneud â Andalucia. Yr holl bobl Kaltian wedi cael eu llwytho ar gychod ynghyd â darpariaethau. Er nad oes gennym cyrchfan terfynol, rydym yn hwylio i'r gorllewin tuag at yr haul yn machlud yn y gobaith o ddod o hyd i dir llewyrchus a all gynnal ein pobl. Mae'n dristwch imi fod trachwant dyn yn gallu rhwygo ar wahân yn mamwlad ond dyna ffawd wedi taflu ein ffordd. Er fy mod yn wylo am y Monecian a gwareiddiadau Antorian, rhaid i mi caledu fy hun ac yn sicrhau bod fy llwyth goroesi er mwyn y gyd Kaltians. Dylai memrwn hwn ar gael gan genedlaethau'r dyfodol, fod yn wybodus yn y ffaith nad ydym yn gwybod beth fydd yn dod yn ein mamwlad teuluol. Os byddwch yn dewis dychwelyd, ewch yn ofalus."
(This is the final entry of the Zarin Tribe as pertaining to Andalucia. All the Kaltian people have been loaded onto boats along with provisions. Though we do not yet have a final destination, we sail due west towards the setting sun in hopes of finding a prosperous land that can sustain our people. It saddens me that mans greed can tear apart a homeland but that is what fate has thrown our way. Though I weep for the Monecian and Antorian civilizations, I must harden myself and make sure that my tribe survives for the sake of all Kaltians. Should this parchment be found by future generations, be knowledgeable in the fact that we do not know what will become of our ancestral homeland. Should you choose to return, go with caution.)

As the implications of the parchment unfolded in the minds of the archaeologists, the translator finally came to and called out to the rest... "We need to call the Council and have them hold a meeting with the Tribal leaders."



Later that night, all eight of the Tribal leaders have been summoned to Summerland to meet with the Council.

Ahkyoh, Andusk Tribal Elder: "President Nightsong, I hope there is a good reason why all eight of us have been called here to the capital so late in the evening."

President Solveig Nightsong: "Of course Ahkyoh... Though I'm not the reason we are all gathered here tonight."

Ahkyoh: "Then who is responsible?"

Toskiya, Zarin Tribal Elder: "That would be me. And as the Council, as well as the Tribal Elders will hear, what I have to say will interest all involved. As you all well know, workers in the Odivan capital stumbled onto one of the tunnels of legend. The archaeologists discovered a parchment that is one of eight accounts of our ancestors fleeing from Andalucia."

Keyana, Remont Tribal Elder: "Yes, yes... this is all public knowledge at this point. It was plastered all over the news today."

Toskiya: "True. But what we did not make public was that the archaeologists managed to decipher the paintings and believe they can re-trace the journey."

Ardelle Engstrom, Councilor of Culture: "And why has this been kept secret?"

President Nightsong: "Probably to avoid public backlash against the federal government. Can you imagine if we had that knowledge public but didn't authorize an expedition?"

Vice-President Anthony Stark: "The President does have a point. By keeping this to just those here in the room, we can debate on whether to authorize an expedition or not."

Elior Wardson, Councilor of Home Affairs: "Andalucia is a vital part of our nation's history that we know so little about. Put it to a vote and if a majority are for it, authorize an expedition."

Councilor Engstrom: "And do you propose including our allies in this?"

President Nightsong: "I see no reason not to. We can re-compensate any of our allies that choose to get involved. That and have an agreement that any sites or artifacts related to our ancestors remains the sole property of the Kaltian people."

Vice-President Stark: "And what of the Monecians and Antorians?"

Councilor Wardson: "What of them? It has been roughly three thousand years since our ancestors fled. All I expect us to find are artifacts and bones."

Councilor Engstrom: "Even still, it is better to be safe than sorry."

President Nightsong: "Very well. All in favor of mounting an expedition to find Andalcuia?"

Everyone in the room raises their hand.

President Nightsong: "Since everyone voted yes, I authorize the expedition to be escorted by a small contingent of Kaltian soldiers from the Royal Kaltian X. Anthony, send a call out to our allies in the morning informing them of the expedition and that any that join will be compensated. Also, let them know our condition about any Kaltian artifacts found."

Vice-President Stark: "Of course, I'll do it first thing in the morning."

Seli, Cimerron Tribal Elder: "Well isn't this exciting..."

Councilor Engstrom: "Yes it is.. history in the making."

President Nightsong: "If there are no further questions or comments, then this Council Meeting is adjourned."
 
w7KHQAG.png

29 Tammuz (April) 2015​



Over the next day, preparation for the expedition was coming along nicely with a team consisting of one member from each tribes along with two members of the Kaltian Archaeological Society. As security detail, they are to be escorted by a contingent of twenty soldiers from the Royal Kaltian X. A meeting is being held in Summerland at the Kaltian Archaeological Societies Headquarters to review details of the expedition as well as the route being taken.

Astal, Expedition Leader (Kaltian Archaeological Society): “With the discovery of the parchment and paintings in the Odivan tunnels, our archaeologists have determined that Andalucia is due east towards the rising sun about a month’s journey.”

