The First Civilization

Table of Contents
The collective term for the various cultures who used to inhabit Ranul before the Final War.

Subcultures

Superpowers

The most prominent cultures were those associated with the Rilanga Union and the Ran-E-Zu Confederation. All survivors of the Final War were citizens of one or the other.   When the leaders of said survivors decided to unite them as the Rilsu, a systematic interbreeding program ensured that future generations could not claim a pure lineage of either side.

The Rilanga primarily controlled the lands around what is now called the Zugderi Sea. Their core philosophy focused harmony and unity.
The Ran-E-Zu controlled the nations around what is now known as the Zugzaspo Sea. Strong individualism formed the basis of their culture.

Lost Cultures

Several smaller factions remained neutral through most of the conflict between the two superpowers. It is likely that many of them survived the final wave of attacks on the densely populated coastal regions.   However, they were left behind in a devastated ecosystem and cut off from major industries controlled by the former superpowers. When the Rilsu returned to the coastal regions, no survivors of the smaller nations were left to be found.

The Zuera lived west of what is now called the Zugnur Sea. They are believed to have been the oldest culture that formed on Ranul. Traces of their ancestral settlements can still be found in the Zuzlip Mountains.
The Leokola lived east of the Zugnur sea. It is believed that the earliest settlers near the Zugderi Sea came from this region. One of their most well-known products was Leokolin Silk, an expensive fabric that was very popular with Rilanga elites.
 
The Nuora were another very old culture. They lived south of the Zugnur Sea and were famous storytellers. Many of their legends could be preserved and continue to survive in Rilsu mythology.
The Duleruo lived along the Zalzahub River. Their culture was known for their ascetic lifestyle and spirituality, as well as their achievements in astronomy.
 
The Vosalga were a nomadic people traveling along what is now called the Zalindu River. They were probably the first to venture out into Hazu Kalpasu and discover the fire crystals which eventually became a major energy source.
The Zazaruo were a people of nomadic tribes wandering the Arotunon Wasteland. They were infamous for their ritualistic cannibalism by which they simultaneously honored and disposed of their dead.

Culture

Average technological level

Transportation

Most families in urban areas could afford at least one Personal Ground Vehicle. There was a moderate coverage of public transport, and longer distances could be traveled by railway trains or airplanes.

Communication

A network of wire-based communication spanned the inner face of the moon. Nearly every building in the oasis regions was connected to it, and public communication booths were generally within walking distance.   More sparsely populated regions, such as the inner wastelands or the mining areas, often relied on radio communication instead which was more appropriate for the nomadic lifestyle prevalent there.

Computers

The first personal computers became available about 9 years before the turn of the eras. Information was stored on magnetic hard disk drives. The largest capacity available to civilians was sufficient for storing a comprehensive encyclopedia in the form of text and images.

Common Myths and Legends

Nuorian legends were well-known on all of Ranul. One such example is the Spring of Life, a mythical source of healing water which was also assumed to be the place where life on Ranul began.   Another legend which rose to tragic fame was "The Butcher's Mushroom", a cautionary tale about ignoring warnings to disastrous effect. During the Final War, anti-war activists came to draw parallels between this legend and the dismissive attitude which politicians on both sides showed towards the threat of a global extinction event.   The Rilsu later focused on the tale's ending where the central character had learned from her terrible mistake and found a way to redeem herself.

Historical figures

Before The Empty Night

Already a famous news anchor during the Final War, Ut Revi is mostly remembered for going off script in what is now known as "The Last Announcement". Realizing that his nation was doomed, the "Voice of the Union" stopped delivering the government propaganda and instead urged the viewers to seek out their loved ones in those final moments.   Less is known about the people calling themselves Rokilumutu, literally "The Guardians of Identity". Since their actions would have been considered treason, they had been forced to work in secret and the surviving members only dared to come forward after the Peace Conference. Thanks to their combined efforts, large parts of the First Civilization's cultural legacy were preserved in digital form and could later be salvaged by Rilsu archaeologists.

After the Empty Night

Several survivors of the Final War went down in history for restoring civilization and setting it on a better path.   The Rilanga philosopher Ru Zuniv became famous for his notes on life and the universe which went on to shape the Rilsu philosophy. Besides that, he was a driving force behind establishing Rile as a new, unified language.   On the Ran-E-Zu side, the botanist Sakal-Te established the Plantlife Restoration Group and played a central role in making agriculture possible again.
Related Chronicle
Chronicle of Ranul
Formerly Present In
Mustik Hamesi
Hazu Ropuru
Hazu Kalpasu
Included Ethnicities
Rilanga
Ran-E-Zu
Vosalga
Zuera
Nuora
Leokola
Zazaruo
Duleruo

Legacy

Historical Figures



Cover image: by Kathrin Janowski

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