T'vaqi: Difference between revisions
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==== Grand Magister ==== |
==== Grand Magister ==== |
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{{hatnote|See also [[List of Grand Magisters]].}} |
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Three democratically elected Grand Magisters form the highest level of government, maintaining direct control over the bureaucracy. Any member of the trio, typically referred to as the Grand Council, may propose a change, such as a new law or an amendment to an older law. These proposals are typically made during weekly meetings between Grand Magisters, and are referred to as bills. The proposed change is then voted on by the Grand Council, taking effect if two or more members (enough to form a majority) agree. The Grand Council maintains near-absolute rule over T'vaqi, and are typically only swayed by Senior Magisters. Until [[53 PC]], Grand Council elections occurred once every three years; the [[Death Decree of 53 PC]] changed this, causing elections to occur only when a Grand Magister dies or retires. |
Three democratically elected Grand Magisters form the highest level of government, maintaining direct control over the bureaucracy. Any member of the trio, typically referred to as the Grand Council, may propose a change, such as a new law or an amendment to an older law. These proposals are typically made during weekly meetings between Grand Magisters, and are referred to as bills. The proposed change is then voted on by the Grand Council, taking effect if two or more members (enough to form a majority) agree. The Grand Council maintains near-absolute rule over T'vaqi, and are typically only swayed by Senior Magisters. Until [[53 PC]], Grand Council elections occurred once every three years; the [[Death Decree of 53 PC]] changed this, causing elections to occur only when a Grand Magister dies or retires. |
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===== Timeline of Grand Magisters since 44 PC ===== |
===== Timeline of Grand Magisters since 44 PC ===== |
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{{Grand Council}} |
{{Grand Council}} |
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==== Senior Magister ==== |
==== Senior Magister ==== |
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Three Senior Magisters are appointed by each Grand Magister, serving as advisors. Any Senior Magister is automatically made a candidate in Grand Magister elections. In the case of an especially sudden or critical death, a Senior Magister may be promoted to Grand Magister through internal vote, rather than a typical democratic election; this is in order to replace the deceased as quickly as possible and restore the Grand Council to its normal state in a situation where doing so immediately is imperative. This process has only occurred once, with the election of [[Insi Q'so]] following the death of [[Sirra Voti]] during the [[Silicon Rebellion]]. |
Three Senior Magisters are appointed by each Grand Magister, serving as advisors. Any Senior Magister is automatically made a candidate in Grand Magister elections. In the case of an especially sudden or critical death, a Senior Magister may be promoted to Grand Magister through internal vote, rather than a typical democratic election; this is in order to replace the deceased as quickly as possible and restore the Grand Council to its normal state in a situation where doing so immediately is imperative. This process has only occurred once, with the election of [[Insi Q'so]] following the death of [[Sirra Voti]] during the [[Silicon Rebellion]]. |
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Latest revision as of 09:56, 13 September 2026
Nation of T'vaqi | |
|---|---|
|
Flag | |
| Capital | Ishiq |
| Demonym | T'vaqi |
| Government | Council democracy |
• Grand Council | Amho Sharamhash Ronald Smith Interim council |
| Establishment | |
• Unified | 1-2 244 TT |
| Area | |
• Total | 20,658 km2 (7,976 sq mi) |
| Population | |
• Estimate | 10,374,000 |
• Density | 502.18/km2 (1,300.6/sq mi)(Mainland T'vaqi only.) |
T'vaqi, officially the Nation of T'vaqi or Q'ar T'vaqi is a sovereign nation located in the northeast quadrant of the Attu Archipelago, within the Brchipelago subgroup. The island on which the nation is situated is the second smallest island in the archipelago by land area, standing at 20,658 km2; however, it is also the most densely populated, with an average population density of 502.2 individuals per square kilometer, for a total population of approximately 10.374 million.
The Nation of T'vaqi extends to Vritona, an island in the Eastern Ocean settled in 58 PC.
History
Prehistory
Millenia before its inception, T'vaqi was inhabited by several competing factions, each controlling a portion of its land. Little is known about these factions; their way of life, their technological prowess, and even the precise number of distinct groups is uncertain. Records of major conflicts and historical events were presumably recorded extensively on stone tablets, though surviving tablets are scarce and often damaged. It is not known for certain when humans first came to inhabit the island, with estimates generally ranging from 9000 to 6000 TT.
It is generally accepted that members of these factions lived communally in huts built from stone and clay, based on the surviving foundations of buildings. Factions are known for certain to have had spiritual beliefs regarding water and certain plants. While all surviving records are difficult to decipher, similarities to modern-day T'vaqi language have been observed. Most information regarding the factions has been gleaned through carvings and other pictorial depictions, though recent linguistic breakthroughs have assisted in translating some tablets.
