Bigos

"Long and Sharp"

The current claims of Bigos, encompassing the hill that Ironroost rests on

The **Voivodeship of Bigos** is a small nation located on the island of Bigos in the central archipelago and is ruled by Voivode Rymwid 'the Young Owl' of House Yarilo. The nation is currently small and insignificant, after not being able to secure their whole island from migrating tribes and invaders and with it being quite far from the centre of world. Being one of the many native nations of the archipelago, they have formed a strong bond with the other natives. The nation itself was founded after a group of tribes of their culture were routed from their homeland near the Nataq Plains due to a multitude of reasons, among them being bellicose neighbours and infertile lands.

Although the Bigosi culture is not very advanced, they do have a great understanding of shipbuilding, which led to them leaving their homes using ships and eventually landing upon the shores of their home. This migration occurred a few hundred years ago and is only told in a few oral stories, the most popular being the **Legend of the Three Brothers**.

## History

### Pre-History

Prior to the arrival of the Eldest Brother's fleet, there were no people living on the island. Even if for a short period of time there existed some people earlier, there are no records of them or any ruins, so it is safe to say that the Bigosi are the 'natives' of the island, although in recent times two migratory tribes have landed on the island and claim to be natives, even though they are quite obviously not.

### Early History

Not much is known about this period, truly quite a few events must have occurred, but the few stories that remain of this time are oral histories that have been recorded or passed down, one of the stories being the previously mentioned Legend of the Three Brothers.

#### Legend of the Three Brothers

The story speaks of a mountainous land, far east from the island where the people once lived. These people were mostly fishermen, hunters and occasionally reavers, they lived a simple life in their valley-homes. It is generally believed by the people that some wide migration of cultures began, leading to them receiving some unkindly neighbours who forced them out of their own homes and out into the sea.

At this point, the story diverges- some people claim they were literally three brothers, and others claim that the three figures were actually brothers-in-arms. Nevertheless, the story goes on to talk about the harsh and vicious voyage. The eldest of the brothers received a vision that he should lead all the people to the final island in the chain. The youngest brother was impatient and tired of the voyage, so he took his people and settled on the closest island from their original departure point. He and his people lived there on the island for a short while, until they saw that the soil did not yield crops and the plants poisoned their cattle, he was not heard from again. The second oldest of the brothers grew weary of the voyage and was not satisfied with eating small rations on his ship, so he took his people onto the second island. When he landed ashore, the island looked beautiful, it had great palm trees, fertile land and many exotic plants. His people lived there even shorter than the previous brother as there were natives on the island, who did not take kindly to new neighbours. Ironic. The eldest of the brothers kept heading west (or east from his point of view), as his vision told him to do so, and he and the remainder of the people settled on the island. The island was not the most beautiful, or the most fertile, but it was their home. After settling down on the island, the people were blessed by the discovery of the abundance of iron present on the island.

The moral of the story overall is to be patient and to wait until the time is right. The current monarchy of Bigos, the Yarilo clan, descend from the eldest brother and their sigil of the owl partially reflects the eldest brother's patience, as an owl is patient while it stalks its prey. The owl has also become a popular symbol in Bigosi culture.

### Recent History

#### The Long Night

This period's name follows the theme of an owl being a symbol of the nation and comes from the long period of instability and political isolation of Bigos. This period started once succession started becoming an issue within the nation, with brother fighting brother just to be on the throne. The worst part of this period is currently happening- threatened by migrating, imperialist tribes that have landed on their shores claiming to be the "natives" of the island and only conduct diplomacy between themselves, refusing to acknowledge the authority of Bigos over the island. However, it has been said that the ruler who recovers and wields Ironclaw shall bring Bigos out of this dark age and usher in a golden era. It is yet to be seen whether the young owl will accomplish what his people believe he will with Ironclaw in his hands now.

##### The Vacan Conflict

The Vacan Conflict was a short diplomatic crisis for Bigos. The tribe of the Vacans had migrated onto the Bigosi island, unaware that they are the sovereigns. Conflict quickly escalated between the native nation and the 'invaders' until a diplomatic meeting was held between the Council of Akire and the tribe leaders of the Vacans. Multiple proposals were given, such as moving to the now-deserted island of Harunyokama, the first meeting was indecisive and Bigos was left to wait for the Vacans to discuss their decision.

Thankfully, the Vacans chose the peaceful option and decided to migrate away from the Bigosi island and off of the archipelago completely to the mainland nearby, forming the Vacan Kingdom. Although some tensions still remain, diplomacy between the Bigosi and Vacans has been steadily improving.

