Kritamala

[Kritamala]

Kritamala was a once ancient civilisation that learned to tame the jungle. The people in the region began to create a series of communities along a network of rivers that lead to what is now called the Rodinian Sea. These communities continued to grow until in the 5th Century BC they had become towns and cities that served as both commercial and religious centres. While initially they were all of one ethnicity they did not consider themselves a nation in the sense that we understand it today. This was merely a collection of city states with the land between them controlled by various chieftains. It was not until the 4th Century AD that the semblance of any kind of unity took place when Srinivas of Chaudhuri found his city facing a food shortage, as a result he simply mobilised a military and began raiding the others. This began a process whereby the city of Chaudhuri became the centre of a network where satellite towns and cities acted as feeders for Srinivas' home city while he kept the area safe from external interference. This meant that by 380 AD there was an effective Empire of Chaudhuri.

In 424 AD the grand-son of Srinivas, Amitabh The First Emperor, re-organised this collective network into a formal Empire with himself at the head. He named this empire Kritava and it thrived until when in 591AD a plague of some kind, many believe a form of the bubonic plague, caused the Empire to effectively implode with many cities becoming deserted.   The Emperor at the time was Vihaan II and he was actually drowned by the people of Chaudhuri as people believed he had brought a curse to the Empire. In the 100 years or so that followed there was a series of civil wars, raids and competition claims on the throne. During this time several key cities were all but destroyed as once conquered they were effectively sacked to remove all their wealth and their people taken as slaves.

In the 9th Century what is considered the 2nd Empire of this nation began. This time known as the Empire of Kritahed under Prince Murali of Banerjee. He attempted to stop the militarism of the previous centuries and introduced a form of democracy to the Empire. Under his reign he appointed 20 nobles to a council and then allowed those who owned land in their own right to elect 20 representatives. He, or one of his two consuls, would suggest laws and taxation for the Empire and for them to take place it would require the approval of this Council. While it was rare that the Emperor would not get his way there were a few occasions when taxation was reduced from what he had proposed and various rules granting land witheld for fear of the existing land owners losing out. The reign of Murali saw a focus on creating a vibrant city focusing on music, art and literature. While it has never been proven by archaeology Emperor Murali claimed that the city of Chaudhuri had the largest library in the world. The liklihood is that they maybe had the largest library in Eastern Aranye but even this is hard to prove beyond bias sources. For the next 400 years Kritahed was content at ensuring prosperity by constantly innovating and improving what they had. However in 1227 the then Emperor,  Nirmal III determined that he was an avatar of the Krita God of War. As a result he convinced most of his citizens he was destined to control the whole of Mundus and began a series of conquests. While initially these were very successful it became the case by the end of his reign that he had overextended the Empire's reach and after a series of revolts and coups the Empire crumbled in size. This saw Nirmal II betrayed by several of his generals who murdered him in his sleep along with his two wives. Their bodies were chopped up and fed to the hundreds of eagles that Nirmal was said to keep so that by 1241 the Empire was poised on the brink of potential chaos.

Following this time period there was a time when the Generals tried to rule as a form of collective council. Initially this worked for a period of 20 years but as these men began to die off it became clear that perhaps their heirs would not have the skill or acumen to make this arrangement work. In 1262 Swapnil was the last of these generals alive and his son, also known as Swapnil, formed a partnership that saw the Empire establish more or less its modern day borders. The next few centuries were rather unremarkable. The Empire focused on maintaining its borders and becoming a centre of trade and commerce. Sadly the plague once again hit and this time an estimated 40% of the Empires population died. This once more plunged the Empire into war and by 1500 the Empire was no more having splintered into ten or so different nations.

These nations maintained a series of constant political and military drama until 1533 when Dayaram of Anand began a series of conflicts having been told by the Oracle of Bhaskarza that it was his destiny to create a "paradise on Mundus for all men and women by ridding it of trivial affairs" As a result he began a military conquest that because of the Oracle's support drew massive amounts of man-power to his banners. As a result the Empire of Kritamala was established. While the religious nature of Dayaram's conquest was on paper a noble one he tried to create this by taking away any semblence of autonomy for the general public every facet of their daily life was organised for them. This was clearly not popular and so in 1561 Dayaram was faced with a brief uprising in the capital, Chaudhuri. This saw his own son, Suresh, throw him from the battlements of his fortress. He immediately began reforming the Empire. Inspired by the councils established by Prince Murali of Banerjee in the 9th Century he re-established these and enlarged them making the Empire and effective democracy. With various reforms to keep the form of government current and the nation prosperous little changed until the early 20th Century.

