Flag Tower of Biin

And with the flag raised high she said, Let this stand as a symbol, that we are us, and you are you, and ne'er the two shall be confused again.

— Romantic telling of the battle for Ijwavya

The Flag Tower of Biin is a large tower located along the border between the titular republic and Xiy Kiiquldast. Erected 87 years ago in 12 Disturbance, it was built as a deliberate symbol in support of Biin's independence from the "pirate republic", and their claim to sovereignty over the island which shares their name.

History

The island of Biin has long been a hub of bronze production, owing to its rich tin and copper deposits, which has made it a prized jewel for many a northern empire. For many years, this was the Kingdom of Xiy Kiiquldast, whose domain spanned most of the Xaqulbijwa Ice Fields from Biin to Hiy'ujii'a. When the kingdom was destroyed in the Collision, the island gradually weaned itself of their influence, though was continually raided and harassed by the kingdom's fragments.   These fragments eventually coalesced into the modern day Republic of Xiy Kiiquldast, which, under the leadership of Admiral Godhzu and his successors, struck back and reconquered much of the Xaqulbijwa. The reconquest of Biin was considered of such importance that, when the Republic began to decline in later decades, they willingly ceded other territory in order to maintain the island. Despite this, the Democratic Republic of Biin was able to establish itself in 9 Famine (136 Years Ago), and begin the agonising work of retaking the island.   As part of this long effort, Biin ordered that their flag be flown at all times along the border, as a reminder that the land belongs to them. When these flags were inevitably burnt or destroyed from a distance, they began the construction of a more permanent structure, which could both defend the border and the symbol of Biin's sovereignty.   The flag tower, completed in 12 Disturbance, was originally only a few hundred metres from the border and a few storeys tall. However, due to continual territorial advancement by the Biinamii army, the tower is now kilometres back. As a result, the tower has seen continual renovations to make it taller and better suited to acting as a staging grounds for military advancement, and the flag pole mounted atop it has been made ever larger to accommodate even bigger flags.