Ahana
A state on the western coast of Ëaqelun located between the Vicekingdom of Belyasi to the south and the Kingdom of Saarthal to the north. Ahana is independent and keeps it that way mainly through its location, beeing protected by the Martirian Massif to the north, east and south as well as the sea to the west. With no way to expand except the Isles of Ikare, Ahanas focus lies strongly on its navy and a network of fortresses. Many conflicts have been fought for dominance over Ikare, with Belyasi claiming the southern parts of the isles and Saarthal trying to extend their influence in the north. These constant changes between war and peace made the Ahani masters in diplomacy and sea warfare as well as skilled engineers and master builders, strongly focused on preserving their rights and independence. In times of peace, Ahana extends its influence via trade and keeps a strong diplomatic network to scare of any potential attacks.
Military
The Ahani navy is a force to be reckoned with and much stronger than one would expect it to be for a realm of that size. Ahani shipwrights construct a wide array of ships, from small scouting ships or fast trade ships up to massive war ships, sometimes even equipped with siege weapons. All Ahana ships carry a contingent of marines who are the elite troops of the realm and its spearhead in times of war. They are specialized on rapid attacks to surpise the enemy, capable of entering and capturing ships as well as executing maritime invasions without much preparation. Marines have access to special equipment and get the best training to perform their duties. They even form their own social class within the realm, with privileges and rights. Ahani land troops on the other hand are not that skilled and prestigious, as the main focus of the army is guarding the realms borders and defending the keeps. Ahani soldiers are nonetheless well known for their archery and wear much heavier, defensive gear than their marine counterparts to protect themselves in prolonged defensive fights.
Religion
Ahani worship Ahan, a mythical explorer and name giver for their ethnicity and realm. He is both their prohet and patron, with many Ahani praying to him in times of need.
Agriculture & Industry
Ahanas political and geographical situation makes autarky necessary. The population should be able to survive in terms of war, when the enemy embargoes Ahana or blocks an important port. The distribution and usage of land is therefore strictly controlled by the state and used mostly for three things: food, wood and wine.
Ahana is famous for its wine production, particulary in the northern half of the realm. Ahani wines are a synonym for quality and widely regarded as a prestigious luxury good, often exclusivly found in courts of the nobility and rich merchants. Ahani vintners are skilled in using every last spot of their very restricted space, creating a dense and efficient network of wine gardens as well as a fleshed out production chain with many families tied to the wine business in one way or another.
Wood, especially as resource for the many shipyards of the realm, is of critical importance for Ahana. Primary forests were quickly cut down when the realms importance as marine power grew, which led to the creation of planned forest, controlled by the state. Cutting down a tree is strictly controlled and only done if necessary.
Trade & Transport
Ahanas location at the sea has led to the majority of goods beeing transported by ship. Roads only connect the main cities and are used mostly by people, not transports.
Education
Ahani engineers are highly sought after, as they are skilled in both building defenses as well as destroying or overcoming them. This is due to Ahanas defensive position on the west coast of Ëaqelun and its constant bickering with their stronger neighbouring realms as well as their proximity to the Martirian Mountains with many mining opportunities.
Infrastructure
Ahani fortresses are the backbone of the realm and secure all strategic points. Every fortress is multi-layered, with an intricate layout, a big garrison and well stocked with supplies. Sieging such a fortress is a massive and complex undertaking which, to this date, has never led to success.
Type
Geopolitical, State
Demonym
Ahani
Government System
Meritocracy
Power Structure
Thalassocracy
Economic System
Command/Planned economy
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Related Ethnicities
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