In 1935 a strong version of influenza hit the nation that made the Empire once more weakened. This was taken advantage of by Rodina who invaded and having been successful began a process of Sovietisation. This saw the nation formally named the Soviet Republic of Kritamala. While there were frequent riots and attempted rebellions all of these failed and were harshly put down. In 1987 the Soviet appointed puppet Mohandas Bhattacharya faced opposition from hardliners who believed that more needed to be done to make the nation fairer and more socialist, as a result Imtiaz Bachchan, a general within the Army seized power and maintained it despite calls from the USR to be more in line with them. While Bachchan did ease up in some regards he saw the collapse of the USR as a chance to impose his own form of rule on Kritamala. He effectively turned the nation "dark" in 2015 refusing to have any interaction with nations not intune with his deep form of socialism. He believed that all workers should be working for the good of the nation and that it should be self sufficent. As a result he closed institute such as insurance services, financial services and a vast number of educational oppurtunities (for example only subjects with "Practical real life uses" were permitted to be studied.) Vast numbers of people were forced from their urban homes out to go into the countryside and work. As a result the nation became extremely poor and run down. It was not until death of Bachchan in 2024 that the nation shrugged off the chains of its past.


Population: Last official census in 1989 was approx 72million people
GDP per capita: $3,800
Capital City: Chaudhuri

[Kritamala]

WHO ARE THE KRITA

The Krita race is what gives its name to several nations that have existed in East Aranye over the course of history. Each of these names shows the deep connection between the Krita people and that region. The Krita as a race can be seen as actually having some diversity. Generally speaking though its people can be identified by a range of skin tones from light to deep brown, and their hair is commonly dark in color. The facial features of Krita people can vary widely, with some exhibiting sharp, angular features, while others have softer, rounded characteristics. Eyes are generally dark in colour.

Linguistically they speak one of three languages which are deeply intertwined. It is thought that knowing one allows you to understand around 70% of the others. The most spoken of these languages is Kritala which literally translates as the "Tongue of the Krita", the other two are known as Krenalin and Chaudo (which is the least spoken). Traditionally speaking Chaudo was the language of the royals and nobility and until the 1700's all legal documents within the nation were written in that language. Krenalin was considered the language of religion and was used heavily by those with spiritual connections within the nation. Under Soviet rule however there was an attempt to Sovietise the nation and Rus was the language that all government business was done in and since 1947 was compulsury in all schools with Krenalin being all but outlawed and Chaudo being reduced in common parlance to simply historical study.

Traditionally the dress of Krita was bright and vibrant but also rather flowing. Men traditionally wore bright coloured knee length tunics which if of high status or wealth were often decorated with beautiful images or patterns. Women would often don elegant, flowing dresses, such as saree-like garments, with elaborate draping styles. Jewelry plays a significant role in traditional attire, with ornate necklaces, earrings, and bangles commonly worn. However under Soviet control this became more utalitarian and ornate fashion attire was replaced with more mass produced items that eliminated the idea of status. The other major change in fashion was that in the pre-Soviet era many garments were handwoven or embroidered, showcasing intricate designs passed down through generations however Soviet mass production saw this change radically.

Religiously the Krita people are closely tied to the Tridevadya faith. This too was targeted by the Soviets and many places of worship turned into alternative uses.

[Kritamala]

Tridevadya Faith

The faith is native to the Krita people.

