Editing Kremiyans (section)

== '''HISTORY''' ==
''A dive into the history of the Kremiyan peoples, written and penned by Petr Kutznetzov, popular Boyar and Writer of his time.''

# '''PRE-REVEIA'''

“In the heart of the faraway world lies the Volgran Continent, a land steeped in ancient lore and shrouded in mystery. Stretching from the soaring peaks of the Northern Mountains in the north to the sun-kissed shores of the Southern Sea, Volgran is a realm of diverse landscapes and unforgiving wilderness. Dense forests teeming with mythical beasts give way to sprawling plains dotted with ancient ruins, remnants of a bygone era. At the continent’s center, the towering Citadel of Volgrad stands as a beacon of civilisation amidst the untamed wilderness, its spires reaching towards the heavens as a testament to the enduring spirit of its people. Here, in the land of Volgran, adventure and danger await those brave enough to seek them. But do not let the initial beauty of the Volgran Continent deceive you, for beneath its picturesque facade lies a land ravaged by the relentless tide of war. As one steps into this realm, the air is thick with the acrid scent of death, and the once lush landscapes now stand twisted and scarred by the ravages of endless conflict. The twisted bark and branches of the trees stand as grim sentinels, bearing silent witness to the horrors that have befallen this land. Here, amidst the ruins of once-great civilisations, the echoes of battle still linger, a haunting reminder of the price of ambition and the cost of power.” - Expert from the Epic Story written by '''Talanov the poet''' on the matter of the Kremiyan’s origins.

# '''THE KREMIYAN DIASPORA'''

"The official and recorded history of the Kremiyan people traces back to the farthest reaches of the Reveian continent, where the land fades into mystery, uncharted and untamed. Their journey from the East, a realm veiled in the mists of time, has rendered the true nature of their origins a tantalizing enigma, preserved only in fragments of lore and whispered tales. Among these, a luminary figure emerges - an esteemed chronicler known as '''Talanov the poet''', whose narrative threads bind the Kremiyan saga to their ancestral past. Whether these narratives are embellished truths or artful fabrications, shrouded in the mystique of storytelling, remains a subject of scholarly debate. Yet, these tales endure as a testament to the resilience and fortitude of the Kremiyan tribes, a poignant reminder of the trials overcome and the legacy forged in the crucible of their ancient homeland."

“The arrival of the Kremiyan people remains a topic of fervent debate, even among their own ranks. Within the inner sanctums of Kremiyan society, scholars and historians engage in spirited discourse, attempting to unravel the mystery of their ancestral homeland's location. Whether they descended upon the Reveian continent from the enigmatic East, the uncharted North, or the distant West is a question that continues to elude a definitive answer. What is undisputed, however, is the manner in which the Kremiyan people made their initial landings, led by 3 main figures, a Knyaz Vadim von Nikoleav alongside his entrusted boyar’s Damian and Gregori. Many accounts suggest that they first set foot upon the wintry fringes of the Reveian continent, a terrain as unforgiving and harsh as the homelands they left behind. It is here, amidst the biting cold and the howling winds, that the earliest settlements of the Kremiyan tribes took root.”

“Two major settlements, Norslavow and Ryinaritzyn, emerged as beacons of Kremiyan civilization, their foundations marking the beginning of a new chapter in the Kremiyan saga. Across the northern wastelands, smaller tribes of Kremiyan descent dispersed, seeking refuge and new beginnings in the wake of the burgeoning cities. These tribes, though fewer in number, were steadfast in their resolve, eschewing the raiding ways of their northern counterparts in favor of a life centered around rural farming and agrarian pursuits. From these humble beginnings, the two cities burgeoned into bustling hubs of Kremiyan culture and commerce. They evolved and modernized alongside their inhabitants, serving as the beating heart of a civilization that had found its foothold in the lands of the Reveian continent.”

“In the early days of the Kremiyan people's settlement, a spirit of exploration and curiosity drove them to venture beyond the confines of their burgeoning cities. One such expedition led them to the settlement of Dreskiy, a community inhabited by trolls - the first non-Kremiyan and non-human settlement encountered by the Kremiyans in their new homeland. This encounter marked the dawn of a new era of interaction and trade between the Kremiyan settlers and the indigenous inhabitants of Reveia. Dreskiy served as a testament to the nascent spirit of cooperation and exchange between the two distinct cultures. The Kremiyans, recognizing the value of the resources offered by the trolls, engaged in bartering with the local populace. The whaling village of Dreskiy became a focal point for these interactions, with the Kremiyans trading their livestock, honey, furs, and minerals from the northern regions in exchange for the prized warmth of whale skin and the sustenance of whale meats.”

“Yet not all was wonderful and without disaster. It were during these early days that the Kremiyans

“This early form of trade and adaptability to the lands around them not only enriched the lives of both peoples but also laid the foundation for future diplomatic and economic relations between the Kremiyan settlers and the diverse inhabitants of Reveia. It was through such exchanges that the Kremiyans began to integrate themselves into the fabric of their new homeland, forging bonds that would endure and shape the course of their history for generations to come.”

# '''AN AGE OF SETTLEMENT'''

“With the establishment of sizable Kremiyan settlements, the need for permanent structures to withstand the harsh realities of their environment became evident. The extreme winters and brisk summers demanded sturdy, well-insulated buildings to shelter the populace. Thus, within mere months of their arrival, the Kremiyan people embarked on an ambitious construction project, transitioning from tents to more permanent dwellings and prioritizing the creation of centralized cities over dispersed settlements. This strategic decision allowed for more efficient allocation of resources and manpower, ensuring the collective well-being of the Kremiyan populace. The young boys, who formed a crucial part of the Kremiyan retinue, were no longer burdened with unnecessary tasks of setting up and dismantling temporary shelters.”

