◈ History of Tendaji

[Suhuba]

Prologue: Judgment
700 years ago

2000. It was a year looked upon with a mixture of high hopes and trepidation. Would the second millennium bring with it Christ’s second coming? Maybe every electronic in the known world would malfunction, leaving Earth in utter darkness. Perhaps the planet and every last one of its 6 billion occupants would be destroyed in some sort of violent and confused explosion...

Fortunately, the threat of transcontinental collapse passed with the turning of the calendar, the peaceful coming and going of Y2K. The fear and curiosity that had colored people’s lives was rapidly dispelled… and the world needed something else to focus on. Within months, rumors of a strange prediction that had been found within the Mayan calendar began to leak into the media. According to the ancient civilization, the end of the world did not come with the new millennium, but was, in fact, scheduled for December of the year 2012.

Was it fear of the unknown that made humans so eager to predict their own fate? Perhaps it was a desire to leave some sort of lasting impression on what little might remain of their beloved, abused planet. It may have, in a strange way, allowed people some semblance of hope, giving a sense of purpose to their otherwise relatively mediocre lives. Whatever their personal reasons may have been, millions of people began to tackle plans for survival in a post-apocalyptic world with renewed vigor.

For some, the building of bomb shelters and gathering of water and canned goods was an almost comedic precaution: “Haha. Oh, you know, it can’t hurt. Just in case”. Others took the matter quite seriously. The end of the world was nigh, and they were perceived as insane. The vast majority of the population, however, brushed the rumor off as absurd: “I mean, come on. Nothing that terrible could actually happen to us”…could it?

Nothing supernatural occurred. Aliens did not arrive with hopes of sucking Earth dry in order to sustain their own planets. Atomic explosions did not rip the world to shreds. Christ did not return. Nevertheless, the world as we know it came to a sudden, terrifying, and completely unexpected end.

A well-hidden occult group sent members to each of the 7 continents. There, they released the most potent biological disease ever created. The members of the group called themselves Judgment. Some said they were a group of radicals who wished to wipe the world clean of weakness and imperfection. Others said that they had simply desired to taste the power of God. Whatever their true intentions were, nobody knows, yet the result of their act was clear: nothing would ever be the same.

The disease crept through the air, an invisible fog of pestilence and transformation. It had a great affinity for bodily fluids, seeping into the body through blood and mucus and clinging to every cell with which it came into contact. Living organisms were broken down at an atomic level from the inside out, their genetic make-up altered completely. Plants began to undergo changes as the man-made curse adapted to the environment, turning the world’s flora into an unfathomable mess of vibrant hues and jutting crystals. The Earth itself was changing, the plague leaving a sea of radiance and color in its horrible, malignant wake.

By January 1, 2013, Earth was unrecognizable. Species were becoming extinct at an alarming rate and death tolls were skyrocketing. Countries tried quarantines, evacuations. Scientists worked around the clock searching for a cure, but there was no use. It was too powerful. It moved too fast.

Confusion gave way to fear. Fear developed into anger and hate. Governments attempted to keep the hysteria under control, to no avail. Mass genocide swept the world. Anyone who showed sign of infection was killed instantly, without question. Death walked through the streets, filled the air people breathed, and swam in the water they drank. Mankind retreated from civilization, hiding in the deepest, darkest corners of the Earth. It was every man for himself. There was no way to know how many humans remained. Maybe 10% of the billions were still alive, maybe not.

Hundreds of years have passed since those fateful days. Three humanoid species (the Earthlings, Alkidikes, and Sentients) dwell in what was once Africa. They know nothing of our world except for what they can see of the deteriorating, crystal-covered buildings and other such strange innovations with which they occasionally come into contact. Technology has been lost. History is no more. And so, our story begins anew…

on Tendaji.
 

[Suhuba]

Chapter 1: Intrigue
v.Alkidike || v.Shifter || v.Leaf
25-30 years ago

One early morning in Jauhar, three groups of very different people unknowingly began a journey that would bring them all together in the desire to know more about the land they lived in.