Core Beliefs

In the time before time, when the universe was a formless void, three primordial forces emerged from the cosmic ocean—Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. These forces, representing balance, energy, and darkness, took form as the three supreme deities: Sattvayana, Rajeshvari, and Tamara. Together, they brought order to chaos, shaping the world and giving life to all beings. In the early days of creation, a fourth deity, Asurapati , who was once the God of Ambition and Strength, grew envious of the harmonious rule of the three. Believing he could bring about a stronger world through domination and fear, Asurapati rebelled against the others. His heart was consumed by his own ambition, turning him into a force of pure evil. The Tridevadya triad banished him to the underworld, where he became the Lord of the Damned, a fate awaiting those who stray from the righteous path.

Each of the three supreme deities has taken multiple forms, known as Avatars, throughout history, appearing in various aspects to solve specific problems. For instance, Sattvayana might appear as Vidyaraja, the King of Knowledge, during a period of great ignorance, while Rajeshvari might manifest as Kalapriya, the Patron of the Arts, when creativity is in decline. These avatars can be reborn in human form when they sense the need to guide humanity directly.

The Three Gods & Oracles

Sattvayana  - The God of Balance and Wisdom: Sattvayana embodies harmony, knowledge, and justice. He is the guiding light for those who seek truth and enlightenment. All forms of wisdom, from philosophy to art, are under his domain. His avatars often appear in times of moral crises to restore balance and guide humanity toward the path of righteousness.

Rajeshvari - The Goddess of Energy and Creation: Rajeshvari is the divine source of creativity, passion, and life. She is the force behind the creation of the universe and the spark that ignites innovation and progress. Her avatars manifest during times of stagnation, bringing new ideas, energy, and inspiration to humanity.

Tamara - The Goddess of Transformation and Destruction: Tamara represents the necessary cycles of change, death, and rebirth. She is the force that clears the old to make way for the new, ensuring the eternal cycle of life. Her avatars come during periods of great turmoil, guiding the faithful through difficult transitions.

Each of these Gods and their associated avatars are believed to have selected an Oracle. The Oracles are chosen individuals who can commune directly with the Gods and their avatars. Some Oracles are connected to a specific deity, receiving visions, guidance, and sometimes even divine powers to fulfill the will of the Gods. These Oracles play a crucial role in interpreting the divine will and guiding the faithful. Oracles are believed to be chosen directly by the Gods and their avatars, a divine selection process that unfolds through both mystical signs and rigorous tests of faith, wisdom, and purity. Potential Oracles often experience powerful visions or dreams in which one of the three supreme deities, or one of their avatars, appears to them. These visions are vivid and unmistakable, often involving symbolic imagery, direct communication, or even a temporary possession where the deity speaks through the chosen individual. Other signs might include unusual occurrences in nature surrounding the individual—such as animals behaving strangely around them, unexplained phenomena like sudden changes in weather, or the individual displaying unexpected abilities, such as healing or prophecy. The current Oracles play a significant role in identifying new candidates. When someone experiences divine signs, they are brought before a council of Oracles who possess the wisdom and spiritual sensitivity to discern the authenticity of these experiences. The council will meditate and commune with the Gods to confirm whether the individual is truly chosen. Once recognized by the council, the candidate undergoes a series of spiritual tests designed to assess their purity of heart, dedication to the faith, and ability to channel the divine. These tests may include fasting, isolation in a temple, and engaging in complex rituals under the guidance of senior Oracles. After the candidate has passed the tests, they begin a period of intense spiritual training. During this time, they learn sacred texts, rituals, and the arts of divination. They are also taught how to control and interpret the visions they receive, how to commune with the specific deity or avatar they are connected to, and how to serve the community as an Oracle. Upon completing their training, the candidate undergoes a formal initiation ceremony. This involves a ritual purification, anointing with sacred oils, and the recitation of ancient prayers. The ceremony culminates in the candidate receiving a sacred relic or symbol from the temple, marking them as an official Oracle of Tridevadya. Each Oracle is typically associated with one of the three supreme deities or one of their avatars. Their primary role is to serve as a bridge between the divine and the mortal world, offering guidance, interpreting divine will, and performing rituals on behalf of the deity they represent. Oracles are revered figures in Kirtana, sought after for their wisdom and ability to foresee events. They provide counsel to rulers, bless important  Being an Oracle is a lifelong commitment. Once chosen, Oracles are expected to dedicate their lives to serving the Gods and their communities. They live by strict codes of conduct, often residing in temple complexes where they remain close to the divine energies they channel.

