Dwilight University/History/A Concise History of Occidentalism

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Occidentalism

Geography

Occidens is, according to the formal geography of Dwilight presently in use by the cartographers of D'Hara and academics of the University campus in Chesney, the large, western landmass of Dwilight. However, for the purpose of discussion, this landmass often includes and refers to the Tomb Islands and the Madinan Archipelago, which have played important historical roles in the development of Occidens, as well as the island of Libidizedd, and even Averoth. However, in general, Occidens is the large, contiguous, western landmass. Thus, Occidentalism would be the attitudes or ideas which typify the peoples of Occidens.

Demography

However, this does not answer the question of what Occidentalism actually is. Indeed, to define Occidentalism as a cohesive cultural idea will require the exclusion of certain parts of Occidens; namely, Astrum. Though Sanguis Astroism is an element in Occidentalism, Astrum itself, as well as its offshoot Niselur will be given little discussion in this text, the focus of which shall be to describe Occidental culture and life as it is distinguished from Toprakian, which is overwhelmingly Astroist. Thus, Occidentalism is characteristic of those areas which could be called Maroccidental, Far Western, and Mesoccidental or Caerwynian. D'Haran culture would also be included, as would significant elements of Madinan culture.

The Origins of Occidental Society

The native folk of Occidens are a strange and barbarous people for the most part, only becoming civilized under the influence of nobility arrived from other continents from 0 DY onwards. As they have mingled with waves of colonists, the natural depravity of these brutish people has been so tempered that the original race of people has become almost lost to history, saving only in the shadow of Volcano Nightscree, where the Zuma Coalition resides.

Madinan Origins

The great bulk of Occidental realms trace their lineage to Madina. The two initial Pirate Colonies (Melodia, and Caerwyn) were founded in the major ports of Occidens (Paisly and Golden Farrow, respectively), where the red-sailed ships from the south could make easy ports of call and strike deep to the interior. However, while the rapacious and expansionary instincts of the Madinans may have originated many Occidental realms, Occidens is now a place of civilization in its own right. Caerwyn has spawned two colonies (Terran, and Asylon) which have grown far beyond the heritage of pillaging. Indeed, Terran in particular, through its alliance with D'Hara, has often stood against piracy and defended the stable and civilized life. Madina also colonized the Grand Duchy of Fissoa, to its east, which in turn sent a westward expedition to Ordenstaat, which, though constantly beleagured by monsters and undead, though reduced to a single region, fought on with grim and heroic determination for an exceedingly long time. Melodia eventually collapsed to internal strife and monster pressures and, despite attempts to refound it, Paisly reverted to Madinan control, with its hinterlands becoming infested by monsters. However, when Caerwyn founded Terran, the former Melodians traveled north and joined it, thus forming another influx of Madinan culture. The last influx of Madinan culture into Occidental society, as of this writing, is in their conquest of Candiels, whereby they have a foothold in the southernmost bastions of Occidens. Candiels eventually seceded to form the realm of Aurvandil, a free monarchy opposed to Madina's libertine ways. Also, Ordenstaat briefly had an offshoot colony called Silverfall, and Madina also launched an ill-fated colonial venture to Chateau Saffalore, resulting in the short-lived colony of Avenel.

Lurian Origins

While undoubtedly Madina is the mother of Occidens, the influence of Pian en Luries cannot be discounted. Though the primary concerns of the Lurians have been on their own affairs, in the early years they sent forth a colonization effort under Edelstein Greneburie, which founded Shadovar in Port Nebel. In keeping with the time-honored Lurian tradition of haughtiness, division, and secession, Shadovar provoked war with Melodia, much to its detriment. Though it eventually took Port Raviel, this was to be Edelstein's undoing, for Raviel in time seceded to form the realm of D'Hara. Now Madina claimed Port Raviel due to Melodia's old claim to Port Raviel, and thusly did Madina also hold Paisly. But when Madina eventually attacked Terran, D'Hara came to Terran's aid, and Paisly was taken. Since then, the pirates of Madina have launched constant assaults on the battered walls of Paisly, which have been upheld by the stalwart alliance of Terran and D'Hara. D'Hara has been ravaged by starvation, attacks from Caerwyn and Madina, rebellion, espionage, monsters, and even a brief war with their mother-country Pian en Luries. Yet through this D'Hara has stood and become a defining member of the Occidental community. There was also a short-lived Shadovarian colony in Qubel Lighthouse. A later Lurian influence came with the Barcan colonists who, after being defeated in a civil war, were assisted in colonizing Rettleville by Terran and D'Hara.