A recording of the meeting before the final choice of the Vacans is linked here

##### Invasion of the Apagni and Ebionnkanese

The peace after the migration of the Vacans was short-lived. Only a few months later, two new tribes had migrated onto the island, the Apagni and Ebionnkanese, both from the same linguistic group and will from now be referred to as the Apagni-Ebionnkanese. The Ebionnkanese made their settlement in the southern-most peninsula of the island, while not acting too aggressively towards the Bigosi. Meanwhile, the Apagni made their settlement in the location of what was once the Bigosi capital, south from Fort Ironroost and a small castle constructed by the Vacans located near the Ebionnkanese.

Soon after the Apagni made their settlement, they quickly became very aggressive towards the Bigosi, expressing the desire to conquer their fort and the rest of their rightful territory. Furthermore, there is evidence that the Apagni plan on forcefully vassalizing their Ebionnkanese allies, showing how recklessly ambitious they are and how terrible they are at keep their plans to themselves.

This event is happening currently, so it is unknown how it will end.

###### Meeting between the Bigosi and the Vacans

WIP

A recording of the meeting is linked here

## Geography

On the island of Bigos, you often hear the residents complaining about how warm it is, rightfully so. The island's average temperature during the day averages on 26 degrees Celsius most of year, but often reaches 50 degrees Celsius in the summer. The island enjoys a nice tropical environment, with towering palm and jungle trees, but it also has some normal fields. There are no rivers located on the island, instead the residents take their water from wells connected to deep underground cave systems with rivers.

The people of Bigos call their archipelago the 'Brothers' Chain' after the Three Brothers, however most scholars call the archipelago Akire's Chain.

### Biodiversity

Although the island is mostly tropical, the wildlife is mostly the same as it is on the mainland continent nearby. Previous the arrival of the Bigosi, the island was almost completely bare of any wildlife and they had luckily brought their own cattle on their ships. Though, that is not to say that there aren't any jungle animals native to the island living there too.

#### Horses

While it may seem absurd that the Bigosi heavily rely on horses, it has a rather simple explanation. Previously to their migration, their culture relied upon horses for manual labour, transportation, and the sort. They brought their horses over on their ships and have continued to use them in their new tropical environment since. Many foreigners comment on the absurdity of the sight of a horse-dependent island culture.

## Government

The current government of Bigos is rather unstable and decentralised. Each clan, or 'banner', hold their own small piece of territory on the island where they have their own laws, though they do respect the general laws of the country as well. The land these banners hold are heavily underdeveloped at the moment, mostly due to the recent political strife and volcanic explosion ruining most of the few towns on the island.

### Voivode

The voivode, or monarch, is the dominant authority in the nation. Each banner answers to him as a vassal and respect his authority, as they have done so for generations. The voivode may call a diet and invite all the banners to discuss any pressing issues regarding the nation, but this has not happened in a while. In recent times, the position of voivode has been switching rather quickly as brother turns on brother, being the main cause of political strife. One example of this happening is the death of the Voivode Moniwid at the hands of his cousin, who created a cadet branch of the main dynasty but was deposed and the main branch was reinstated once.

### Banners

The banners are the direct vassals of the voivode and each owns their own land that they have authority over. They each have their own local laws while respecting the general laws of the nation. Banners find themselves in a unique position as the few banners who held towns no longer do so due to the recent volcanic explosion. The Banner system, at the moment, is very unstable due to the fact that at any moment a Banner's authority may be challenged by a brother, cousin or a simple soldier who became too ambitious. This system has also been a leading factor of political strife within Bigos.

## Culture

The culture of Bigos is very unique, not similar to any other currently existing nation as they are the last remnant of their culture that originates from the northern continent, though not many Bigosi know of this history as they have lived on their island for hundreds of years at this point. Though from an outside perspective the culture may seem "basic" or even by some "barbaric", it is a very quaint and nice culture with each clan differing from each other slightly in different ways.

### Childhood

From birth until they are thirteen, Bigosi boys and girls are educated together by their mother. Their mother teaches them basic skills for maintaining the household and family such as how to prepare food and what herbs and mushrooms they can and can't eat, amongst other things, however that does not mean that their father is never present, he simply does not teach them. While the boys are taught by their mother, they do not cut their hair and keep it long, like the hair of their sisters. It is only until the males reach the age of thirteen and begin education by their father do they cut their hair as a mark of adolescence during a festival, which differs from clan to clan and may have a simple feast be held or have the young adolescents hunt their first game.

#### Female Festival of Adolescence

The female festival for adolescence for Bigosi girls is a significant celebration in cultural traditions of the people. It marks the transition of young girls into womanhood, being a time of joy, reflection, and growth. This festival holds immense importance in the community, alongside the male version, symbolizing the journey of young girls as they embrace their changing roles and responsibilities within the society. It is important to note that the festival begins at the beginning of the year where they reach the age of thirteen and all girls born in that year take part, it does not take place on the girl's actual birthday.