Rituals and Practices

Reincarnation: Followers of Tridevadya believe in the cycle of rebirth, where the soul undergoes multiple lives, learning and evolving until it achieves liberation. Once an individual has amassed enough knowledge and experience to convince at least two of the three Gods that they have become worthy of a life in paradise.

Polygamy: The faith permits and sometimes encourages polygamy, viewing it as a way to strengthen familial bonds and ensure the well-being of all members. This is particularly important as it is believed that some people are able to remember their bonds to previous lives.

Education and the Arts: Great emphasis is placed on education, particularly in the fields of art, music, and philosophy. These are seen as sacred pursuits, ways of understanding the divine and contributing to the cosmic balance.

Temples dedicated to the three supreme deities are centers of worship, where followers offer prayers, perform rituals, and seek the guidance of Oracles.

Festivals celebrate the avatars' past appearances, with each festival focusing on the arts, music, and philosophical debates to honor the Gods' influence on human culture.

[Kritamala]

KRITAMALA ARMY
Pre Soviet Collapse Numbers
Approx 500,000 Soldiers
Around a further 100,000 on national service

280 x TH-1 Table Towed Howizter
300 x TH-2 Trait Towed Howitzer
170 x TH-3 Thick Towed Howitzer
80 x SPH-1 Smoke Self Propelled Howitzer
300 x SPH-2 Share Self Propelled Howitzer
220 x SPH-3 Shoes Self Propelled Howitzer
200 x RA-1 Razor Rocket Artillery
150 x RA-2 Reply Rocket Artillery
180 x AA-1 Angle Anti-Aircraft Gun
100 x AA-2 Ankle Anti-Aircraft Gun
45 x AM-1 Aisle SAM Vehicle
80 x AM-2 Anger SAM Vehicle
400 x MBT-1 Macaw Main Battle Tank
350 x MBT-2 Macro Main Battle Tank
280 x IFV-1 Icily Infantry Fighting Vehicle
200 x IFV-2 Icing Infantry Fighting Vehicle
200 x SC-1 Shunt Scout Car
300 x APC-1 Aback Armoured Personnel Carrier
200 x APC-2 Abbot Armoured Personnel Carrier
2500 x UV-1 Ultra Utility Transport Vehicle
200 x UV-2 Undue Ultility Transport Vehicle
1000 x UV-3 Unwed Utility Transport Vehicle
80 x H-1 Hacker Helicopters

[Kritamala]

KRITAMALA NAVY
Pre Soviet Collapse Numbers
Approx 100,000 Sailors
Around a further 40,000 on national service

3 x Type 1 Class Amphibious Warfare Ship

3 x Type 2 Class Cruisers

8 x Type 3 Class Destroyer

4 x Type 4 Class Destroyers

8 x Type 5 Class Frigate

4 x Type 6 Class Frigate

4 x Type 7 Class Minesweeper

5 x Type 7 Class Ballistic Missile Subs

8 x Type 8 Class Attack Sub

7 x Type 9 Class Patrol Ship

18 x Type 10 Class Missile Boat

[Kritamala]

KRITAMALA AIR FORCE
Pre Soviet Collapse Numbers
Approx 140,000 Soldiers
Around a further 60,000 on national service

90 x F-21 Feline Air Defence Fighter
70 x F-17 Flounder Fighter-Bomber
180 x F-4 Ferret Multi-role Fighter
60 x A-25 Antler Ground Attack Aircraft
100 x A-24 Adder Ground Attack Aircraft / Tactical Bomber
80 x C-12 Canine Transport Aircraft
60 x C-2 Cougar Transport Aircraft
80 x C-72 Cicada Transport Aircraft
10 x E-71 Entity AEWACS Aircraft
50 x T-29 Tiger Advanced Trainer
70 x T-19 Tuscan Basic Trainer
40 x B-95 Buffalo Bomber
50 x B-9 Baboon Bomber (with 25 converted to tanker duties and designated K-9 Kangol)
60 x H-2 Hacker Helicopter
30 x H-56 Hippo Helicopter
30 x H-1 Heyena Helicopter