“The result was the emergence of the iconic red cities of the Kremiyan people. Characterized by buildings constructed from a distinctive red-hued material, these cities began to take shape, reflecting the unique architectural style and cultural identity of the Kremiyan civilization. Circular domes became a common feature of important structures, symbolizing unity and harmony within the community. Color, it seemed, played a significant role in Kremiyan culture and architecture, serving not only as a practical choice for building materials but also as a symbolic expression of their identity and resilience in the face of their challenging environment. During this period, the Kremiyan people remained largely enigmatic, focusing their efforts inward rather than embarking on exploratory endeavors. The walled towns of Norslavow and Ryinaritzyn, now modern-day settlements, stood as bastions against the relentless assaults of creatures ensorcelled by northern witches. This constant threat forced the Kremiyans to adopt a defensive stance, fortifying their towns and cities to withstand the onslaught.”

“However, this defensive posture inadvertently sparked a newfound desire among the Kremiyan people - the formation of veche's. These popular assemblies quickly became a defining feature of Kremiyan society. The veche likely originated as a deliberative body among early Kremiyan tribes, serving as a forum for discussion and decision-making. As the tribes settled in permanent trading centers, which later evolved into cities, the veche retained its significance as a pillar of democratic governance, sharing power with a Knyaz (prince) and an aristocratic council of Boyars. The veche's authority varied from city to city but generally encompassed the ability to accept or reject a prince who claimed inheritance of the city. Additionally, by controlling the town's militia, the veche could veto a prince's plans for military campaigns, ensuring a balance of power and democratic representation within Kremiyan society.”

“The formation of these Kremiyan veches were largely found around modern day Norslavow and Ryinaritzyn, yet it was most prevalent within Norslavow where the veche acquired its greatest power, it was able to choose the city’s knyaz, to enter into a contract with him that specifically defined and limited his powers, and to dismiss him. It also elected the major military and civil officials subordinate to the knyaz. In most areas the veche ruled both a city and its dependent villages whilst weary boyars had ensured to keep away from the veche system yet conceded various powers to smaller assemblies, yet this caused a struggle, struggle of powers between the people and aristocracy which would give way to many feuds brought on by this type of democracy; the heads of families in the entire region were entitled to participate in its sessions, which could be convoked by the knyaz, the town officials, or the citizenry. The veche met irregularly; it had no formal procedural rules, and decisions were reached when one side gave up. Yet for the time being, the harmony between veches and the aristocracy had continued for a few centuries, albeit wearily.”

# '''AN AGE OF STRIFE'''

“Thus began an era of prosperity and relative peace for the Kremiyan people. As cities, villages, towns, and dukedoms flourished, so too did the struggle for power between the common folk and the aristocracy. This period of uneasy calm teetered on the edge, waiting for a spark to ignite the flames of conflict. That spark came in the form of '''Knyaz Nikolai''', an ironic figure hailed as the true protector of the Kremiyan way and a hero to the people. His rule marked a turning point, ushering in an attempted era of absolute power for the rulers. This shift coincided with the first encounters of the Kremiyan people with southern Triumite missionaries, marking a significant moment of exposure to outside influences. This newfound exposure heralded a new age for the Kremiyan people, one where they were influenced by the myriad cultures already settled within the Reveian lands.”

“The arrival of southern Triumite missionaries marked a crucial juncture in Kremiyan history, bringing with them not only the teachings of the Trium but also ideas from the southern lands. Concepts such as the supremacy of a single ruler and empowerment of the people merged with Triumite teachings, resonating deeply with the Kremiyan populace. Through simple acts and the dissemination of knowledge, the missionaries achieved widespread success in converting much of the population. The diaspora quickly embraced the Triumite faith en masse, as the Kremiyans themselves had no strong religious convictions prior to the missionaries' arrival. The spread of Triumite beliefs was further facilitated by a series of unfortunate events, including the Igozi drought and subsequent plague. The harsh winter that followed led to crop failures and scarcity, as excess produce was diverted to larger cities, leaving smaller villages to suffer. During this time of crisis, the missionaries inadvertently capitalized on the Kremiyan masses' vulnerability, offering not just spiritual solace but also practical knowledge of medicine and herbs. This, coupled with '''Knyaz Nikolai's''' alignment with the Triumite faith, led to an upward trend in Triumite followers and eventual dominance of the religion in Kremiyan lands whilst also leading to the creation of an important sight and first of the eventual architectural masterpiece built by the Kremiyan people, the monastery of St. Chernov..”

“During this period, the northlands experienced a surge in raids and attacks from groups that could only be described as demonic worshippers. While these incursions were not yet a major concern and were seen as mere skirmishes, they served as an ominous foreshadowing of the trials to come for the Kremiyan people. Meanwhile, the political landscape among the Kremiyans was fraught with tension. The struggle for power between the aristocracy had reached a boiling point, with neither side willing to relinquish their grip on authority. This internal discord became a source of amusement for Reveian visitors, who whispered tales of the Kremiyans' political turmoil across the continent. The Reveians, long known for their ambitions of conquest under a single banner, watched with keen interest. They saw an opportunity to exploit the division among the Kremiyan people, perhaps seeking to bring them under Reveian rule. As tensions simmer and the specter of external threats loomed ever closer, the Kremiyans found themselves on the brink of a tumultuous chapter in their history.”

“Then came the demontide which saw the kremiyans decimated and saw the first and large masses of reveians previously settled in southern lands travel north in groves with their massive armies 

Despite modernization tribalism blah blah blah

Triumite missionaries 

City councils/assemblies as moderate ideals from southern missions.
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