=======Yuanen======= ===[nation]=== \\ **Pronunciation**: (you-AH-nen)\\ **Galactic Region**: [[galaxy:galactic geography#Perseus Arm]]\\ **Galactic Branch**: [[galaxy:galactic geography#Sikhara Branch]]\\ **Galactic Sector**: [[galaxy:Sector N4|N4]]\\ **Star System**: [[Sol]]\\ **Planet**: [[Terra]]\\ **Continent**: [[Aimsir]]\\ **Land Area**: 1,618,000 square miles\\ **Length**: 2,600 miles north to south\\ **Width**: 600 miles east to west\\ **Coordinates**: 15° N to 66° S, 123° W to 30° W\\ {{ :wiki:locator_color_-_yuanen.png?nolink |A color map of Yuanen}} \\ ~~TOC~~ One of Terra's Largest countries, occupying the large delta and grasslands between [[Sliabh]] and [[Fiadh]], residents refer to it as the valley of the wind, as near constant wind rushes from the north, flowing down towards the deserts to the south. Yuanen is a nation steeped in tradition and rooted firmly in its long history \\ ==== Cities ==== {{ :wiki:kaze.png?396|}} * [[Amiha]] - Lake town on the eastern branch of the river delta * [[Anigian]] - Mountain town on the Yuanen side of the mountain pass to [[Koraha]] * [[Bheacan]] - Mushroom city with Yuanen's borders but not governed by it * [[Gioh]] - Sister city to Huang in the mountains of the peninsula * [[Havat]] - Lake town on the western branch of the river delta * [[Heiyaoshi]] - Port town beyond the deserts to the south with an odd sense of belonging to [[Yuanen]] * [[Huang]] - Sister city to Gioh on Turtle Bay * [[Kanter]] - Mountain mining town and liaison to the [[Sliabh]] federation * [[Kaze]] - Primate city and capitol of Yuanen * [[Riasc]] - City on the edge of the southern salt flats wedged in next to the mushroom forest * [[Samira]] - Western coastal city and a key port in [[Yuanen]] and [[Fiadh|Fiadh's]] joint anti-piracy efforts * [[Weifeng]] - The first major post town on the long road from Yuanen to [[Reithe]] * [[Zhen]] - Post town on the [[Katua River]] and the road from [[Yuanen]] to [[Fiadh]] \\ ==== Related geography ==== * [[Aemalfi Island]] - Large island off the northwestern coast of Yuanen * [[Bhakabi Forest]] - Mushroom forest in southern Yuanen * [[Bhamvara Lake]] - Last lake on the [[Katua River]] before it drains into [[Kachua Bay]] * [[Bolcan Island]] - Island off the southern coast of [[Aimsir]], northwest of [[Heiyaoshi]] * [[Caol Passage]] - Waters between the [[Aimsir]] mainland and [[Fjall]] * [[Dwer Lake]] - Lake in the plains of Yuanen, on the [[Jara River]] * [[Faulan Mountains]] - Range between [[Fiadh]] and Yuanen * [[Feahr River]] - Runs west from the northern [[Sliabh Mountains]] to [[Kachua Bay]] * [[Ghlahoin Island]] - Island off the southern coast of Reithe, near [[Heiyaoshi]] * [[Gulf of the Fox]] - Gulf between [[Aimsir]] and [[Gael]] * [[Isle of Saulam]] - Island in [[Kachua Bay]] * [[Jara River]] - Runs north from the [[Faulan Mountains]] of Yuanen to [[Kachua Bay]] * [[Kachua Bay]] - Bay encircled by Yuanen, named after the giant turtles that inhabit its waters * [[Kalina Forest]] - Forest in the southern end of Yuanen * [[Katua River]] - Runs north from the [[Faulan Mountains]] of Yuanen to [[Kachua Bay]] * [[Marakata Kelp Forest]] - Underwater forest of kelp and coral in [[Kachua Bay]] * [[Muilean River]] - Runs northeast from the town of [[Gioh]], through [[Huang]], and into the [[Kachua Bay]] * [[Naragi Lake]] - Lake in the far south of Yuanen * [[Nyewa Forest]] - Small forest nestled against the [[Faulan Mountains]] of western [[Aimsir]] * [[Pikwata Desert]] - Deserts of southern Yuanen * [[Rau River]] - Runs north from the Faulan Mountains of Yuanen to Kachua Bay * [[Richu Mountains]] - Range in the northwestern peninsula of Yuanen * [[Rhudde Island]] - Small island south of [[Aemalfi