##### Origins and Significance

The origins of the festival cannot be even traced back, but it generally accepted that it first developed when the elders recognized the importance of guiding young girls through their transition into womanhood. It is believed that the festival was established to celebrate the physical, emotional, and spiritual growth of young girls, as well as to impart wisdom and cultural values that would shape their future as women.

##### Preparation and Rituals

Prior to the festival, the community comes together to make elaborate preparations. This includes decorating the village square with vibrant colors, flowers, and traditional ornaments. Young girls who are approaching adolescence participate in special mentoring sessions, where they learn about various aspects of womanhood, such as household responsibilities, traditional arts, and values of their community.

On the day of the festival, the girls gather at a sacred grove or a central location, accompanied by their female relatives, friends, and community members. They dress in traditional attire, often adorned with symbolic jewellery of the Bigosi culture and Lady of the Waves and accessories representing femininity and maturity.

##### Ceremonies and Symbolism

The festival consists of a series of ceremonies and rituals that are rich in symbolism. The girls engage in dances, songs, and storytelling that depict the journey to womanhood. Elders and respected women of the community share their wisdom and experiences, offering guidance and blessings to the young girls.

One of the significant rituals is the "Rite of Passage," where the girls symbolically leave behind their childhood by crossing a threshold into a separate space, often represented by a beautifully decorated tent or a sacred chamber. This act represents their entry into womanhood and their readiness to take on new responsibilities.

##### Celebration and Community Bonding

The festival is not only a celebration of individual growth but also an occasion for community bonding and support. It provides an opportunity for women of all ages to come together, share stories, and strengthen the sisterhood within the community. Festive feasts, traditional games, and performances are organized to foster a sense of unity and joy.

##### Legacy and Empowerment

The Female Festival of Adolescence carries a legacy of empowering young girls to embrace their femininity and step into the roles of women with confidence and pride. It instils a sense of belonging, cultural identity, and self-worth in the young girls, helping them navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

#### Male Festival of Adolescence

The male festival for adolescence is also a significant cultural event in the traditions of the people, being much different to the female version but equally important. It marks the transition of young boys into manhood and serves as a rite of passage for their journey towards maturity and responsibility. This festival holds great importance in the community, signifying the transformation of boys into men and their integration into the social fabric of the society. Same as in the female version, the festival begins at the beginning of the year when they reach the age of thirteen and all boys born in that year take part, it does not take place on the boy's actual birthday.

##### Origins and Significance

Unlike the festival for female adolescence, it is known that this festival has taken place as long as far the history of the tribe goes back. The festival was established to celebrate the physical, emotional, and spiritual growth of young boys, preparing them for their roles as future leaders, protectors, and contributors to the community.

##### Preparation and Rituals

Prior to the festival, the community engages in elaborate preparations. The village square or a central location is adorned with symbols of masculinity and strength. Young boys who are approaching adolescence participate in special training sessions and mentorship programs where they learn essential skills, traditional crafts, and values of their community

On the day of the festival, the boys gather with their male relatives, friends, and community members. They dress in traditional garments and accessories, symbolizing their entry into manhood. They may also carry ceremonial objects or tools that represent their future roles and responsibilities.

##### Ceremonies and Symbolism

The festival comprises various ceremonies and rituals rich in symbolism. The boys participate in physical challenges, endurance tests, and skill demonstrations to showcase their emerging abilities and strengths. Elders and respected men of the community share their wisdom, offering guidance and blessings to the young boys.

One of the central rituals, same as the female ones, is the "Rite of Passage," where the boys undertake a symbolic journey or perform a significant task that demonstrates their readiness for manhood. This act represents their transition from boyhood to manhood and their commitment to upholding the values and traditions of their community, the tasks vary from tribe to tribe and village to village.

##### Celebration and Community Bonding

The festival is not just a celebration of individual growth but also an occasion for community bonding and support. It provides an opportunity for men of all ages to come together, share stories, and strengthen the brotherhood within the community. Festive feasts, traditional sports competitions, and demonstrations of martial arts are organized to foster camaraderie and unity.

##### Legacy and Leadership

The festival carries a legacy of nurturing leadership qualities and shaping responsible men within the community. It instils a sense of duty, honour, and respect for cultural heritage in the young boys, empowering them to become contributors to their society and stewards of their traditions.

#### Female Adolescence

After the festival, girls stay with their mothers and continue to be taught skills necessary for the house and how to be a good wife for their future husband.

#### Male Adolescence

After the festival, when the boys have cut their hair and have rested, they begin their education with their father. (WIP, need to add more)

### Cuisine

Bigosi cuisine is not too complicated. It is rather simple, but traditional, and represents their simple way of life. There are different meals that range from stews to pastries, though pastries are more common in the upper class. It is also slightly eclectic and shares some similarities with their island neighbours.

(WORK IN PROGRESS)