Archos, Co-Expedition Leader (Kaltian Archaeological Society): “As much fun as it would be to retrace the voyage by sea we are going to utilize aerial reconnaissance to locate the landmass that the paintings depict. Once the landmass is located, we will board a ship and head to Andalucia ourselves.”

Zakiel, Representative of the Sahkai Tribe: “And what do you propose we do in the meantime?”

Astal: “Archos and I have prepared a brief on the Odivan archaeological dig. That and we have compiled all known information on Andalucia in there. Get reading and know everything there is to know about our ancestral homeland. I have a feeling it will come in handy once there.”



Later that day, Sinsearach Verstand Praefectus Skori was flying a drone over the open ocean between Kalti and one of the northern continents that housed the nations of Thatchertropolis, New Sekai, Norway XXVIII and New Haven America. He had been following instruction from the Kaltian Archaeological Society to fly the drone due east towards the rising sun and look for a western facing bay with a rocky landmark that looked like cheetah's teeth. Skori had dismissed the notion that the landmark could still be standing after three thousand or so years but he had his orders. As the drone passed north of Thatchertropolis, Skori noticed a seemingly uninhabited landmass further north so he turned the drone that direction. After flying over this new landmass, the drone came to the northern end where Skori noticed a bay facing out towards the west. Intrigued, Skori brought the drone low and much to his amazement he was staring at a rocky formation at the end of the bay that represented the teeth of cheetah. Shocked that the directions from the KAS were accurate, aerial images of the bay were taken then the drone was set on auto-pilot to head home to Kalti. After doing so, Skori walked over and called the Kaltian Archaeological Society...

At the Kaltian Archaeological Society, Astal and Archos were working on final details of the expedition when the phone rang.

Astal: "Hello...?"

Skori: "It's Sinsearach Verstand Praefectus Skori over at Ardal Tri. I was calling to give the Society an update on the aerial surveillance."

Astal: "One second Skori, let me put you on speaker since Archos is here as well."

The phone call is put on speaker and them resumes.

Archos: "Go ahead Skori. What have you found?"

Skori: "Just as the two of you and the other archaeologists predicted, I managed to fly the drone due east and found a western facing bay with the landmark depicted in the paintings."

Astal: "It still stands after all this time?"

Skori: "Sure does... I was shocked myself but it looks like we managed to hit the goldmine here."

Archos: "Good work. Thank you for letting the Kaltian Archaeological Society utilize one of the drones from Ardal Tri."

Skori: "No worries. When the orders come straight from the Council, we can't say no."

Archos: "Very true. Well, we will let you get back to work. We need to update our team and then head out in the morning."

Skori: "Happy hunting out there."

The phone call ends.
 
w7KHQAG.png

30 Tammuz (April) 2015​



The day of the expedition had arrived... the eight tribal representatives were being led by two members of the Kaltian Archaeological Society along with Brigadier Raza leading the security forces. All were loaded up with a month of rations on a ship heading towards Andalucia and excitement was in the air. The Kaltian Expedition team, dubbed 'Expedition Amissum ad Tempus' [Lost to Time] had left Summerland, Castelli di Summerland early in the morning and set out towards the rising sun. The trip would take a few days by sea so everyone on the team got to work on various tasks. Archos and the tribal representatives from Cimerron, Andusk, Atik and Sahkai decided to play games to pass the time. Astal and the tribal representatives from Mela, Neveh and Remont questioned the representative from Zarin about all the minute details of the library dig that was still ongoing back in their capital city. Brigadier Raza decided to have a conference call with Chief Remil, Councilor Laux [Foreign Affairs] and Councilor Holbach [Defense and Civil Protection].

Raza: "This is Brigadier Raza checking in."

Remil: "Good to see you are doing well Raza. Is everything ok? I wasn't expecting you to check in until you arrived in Andalucia."

Raza: "Well, that's just it sir. I have an uneasy feeling about this expedition. Yes... it has been close to three thousand plus years since any Kaltian has set foot there but I feel we should have done more surveillance on the land and seen if we could discern if any descendants of the Monecians or Antorians have survived."

Remil: "One second son, let me get Councilor Laux and Councilor Holbach on the line."

Damien: "So Brigadier, I hear you have reservations about this expedition."

Raza: "That I do sir."

Damien: "Well I can assure you that there is nothing to worry about. While you a leading a small contingent of soldiers from the Royal Kaltian X, the Council voted last night to authorize sending the entire Royal Kaltian X to back you up in Andalucia."

Raza: "What! Why wasn't I informed?"

Remil: "It was on a need to know basis and you were to be informed upon landing in Andalucia."

Raza: "Just what is the Council planning? Why would they authorize the use of the entire Royal Kaltian X?"

Issac: "We are planning on annexing Andalucia and bringing it under the control of the Confederation as a protectorate state. Over time and with the unanimous vote of the Unified Castelli Parliament [Conclave of Castelli and Assembly of Castelli], the territory shall go from being known as the Andalucian Protectorate to the Free State of Andalucia."