Toprakian Origins

While most of Occidens comes from Madina and Pian en Luries, Toprakian powers have also had their say. Asylon, though founded by Caerwyn, was soon joined by Thulsoman immigrants, who brought Sanguis Astroism with them. Moreover, Terran's founders included several Astroists among them, so that Terran has included an established Astroist minority since its early days. Dignitaries from Toprak often visit Terran and D'Hara, and it is rumored that some go as far as Asylon. The only known established centers of Astroist worship are in Terran, around Chateau Saffalore, though the main religion of Terran is Triunism, and also in Vakreno Heaps, in Asylon.

The Present State of Occidens

While the origins of Occidental society reflect the influence of Madina and Pian en Luries, the current story of Occidens is entirely its own. Caerwyn, Terran, and D'Hara have their own stories to tell, their own cultures and concerns, and interests which they pursue, as exemplified in the multiple colonies coming from Caerwyn, such as Terran and Asylon.

Settlements

In ancient times, there were large, organized realms between Volcano Nightscree and Chesney, where now the Marwood predominates. The Far West was also once governed by the great Echiur Dynasty. But since the arrival of our own more civilized kind, the patterns of human civilization have altered. Fully a fourth of all Occidentals dwell in a single city: the aptly named Golden Farrow. Beyond this, Chesney is an important population center, as are Itau and Candiels, each with around 20,000 people. The city of Paisly is the largest city in Maroccidens, and Chateau Saffalore forms the another major urban center. Small towns exist around Port Nebel, [[Twainville], and Rettleville. The beginning of cities are beginning to appear in Shokalom and Echi'ur, but only time will tell. Paisly and Port Raviel are the undisputed trade center of Maroccidens, though Golden Farrow is the wealthiest place on the continent. Chesney, however, is the queen of the land, with great temples of two faiths, a University campus, and guildhouses of almost every guild in Dwilight. Foreign dignitaries arrive in these cities on a regular basis, for Occidentals are a travel-prone people, despite the many dangers that beset the roads. However, the bulk of that travel, except in the heartlands of Terran and Caerwyn must be done by boat, as the lands between Occidental realms are trackless wastes. The great expanse between Chateau Saffalore and the southern bounds of Caerwyn is not traveled lightly.

Diplomatic Affairs

The firm alliance of Terran and D'Hara is arguably the most conspicuous example of Occidental diplomacy, as it reflects ongoing conflicts with Madina and piracy, as well as historical conflicts with Caerwyn. However, in recent times, Caerwyn, Terran, and Asylon have strengthened their bonds and formed productive working relationships, dividing territorial claims in a fair manner between themselves. Terran has occasional relations with the Zuma Coalition as well, while D'Hara and Ordenstaat have a long-standing dispute. The demise of Ordenstaat left the interior of Maroccidens unsettled for a while, while Asylon and Terran have extended their claims into Mesoccidens. However, with the joint sponsorship of Barca by Terran and D'Hara, their strong alliance has found a third member, and the interior is being resettled. The arrival of Aurvandil has changed little for the rest of Occidens, but eventually may shape politics around Barca and D'Hara.

