The Provinces
To a foreigner curious about Cairngorm's distinctive arrangement into seven provinces, the history rooted in the legacy of the Ahbaís provides a profound understanding. The Ahbaís, also known as abyssal dwarves, emerged from the planet's core, bringing with them unprecedented advancements and altering the continent's fabric.
Originally, Cairngorm was populated by tribes and clans living in simple harmony with nature. This changed dramatically with the Ahbaís' appearance, who, according to legend, were created by Moradin, the Soul Forger, from the essence of Cairngorm itself. Unlike the surface dwarves, the Ahbaís developed in isolation, building magnificent subterranean cities that leveraged the geothermal energy and were rich in minerals. Their emergence to the surface introduced Cairngorm to advanced technology, architecture, and a new social structure.
The Ahbaís imposed a feudal system, a reflection of their own underground societal organization. They divided the continent into seven administrative provinces:
Circin
Fidach
Fortriu
Fib
Fotla
Cait
Ce
This division was not merely administrative but also brought about a cultural and technological renaissance across Cairngorm. The Ahbaís shared their knowledge of agriculture, metallurgy, and the arcane, vastly improving the lives of the surface dwellers. However, this came at the cost of freedom for many, as the Ahbaís ruled with a mix of enlightenment and despotism. Their sudden disappearance left a void that plunged Cairngorm into the Gloaming, a period of darkness and conflict. Despite this, the provinces outlined by the Ahbaís have persisted through the ages. Today, a millennium later, these provinces no longer represent unified political entities but still hold significant cultural meaning. They serve as a testament to the Ahbaís' legacy, influencing the regional identities and the continent's division. This historical arrangement explains the current political geography of Cairngorm, where the Ahbaís' impact, though faded, still lingers in the cultural and territorial distinctions of its provinces.
Fidach
Fortriu
Fib
Fotla
Cait
Ce
This division was not merely administrative but also brought about a cultural and technological renaissance across Cairngorm. The Ahbaís shared their knowledge of agriculture, metallurgy, and the arcane, vastly improving the lives of the surface dwellers. However, this came at the cost of freedom for many, as the Ahbaís ruled with a mix of enlightenment and despotism. Their sudden disappearance left a void that plunged Cairngorm into the Gloaming, a period of darkness and conflict. Despite this, the provinces outlined by the Ahbaís have persisted through the ages. Today, a millennium later, these provinces no longer represent unified political entities but still hold significant cultural meaning. They serve as a testament to the Ahbaís' legacy, influencing the regional identities and the continent's division. This historical arrangement explains the current political geography of Cairngorm, where the Ahbaís' impact, though faded, still lingers in the cultural and territorial distinctions of its provinces.
Type
Continent
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