The Alkidike women of Jauhar and Chibale had gathered together, called by a need to strengthen their right as the sole protectors of Jauhar. The group ranged drastically in age, from Younglings still begging their parents to let them go off on the expedition, to the Elderly, dreamily recounting their days of youth, when they would have surely been the first ones chosen to head out on an adventure. Interspersed throughout the group were the young adults of the Tribe; most of the able-bodied sisters of appropriate age had been called to this mission and were preparing to head out into the vast expanse of Tendaji. The Alkidike team, led by Yansa, headed out of Jauhar and into Tale, only to meet unexpectedly with members of the leaf tribe also gathering for a journey.

Up in the canopy of Jauhar, the shifters seemed to be grasped by the same thoughts as their neighbors as they gathered on a platform of tree limbs and reinforcements. The young woman, Antiope, was to lead the team with a spritely vigor that only the young possessed. After bubbly introductions, the reunion of friends, and briefing, the small group was off to venture through Tale and beyond. Their journey was delayed as they met with not only the Alkidike, but the people of Tale also.

One day after the movement of both people of Jauhar, they had reached the first of Tale's large forests. Within that forest, the people of Tale had also gathered, ready to start on their own expedition out into the unknown areas of Tendaji. They had banded together under the Berseker Enki, planning and deliberating amongst themselves. As they stood, waiting for the order to move out, a note was handed to Enki from the elders. It would seem that the inhabitants of Jauhar had arrived.
 

[Suhuba]

Chapter 2: Sauti
Meta
25-30 years ago

After dispersing most of the tention between the tribes, the three groups venture out and come face to face with unexpected surprises ending with a discovery of a new land with new people.



The Alkidikes, Shifters, and Leaf Tribe all gathered individually and each group's intentions were clear: find out what lies beyond the known borders of Tendaji. The Alkidikes, believing themselves to be the true progeny of the earth, set out under the guidance of Yansa. The Shifters seemed to be keenly aware of what the Alkidikes were up to, and the group led by Antiope quickly followed after the women warriors, into Tale. In the Savannah, they came upon Enki and the Leaf Tribe. The Leaf Tribe members are hesitant about jumping to conclusions of war, but they are protective of their Savannah. Why have all of Jauhar's inhabitants suddenly gathered in Tale, without warning?

The strange group of travellers gathered together, sorting through thei diffferences and forming a temporary alliance in order to better guarentee a safe journey through the unknown. After many days of traveling the land surrounding them began to tranform into hard earth and jagged landscapes.

A cool breeze began to blow, unnoticeable at first. It was not cold here, but certainly cooler than either the constant humidity in Jauhar or the sweltering heat of Tale. The ground began to change. The downy, soft grains of sand began to grow larger, coarser. Craggy rocks began to appear, jutting from the ground. The earth was becoming hard, but it was somehow different from the dark soil of Jauhar; it was rougher, more dense. The earth began to take on shades of purple, grey, and mossy green. The crags began to grow in size, becoming mountainous structures, purple in color and streaked with neutral hues. The air itself seemed to take on color, a golden haze as if the wind itself were filtering the sun. This place was certainly different from the world they knew... this place called Sauti.

As the groups took in the sights around them, three slender arrows were shot out into the space behind them. A woman appeared, announcing herself as Vescillea and welcoming them to the land of the wind tribe.
 

[Suhuba]

Chapter 3: Zena
Meta
22-25 years ago

As guests in this strange and inhospitable environment, the adventurers have offered their services to the Wind Tribe, ending with a battle, treasure, and a surprisingly cold terrain.


After a long journey, the Alkidikes, Shifters, and Leaf Tribe safely arrived in the strange, mountainous region known as Sauti. There, they were introduced to the Wind Tribe, a nomadic people with a rich, local lore. The leader of the the wind tribe, Vescillea, has called to any willing persons, wind and visitors alike to assist in the search for two lost boys.

The group gathered together before a large, strangely rectangular entrance to a mountain, and was introduced to the even stranger drill-like tool that would lead them further into the mountain than the wind tribe had previously been able to go. A deep rumbling seemed to be emanating from the mountain's depths as they started their search and traveled down the known paths to a section in the wall that was soon to be opened.

