Okepis Islands
Origins and Early History
The Okepis Islands, a sprawling archipelago, have a rich and tumultuous history. The islands were first settled by seafaring tribes who discovered the fertile lands and abundant resources. Over centuries, these tribes evolved into a complex society with distinct cultural and social structures. In the annals of Okepian history, the story begins with the Great Migration. The Okepians, a noble and enlightened people, were forced to flee their ancestral homeland, the Dragon Isles, due to a series of catastrophic events. These events, shrouded in mystery and legend, are said to have been caused by the wrath of ancient dragons and the misuse of powerful magic. Seeking refuge, the Okepians embarked on a perilous journey across treacherous seas, guided by the stars and their indomitable spirit.
During their voyage across the sea, the Okepians encountered the Dharetti, a primitive and scattered people also fleeing the dragons. The Okepians aided the Dharetti in their escape as they would have surely died in their primitive vessels. The Dharetti, recognizing the wisdom and advanced culture of the Okepians, were thankful for their aid. The Okepians, in their benevolence, shared their knowledge, technology, and magic with the Dharetti, helping them to improve their way of life.
The Era of Prosperity
The fleeing people eventually settled in what are now known as the Okepis Islands. For a time, the Okepians and Dharetti coexisted peacefully. The Okepians established the city of Okepia, which quickly became a beacon of civilization and progress. The High Houses, composed of the most influential Okepian families, led the city with wisdom and justice. Under their rule, Okepia flourished, and the islands entered an era of unprecedented prosperity. The Dharetti, benefiting from Okepian advancements, also experienced a period of growth and stability.
Okepia, the capital city, emerged as the political and cultural heart of the islands. It was founded by a coalition of powerful families who established an aristocratic elite. These elites, known as the High Houses, wielded immense political power and wealth. They built grand palaces and temples, showcasing their dominance and the city’s prosperity.
The Dharetti Betrayal
However, this golden age was not to last. As the Okepians continued to expand and develop the islands, tensions began to rise. The Dharetti, driven by jealousy and greed, grew resentful of the Okepians’ success. They began to covet the fertile lands and resources that the Okepians had cultivated. Skirmishes broke out, and the Dharetti launched a series of unprovoked attacks on Okepian settlements.
The conflict escalated into what is now known as the Great War. The Dharetti, using dark and forbidden magic, sought to destroy the Okepians and seize their lands. The Okepians, valiant and resolute, defended their homes with unmatched bravery. The war raged for years, causing immense suffering and devastation. Despite the Dharetti’s treachery, the Okepians led by a courageous class of elite warriors emerged victorious, pushing the Dharetti south. In one last effort to defeat the Okepians the Dharetti tried to harness a dark magic but failed. The magic destroyed the southern lands and the fallout of the magic seeped into the Okepian lands creating deserts where there had once been forests.
The Construction of the Great Wall
To ensure the safety and security of the Okepis Islands, the High Houses decreed the construction of the Great Wall. This monumental fortification, manned by thousands of loyal soldiers, stands as a bulwark against any future Dharetti aggression. The wall symbolizes the strength and unity of the Okepian people, ever vigilant against the barbaric threats from the south.
In the years that followed, the Dharetti have continued to pose a threat to the peace and stability of the Okepis Islands. They commit acts of sabotage and terrorism within Okepia and other cities, such as Physt. The High Houses maintain that these attacks are the work of Dharetti infiltrators, seeking to undermine Okepian society and reclaim the lands they lost.
Today, the Okepians remain ever watchful. The Great Wall stands as a reminder of past struggles and a deterrent against future threats. The High Houses continue to lead with a firm hand, ensuring that the truth of Okepian history is preserved and that the legacy of their ancestors endures. The people of Okepia are taught to honor their heritage, remain loyal to their leaders, and be ever prepared to defend their homeland from the Dharetti menace. They call this the eternal vigil.
Okepian Society
The society of Okepia is deeply stratified. At the top are the aristocratic elites, who control the government, economy, and military. Below them are the middle class, consisting of merchants, artisans, and scholars. The poor, who make up the majority, are laborers, farmers, and servants. The leaders of Okepia call on each member of society to accept their place in society to do otherwise would invite ruin to their people. It is what the Dharetti want, it is how the Dharetti will destroy the Okepians, which is why they must all accept their station in life and work to defeat the Dharetti.
Loyalty to the Okepian way of life and the hierarchy is the primary tenant of Okepien life. The Okepians are a resolute people who believe in swift retributive justice. Those who do not obey the order of society are imprisoned, or sentenced to exile. Exile means being sent to the dragon isles where chances of survival are slim. In Okepian law the exile is considered a death sentence, as those exiled are surely eaten by dragons. It is hoped that these law breakers appease the dragons enough that they do not move farther east into Okepia. Theft and illegal use of magic are not tolerated. While Okepian society does not outlaw magic, those that use magic in any way that is deemed detrimental to Okepian society are exiled.