Raza: "You can't be serious...! What if there are Monecians or Antorians still living there? They won't just roll over and let some outside nation take over."

Remil: "Son, you forget that part of that land used to belong to the Kaltian people."

Raza: "Yes I know! But that was three thousand years ago, we gave up our claim when we left."

Damien: "Enough! The decision was already made."

Issac: "And besides... we actually have no idea what has become of the Monecians or Antorians after the civil war. From the aerial images provided by Ardal Tri we could see no signs of advanced civilization in line with what the Confederation looks like today. As far as we could discern, the society there is rudimentary at best and very out of touch with the modern world."

Raza: "Sigh... I understand Councilor Laux."

Issac: "Good."

Damien: "I hope we do not have to resort to utilizing the Royal Kaltian X. I want to avoid bloodshed as much as possible. Hence why we sent you... you are one of our best negotiators."

Raza: "So you want me to negotiate bringing Andalucia under the control of Kalti."

Issac: "That's correct. We want to bring our ancestral homeland under our control and if need be modernize it. I must stress that whatever political arrangement comes about, the natives of Andalucia are to be left with as much political autonomy and freedom as possible. Andalucia is far away from Kalti and needs to have a stable, native government that can manage its own internal affairs with minimal help from us."

Raza: "Understood. And Remil..."

Remil: "Yes?"

Raza: "Save me a beer for when I get home since I am taking a vacation after this."

Remil: "Of course, see this through and and I'll cover the charge of that beer."
 
w7KHQAG.png

4 Av (May) 2015​



Five days following the expedition's departure from Summerland, Kalti the ship arrived in the western bay of Andalucia. As the ship pulled closer to shore, everyone on board could make out signs. Archos, being the expedition's translator (as well as being fluent in Ancient Andalucian [the ancestor language to Kaltian]) got to work on deciphering them for everyone else...

Anobaith a marwolaeth yw bob un sy'n aros...
(Despair and death are all that await...)

Trowch yn ôl, achub dy hun...
(Turn back, save yourself...)

Anelwch am y bryniau...
(Head for the hills...)

At first no one spoke but soon Raza spoke up.

Raza: "Well, that certainly seems ominous."

Archos: "That it does. I wonder what could have possibly happened here to warrant such signs."

Astal: "Only way to know is to go ashore."

Archos: "Were shall we set ashore?"

Astal: "I'd recommend we follow the last sign and head further into the bay and make camp by the mountains."

Archos: "Isn't that where the Monecians used to live?"

Astal: "It is. If anything, we might run into their descendants."

Raza: "Here's hoping they are friendly..."

Soon the Kaltian expedition pulled ashore near what they assumed were the Monecian Mountains and quickly set up a base camp. Raza and his men and women from the Kaltian Royal X got to work on creating a security perimeter around the camp. Not knowing what to expect from the night, the Kaltians tried to get some rest to be ready to explore Andalucia the next day.
 
w7KHQAG.png

5 Av (May) 2015​



The next morning, the Kaltians woke refreshed and eager to explore Andalucia.

Zolia, Representative of the Cimerron Tribe: "So what's the game plan?"

Riela, Representative of the Sahkai Tribe: "Runa [Representative of the Remont Tribe] and I were talking last night and both of us would like to head north towards the ancestral Antorian and Kaltian homelands in the plains and near the coast."

Cyne, Representative of the Andusk Tribe: "I'm interested in heading further up the Monecian Mountains. The signs back when we came into the bay said to head that way."

Zakiel, Representative of the Zarin Tribe: "Cyne, for all you know that could be a trap..."

Ardwulf, Representative of the Mela Tribe: "True, but I'm interested in exploring that region as well."

Astal: "Well then, since it seems you are all split on how to explore I'm going to divide us into two groups. The first group, henceforth carrying the designation Vav, shall consist of myself, Brigadier Raza, Baldu, Riela, Runa, Zakiel and twenty soldiers. The second group, henceforth carrying the designation Shin, shall consist of Archos, Zolia, Cyne, Ardwulf, Mira and twenty soldiers."

Archos: "Sounds good. Rendezvous every six hours?"

Raza: "Yes. If you run into trouble and are overwhelmed, send a ditress signal on Radio Channel X8-10-8."

Archos: "Why that channel? Why not call you?"

Raza: "Well, obviously try to raise me first but if you cannot, send the distress on that channel."

Astal: "I got the same spiel Archos, he won't tell me what it is for either... Claims it is classified at the highest levels of power."

Archos: "Well then, I don't have to be happy about it but thanks for the heads up."

Astal: "Good. Have fun exploring the Monecian Mountains."

Archos: "You too, be safe out there. We don't know what's befallen the ancestral Kaltian homeland over these long centuries."

The Kaltian Expedition, now split into the Vav and Shin sub-teams, set off towards the Antorian Plains / Kaltian Coast and the Monecian Mountains unsure of what they were going to find but hopeful to learn more about their past. Little did they know that they would not only uncover the horrific remnants of the war but meet the living descendants of the war's survivors.
 
w7KHQAG.png

5 Av (May) 2015​



Later that day, the two Kaltian expeditions, Vav and Shin, had gone their separate ways to discover the fate of the Monecians and of the Antorians.