Once the drill was stopped and the dust had cleared, an opening was revealed, though they were no longer alone. A giant beast, the Legendary Beast of the mountain broke through the hole to greet them with its ferocity. The group fought a long battle, those who had brought them used weapons while those without used anything within grasp to fight back against the giant rock-scaled monster. With enough effort, they won, killing the beast and laying it to rest.

The cavern the Legendary Beast had come from was dark and closed off from the rest of the world, and sadly held the remains of the two boys they had been searching for. But the beast had to have come from somewhere. While the wind people Vescillea had brought carried the found bodies of the two boys, Vescillea herself pushed down on the rock to reveal a secret passage leading to a treasure room and, beyond that, a new frigid world called by the people who enhabited it: Zena.

It was there that the group was greeted by Freya and her team of ice earthlings.
 

[Suhuba]

Chapter 4: Trial
Meta
17-20 years ago

A mysterious call to a tournament is sent out to all nations of Tendaji, but when a victor is chosen, the real reason for the fighting is unveiled and Tendaji prepares for war.



A scroll was sent out to the heads of all of the races of Tendaji, announcing a contest to see which was the stronger race and the strongest warrior. It seemed like the whole population was buzzing with energy and speculation over who it was that had set the idea in motion. Who was running it all?

The tournament commenced with many competitors signing up to test their strength, but only one coming out on top. After eight rounds of fighting and many weary bodies, Jacinthus and Chalcedony showed down in the final match. Their personal grudge drove the tension in the air and the battle that followed was more than intense. Jacinthus was declared the winner after a final blow with his arrows.

Just as the crowd was beginning to celebrate and dancers had entered the ring for a final show, a rather large cloaked man stepped out of the shadows and onto the arena floor. He removed his cloak to reveal dark brown skin, glowing orange crystals, and strange clothing. The crowd was more than abuzz with whispering and chatter over what was going on, but Freya seemed to know better. She jumped down from the stands and into the ring to meet with the man. The other leaders of their group - Antiope, Yansa, Enki, Enlil, and Vescilles - took Freya's lead and followed. To everyone's surprise, Freya reached out to embrace the strange man in a hug and it would soon be revealed that it was her husband, Besian. The leaders and Besian whispered and spoke to each other intensely before seeming to come to an agreement.

Besian addressed the crowd, announcing himself as the host of the tournament, and declaring his real reason for putting this all together:

Tendaji would be going to war.

Oba, the home of Besian and home to the Fire Earthlings, was gearing up to launch an attack on Tendaji, and was coming through the tournament's location to do it. Besian will be fighting with the resistance, siding with his wife and the rest of Tendaji. It was a warning of things to come, and Besian revealed that Oba's king would be moving his forces come winter...
 

[Suhuba]

Chapter 5: Invasion
Meta Opening || Marching to War || Staying Behind
10-12 years ago

The time had come for war in Tendaji, and after a long hard battle in the south of Jauhar, the invaders to the south pushed the rest of Tendaji into a battered retreat.



Tendaji's winter was in full swing when the call to prepare for war was announced. Though Jauhar didn't feel the effects of winter like the rest of Tendaji might, it was the gathering place of all of the inhabitants willing to fight in the war. The preparation had been completed as well as they could have on such little knowledge of their opponents, Besian helping with any information he might have had on his former homelands.

Sending out scouts ahead of them, it was found that Oba was on the move and closing in on their camp location. Rushing forward, their camp cleared out of all warriors and fighters, leaving those staying behind to tend to the wounded to wait in anticipation for any news of progress.

The war started abruptly, the Obans giving their opponents one last chance to stand down and submit peacefully. After a long hard battle on the forest floor and in the trees, the people of Tendaji - the Resistance - seemed to be doing as well as could be hoped for in a war for their freedom. They were making the Oban foot soldiers retreat and fall around them, their preparations paying off.