Factions are known to have engaged in frequent armed conflict, with the boundaries of each group's territory constantly shifting. While it appears alliances were initially uncommon, the total number of factions would slowly dwindle over time as more and more groups were subsumed by others. The gradual homogenization of the island's population would result in the island's first unification in 3400 TT.
First Unification
The First Unification of T'vaqi refers to a period of time from 3400 to 1900 TT during which a single dominant faction (referred to in some records as the Qoa Lihi or Qohli[1]) maintained near-complete control over T'vaqi. While it is unlikely that the Qoa Lihi held completely uncontested rule over the island, evidence of conflict during the time is likely to have been erased during the empire's sudden collapse and disappearance. The Qoa Lihi government is presumed to have been an absolute monarchy, with a single all-powerful ruler at the throne; it is unclear whether the ruler was chosen by right of blood or another process. The Qoa Lihi built structures similar to the huts of prehistory, albeit with greater craftsmanship. Evidence of multi-story buildings exists, and some structures were constructed with metal. However, the most well-preserved facet of Qoa Lihi civilization is an extensive bunker system which extends below the surface of 548 km2 of land, an area larger than that of T'vaqi's current capital city. Preserved artifacts and traces of human remains have been found within the bunker network.
All records of Qoa Lihi civilization end after approximately 1900 TT. Records belonging to the society past this date have not been found. Traces of ash beneath surface layers of dirt suggest a particularly destructive detonation as a potential cause, though no known explosive is capable of scouring an entire island of its inhabitants. Survivors of the enigmatic event likely hid in bunkers. It is unknown exactly how technologically advanced the Qoa Lihi were before their sudden collapse.
Second Unification
- Main article: Second Unification of T'vaqi
The Second Unification of T'vaqi officially established the Nation of T'vaqi, along with its council democracy. The Unification Committee, a group of individuals representing different regions of T'vaqi, was in charge of creating and ratifying a document that would solidify the reforms of the Second Unification. This document, known as the Grand Unifier, was signed into law on 1-2 244 TT. The nation's currency, the T'vaqi Qho, was standardized shortly after the Second Unification.
Post-Calming
The island's Calming occurred mid-afternoon on 1-1 30 PC. Initial explanations of the Calming as an exceedingly rare but ultimately temporary cosmic event were quickly dispelled by the lasting absence of any rain or storm clouds in the sky. Immediate panic and hysteria grew with passing days, as more and more began to realize that the Perpetual Storm would not return. Government officials scrambled to provide explanations and reassurance. Each instance of natural rainfall, however light, struck a grim sense of hope into millions as they prayed for it to continue. Nearly a month after the initial cessation of the Storm, the nation had collectively settled down and accepted clear skies as the new way of life, save for fringe groups of Calming-deniers. The first fleet of exploration ships was sent out on 18-3.
While aware of the existence of other islands, initial exploration efforts were largely devoted to mapping the archipelago. Other islands were believed to be devoid of human life at the time (based on limited observation of the neighboring island of Steamworks), and charting individual islands was thus deemed a later priority. Observations of foreign watercraft from afar, now known to have been Caseic naval vessels, changed this assumption; it was now known for certain that several groups of individuals of unknown hostility populated the area. Further exploration efforts were immediately called off. The island maintained radio silence for two decades, as it was the general consensus of the population and the Grand Council that the potential dangers of foreign contact outweighed the benefits.
In 53 PC, more than twenty years after the Calming, Grand Magister Dimasi V'sha proposed official contact with the outside world via radio, which he put up to Council vote. The proposal was accepted with a 2 to 1 majority, with V'sha having convinced then-Grand Magister Arav Ila of the benefits of establishing contact. While an incredibly unpopular vote with the general public, an official radio communications room was built and completed a month later. T'vaqi joined the Inter-governmental Radio System on 3-9 53 PC.
Shortly after communications were opened, the Grand Council met with representatives from the islands of Deysachin, Kalam, Hapšâw, and La Rossa. Several agreements were made, the most important of which being the establishment of trade routes to and from T'vaqi. T'vaqi agreed to export copper, coal, and silicon in addition to sending its most intelligent ambassadors to the other islands. It was also agreed that Kalam would provide military support to the nation if needed, as T'vaqi had no military force at the time.