Vav (Antorian Plains)
Astal: "Well, well... would you look at that stone inscription. It seems we are on the right track."

Baldu: "My ancient Andalucian is rusty, what exactly does it say?"

Zakiel: "It says: 'Lucht siúil fáilte roimh Antor, baile an oligarchs.' (Welcome travelers to Antor, home of the oligarchs.)"

Baldu: "Huh, looks like we've hit the border between Monecia and Antor."

Zakiel: "Interesting how the Antorians decided to organize their society around an oligarchy..."

Riela: "That it is... However, I see no sign of life. Do you?"

Runa: "I see nothing. And that scares me a little. You would think at some point we'd run across skeletal remains, burial sites or even the Antorian ancestors..."

Raza: "Let's keep moving forward. The soldiers and I will take up a perimeter around the group and make sure everyone is safe."



Shin (Monecian Mountains)
Mira: "Archos, come take a look at this. It's a stone inscription that I believe marks the boundary between Antor and Monecia."

Archos: "Let's see..."

Zolia: "Well, don't keep us in suspense..."

Archos: "The inscription reads: 'Swear ag an claíomh agus rathúnas a leanúint.' (Swear by the sword and prosperity shall follow.)"

Ardwulf: "It seems like the ancestral Monecians were very focused on their military might."

Cyne: "True, and it caused nothing but trouble for this land."

Archos: "Ardwulf, Cyne... shush a moment. Do you hear chanting in the distance?"

Mira: "I hear it very faintly..."

Ardwulf: "As do I."

Archos: "Good. Then I'm not going crazy. Keep your guard up and head towards the chanting."
 
w7KHQAG.png

5 Av (May) 2015​



Shin (Monecian Mountains)
As Kaltian Sub-Expedition Shin (KSE Shin) approached the sight of chanting, they were set upon by natives and taken to the village's elder...

Village Elder: "Rydym yn cynnig i chi yn croesawu dieithriaid. Os ydych chi'n pwy straeon dweud wrth, yna rydym yn eich cyfarch gyda breichiau agored a heddwch. Fy enw i yw Moseya, blaenor pentref Tir na Andalucia. Pwy ydych chi?"

Ardwulf: "What is he saying?"

Archos: "Sounds to me like a descendant dialect of Andalucian. There are some similarities to Kaltian... give me a moment."

Archos: "The village elder said: 'We bid you welcome strangers. If you are who the stories told of, then we greet you with open arms and peace.' He says his name is Moseya and that he is a village elder of the Land of Andalucia."

Cyne: "How mysterious. Could we be the people he is referring to in the stories?"

Mira: "Zolia and I want to know as well."

Archos: "Pwy mae'r straeon yn cyfeirio at? (Who do the stories refer to?)"

Moseya: "Mae'r straeon yn unig cyfeirio atynt fel y rhai sy'n ffoi ar draws y môr. (The stories only refer to them as the ones who fled across the sea.)"

Archos: "A beth am y Monecians a Antorians? (And what of the Monecians and Antorians?)"

Moseya: (at hearing the name Monecian and Antorian, recoils in shock) "Diflannu... Fel llwch ar y gwynt. (Disappeared... Like dust on the wind.)"

Archos: "Diolch i chi, roi munud imi. (Thank you, give me a minute.)"

Archos relays the information to the four tribal representatives who are all in shock at discovering living descendants of either the Monecians or Antorians.

Zolia: "I wonder what happened to the Monecians and Antorians that Moseya here would recoil in shock when you mention their name."

Mira: "Whatever happened, it cannot be good."

Cyne: "I agree. We should confirm with Moseya on who we are and what he knows of the Antor Plains."

Ardwulf: "Archos, since you are the one with a background in ancient languages, I guess we are relying on you to be our voice."

Archos: (turning back to Moseya) "Moseya... Mae hyn yn Zolia o Cimerron, Cyne o Andusk, Ardwulf o Mela a Mira o Neveh. Yr wyf fy hun wyf Archos o Zarin. (Moseya... This is Zolia of Cimerron, Cyne of Andusk, Ardwulf of Mela and Mira of Neveh. I myself am Archos of Zarin.)

Moseya: (at hearing the tribal names turns to another member of his community) "Ewch ceisio'r garreg archifol yn ymwneud â'r rhai a ffoi. (Go seek the archival stone pertaining to the ones who fled.)

Archos: "Pa da a fydd yn ei wneud? (What good will that do?)"

Moseya: "Bod garreg archifol cofnodi wyth enwau'r rhai a ffoi. Byddaf yn fuan yn gwybod a ydych yn ffrind neu elyn. (That archival stone records the eight names of those who fled. I shall soon know whether you are friend or foe.)"

Very quickly the community member returns with the stone. Moseya reads it over and upon seeing the five tribal names listed alongside three others, his eyes start brimming with tears.

Archos: "A yw popeth yn iawn? (Is everything ok?)"

