History
Umbrial tribes
The Volshan region is a harsh place, great barren expanses of rock and ash cover much of its landmass, and the region is frequently wracked by earthquakes and volcanic activity. With the exception of a small number of arable provinces most of Volshan is mineral-rich but agriculturally poor, even today the Autocracy imports a large percentage of its foodstuffs and relies upon its vast mining and industrial output for continued prosperity. Thousands of years ago, however, there was no unified state to ensure society prospered, the early umbrial tribes fought a millenia-long battle to survive each other and the cruel landscape.
It is a frequent topic of debate among academics as to when the first umbrial peoples migrated to the Ethian sub-continent, what is universally accepted is that from the 8th Century BC onwards tribal groups were present in what is now Volshan. The structure of pre-modern society in Volshan was largely centered around small fortified communities led by local kings (Lauchme), early sites include Sora and Luca. Warfare was frequent due to the barren and volcanic state of most of the Volshan region, the rare patches of land that could be farmed were viciously contested. Excavations of ancient sites have revealed a wealth of information regarding the early umbrial settlement, the tribes developed complex systems of divination(Haruspex) involving the examination of entrails, they also possessed written language and numeracy.
Over time the tribes spread out across the Volshan region and adapted to the harsh landscape, and distinct identities emerged:
The Stone dogs of the Canis region
The Fire crows of the Palladia march
The Ash Wolves of Velester
The Eelkin of Lamprey
and the Dusk Hunters of Antyrium
These Early tribes developed a complex polytheistic religion centered around the Goddess Aurora and her champion Auvoi (known by the honorific Hill-Father). Other Deities included the lunar goddess Meles, The forge twins Tycho and Heste who were believed to control the flow of volcanic activity and the god of the underworld, the great serpent known as the Eye-Eater. Early tribes prayed to these deities at temple grounds and also left sacrifices to them on the grounds of ancestral tombs. The Early tribes believed that Eye-Eater would destroy the world if he was not placated with yearly offerings of eyes, as such those slain in war frequently had their eyes torn out to be offered to the cruel deity.
The divided nature of early umbrial society made the region vulnerable to expansion from the emerging empires of the Aurorian continent, both the Trantor and Old Imperium would in time set up colonies in Volshan, one of the most notable being the old Imperium's mining colony in the Canis region. The early tribes would struggle against these great powers for centuries, ironically becoming more unified as a result of fighting outsiders.
The Leagues
During the 10th century the Umbrial tribes began to experience a growing sense of unity, they had driven back colonizing powers and established a thriving culture based upon innovation and boldness. Despite much of the country being barren and possessing poor soils a growing network of trade ensured steady supplies of food, the southern states became rich as the Tarquin dynasty of Lamprey used its immense fisheries to create a stable food market. In time the trend of food going north and precious minerals going south became an ingrained aspect of Volshan life, for better and worse. Past experiences with outside powers had also drawn the city-states of Volshan closer together, powerful confederations forming between the various republics and kingdoms.
The League of Volshan was ultimately formed in 1015 AD as a means of ensuring the lasting survival of Volshan independence, initially, it was only the largest factions that joined but over time the benefits of membership enticed the entirety of Volshan into joining. The League mandated the creation of a vast fleet to defend the coasts and high seas of Volshan against would-be invaders and a corps of marines was established by the Tarquin dynasty as a deterrent to future invasions. With a powerful economy and united military the league served its purpose admirably, Volshan would remain independent for centuries and its people would thrive.
During the proceeding centuries, a complex language and philosophical school emerged in Volshan, the order of haruspices(Prophets) becoming a haven for intellectual discourse and spiritual enlightenment. Poetry and artistic endeavors flourished during this era and trade with other parts of Eras ensured that the tastes of the populace became eclectic and refined. One example of the newfound cosmopolitan culture can be seen in the legendary tomb of King Nestor of Velester, a lavish structure whose mosaics contain artistic styles ranging from Ba Feng to Trantori.
Dual Kingdoms
The Vulgar War
The Morality War
Unification Period
Modern Day