Island]], off the northwestern coast of Yuanen * [[Sakha River]] - Runs from the [[Sliabh Mountains]] to [[Kachua Bay]] * [[Shra Lake]] - First lake on the [[Katua River]] as it descends from the [[Faulan Mountains]] * [[Sliabh Mountains]] - Great mountain range splitting [[Aimsir]] into two halves * [[Tor River]] - Runs west from the [[Sliabh Mountains]] to [[Kachua Bay]] * [[Traica River]] - Runs east from [[Naragi Lake]] to the [[Gulf of the Fox]] * [[Valley of the Silver Wind]] - The valley between the [[Faulan Mountains]] and [[Sliabh Mountains]] * [[Yajiri Island]] - Small island off the tip of Yuanen's northwestern peninsula * [[Yuanen Sound]] - The connection between the [[cymyl|Cymyl Ocean]] and the [[Kachua Bay]] \\ {{ :wiki:locator_-_yuanen.png?nolink |A paper map Yuanen}} \\ ==== History ==== The history of Yuanen begins with the inception of the Four Kingdoms: [[Kalmar]], [[Hito]], [[Sehti]], and [[Jhenee]]. These four kingdoms were among the first to form in the early days of Terra's humanoid history, occupying the continent of [[Aimsir]], covering the lands west of the [[Sliabh Mountains]]. These nations would go on to fight in wars with each other and against the eastern nations of [[Aimsir]]. Several alliances would be formed and broken over the millenia Power would eventually be consolidated into a vast empire which would be embroiled in the Blood Wars, which would ravage the empire and its people. In the Council of Ceilidh, the [[Jhua'nen]] empire would be reformed as [[Yuanen]]. Shortly after, the province of [[Hito]] would secede and form the nation of [[Fiadh]]. What remained is more or less present day Yuanen Many of the empire's cities were destroyed in the fighting, and with decreased population, rebuilding these cities was not possible, to make matters worse, the blight that spread from the [[Ehkehki Mountains]] across southern [[Reithe]] had a devastating ecological impact on the southern [[Sliabh Mountains]] and southern Yuanen. Several cities were destroyed in the area which is now the [[Pikwata Desert]]. Most of the population fled north to [[Kaze]] and the surrounding delta, eventually establishing new settlements, some of which persist to the present **Timeline** * **73.3M BCE**: The formation of the [[Kalmar]] kingdom, in present day [[Yuanen]]'s southernmost coast * **73.3M BCE**: The formation of the [[Hito]] kingdom, in present day [[Fiadh]] * **71.5M BCE**: The formation of the [[Sehti]] Kingdom in the central plains of present day [[Yuanen]] * **69.0M BCE**: The formation of the Kingdom of [[Jhenee]] on the [[Kachua Bay]] * **65.0M BCE**: The kingdoms of [[Hito]], [[Kalmar]], [[Jhenee]], and [[Sehti]] enter into the [[Jhan'Ahkha'tar]] alliance * **55.4M BCE**: The [[Jhan'Ahkha'tar]] civil war breaks out between the [[Jhenee]] and the [[Sehti]] clans * **55.1M BCE**: [[Kalmar]] and [[Sehti]] form an alliance against the Jhenee * **54.9M BCE**: The [[Hito]] join the [[Kalmar]] and [[Sehti]] against the [[Jhenee]] * **54.3M BCE**: The [[Jhenee]] lose the [[Jhan'Ahkha'tar]] civil war, the [[Sehti'Ahkha'tar]] empire is formed * **47.5M BCE**: [[Kalmar]] invades the southern region of [[Tael'Reshk]] * **47.4M BCE**: The Salt Peace Accord is signed, halting the [[Kalmar]] invasion of [[Tael'Reshk]] * **41.0M BCE**: [[Kalmar]] invades [[Tael'Reshk]], igniting the Great War * **38.9M BCE**: The [[Baumeni]] join the war against the [[Sehti'Ahkha'tar]] empire * **38.7M BCE**: The [[Sehti]] and the [[Kalmar]] engage in civil war * **37.8M BCE**: The fall of the [[Sehti'Ahkha'tar]] empire. [[hito|Hito'Maru]], [[Kalmar]], and [[sehti|Sehti'taal]] emerge * **33.0M BCE**: The assassination of the King of [[Kalmar]] signals the end of the iron age * **30.4M BCE**: [[sehti|Sehti'taal]] and [[Kalmar]] form the [[Jhua'nen]] Alliance * **24.4M BCE**: [[Kalmar]] founds colonies in present day [[Gael]]'s western coast * **22.6M BCE**: [[Kalmar]] conquests the entire continent of [[Gael]], destroying all [[akkaus|Akkau]] cities * **20.7M BCE**: [[sehti|Sehti'taal]] colonizes in the [[Aeye|Aeye archipelago]] * **18.5M BCE**: [[sehti|Sehti'taal]] conquers Akkau cities in [[Aeye]] * **14.4M BCE**: [[sehti|Sehti'taal]] carves out the Aimsir Pass * **13.1M BCE**: [[sehti|Sehti'taal]] founds a colony on [[Craic]] * **11.4M BCE**: [[sehti|Sehti'taal]] builds the Salt Pillar * **10.0M BCE**: [[Kalmar]] declares war on [[Reshk'tar]], beginning the Age of Blood * **8.8M BCE**: [[Nae'eri]] declares independence from the [[sehti|Sehti'taal]] empire * **7.75M BCE**: [[reshk'tar|Reishk'tar]] Empire formed after [[Reshk'tar]] defeats [[Kalmar]] east of the [[Sliabh Mountains]] * **7.3M BCE**: [[sehti|Sehti'taal]] absorbs [[Kalmar]]'s remaining territory and [[Jhua'nen]] is established * **6.9M BCE**: [[Jhua'nen]] conquers [[hito|Hito'Maru]] * **6.7M BCE**: [[Fjall]] declares independence from [[hito|Hito'Maru]] and [[Jhua'nen]] * **4.65M BCE**: [[Jhua'nen]] conquers [[Akkaus]], scattering the [[Ulfar]] across the northern hemisphere * **2.0M BCE**: Council of Ceilidh, [[Jhua'nen]] becomes Yuanen * **2M BCE**: Population of terra is at historic lows * **1.999M BCE**: Terra's nations engage in recovery programs * **1.783M BCE**: The ecological impact of the blight lays waste to what is now the [[Pikwata Desert]] * **1.382M BCE**: City of [[Huang]] in [[Yuanen]] inaugurated * **0.759M BCE**: The province of [[Hito]] declares independence from [[Yuanen]], under the name [[Fiadh]] * **0.451M BCE**: [[Samira]]'s first residents reach the west coast of [[Yuanen]] and settle * **356 CE**: Miners from [[Huang]] settle the city of [[Gioh]] * **847 CE**: The city of [[Zhen]] is established * **847 CE**: First efforts to rebuild [[Heiyaoshi]] commence \\ ==== Government and laws ==== When the kingdoms of Terra transformed into nations at the Council of Ceilidh, Yuanen was formed from [[Jhua'nen]], but very little changed. Since then, change has been slow. The prime minister of the country has very broad power, both officially and even more so behind the scene. A national parliament exists, but is devoid of the ability to make any radical changes. Cities are run by mayors, which have just enough power to run the day to day operations The prime minister has the ability to override any law and to proposed laws, which require a majority vote in the parliament. Only on very rare occasions does a prime minister invoke either of these two mechanisms, at least officially. In truth, no law is put forth in parliament without prior approval from the prime minister, and all proposed laws pass. Prime ministers serve 40 year terms, after which their successor is appointed by the national council, which is also actually done by the prime minister Law in Yuanen covers everything from business and trade to personal behavior to the observance of religious tenets. Nowhere on terra is life so thoroughly regulated. While these laws technically apply to visitors, most are not enforced and have a reduced set of punishments in the case that they are \\ ==== Society and culture ==== **Religion**\\ Citizens of Yuanen worship the spirits in all things, but practically speaking, only the spirits of the four elements are actually worshiped. The spirit of Air is heavily favored, usually the worship of the other three elemental spirits is only present in temples. The spirit of Air is revered as the giver of life and the breath of the universe So that proper acknowledgement