Though before long Oba seemed to start to unleash their close kept secret: they had war beasts to help aid them in battle. Three large, never before seen beast charged into battle, four Obans on their backs in order to contain and control the massive creatures. With little effort, the creatures stomped out the people of Tendaji, leaving injuries and fallen in their wake. The people of Tendaji retreated to the healing camps as they fell, trying to save as many lives as they could for as long as they could before Oban foot soldiers returned to the battle by the hundreds and out numbered the fighters. Realizing that they needed to retreat from the Obans and warn the others, they called for a retreat to the camps. The camp packed up as fast as they could, transporting their sick and wounded back to safer ground, but they weren't fast enough.

The people of Oba had taken prisoners in the name of their King; Besian and Freya included. Talk of treason for Besian was mentioned and the group of prisoners were hauled away.

The Battle of Neued
For some months after the Invasion, the Oban army remained in their camps in southern Jauhar, letting morale in the rest of Tendaji deteriorate to dangerous levels. Finally, the order to push further into the region came - and the Shifter settlement of Neued, the closest to the invading army, was taken, and this second victory only adds more inertia to the invading army.

As Oban forces spread north and west to take the rest of Jauhar, the people of Tendaji begin to consider their options - after the crushing loss, is it worth it to resist? Should they side with the Loyalists, those who support the Obans, to protect their settlements from meeting a fate like that of Neued?

Or should they fight, and remain with the Resistance to a possibly-bitter end?
 

[Suhuba]

Chapter 6: Alliance
Tale Camp || Oba Camp || Final Battle (Fight) || Final Battle (RP)
10-12 years ago

After losing the first two battles to the Obans, the people of Tendaji team up with unexpected allies to win the final battle and secure their freedom.



The Battle of Neued was a defeat, resulting in the loss of the land. Gathering now as far back as Tale, many of the people of Tendaji had chosen to flee, rather than fight. They sought shelter in Zena, as far from the war as they could manage.

Those who chose to stay and fight for their freedom were at the forefronts of battle, in the Tale camp preparing for the next leg of the war and whatever it would bring. A strange beast in the camp, something no one had ever seen before raised more than a few eyes; what was it and where had it come from? Their questions were soon answered when a strange looking woman - Naria - was revealed from the leaders' tent with fin-like ears and blue skin. She was from Matori, a new race of earthling, and they had brought their own war beasts to fight back Oba.

Meanwhile in the Oban camp the prisoners that were held hostage began to wreak what havoc they could, scaring the war beasts and trying to incite riot. When Enki launched scouts to help the prisoners' cause, they managed to release the war beasts, trampling the camp into ruin and rescued the prisoners from their capture, all while taking a handful of Oban nobles as prisoners.

The scouts managed to retreat back to the Tale camp, with their hostages in tow, but before the leaders could make the decision whether to strike while the Obans were wounded or wait until their own troops recover, the Obans managed to gather their forces and closed the gap between the camps, ready for a fight.

Tendaji, along with their newly acquired allies and the war beasts managed to do away with the Oban Vanguard quickly, though the rest of the army refused to give up without a fight, their General Talia refusing to surrender.

As General Talia gave one last push forward, more Obans appeared from behind, but this time with a white flag and with Besian and Freya walking freely. Diplomacy seemed to have been reached.

Naria though was not convinced and pushed for attack, the Obans claimed there was a new king and that one of the captured was the new princess, Naevius. Through a coup d'etat, the king had been deposed and replaced with his cousin, who was backed by the nobility. No one was sure exactly why that happened, but rumors said the king was not willing to negotiate for the return of the captured nobles - and ordered General Talia to attack without regard for their safety. Naria demanded that no Oban be handed over until Matori was guaranteed it’s freedom from slavery by the Obans.

Oba was far from stabilized and the release of their Matori slaves had further unsettled the structure of Oban society. Oba will no longer hold slaves, the Matorians are free, and a relative peace seems to have settled over Tendaji at last.
 

[Suhuba]

Chapter 7: Rising Storm
Chibale || Jauhar/Tale || Sauti/Zena || Oba/Matori || Combined Ending
7-9 years ago

Since the battle with Oba, the Alkidike extremists had become restless. Rallying to their leaders Aselia and the Matron, they tried to conquer Sauti but were quickly defeated and exiled to a new island named Yael. They thought it was empty... but soon learned that they were wrong.