Silicon Rebellion
In 54 PC, a nationwide miner strike dealt a massive blow to the T'vaqi economy. Migrant workers were imported from Deysachin to provide cheap labor; however, the protestors responded with acts of violences towards these workers. This prompted the shipment of a Deysachni Cayrbme to protect the workers. Covertly included among the soldiers were diplomats, sent in the hopes of facilitating negotiations with the protestors. The negotiations were successful, and migrant worker deaths greatly decreased; a fringe group of disgruntled miners turned their attention towards civilians, proclaiming their allegiance to Modhes Temple. This group would form the Modhesian Army, a largely disorganized terrorist group that relied mostly on guerrilla warfare. Despite the group's lack of organization, the Modhesian Army proved a serious threat to the Nation of T'vaqi due to the nation's lack of a military. The Modhesian Army caused the deaths of Senior Magister Aso Vinshasi and Grand Magister Sirra Voti, though it is not known whether the latter's death was an assassination or suicide. Soldiers from Kalam were sent to aid the nation, and proved highly effective at keeping the terrorist group at bay; the Modhesian Army was officially declared a non-threat on 4-1 55 PC. The miner strike and the events surrounding it would become known as the Silicon Rebellion.
Tricade War
- Main article: Tricade War
By 66 PC, aggressive tariffs pushed by Grand Magisters Insi Q'so and Loqa Pili led to the Tricade War, a conflict between T'vaqi and the House of Light. The war was fought largely at sea, though Modhes Millitaria and Utlian Amphibious Forces made land invasions of T'vaqi. T'vaqi surrendered in 69 PC, and Insi Q'so was put on trial and imprisoned in a Deysachni monastery. As part of the peace treaty, the Viqho Peninsula and the town of Viqho therein were ceded entirely to Deysachin. Additionally, the city of Shomivit was partially ceded to Utlia and renamed to Vir Atlii.
Geography
T'vaqi can generally be separated into central and coastal regions; land becomes more developed as one moves inland. Notable regions include the Viqho Peninsula on the island's western coast, Qhavo Bay in the north, and Lake Sky. Until 500 TT, the island was heavily forested. A nationwide industrial boom occurring around this time marked the beginning of the collapse of most of the island's forests and natural ecosystems. By 99 TT, only one native animal species, the Ash Moth, remained on the island.[2] The island's industrialization has resulted in clean water becoming a scarce resource; potable sections of Lake Sky serve as the island's most plentiful sources of freshwater. Hydroponic systems capable of providing clean water have been invented, but have yet to see widespread personal use.
Climate
T'vaqi has a humid subtropical climate. Pre-Calming, the Perpetual Storm that surrounded the island was an omnipresent force; for millennia, the island experienced near-constant cloudy conditions and frequent rain, with only certain inland locations experiencing more than an hour of sunlight per day. This caused the T'vaqi to adopt a gray complexion over thousands of years. The violent weather made settling coastal areas difficult; population density generally increases with distance from the coast.
Government
The government of T'vaqi is built around a bureaucracy. Any and all legal disputes, from civilian to federal levels, must be processed through the bureacracy. T'vaqi has six distinct social classes, with varying levels of power; the large majority of individuals are classified as civilians. Any citizen may promote or demote an individual of lower status by filing a request to the bureaucracy, though the recipient of a promotion may not be promoted to an equal or greater level of status (for example, a Magister may promote a civilian to an Officiant, but may not promote a High Priest to their own position). Grand Magisters may not promote Senior Magisters to their position, though they are allowed to retire at will. Promotions can skip levels of the hierarchy, though this is generally discouraged. Demotions cannot skip levels of the hierarchy. Magisterial elections are democratic, as dictated by the island's council democracy.
Social classes
Grand Magister
Three democratically elected Grand Magisters form the highest level of government, maintaining direct control over the bureaucracy. Any member of the trio, typically referred to as the Grand Council, may propose a change, such as a new law or an amendment to an older law. These proposals are typically made during weekly meetings between Grand Magisters, and are referred to as bills. The proposed change is then voted on by the Grand Council, taking effect if two or more members (enough to form a majority) agree. The Grand Council maintains near-absolute rule over T'vaqi, and are typically only swayed by Senior Magisters. Until 53 PC, Grand Council elections occurred once every three years; the Death Decree of 53 PC changed this, causing elections to occur only when a Grand Magister dies or retires.
Timeline of Grand Magisters since 44 PC
Senior Magister
Three Senior Magisters are appointed by each Grand Magister, serving as advisors. Any Senior Magister is automatically made a candidate in Grand Magister elections. In the case of an especially sudden or critical death, a Senior Magister may be promoted to Grand Magister through internal vote, rather than a typical democratic election; this is in order to replace the deceased as quickly as possible and restore the Grand Council to its normal state in a situation where doing so immediately is imperative. This process has only occurred once, with the election of Insi Q'so following the death of Sirra Voti during the Silicon Rebellion.