of the movement of the wind can be observed, hanging cloth or chimes are required to be visible from any place the people might find themselves. Even roads are dotted with standing stones from which cloth and bells are hung, so that even when travelling, proper respect can be paid to the wind spirit. Cloth used for these purposes is usually dyed red but can also be purple, blue, yellow, or orange. When travelling in remote places or abroad, the people of Yuanen are well known to bring flags and chimes with them. Additionally, sunrise and sunset are observed as often as possible, and always in silence. These times are seen as transitions between the states of the elements. Several systems of divination using the clouds are used to predict the future and make decisions **Values**\\ Hard work, community, and loyalty to one's leader and country are Yuanen's top priorities. Everything in Yuanen is regulated, including personal behavior. Hospitality, politeness, and a sense of formality are prized and in many cases, required. Rituals and customs are a part of even the most mundane daily tasks. Personal relationships are usually reserved for close family and old friends, and trust between two people is always earned. It is not uncommon for strangers to be completely mistrusted, but not in an emotional or personal manner. Titles are used when referring to another person which denotes your relationship to that person **Dress**\\ Long, fitted suits are the only acceptable form of clothing for formal and social gatherings alike. The suits come down to the shin, typically to the feet for women and nearer to the knee for men. The sleeves of the suit are cut wide and flow down from the arm. Bells are sewn into the sleeves for clothing worn in times of celebration. The cloth of the torso is usually wrapped, cut in sweeping lines across the body. Sashes and scarves are worn and the quality of the sash is a strong social status symbol. The sashes are worn across the body, counter to the cut of the wearer's suit Dangling earrings are worn by all genders in different styles, and women's earrings are designed to catch the wind to make noise, either by chime, bell, or whistle. Bracelets are also worn by all genders, typically looping through themselves and dangling 6-18 inches The people of Yuanen are, genetically speaking, the most homogenous among [[Humans]] on Terra. This is due to strict marriage practices, in which young people are strongly discouraged from marrying foreigners, even descendants of colonists from such places as [[Naer]] which have strong cultural ties to Yuanen. The result is a lack of diversity in physical features. Skin tone is medium-light, while eye and hair color are invariably jet black. Physical build does vary a little, from medium to a slightly smaller build **Food**\\ Between the [[kachua bay|bay]] and the rivers of the valley, fish is a bountiful resource and is a staple of the diet. The rivers also provide a water source for sweeping rice paddies on which a colorful blend of rice is grown, providing another staple of Yuanen's diet. An array of other vegetables are also grown and used seasonally, including cabbage, celery, cucumber, broccoli, eggplant, onions, and spinach. Raspberries grow wild throughout the plain and are foraged and included in the evening meal. [[flora#hitan seaweed|Hitan Oranges]] are imported from [[Fiadh]] and considered a delicacy. Noodles and broth based soups are also very common Meals, as with all social interactions, have several rules of etiquette. Even the dishes themselves have strict recipes and rules for which dishes can be paired during the different seasons and at special events. Young people in Yuanen are expected to