Sekwntos

The Sekwntos are a group of Shriaav who were integrated into Wolgos society during the Bind era. This integration process began slowly but was significantly influenced by the conquest of the Altaian Shriaav city-state colonies. Over the decades, the elites of the Shriaav and upper echelons were gradually absorbed into the Wolgos regime. This strategic move by the Wolgos aimed to control the Shriaav-dominated regions of the Bind, as outright subjugation was deemed unlikely to be successful.

The term "Sekwntos" is an exonym given to the integrated Shriaav by the Wolgos, meaning "the following ones." The integration of the Shriaav elites was facilitated by the privileges they obtained from collaborating with the Wolgos regime. These privileges included securing wealth, retaining their old rights and privileges, and maintaining control over other Shriaav. This development caused a schism between the traditional Shriaav and the elite, who came to be seen as collaborators by most Shriaav.

The Sekwntos have adapted to life in Kupeya by blending Shriaav resilience with Wolgos strategies for survival. They exhibit a high degree of emotional resilience and stoicism, traits essential for navigating the manipulative and often dangerous environment created by the Wolgos. The Sekwntos are known for their direct and curt communication style, which helps them avoid falling into Wolgos traps and maintain a sense of control.

Background

The Shriaav in Altaia originated from the Kamuran empire and neighboring lands, exploring the northern coasts of Altaia and founding settlements along the coast and on the banks of the eastern Nuss river and its delta. They formed fishing and farming communities that organized themselves into city-states, which became fully independent from Kamura as the empire experienced difficulties maintaining ties. The city-states were completely independent from each other, trading with each other and at times warring and competing.

Around two centuries ago, as the Wolgos expanded into Altaia and established the Bind, they came to conquer the city-states. Unlike the natives of Altaia, the city-states were far too organized to allow complete subjugation. Instead, the Wolgos vassalized the city-states, maintaining divisions in the area for control.

In the first few years, the states paid taxes and tribute, and contributed labor, but soon enough the Wolgos began settling in the city-states and lands, taking a privileged position within the cities and treating the Shriaav and their elite as their subjects. The Shriaav elite scrambled to maintain their privileges and actively engaged and ingratiated themselves with the Wolgos regime, facilitating their aims and projects, becoming invaluable assets within the region.

As control over the Nuss Delta was solidified, an increasing number of Shriaav began to adopt the new customs and systems implemented by the elite. This shift was driven by a desire to be more successful and to survive in a Wolgos society characterized by rampant uncertainty, conflict, and danger.

During the collapse of the Bind era, the common Shriaav rose up to establish their own independent state and throw off the shackles of the Wolgos regime. Most of the common Shriaav did not integrate into the Wolgos regime and survived by using their integrated elite as advocates and buffers, allowing a certain level of segregation to exist. The elite, however, found no place in the new society being built during the collapse and faced hostility for their cooperation with the Wolgos.

The Shriaav elite from the Bind and their followers saw no other option but to go into exile with the Wolgos or face severe repercussions, including death. They joined the Wolgos during the decade-long evacuation, frequently chartering their own ships and pleading with the Wolgos to assist them in securing places on their ships or helping them secure old cargo ships. Around half a million Shriaav made it to Kupeya along with their Wolgos allies.

In Kupeya, the Sekwntos continue to navigate their unique position within Wolgos society. They retain their elite status and privileges, but their history of collaboration creates a complex social dynamic. The Sekwntos, while benefiting from their alignment with the Wolgos, also face the challenge of balancing their identity as Shriaav with their role in Wolgos society. This integration involves adopting Wolgos customs and practices while maintaining aspects of their Shriaav heritage.