Moseya: "Mae popeth yn fwy na ok. Yr ydym yn cael eu hachub... (Everything is more than ok. We are saved...)"

Archos: "Beth ydych chi'n ei olygu? (What do you mean?)

Moseya: "Amser maith yn ôl, roedd y rhyfel rhwng y Antorians a Monecians rhwygo tir hwn ar wahân. Gwareiddiad dymchwel a chymdeithas llithro'n ?l. Dim ond gydag amser wedi y tir a'r bobl gwella. Rydym o'r Tir na Andalucia ffoi i'r mynyddoedd yn gadael y tu ôl i anwariaid... (Long ago, the war between the Antorians and Monecians tore this land apart. Civilization collapsed and society regressed. Only with time has the land and the people healed. We of the Land of Andalucia fled to the mountains leaving the savages behind...)"

Archos: "Mae hanner arall fy alldaith i lawr ar y gwastadeddau ... beth anwariaid ydych chi'n siarad am? (The other half of my expedition is down on the plains... what savages do you speak of?)"

Moseya: "Mae defnyddwyr o gnawd, greddf barbaraidd pur. (The consumers of flesh, pure barbaric instinct.)"

Archos: "Oh dear..."

Archos: (turning to Ardwulf) "Get Astal and Raza on the radio now and warn them to be wary of cannibals and to fall back to the mountains."

Ardwulf: "Did you say cannibals?"

Archos: "Yes... now hurry!"

Vav (Antorian Plains)
As Kaltian Sub-Expedition Vav (KSE Vav) entered the plains, they were confronted with a group of savages brandishing spears...

Raza: "Men, form up! Create a defensive semi circle and fall back towards the coast. Don't leave our back open and exposed."

Suddenly the radio starts ringing... as Raza was busy fending off the savages, Astal picks it up.

Astal: "Bit busy here..."

Archos: "Astal, it's Archos. We're safe and secure with the Tir na Andalucians. Moseya, one of their village elders and judges warned us of cannibals down on the plains. Fall back to the mountains and regroup."

Astal: "Little late for that, the savages are already here."

Archos: "Shit... Put Raza on the radio."

Astal hands the radio to Raza...

Raza: "Sir, now is not the best time."

Archos: "I know, you need to fall back to the mountains where we can create a better offense."

Raza: "Can do sir, I'm calling in the Kaltian Royal X to create a defensive wall at the coast to cut off the mountains and plains."

Archos: "What! Why are the Kaltian Royal X here?"

Raza: "That's classified and need to know. Don't you worry, I'll get KSE-Vav safely to the mountains."

Archos: (resigned) "Very well..."

Raza hangs up the radio and slowly but surely retreats with the rest of KSE-Vav back to the mountains. While doing so, he calls in the Kaltian Royal X to create a defensive line on the coast.
 
w7KHQAG.png

6 Av (May) 2015​



Shin & Vav (Monecian Mountains)
That night and the next morning dragged on very slowly for the members of KSE-Shin as they waited for KSE-Vav to arrive. Meanwhile, Archos continued chatting with Moseya and learned he was the Kaiwhakawa o Te Wairua (Judge of Spirit) and one of five judges that led the Tir na Andalucia (Land of Andalucia). Further inquiry revealed that the other four judges were the Kaiwhakawa o Te Whenua (Judge of Earth), Kaiwhakawa o Rangi (Judge of Air), Kaiwhakawa o Te Wai (Judge of Water) and Kaiwhakawa o Ahi (Judge of Fire). Moseya had sent word to the other Kaiwhakawa that 'te hunga e rere ana' (those who fled) had returned and to convene in his village. After doing so Moseya described the downfall of the Antorians and Monecians and the rise of the Tir na Andalucia. Shortly after the Kaltian tribes fled Andalucia, the Antorians moved into the coastal areas and salvaged whatever materials were left behind to defend themselves with against the onslaught of the Monecians. Soon realizing that they had a bountiful sea behind them, the Antorians salted and burned many of their fields and crops to starve the Monecians and force them into a surrender. Instead, this only spurned on the wrath of the Monecian stratocracy who vowed to push the Antorians into the sea and take all the land for themselves. Though much weaker militarily, the Antorians were more numerous and held their ground in the initial onslaught. Soon the rivers of the Plains of Antor ran red with the blood of the fallen from both sides. After this the war turned into a brutal guerrilla style fight with hit and run skirmishes and neither side being able to gain an advantage over the other. However, mother nature and fate had other plans in mind and the salted fields and crops started taking a toll on both the Antorians and the Monecians. Food shortages became more and more common and this led to a complete breakdown of civil and social order. Chaos ran rampant though the homelands and capitals of the two people's and blame was soon put on the two government's which were quickly deposed leaving only anarchy in its wake. With the rise of anarchy, the distinction between Antorian and Monecian became blurred and it quickly became an all out struggle for survival. Due to scarcity of food, a small group of people descended into cannibalism and eating the raw meet of wild animals and yet by some twist of fate, these savages continue to survive into the present and pose an ever immediate threat to the livelihood of the Tir na Andalucia. Those that did not turn to cannibalism fled to the mountains to eke out a harsh living among the rugged terrain and over the next few centuries, these rugged mountain folk rebuilt remnants of their lost lives. They people unanimously voted to keep the name Andalucia alive in memory but renamed themselves the Tir na Andalucia and elected five judges to lead their new society, thus transforming themselves into a kritarchy (rule by judges). The savages continued to make occasional incursions up the mountains but for the most part, there was relative calm and stability between the two. Coatli, the very first Kaiwhakawa o Te Whenua, predicted that when the te hunga e rere ana returned, there would finally be a lasting peace and stability in Andalucia.

