Caoiva

**Caoiva** (pronounced "SEE-vah") is a country and cultural region in central Raka, between the Aging Ocean and the Endless Sea. It borders Nicnevin to the north and Veli to the south. The nation's capital is Whedon's Row; other major urban centers include Ogmaran, Kirknell, and Port of Rime.

Caoiva's armed forces, the Wardens, are engaged in a protracted, centuries-long struggle against the Colonials of Mesea. The frontlines currently stretch along the River Mercy, where both sides are locked in a brutal stalemate. In a cultural and historical sense, however, Caoivish lands extend as far south as Red River, putting the majority of Foxhole's playspace within Caoiva.

## History

Not much is known of Caoiva's earliest history, except that the lands were divided between various warring clans and petty kingdoms. The Great Warden Dam existed during this time under a different name, pointing to a high level of sophistication already present before unification.

The modern state of Caoiva was founded by Iain Callahan, who united the Caoivish clans to form a great empire. During his rule as Archon, Caoiva enjoyed an era of peace and prosperity, with an economy based on trade. The foundations of the Bulwark were also built in Caoiva during this time, to counter the rising influence of the Meseans to the south.

Caoiva supported the Hands of Veli against the Mesean-backed Republican Colonials in the Velian Civil War. Iain's Callahan's eight sons were active during this time. His fourth son, Carden, notably quelled unrest in Whedon's Row and Ogmaran, before dying in battle against "Velian rebels". Another Callahan, Fionn, managed to subjugate Northern Veli after a decisive victory at the Battle of Red River. Afterwards, the Republican Colonials were dissolved, and Southern Veli was likely annexed directly by Mesea. This proxy conflict contributed to rising tensions that led to the outbreak of the Great Wars between the great powers, some 200 years later.

During the Great Wars, the Mesean Colonial Legion breached the Bulwark and invaded Caoiva proper, occupying the Heartlands. They later laid waste to Caoiva's capital, Sunhaven, and drove the Wardens as far north as Basin Sionnach in the Boreal Wars. After the fall of Sunhaven, the capital of Caoiva was moved to Whedon's Row. The Colonial advance was finally halted when Nicnevin came to Caoiva's aid. The resultant Nevish Alliance pushed the Meseans back to Callahan's Passage. The wars continued, with both sides making gains and losses, until the frontlines reached equilibrium around the Deadlands, formerly the Caoivish capital region.

## Geography

Lying in the northern part of the known world, Caoiva is a land of mountains and rivers, flanked by seas on either side. Its north is a vast highland region, while the south is dominated by the River Mercy and its channels. Winters in Caoiva are bitterly cold, and snowstorms are frequent. The harshness of Caoiva's terrain and climate provide a natural deterrent to invasion, which has proven effective throughout the course of the Great Wars.

## Economy

The economy of Caoiva, once based on trade, is now industrialized and focused on providing for the war effort.

### Technology

Caoivish engineers and manufacturers are known to produce high-quality, reliable equipment that often outlasts its Mesean counterparts. For example, the standard-issue Loughcaster rifle has been in service for over a hundred years. The Caoivish also pioneered the first assault rifle, the Aalto.

## Culture

The Caoivish are described as a nation of honor and tradition. They are known to revere and idolize their ancient leader, Callahan, as evidenced by the numerous statues of him (a practice which the Meseans find distasteful). Caoivish naming conventions appear to be based on real-life Gaelic.

## Government

From its inception, Caoiva was ruled by a series of archons, beginning with Iain Callahan. Archons were often members of the Callahan dynasty, although this was not always the case. The position of archon has remained relevant as recently as the Nevish Alliance, enforcing their will through what appears to be a paramilitary group, the Hands.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 “Devblog 87 - the World of Foxhole: Part II.” *Foxhole*, 15 Sept. 2021, https://www.foxholegame.com/post/devblog-87-the-world-of-foxhole-part-ii.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Inner Haven Vol. 8
3. ↑ “Devblog 87 - the World of Foxhole: Part V.” *Foxhole*, 20 Sept. 2021, https://www.foxholegame.com/post/devblog-87-the-world-of-foxhole-part-v.
4. ↑ Warden faction description
5. ↑ Callahan Statue in the Deadlands
6. ↑ History Book
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Red River Demo
8. ↑ A Brief History of Caoiva Vol. 1
9. ↑ “Devblog 87 - the World of Foxhole: Part IV.” *Foxhole*, 17 Sept. 2021, *https://www.foxholegame.com/post/devblog-87-the-world-of-foxhole-part-iv*.
10. ↑ Inner Haven Vol. 1
11. ↑ Lost Scout
12. ↑ No.2 Loughcaster in-game description
13. ↑ Aalto Storm Rifle 24 in-game description
14. ↑ Inner Haven Vol. 12
15. ↑ Letter From the Office of the Archon