Morhavians

Morhavians are an ethnic group predominately living in the Duchy of Auuvsia, with smaller populations existing in Matria as well. Native to the modern Merhave Plateau, they are a part of the broader Cyanic ethnic family, and notable for being the last wave of cyanic migrants to Nerdensburg, arriving sometime from 1200-1000 B.B.

## Etymology

Two theories are debated for the etymology and origin of the term "Morhavian", some scholars believe the word is derived from the land they inhabit, the Merhave Plateau. The more popular theory however, is that the term is derived from the Old Cyanic word "Mirhv", meaning "traveller", as at the time they were seen as new travelers to the region.

## History

### **Early History**

Morhavian history prior to their migration to Nerdesnburg is relatively scare. The exact reason as to why they migrated in the first place is unknown; most likely due to some force or threat displacing them. Regardless, their migration, sometimes called The Morhavian Invasion, was a major event in Auuvsian and Cyanic history, that caused significant displacement in the status quo of the Auuvsian geopolitical, economic, religious, and cultural climate.

Upon their migration into the Merhave Plateau, they were primarily a nomadic people, and established a horde-like state, often just called "The Morhavians", this state caused significant disruption to the surrounding states at the time, and the Morhavians lead multiple raids and incursions against cities, predominantly in the Auuvsian Core Valley like Tir, Ria, Abydis, and more. Their eventual defeat at the Battle of Gaxhavi in 721 B.B. signaled the end of these raids, and began their shift into a more settled society.

After this, the Morhavians established a more organized state, often referred to as The Morhavian Kingdom, which sought to modernize and assimilate itself with the surrounding kingdoms at the time. Via building roads, conducting trade, organizing a monarchy and standing army, they even converted into the standard Cyanic paganism. At this time, Morhavians were often seen as "lesser" or "newcomers", not yet fully immersed into the Auuvsian culture, as to assert them as still retaining Huefellian, nomadic and barbaric characteristics.

The Kingdom Period (690-411 B.B.), oversaw all of these changes, and managed to conquer several new territories, annexing even the city of Amis, the third largest city in Auuvsia at the time. For a brief period, under Dzatimin II, they even managed to occupy all of the cities in the Auuvsian core region, including the esteemed city of Abydis. Following the death of Dzatimin in 541 B.B., the Morhavian state would decline and slowly cede territory to its neighbors. Eventually in 411 B.B., the state itself collapsed into multiple squabbling Xaskumis (warlords). The influence of the region as a whole would decline in this period, as the instability destroyed most of the trade flowing to and from the region, rendering it relatively impoverished and technologically behind. This trend would continue, and the region would eventually be conquered by Aquelia in 99 B.B.

### **Aquelian Subjugation (99-3 B.B.)**

Aquelia maintained control of the area for nearly a century. Although Aquelian influence was minimal, the region was at least stabilized and once again began to grow. Various trade networks that had ceased were once again opened, especially in the city of Amis, which was increasingly becoming a hub for incoming Morhavians. Although Aquelia was conquered by Balderlane in 3 B.B., Aquelia did significantly reshape the dynamics of the region as a whole.

### **Rule by Balderlane (3 B.B. - 102 A.B.)**

Balderlanes devastating conquest of Aquelia once again saw significant disruption of the Morhavian homeland. With the towns of Celiz, Ktame, Kataksi, and several more being almost entirely destroyed. Morhavia was hit especially hard, with some estimates placing the population declining by 50% by the end of Balderlane's conquest of the region.

In the wake of this destruction, the people of Morhavia in large became submissive to the Balderlanian authority, and the region saw a newfound industry emerge, with little resistance from the local populace, mining. The region, as it turns out, was fairly abundant in several metals and other resources. For this, many indentured servants, slaves, and serfs were exploited to access these vital resources, and by in large the region continued to decline, albiet infrastructure was built, although primarily itself to be utilized by the rapidly growing mining industry.

### **Cyanic Rebellion and the Rule of Twelve: Cyanic Confederation**

In 100 A.B., the Cyanic people rebelled, and two years later won their independence. The various leaders of the rebellion would meet in Ria and split up the ceded territory into twelve kingdoms. Unsurprisingly, this era was called "The Rule of the Twelve." Morhavia was one of these twelve states, although was certainly viewed as one of the lesser states, being granted less territory than they felt was appropriate, although they were not in a position to negotiate that. Regardless, in the immediate aftermath of the agreement, there was much to be debated as for the future of the broader region. Most leaders at the time recognized the continuing--albeit slowly weakening--Balderlinian threat, and agreed that some sort of unity, at least in defense against any foreign invasions, was necessary. As such in 105 A.B., the Cyanic Confederation was formed, as an agreement between the twelve kings.

The confederation was able to successfully fend off an invasion from Ravacuse in 111 A.B., and even managed to liberate a few towns near the northern border. After this, Balderlane's state would continue to implode and was increasingly no longer viewed as a threat. Because of this, the confederation would eventually collapse in 154 A.B. Once again, Morhavia was an independent kingdom, relatively in the same position as it was multiple centuries ago. The new independent kings continued to exploit the regions resources, and the kingdom grew in wealth. By this time, the Morhavians were the last predominantly paganist people in Nerdensburg, before finally converting to The Blue Dawn in 187 A.B., following a mission by the legendary Nilo Ama herself.

### Modern History: Post-Blue Unification

In the duchy of Auuvsia, Morhavia remained relatively static, failing to capitalize on the industrialization rapidly expanding in Auuvsia, although still enjoying many of the benefits brought about from nearby industrialization itself. The industrialization in blue only brought about increased mining capacity, and as such many people immigrated to the plateau for employment in the mines. Conditions were relatively poor however, and Morhavia became a center for labor rights. Like the rest of Auuvsia, however, Morhavia declined following the decline of industry and automation in the region, although the region was impacted less than average.

## Languages

Morhavians largely speak a Morhavian dialect of the Cyanic (also called Auuvsian) language. Most Morhavians also speak Azurite as a second language, although some in very rural areas are yet to do so. Many speak Mauvaean as well, due to the regions close historical ties with Mauveaum.

## Religion

Morhavians were largely a paganistic people until their conversion to the Blue Dawn in 187 A.B., although since then religion has declined (in Auuvsia in general,) and now most Morhavians do not identify with any religious group or organization. Cyanic paganism still exists, although in increasingly small numbers.

## Morhavians today

Following the decline in Auuvsia, many Auuvsians (Morhavians included), migrated elsewhere. Many immigrated to Azurial, Crestopolis, and Matria.