Rising Power of the East

*"Arkland is and has been the power base of the Republic in the East, since the beginning. The Republic relies on us to maintain order, to ensure that the people are governed by its rule of law, and to provide the naval logistics for trade and protection. The Republic has helped Arkland, and in return, Arkland has been a loyal vassal to the Republic. I don't see why, even as the the so-called powers of the Republic seem to be on a bit of a downward trend over the past few years that this relationship would ever change."* - Arkland Representative to the Republic Council, 999 AF.

## The Second and Third War of the Stars and the Vassalization of Arkland

After Arkland became established as a kingdom and settlement during the peace time which followed the First War of the Stars, it began to grow quickly. The valuable Ironwood fueled the coffers of Arkland, and the hard work ethic of a colony of first generation immigrants saw that Arkland established itself with strong footing. However, it proved to not be enough as the Stars of Ixohtl, with one of their Stars killed during the First War of the Stars, thirsted for revenge. They got it when Star Ixtoca decided to avenge the death of her sister Queen and attack Arkland with an even stronger horde. They marched on Arkland during winter when the new settlement was least prepared. Brutal fighting ensued, and Arkland was almost destroyed, pushed back to the very original walls they had built to defend themselves during the first war. Yet, in the amazing story of Dread Winter, Arkland repelled Star Ixtoca. Some years followed before Arkland finally ended this war through assassination, killing Star Ixtoca and ending her line.

It would take Arkland a further 20 years to recover from the devastating wars that were forced to fight to ensure their survival. But, they were able to recover. Fresh settlers from Montilliare and a still, well-kept navy would see Arkland through the dark times and towards a brighter future. King's Crossing was rebuilt, and over time, smaller towns and villages began to appear. The King's Wald began to be settled by a hardened people brought to Arkland on the original boats but also bolstered by new settlers from Montilliare. These people, although of the same line as most from Arkland, were a distinctly different sub-culture.

When Arkland ships first met ships from the recently founded Republic was a day to be marked in history as a fated one. Sailing around the southern coast of Indagar, having no idea that the other existed, the two cultures met for the first time, both of them born of first generation immigrants from foreign lands. Their people would rely on this commonality to establish embassies and formal relations which each other. These relations would become something more than formal when Arkland ships, sailing to deliver goods to Konagara were attacked by the navy of the Minsheng Empire during the War for Indagar. This would catapult Arkland into its third war since arriving in Indagar, but it was mercifully short. The Ironwood navy of Arkland was able to crush the Empire's navy, and thus, they built a stronger relationship with the Republic.

As it turns out, this strong relationship was needed because war for Arkland had not yet ended. During a major astronomical event known as the Stars Align, the three remaining Stars of Ixohtl once again decided to crush Arkland. They joined forces and attacked. A fifty year war ensued which bled both sides to the point of nothingness. Neither side able to gain the upper hand and unwilling to declare peace, Arkland sued for the government of the Republic to ally with them to stop the war, but unwilling to destroy the natives of Indagar, the Republic instead agreed to force an end to the war by vassalizing both nations. In this way, Arkland became of vassal of the new Republic, whose borders now stretched from one coast of Indagar to the next.

## Power of the East

Once apart of the Republic, and with a close kinship both in culture as well as history, Arkland became the default eastern arm of the Republic. Arkland rebuilt after the Third War of the Stars and burgeoned under the Republic. Fueled by trade in Spirits, the Republic grew wealthy and because it was Arkland ships which carried their goods to markets overseas, also caused Arkland to grow wealthy. Over the next centuries, Arkland would grow extremely wealthy and turn itself into the cultural center of the East.

For the most part, it was Arkland soldiers who would enforce the laws and police the lands of the Republic in all areas east of the Spine. The Stars of Ixohtl, now made less war like by their vassalization began a very slow process of healing their relations with Arkland. They had little choice as Arkland was growing rich and powerful whereas their society still remained tribal. It took many generations, but eventually, the relationship between the two became less hostile and more of just unease. Arklanders were able to freely intermingle with the Stars and vice versa. Arkland purchase horses from the Stars of Ixohtl, and under their tutelage, established the Arkland Cavalry. Further, the Stars benefited greatly as they were able to bring their goods to new markets as well as enjoy goods from foreign lands.

Trade lines were established to another native people of Indagar who were known as the Ramal Nations. During the rainy seasons to the south, the Ramal Nations would send barges up their swollen rivers to make landfall just south of Arkland. From there, Arkland would carry their goods overland eventually to the sea. Rich in ore, the Ramal Nations also provided Arkland with valuable metals which further served to enhance the power of Arkland's military as well as its cities.

In all, Arkland, being a center for trade, slowly became the most powerful of the eastern civilizations.

## War of Kings

In 318 AF, the Kingdom of Grandia, the nation which had over taken over control of Montilliare, invaded Arkland. They did so at the command of the Mad King of Grandia who had come to power and who sought to reclaim Arkland. Stating that Arkland was still a settlement of Grandia, a massive invasion ensued. This was the first test of the Republic being invaded by a foreign power since its establishment. Unable to fend off the might of an entire nation on its own, King's Crossing was surrounded, and the Republic sent the Stars of Ixohtl to assist. This was a bizarre sight as the Stars, whom 300 years earlier were attempting to destroy King's Crossing were now fighting to defend it. Together, Arkland and the Stars pushed Grandia out, and later, Arkland's superior navy crushed the fleets of Grandia. With a final master stroke, a Blood Cult Assassin known as Shai Silsi was sent to infiltrate Grandia and assassinate their King. With the Mad King dead, Grandia lost its will to fight, and the war ended.

Arkland, now bolstered by the Republic and all of its new found allies had become a true world power.

## Second Golden Age

As the Republic continued to blossom, so did Arkland. For the next 500 years, Arkland would once again return to the role of masters of trade and navy. All the lands of the Bay of Kings were now officially settled and deeded to Arkland by the Republic. The vassal grew from a small war torn nation to a power rivaling the Republic and Konagara.

 Return to Arkland Back Story

--Neil (talk) 17:29, 24 October 2016 (AST)