After hearing this story, Archos was impressed by the resilience of the Tir na Andalucia and promised Kaiwhakawa o Te Wairua Moseya that he would do whatever he could to help. Before anything more could continue, the radio came on so Archos answered it.

Archos: "Go ahead..."

Astal: "We were pursued by the natives all the way to our base camp where we left the ship and ran into the Kaltian Royal X who cleared out any remaining straggalers. Mind telling me what the Royal X is doing here in Andalucia?"

Archos: "I wish I could but Raza said their mission was classified and need to know."

Astal: "I think this officially qualifies as us needing to know. We were chased the whole night by those savages."

Archos: "I agree, we should know... but that can wait for another time. There are some very important people here who want to meet the other tribal representatives."

Astal: "Oh?"

Archos: "They are the Kaiwhakawa that led the Tir na Andalucia. There are five of them total and they believe us to be their saviors."

Astal: "Really now... sounds like you've been on a fanciful trip..."

Archos: "Astal, I'm serious... we hit the jackpot here."

Astal: "And what happened to the Antorians and Monecians?"

Archos: "Gone ages ago. You met the savage remnants of them last night, the rest are up here in the mountains."

Astal: "Fine. I'll come meet your Kaiwhakawa."

Archos: "Sounds good, I'll see you in two days once you and your team have gotten some well deserved rest."

After ending the radio call, Archos relays the status of KSE-Vav to KSE-Shin. Everyone is relieved to hear that there were no casualties yet very puzzled as to the presence of the Royal Kaltian X.
 
w7KHQAG.png

8 Av (May) 2015​



Shin & Vav (Monecian Mountains)
Two days later, KSE-Vav set out from the now greatly expanded coastal base camp to the village where KSE-Shin was staying. The Kaltian Royal X has secured a sizable beachhead and were doing a commendable job of keeping the savages at bay who seemed more riled up than before. By lunchtime, KSE-Vav arrived in Kaiwhakawa o Te Wairua Moseya's village and were promptly greeted as royalty by the other Kaiwhakawa's.

Zakiel: "Um Archos, I don't mind being treated as a royal but why exactly are they bowing down to us?"

Baldu, Riela and and Runa are just as confused as Zakiel and look to Archos for an answer.

Zakiel: "Welll...?"

Archos: "The Kaiwhakawa's, or judges, are the leaders of the Tir na Andalucia (Land of Andalucia). Their ancestors managed to flee the chaos that resulted from the civil war and managed to avoid descending into madness and cannibalism."

Baldu: "That were those fiends chasing us across the plains?"

Archos: "Yes..."

Runa: "Baldu, stop distracting Archos. Do go on."

Archos: "Anyways, after the Te iwi o te Tir na Andalucia fled to the mountains they renounced the names Antorian and Monecians along with Andalucia in favor of what they know call themselves."

Riela: "This history lesson is all well and good but it doesn't explain why they are still treating us like royalty."

Runa: "Riela! If you and Baldu would stop interrupting him he could get to the good stuff."

Archos: "The reason for this treatment is because the ancient Kaiwhakawa's predicted the return of the te hunga e rere ana."

Riela: "What is that?"

Archos: "Not what... who. And that term means those who fled. According to the archival stone it refers to the eight original Kaltian tribes."

Zakiel: "Are you sure?"

Zolia: "Quite. While the four of you have been pursued across the plains by bloodthirsty savages, the four of us have been here studying and verifying the authenticity of the archival stone. The dating along with the language variations match up to the time period that the Kaltians fled Andalucia."

Astal: "Well Archos, I guess you weren't feeding me a bunch of bullshit over the radio two days ago."

Archos: "No... I wasn't. But that still doesn't answer the question of why the Kaltian Royal X is here."

Raza: "I believe I can answer that now that the entire Kaltian Expedition is reunited. I was sent here on orders from Chief Remil and Councilor's Laux and Holbach to act as a scout."

Cyne: "Why? What could the Kaltian Defense Force and Council want that is here?"

Mira: "Isn't it obvious Cyne?"

Cyne: "A protectorate? You can't be serious... We only just arrived a week ago."

Raza: "The Council is entirely serious. Andalucia is a huge find for the Kaltian people and they want to share it with everyone."

Cyne: "But what of the people living here? We need their consent..."

Archos: "That's easy, we have all five Kaiwhakawa's assembled here in this village. They are the voice and soul of the people, if they give consent the Council can move forward with their plan."