Religion

Occidentals are a religiously diverse people. Undoubtedly the most numerous faith is Verdis Elementum, as it is the faith of Caerwyn, which alone makes up over half of the Occidental population. Second to Verdis Elementum would be Triunism, which is the primary faith of Terran, and is also the most widely held faith in the wild lands. Sanguis Astroism is practiced in some places, with practicing minorities in Asylon, Terran, and D'Hara, but Occidental culture is largely conspicuous for the absence of strong Astroist influences. Ordenstaat was once a place of strong religious influence via The Brotherhood, as well as the Order of St. Iestyn. However, those religions weren used against Ordenstaat by dissenters, and thus it became religiously ambivalent until its death, around which time the mysterious Cult of Orden appeared in the wildlands, of which little is known, though rumors of strange rites in Wurzburg persist. The native religion of D'Hara is gone, having been supplanted in most places by Verdis Elementum, and, around Port Nebel, Sanguis Astroism, as well as Triunism near Terran.

The Political History of Occidens

It would be fruitless to begin a history with the colonization of Occidens, as only Caerwyn remains from those original settlements. Rather, a brief history of the current realms seems fruitful.

Ordenstaat

In the spring of 5 DY, Ordenstaat began its troubled days in Maroccidens. It grew slowly at first around its center in Rettleville. It was founded by Fissoan colonists, and thus can ultimately be traced back in its heritage to Madina. According to one of its leading members, Ordenstaat was founded as a buffer against the daimons, as the Zuma are sometimes called. Ordenstaat has had a dynamic history; it has grown so large as to include Twainville and all the southern parts of Marwood, and even into the Townflats and Old Maroccidens. However, those wild lands are full of strange creatures and monsters... and plagues. Rebellion and plague tore Ordenstaat apart, including a secession of Tainville to for Silverfall. Ordenstaat has highly mixed relations with the Zuma, and a long-standing dispute with D'Hara, which supports the claim of Milmice Vecchio Ratto to the throne of this small realm, against its current claimant, Arden Fury. Ordenstaat is a strange place, constantly beset by its foes, and yet often word comes of wondrous relics and magic weapons that come from this land. Ordenstaat has been written off as dead many times before, and yet persevered for a long time. However, Ordenstaat was eventually destroyed my monsters, and its only legacy is the mysterious "Cult of Orden," which itself was abandoned within a few months.

D'Hara

The third realm to occupy the "Tomb Islands", after Melodia and its precursor Shadovar, D'Hara has struggled through numerous wars against Madina and occasionally Caerwyn, as well as rebellious cities that sometimes revert their allegiances to Pian en Luries or Corsanctum. However, despite this, and despite chronic food shortages due to the lack of good arable lands in the islands, D'Hara perseveres, with Paisly its current capital. On top of these problems, other realms, such as the Quadrivium, have attempted to colonize D'Haran cities at various times, leaving this Maroccidental state often in a difficult position. For many years D'Hara was a monarchy ruled by Dragon King Cenarious: however, eventually, the decay of the monarchy and internal unrest, as well as rising rebelliousness among the peasants, forced a new government, a republic, led by Prime Minister Marche Telrunya, formerly the Duke of Paisly. Its future became bright under new governance, with a stronger military, and renewed commitments to alliances abroad, such as the alliance to Terran. Indeed, soon after the Prime Minister's election, Barca was founded, and D'Hara reclaimed several lost regions.

Terran

The history of Terran begins in the Autumn of 3 DY, with the conquest of Chateau Saffalore by a colonization party from Caerwyn. This party was led by Vesna Valentine and Vigilans Animus, and also included Teniel Dell. It was a largely Astroist group. The Terran colonists initially planned to name their realm Highland, but it was changed upon discussion (though the old name is preserved in the names of the armies: "Pride of the Highlands" being the Chateau's army). Around the time Vashgew and Gretchew were conquered, a contingent of Melodians arrived from Madina, their homeland having been destroyed. Though initially refused entry, they were eventually welcomed into Terran as equals. Terran was initially a highly centralized republic led by Vesna Valentine. However, soon after Chesney was conquered, Caerwyn assaulted Terran due to a series of disputes regarding Sanguis Astroism's role in Terran, as well as colonial claims to Shokalom. With destruction hanging over their heads, the Terranians replaced Vesna with Teniel Dell as their leader. Since then, Terran has become a more decentralized Republic, led by a Senate composed of the lords of the realm. For several years Terran's growth essentially stalled as regions were developed and infrastructure built. During this time, Madina launched a large attack on Terran, claiming we were an upstart colony and a Sanguis Astroist puppet. A raid got almost to Chesney before it was defeated. In response, D'Hara and Terran attacked Paisly, the coven of the corrupt and evil Duchess Nightling Balewind, the Assassin Queen of Maroccidens. Paisly was taken, and Madina was expelled from Maroccidens. Madina launched many more raids on Paisly, but was defeated by the alliance of D'Hara and Terran. Since that time, Terran has continued to prosper, though southern expansion has been curtailed in favor of pressing northwards to Shokalom and the surrounding area, and diplomatic progress has been made with Caerwyn and Asylon.