The summer festivals had begun and everyone was were they were supposed to be - except for Aselia. her disappearance had not gone unnoticed and before long the Alkidike were in a frenzy. The Extremists - who had appointed Aselia as one of their own - cried for conquest. Aselia had gone to Sauti and they believed it was a sign from their Mother that they were to have it for themselves. The Matron, the oldest mystic on the island and a woman of great respect, agreed. Time had made the Alkidike soft and she would not allow the earthlings to think that they could be equals to the alkidike. Those that did not agree cried out, trying to speak reason with those who wanted blood. They insisted that there was no reason for this, and were prepared to fight their own to keep the peace with the earthlings.

Word had spread about the Alkidikes' arguments. The earthlings had known that the Extremists had been a problem for some time, but now the threat was becoming real. They had choices to make. Would Jauhar and Tale try to block the Alkidike from reaching their destination of Sauti? Would the people of Sauti and Zena stay and fight if it came to it, or would they turn tail and run, ready to live another day even if it meant without having a place to call home? Would Oba and Matori, who had been the key players in the most recent war come to their aid? There were some who thought that they had done enough in the last battle, and it wasn't their business to interfere, while others thought that joining together would be a strong show of support and trust.

Decisions were made and before long all had gathered at the Sauti borders, waiting for the Extremists to show themselves. Led by the Matron herself, they faced down the earthlings. But the resistance to the Extremists was too much and they were quickly captured and told to stand down.

While the Matron was not ready to lay down and surrender, unexpected news came from high on Mount Xi'i. The Oracles had shown their faces in the first time in decades. There was an island to the south, they proclaimed. They had seen what the future was to hold for the Extremist Alkidike and it was banishment.

With an odd turn of events, the Matron seemed to agree, though reluctantly and called her Sisters to join her. They didn't need the weak Sisters they were leaving behind. But when they reached the island, many of the Alkidike chose to surrender, hoping to go home, and leaving the Matron with even fewer supporters. But it was enough to survive. The Matron seemed to be holding some secrets to herself, but only time would tell what they were.

Before they could say their final good byes, they found out they weren't alone. The island that they thought was uninhabited seemed to hold secrets of their own, one of which was the Yaeli.
 

[Suhuba]

The First Blooms
6-8 years ago

The Matron called for a meeting at the center of Zinris, the Extremists' new home on the island of Yael. She stood before her banished sisters, all of them gathered before a large tree that was much different than the ones of the land. This tree, known to the Extremists as Elzira, was their prized possession and greatest hope. For it had sprouted from one of Aisha's seeds, taken in the land and grown to great extremes in only a year.

And, it had three blooms.

Many had been uncertain when the tree first began to bloom, considering the flowers were different in color than those of Aisha. They were the same appearance wise, but the darker colors caused doubts in some of the sisters. Would they even bloom? The tree was still young, and it had only just been a year since it had been planted. The sisters had prayed for strength and justice from the tree, but none expected to be blessed with this sign of new life.

The matron, however, had her faith.

"Over a year ago we were banished to these soils and expected to make it our home," The Matron finally addressed the gathered sisters, "The earthlings and our traitorous sisters expected us to wilt. They expected us to fail. By cutting us off from the mainland, they believed it would be like cutting our head from our bodies."

Some sisters shouted their own outrage, the anger of the betrayal and the frustration of their failure still fresh wounds. Others stood stubborn, wondering if the Matron would finally let them know what their true potential and future on the island would be.

"I have heard a voice, one that grew in strength as this tree grew in our home. As we grow stronger so does this voice, and she speaks to me. She tells me stories of how to survive; of how to move through these woods and what we need to heal and to grow strong. Elzira...she is the one who called us here today to show us her promise for cultivating live in our new home and providing to us as a true mother should!"

The sisters began to whisper once the Matron moved from her stand and toward the three blooms. Those in front could see that the blooms were shifting as if the contents inside were struggling to break free.

"Watch, my faithful and dedicated sisters, as the true vision of our future is revealed. Elzira has spoken. Today is the day that our future begins!"

As she finished speaking the first bloom began to split, and soon enough the others followed. The Matron reached down within the bloom, grabbing a small form before turning to hold up the quivering child high in the air. Where she stood, the entire extremist group could all see the child.

