Manaia : The Alochian Kingdoms
Vadaloch and Akaloch are two neighbouring cities in the Northern region of Aneyes, with a combined population of around 1.4 million people.
The civilisations are divided by the Aloch - a very large body of water surrounded by a mountain range - and the river that emanates from it.
As recently as two centuries ago, Vadaloch and Akaloch were undivided, and known together as the Kingdom of Alochia. Three hundred years prior to that, at the end of the fifth century, the territory had been comprised of hundreds of tribes. These tribes were united under the leadership of Jio Saturo - the founder of Alochia - in response to Emperor Mammon's imposition of taxes on the region. The unification of the tribes served as a pivotal event leading to the downfall of the Fenian Empire, and consequently Jio Saturo is regarded as a legendary hero in many locations throughout Manaia.
The Kingdom of Alochia became divided several centuries later when King Riko, a direct descendant of Jio Saturo, fathered twin firstborn sons. These boys, Ryu and Raiku, suffered the loss of their father to suicide at age 14. King Riko threw himself from the peak of the tallest mountain in Alochia after the death of his beloved wife. The mountain has since been known as the Mountain of Mourning. King Riko had neglected to name an heir before his suicide, and as a result the population of Alochia was left torn on who to support as their leader. Both Ryu and Raiku were loved by the people and believed to be, even in their adolescence, formidable warriors and leaders of great compassion. An attempt was made to rule together, but when both sired an heir, disagreements ensued and bad blood began to stir. One Kingdom became two, and the people were offered the choice of following Ryu or Raiku. A small majority followed Raiku, residing in the Northside of the Alochian river, while the rest followed Ryu to the South. The region has remained divided ever since.
Vadaloch is currently ruled by King Jio, named after the legend himself. Akaloch is ruled currently by Queen Sun. Both are direct descendants of Jio and have Saturo blood pumping in their veins.
Vadaloch and Akaloch follow a form of the Aman religion, like many in the Wetlands, where the original tribes are said to have emigrated from. Throughout Manaia, they are regarded as the toughest and most skilled warriors, as well as the greatest artisans and swordsmiths.
Akaloch still follows the old ways, believing that material wealth is an obstacle to spiritual growth and a barrier between people. The population gets by on the bare necessities and recognise time, as opposed to gold and gems, as the only currency with intrinsic value. Everyone in the community has a role which changes periodically, and work together to provide what is needed. Though Akaloch does not utilise a tokenised currency, they do exchange well-crafted items for steel and material to build better weapons and armour in preparation of the final battle.
Vadaloch has seen the modernisation of its civilisation with the use of currency emerging as long as a century ago. The disparate means of living has sown further seeds of distrust between the neighbouring kingdoms, and as a result, the communities do not cross the river for any purpose, and do not interact with one another except at The Games, an event that takes place annually in Agamar.
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