Asylon

Asylon began as a Caerwynian colony in the old lands of the Echiur Dynasty. With the help of Verdis Elementum, Asylon got a quick start, conquering some neighboring lands. However, exiles from Old Thulsoma, those fleeing that country before Haruka Vanimendle's tyranny, arrived in Asylon soon after its beginning. These largely-Astroist nobles changed the culture of Asylon, and eventually assumed power through various means. Under their rule, the close ties with Caerwyn were broken, but no hostilities began. However, recently Asylon has found new leadership, and is restoring its traditional Occidental ties, and entering a new period of expansion.

Barca

A recent Maroccidental realm, Barca, is composed primarily of Lurian nobles exiled from their homeland due to being members of the Giaskan secession. Led by Julius Galvez, a friend of Hireshmont Vellos II of Terran, they traveled to Terran, and found welcome and aid there. Serving through the winter, they traveled south to Rettleville in the spring, assisted by the gold, food, and armies of Terran and D'Hara. They rapidly formed an independent government, and were joined by a few D'Haran and Terran nobles. Having formed a Republic, Barca completed the trinity of Maroccidental republics: Terran, D'Hara, and Barca.

Aurvandil

Founded by secession from Madina, Aurvandil is situated on the Candiels Peninsula. It is a monarchy with strong centralization, actively opposed to Madina's piratical and disorganized system of claims and counter-claims. Shortly after seceding, they indicated their goodwill towards the other realms of Maroccidens, and willingness to recognize territorial treaties. Little is known, as of yet, about Aurvandil, except that it is an enemy of Madina, a fact not lost on Maroccidentals who remember the pirate raids of old.

The Idea of Occidentalism

From the information provided above, an idea should already be forming in the mind of the reader about what Occidentalism means. It is not only a geographic identity, it is a point of view. The Occidental noble is one that is hardened by harsh winters filled with monsters and undead and feels at home; he is surrounded by untamed wilderness yet makes harmony amidst it; he holds his convictions fiercely, yet works through alliance and trade more than arms and force; he smells the Ash of Nightscree in the spring and does not flinch, then drinks the rain of the Central Sea in fall and does not gorge himself; his heart is buried in the soil of his country, yet his mind moves freely through the continent entire; his brothers are near at hand, yet he seeks friends in every corner of the land. This is the Occidental man: a colonizer, an orderer, a man who does not fear the night, but, rather, lights a torch to drive it back. He is a man who will bend his knee but once in fealty to a lord, and never again: he does not pay homage, he does not surrender his right to his land, he enforces his claims. He is a proud man, and a good one, whose prime joy is in the promulgation of the law, the protection of the land, and the participation in his own birthright of liberty. He fights pirates to defend his gold, yet on the next day he would trade with the very same: his concern is not for petty feuds, but with his right as a noble, a right made more precious by the vulgarity of the wildlands. The men who has seen the crass life of unruled peasant-colonists becomes all the more assured of his own proper right to rule, and so the Occidental man is a noble first, and makes the demands of a noble on all those who surround him. In sum, Occidentalism is a confidence in one's own right to possess, a willingness to enforce that right, an unwillingness to back down from the good, and a demand for independence against foreign powers: a demand for respect. It is to prove our worthiness of honor that we brave the wilderness, and we will not surrender what we have earned. We will worship our gods as we choose, we will rule our peasants as we choose, we will trade when and with whom we choose, and we will not be gainsaid.