As the Matron presented the bloomed child, the entire group began to chant. They calling out to show the strength of their mission and the power of Elzira. This day would forever remain a staple on them all. The true vision of their cause, held in the hands of their Matron, was revealed in the form of the Elaria.

[At this time, no one outside of the camp knows of the Elaria blooms.]
 

[Suhuba]

Lighting Up the Night Sky
Current Event

The night sky over Yael was bright with the scattering of stars. It was the time of the festivals, and the yearly pilgrimage to the Sanctum. The majority of the people of Yael were all on the move to Pajore, large groups of earthlings moving together, trying to beat the rise of the sun.

One particular group of adventurers moved northeast through the terrain. Not wanting the holiday to go to waste they had decided they would explore the pockets of underground water tunnels in the normally flooded southwest. It was a small group, all of them adults, and they were making great time back to Pajore. Already halfway through the wild untamed forests of southern Yael, one woman called for the group to stop. She pulled her dark purple hair back into a ponytail. ”I think we should take a break, right? We’ve been making good time already.” She turned her head in search and found a large boulder to take a seat. ”Besides, there’s no way we’ll be late at the rate we’re going.” She lifted her backpack off of her shoulders and leaned on her palms.

The others shrugged their shoulders, some in more agreement than the others but none of them complained. They would make the trip back early even with this break. Some rummaged through their packs, pulling water containers or stored food to nibble from. They made small talk, chatting into the night and letting their feet rest for the time being, when one earthling looked up to the sky and squinted. That was weird. He shook his head and rubbed his eyes. Maybe he was just seeing things wrong.

”Hey… does that look like smoke to you?” he called to the earthling next to him, nudging his shoulder. The man stood from his seat on the floor and scouted the forest for anything to climb. The earth rolled upward, the rocky outcroppings reaching higher to their north. ”What is that?” he called out while he hurried to the rocky ledge. Climbing to the top he stood at least twenty feet taller than the others. He called down from his high perch. ”Guys… you have to get up here.”

The earthling’s eyes were wide. Even from here they could all see the large bonfire in the distance to the north. The smoke was rising with gusto, the wind blowing it south. That was the direction of the bug monsters, the Alkidike that had set up camp not too many years ago. It was… larger… They were confused. The group that had settled had counted to no more than 75 at best. This fire - fires, they could see now that there were smaller fires set near the first one. It was so much larger than it should have been. Much too large for just 75 women.

”Let’s check it out.” The girl with the ponytail suggested confidently to the others. ”That’s more than 3 hours out of the way.” Another answered back. ”Are you just gonna pretend you never saw this?” She gestured to the anomaly in front of them.

The group set off, trudging through the higher ground with a rush in their step. Most wanted to just see what there was to see and very quickly go back home to where they belonged. The girl and some of the others were feeling much more adventurous, they felt the aura of surprise in store for them.

The time passed quickly and they could feel the heat rising from the bonfire closing in. The forest was still thick, but they slowed to a crawl. They needed to be quiet, needed to stay hidden. These women were still dangerous, but they had confidence in their abilities. They peered around the thinning forest and their eyes went wide.

They didn’t know what it was they were seeing. There were… children? They had never seen anything like it before, but there were little dark skinned children running around the fires. They looked like they shared the space with the Alkidike women, but… where would they have come from? Scared, the yaeli ducked from their hiding spots and rushed as far away as they could from the scene. The Alkidike were… producing children?

They felt like they ran all the way back to Pajore, their lungs burning. The sun was in the sky already and they had missed the High Priest’s speech. Their hair was disheveled, leaves and muck covering them from their haste. Those who were in the streets looked at them with curiosity, ”Are you alright?” One woman stepped closer, her voice with concern.

The group had quite the story to tell, but they were sure now that Yael was not as small as they had once thought. There was something new, and the rumors of black beings coming from the ground seemed to have more truth to it than they once thought....

[The Elaria have been discovered! Owners of Elaria may now RP with others as they see fit! They may even travel off of the island. Elaria may not leave camp until they are at least in the Prentice stage. Outsiders are not allowed into the camp.]