Ardwulf: "Well then, shall we go meet the Kaiwhakawa's and propose the Council's idea?"

The eight tribal representatives, Astal, Archos and Raza approach the seated Kaiwhakawa's who are in a semi-circle. Moseya (Spirit) is in the middle with Ajein (Earth) / Sahiye (Air) to his left and Taseya (Water) / Atsah (Fire) to his right. As Archos is the best speaker in their language he presents the Kaltian proposal:
"Mae Kaltians o Cimerron, Andusk, Mela, Atik, Neveh, Sahkai, Remont a Zarin cyfarch y Kaiwhakawa o Te Wairua, Kaiwhakawa o Te Whenua, Kaiwhakawa o Rangi, Kaiwhakawa o Te Wai a Kaiwhakawa o Ahi. Rydym yn dod gyda ni cynnig i Kaiwhakawa's. Os oes mwy na thri ohonoch yn erbyn hyn, yna bydd y cynnig yn peidio â deddfu arnynt a byddwn yn gadael i chi mewn heddwch. Rydym yn estyn cangen olewydd o gyfeillgarwch i Kaiwhakawa's a gofyn i'r Tir na Andalucia i ymuno â Confederation of Kalti fel Protectorate ac yn fuan ar ôl, mae Free State. Os byddwch yn dewis yr opsiwn hwn, ni fydd eich Kaiwhakawa's a rheol yn cael ei herio neu gwrthwynebu ond chadarnhau. Bydd cynrychiolwyr democrataidd yn cael ei ethol gan eich bobl a benodwyd ar gyfer eich tir yn y Conclave of Castelli and Assembly of Castelli. Bydd prowess milwrol ac economaidd yn aros mewn dwylo eich llywodraeth gydag ymyriad achlysurol gan y Kaltians os yw'n teimlo ei angen. Kaiwhakawa's, pa dweud eich ... A yw hyn yn swnio fel cynnig rhesymol?"
(The Kaltians of Cimerron, Andusk, Mela, Atik, Neveh, Sahkai, Remont and Zarin greet the Kaiwhakawa o Te Wairua, Kaiwhakawa o Te Whenua, Kaiwhakawa o Rangi, Kaiwhakawa o Te Wai and Kaiwhakawa o Ahi. We bring with us a proposal to the Kaiwhakawa's. If more than three of you are against this, then the proposal will not be enacted upon and we will leave you in peace. We extend an olive branch of friendship to the Kaiwhakawa's and ask the Tir na Andalucia to join the Confederation of Kalti as a Protectorate and shortly after, a Free State. If you choose this option, your Kaiwhakawa's and rule shall not be challenged or opposed but upheld. Democratic representatives shall be elected by your peoples and appointed for your land in the Conclave of Castelli and Assembly of Castelli. Military and economic prowess shall stay in your government's hands with occasional intervention by the Kaltians if it is felt needed. Kaiwhakawa's, what say you... Does this sound like a reasonable proposal?)

Moseya: "Gan fod yr uwch aelod yma byddaf yn ateb ar gyfer fy brodyr a chwiorydd. Mae eich cynnig yn swnio'n rhesymol. Rhowch pum diwrnod ni i drafod ac i ledaenu'r gair ymhlith ein pobl. Mae pump ohonom ni ailymgynnull yma ar y 12 a byddwn yn rhoi ein penderfyniad terfynol i chi. Yn y cyfamser, bwyta, yfed a bod yn llawen. (As the senior member here I shall answer for my brothers and sisters. Your proposal sounds reasonable. Give us five days to discuss it and spread the word among our people's. The five of us shall reconvene here on the 12 and we shall give you our final decision. In the meantime, eat, drink and be merry.)

Archos: "Diolch yn fawr (Thank you very much) Kaiwhakawa o Te Wairua."

Archos relays Moseya's answer to the rest of the Kaltians. Realizing that they have five days to explore the village and get to know the local customs, the tribal representatives pair up in groups of two to go do as Moseya said... eat, drink and be merry.
 
w7KHQAG.png

12 Av (May) 2015​



Five days later, the Kaltians have reconvened in Moseya's village. Many of the tribal representatives have learned much of the Tir na Andalucian's, their customs and their way of life. Moseya and the other Kaiwhakawa's are sitting in a semi circle with Archos, Astal and Razza in front of them. The tribal representatives from Kalti are intermingled with the crowd that has come to watch the proceedings of this historic moment.