Magister
Magisters are bureaucratic executives; each Magister is assigned to the citizens within a certain portion of land, and is expected to process all requests and disputes of these citizens in addition to reporting suspicious or unlawful behavior. T'vaqi law stipulates that at least one Magister must be present in every officially designated settlement. An estimated 3,100 Magisters exist in T'vaqi. An individual must have a CC Score of at least 35 in order to become a Magister.
High Priest
High Priests are licensed to conduct Aqali rituals and ceremonies outside of scheduled prayer hours. While the role of High Priest carried additional responsibilities in the initial decades after the Second Unification, these responsibilities have gradually been applied to Magisters or Officiants. As such, the role of High Priest now functions mostly as a status symbol.
Officiant
Officiants are licensed to conduct Aqali rituals and ceremonies within scheduled prayer hours. In addition, Officiants are required to conduct Examination Day rituals, including the administration of the Exam itself, should it be necessary. Officiants are also permitted to conduct weddings and funerals. They may also apply heraldry tattoos.
Civilian
Any recognized T'vaqi citizen is considered a civilian. This accounts for the vast majority of individuals on the island. T'vaqi does not, however, legally recognize the existence of foreign-born immigrants; this causes them to automatically be of no social class, as they are considered to exist outside of the system entirely. A bill was passed in 60 PC that allows any foreign-born immigrant that is administered a CC Exam when they reach legal adulthood to attain legal citizenship.
Culture
Education
Education in T'vaqi is rigorous and begins at a young age. Children are required to begin attending academies once they are old enough to formulate speech. Academies typically accommodate all ages, as there are no distinct grade or age levels in the T'vaqi education system; each child is instead assigned and taught material based on their prior performance in weekly exams, and then tested on this material in subsequent exams. This system also allows academies to generate tentative future CC Scores for students. After a child has taken the CC Exam, they may choose to attend an institute of higher learning. The most prestigious of these institutes are the High Institute of the Sciences and High Institute of the Arts, which require a minimum CC Score of 25 to apply.
Cognitive Capacity Scale
- Main article: Cognitive Capacity Scale
The Cognitive Capacity Scale is a metric used by the T'vaqi government to determine a citizen's intelligence and ideal career path. Each T'vaqi citizen is administered a test on their Examination Day once they reach legal adulthood (16.5 years of age) to determine their Cognitive Capacity Score. Established as one of the reforms of the Second Unification, the Cognitive Capacity Scale is one of the core pillars of modern T'vaqi society.
Religion
Though historical records are often inconsistent at best, it is known for a fact that the people of the island speculated about powers within and beyond the Storm for millenia. Prior to the Second Unification, it was largely believed that water is a medium used by a higher power to communicate to the people of the island. The Storm, which was believed to originate from the ocean, was respected as a benevolent and powerful entity. For most of T'vaqi history, these basic spiritual beliefs were held by a majority of the population, though they did not constitute an organized religion. Most island residents had their own unique spiritual and religious beliefs in addition to the core tenets. This basic form of water worship has been largely abandoned by modern T'vaqi society, though traditions are kept alive through art forms such as Q'shasi.
After 244 TT, a growing societal emphasis on scientific discovery would lead to the beginnings of Aqali, an organized faith founded on the pseudoscientific discoveries of astronomers during the era of the Second Unification. While the Calming would not occur for another two centuries, it was nonetheless the consensus of numerous scholars of the sky that a higher power exerted a quantifiable influence on the island. This was corroborated by the discovery of records and artifacts dating back to Qoa Lihi civilization, which supposedly illustrated a singular gargantuan star (named Doqala or "Grand Star") in the night sky. It was argued that the collapse of Qoa Lihi society caused this entity to fracture into countless pieces, which now comprise the stars visible in the night sky. Movements of the stars were said to indicate that recognizing the entity's existence could accelerate the process of its reassembly.
This system of beliefs would attract many of the island's residents, but would remain largely unpopular for several years. This changed after the Calming; the disappearance of the Storm caused spiritual beliefs in water to decline rapidly in popularity. As the night sky was now visible for most of the island, Aqali was accepted by a significant percentage of the population. The belief system and rites associated with it (including a prayer hour from 20:00 to 21:00) were made mandatory for T'vaqi citizens on 28-12 30 PC. Aqali is not considered a religion in T'vaqi society, as it is believed to be based entirely within known science.
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- ↑ Approximate translation; the language of the Qoa Lihi is yet to be fully deciphered.
- ↑ While the island had not calmed yet and thus had little reason to use the term "native species", reactions to the extinction of the Amanala were nonetheless incendiary enough to spark a nationwide conservation effort for the Ash Moth, an effort that would only be exacerbated once it was discovered that the moth was indeed the island's only native animal species.