learn how to cook several of these dishes and to have at least one specialty **Music and Arts**\\ Stringed instruments and percussive instruments are favored in Yuanen, and their music is emotionally rich. Music is one of the few areas of life in which regulation is minimal. As such it is an outlet explored by many, and performances can be quite emotionally charged. Dance is also widely practiced but is not free from Yuanen's cultural dictates. Sculpture is a common art form, and Yuanen's artists are well known for their of the wind as a part of any sculpture \\ ==== Notable Characters ==== * [[Charlotte Lee Rau]] \\ ==== Flora and fauna ==== * [[fauna#Aardvark]] - Across the [[Pikwata Desert]] * [[fauna#Antelope]] - Eastern plains of the [[Valley of the Silver Wind]] * [[fauna#Bear]] - Found in the [[Nyewa Forest]] * [[fauna#Boar, Giant]] - In the [[Nyewa Forest]] near the [[Faulan Mountains]], [[Kalina Forest]] * [[fauna#Buffalo]] - In the northern valley among the rivers * [[fauna#Bumblebee]] - Found across the [[Nyewa Forest]], and the [[Valley of the Silver Wind]] * [[fauna#Camel]] - Found between the [[Valley of the Silver Wind]] and the [[Pikwata Desert]] * [[fauna#Cat]] - Primarily found in and around the cities of Yuanen * [[fauna#Chameleon]] - [[Aemalfi Island]], [[Bhakabi Forest]], [[Saulam Island]] * [[fauna#Chicken]] - Found in the central [[Valley of the Silver Wind]], near the rivers of the delta * [[fauna#Cougar]] - Found throughout the nation's mountains, forests, and grasslands * [[fauna#Desert Ant]] - Found in the [[Pikwata Desert]], and the southern [[Valley of the Silver Wind]] * [[fauna#Duck]] - Migrates, found in the lakes of Yuanen * [[fauna#Eagle]] - Found on [[Aemalfi Island]], [[Kalina Forest]], [[Nyewa Forest]], [[Saulam Island]], [[Yajiri Island]] * [[fauna#Firefly]] - Found throughout [[Aemalfi Island]] and [[Rhudde Island]], and in the [[Bhakabi Forest]] * [[fauna#Frog]] - Found in the [[Bhakabi Forest]], and in [[Naragi Lake]] * [[fauna#Gaelen Blue Jay]] - Found in the [[Bhakabi Forest]], [[Kalina Forest]], and the [[Nyewa Forest]] * [[fauna#Giant Fly]] - Found throughout the [[Pikwata Desert]] * [[fauna#Hawk]] - Found throughout the plains, mountains, and forests of Yuanen * [[fauna#Hippopotamus]] - Found in the shallows of [[Kachua Bay]], as well as the rivers and lakes * [[fauna#Iguana]] - Found on [[Aemalfi Island]], [[Rhudde Island]], [[Yajiri Island]] * [[fauna#Llama]] - Found across the [[Valley of the Silver Wind]] in small herds * [[fauna#Lion]] - Found in the northeastern [[Valley of the Silver Wind]] * [[fauna#Marmoset]] - Found in the [[Kalina Forest]], near the [[Traica River]] * [[fauna#Northern Raven]] - Found in the forests and plains of Yuanen * [[fauna#Porcupine]] - Found in the [[Bhakabi Forest]] and the [[Kalina Forest]] * [[fauna#Rabbit]] - Found throughout the grasslands and forests of Yuanen * [[fauna#Rhinoceros]] - Found throughout the plains and deserts of southern Yuanen * [[fauna#Rhinoceros Beetle]] - Found in the [[Bhakabi Forest]] * [[fauna#Scorpion]] - Found in the northern and eastern edges of the [[Pikwata Desert]] * [[fauna#Sheep]] - Domestic and wild herds found across the valley * [[fauna#Squirrel]] - Found gliding through the forest canopies of [[Bhakabi Forest]] and [[Kalina Forest]] * [[fauna#Turtle]] - Found in [[Kachua Bay]] and along its shores * [[fauna#Wolf]] - Found throughout the [[Nyewa Forest]] * [[fauna#Yak]] - Large wild herds cover the [[Valley of the Silver Wind]], and are used domestically * [[flora#Bluebells]] - Found along the shores of the [[Kachua Bay]] * [[flora#Dawn's Kiss]] - Found in the [[Bhakabi Forest]] * [[flora#Manai Lily]] - Found in the rivers of the [[Bhakabi Forest]]