Moseya: "Rydym yn y Kaiwhakawa o Te Wairua, Kaiwhakawa o Te Whenua, Kaiwhakawa o Rangi, Kaiwhakawa o Te Wai and Kaiwhakawa o Ahi wedi siarad i'n cymunedau, ffrindiau a theuluoedd. Ein penderfyniad yn derfynol ac yn orfodol. I, Moseya, Kaiwhakawa o Te Wairua o Tir na Andalucia ymestyn cynnig cyfeillgarwch a diolch i'r Kaltians. Rydym yn derbyn eich cynnig ar un amod: mae'n rhaid i chi lanhau tir y anwariaid a dod â gwir heddwch a digynnwrf parhaol. Os byddwch yn gwneud hyn, Tir na Andalucia yn ymuno â chi." (We the Kaiwhakawa o Te Wairua, Kaiwhakawa o Te Whenua, Kaiwhakawa o Rangi, Kaiwhakawa o Te Wai and Kaiwhakawa o Ahi have talked to our communities, friends and families. Our decision is final and binding. I, Moseya, Kaiwhakawa o Te Wairua of the Tir na Andalucia extend an offer of friendship and gratitude to the Kaltians. We accept your offer on one condition: you must cleanse the land of the savages and bring true lasting peace and calm. If you do this, Tir na Andalucia will join you.)

Archos: "Ar ran Kalti Yr wyf yn derbyn eich cynnig o gyfeillgarwch a diolchgarwch. Er nad yw yn fy ngallu i roi caniatâd terfynol ar eich cyflwr, byddaf yn cyfleu'r wybodaeth yn ôl at fy llywodraeth a fydd yn pleidleisio ar beth i'w wneud." (On behalf of Kalti I accept your offer of friendship and gratitude. Though it is not in my power to give final authorization on your condition, I shall relay the information back to my government who shall vote on what to do.)

As Archos gives his answer, Astal turns to Raza and tells him to call a conference meeting with the Council and then tells Archos that he needs to let the Kaiwhakawa's know that a break is needed.

Archos: Raza yn galw cyfarfod cynhadledd gyda'r Council members ar hyn o bryd. Byddwn yn trosglwyddo eich neges a chyflwr iddynt ac wedyn symud ymlaen o'r fan honno. Dyro i ni ddeg munud a byddwn wedi ateb i chi." (Raza is calling a conference meeting with the Council members right now. We will relay your message and condition to them and then proceed from there. Give us ten minutes and we shall have an answer for you.)

Moseya: "Da iawn." (Very well.)



Raza has managed to set up a video conference call with Chief Remil and Councilors Elior Wardson (Home Affairs), Isaac Laux (Foreign Affairs), Maryln Kiani (Economic Affairs and Social Welfare), Solveig Nightsong (President and Finance) and Damien Holbach (Defense and Civil Protection).

Raza: "Councilors, I have you on a clear feed. Do you copy?"

Councilor Nightsong: "We read you loud and clear here at the Council Building."

Raza: "Good to hear President. And you Chief Remil... is the feed coming through?"

Chief Remil: "Clear as day."

Councilor Wardson: "So as you all already know, the Council approved a bill to establish Andalucia as a Protectorate / Free State of the Confederation. What is the status on your end?"

Raza: "I'll let Archos inform you, he knows their language the best and has been our main communicator with the natives."

Councilor Laux: "Very well, put Archos on."

Archos: "Good day Chief / Councilors. So we ran into some friendly natives and some not so friendly natives."

Councilor Holbach: "What do you mean not so friendly natives?"

Archos: "Cannibals, sir. Thank the God and Goddess the Kaltian Royal X were around, we appreciated their help. Anyways, the friendly natives we ran into are a mix of the survivors of the downfallen and destroyed Antorian and Monecian civilizations. They prefer to be called Andalucians and refer to their land as Tir na Andalucia."

Councilor Kiani: "And how are these 'Andalucians' governed? And are they friendly to us?"

Councilor Nightsong: "Obviously friendly otherwise the expedition team would not have reported in a success report."

Archos: "The President is quite right. The Andalucians acknowledge us as the descendants of te hunga e rere ana, in English... those who fled. As for their government, they are overseen and governed by five Kaiwhakawa, or judges. There is some element of democracy in electing the judges but that's about it."

Councilor Nightsong: "Easily remedied with a Guidance Committee."

Archos: "Of course... Though there is one condition to them joining the Confederation."

Councilor Laux: "Oh? And what would that be?"

Archos: "They want us to fulfill the prophecy of the 'te hunga e rere ana' by cleansing the savages and cannibals and bringing stability and peace to the plains and coastal areas."

Chief Remil: "They want us to do what?!?"

Councilor Kiani: "Think of the economic cost..."

Councilor Wardson: "What of public opinion here at home?"

Councilor Nightsong: "Everyone do calm down. It is not such an unreasonable proposition. From the daily reports from the Kaltian Expedition and now this news from Archos it seems the Andalucians are in need of our help. I say we provisionally pass a constitutional amendment to add Andalucia as a Protectorate of the Confederation of Kalti."

Councilor Holbach: "And what of the savages?"

Councilor Nightsong: "That's your job. Coordinate with Chief Remil and the other two Chiefs in how much military firepower you would need to clear the savages."

Chief Remil: "Right away ma'am."

Councilor Nightsong: "Oh and Archos, do tell the Kaiwhakawa's that we accept their offer and condition."

Archos: "Of course Councilor, have a nice day."

As the video conference call ends, Archos informs Moseya of the Kaltian Council's decision and how they will send military aid to deal with the savages so that the Andalucian people can populate the plains and coastal areas of their land without fear of attack from the savages.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top