Weissland is the frigid land at the southernmost tip of the Eastern Continent.
People have managed to survive in this harsh environment,
the region furthest from the birthplace of humankind.
The discovery of Quells is what drew people to the land
and brought them immense wealth.
But what kind of society exists in such a place?
[ Added 01/10/22 ]
Shifting Forms of Government
The history of Weissland begins in 8000 BS, when humankind first set foot into the region. Civilization could not mature in this frigid land, however, so tribes continued to exist without any major powers such as countries. Only the Hahn Empire was ever able to invade Weissland, but there otherwise have not been any major military conflicts thanks to the extreme climate. The region itself holds little value aside from being a source of Quells and many people could not fathom trying to live in such a place.
Truthfully, visitors stopped travelling to Weissland after the output of Quells slowed and the Empire fell, and soon the land was forgotten by the civilizations in the north. But as the Four Principalities of Merchmin were established and the power struggles between them intensified, Diggers once again came in search of Quells. Later, when Tools were developed on the Southern Continent as well as affordable winter clothing, merchants from the Country of Na paved the way for active trading.
Shifts in Government
8000 BS ～ 5500 BS
Primitive Hunting Culture
5500 BS ～ 101
Early Quell Culture
102 ～ 392
Age of the Hahn Empire
Invasion by the Hahn Empire
400 ～ 1000
Era of Stillness
1000 ～
Transition to Commerce
Timeline
c. 8000 BS
Humankind arrives in the region
c. 6000 BS
Settlements established
c. 5500 BS
Discovery of Quells
c. 3000 BS
Quells begin to be exported in secrecy
c. 2000 BS
Mass outflux of Quells and people begins
1900’s BS
Harmony with the people of the Grand Teille
Reorganization begins
102
Expeditionary forces from the Hahn Empire approach
100’s
Trade established with the Central Plains
200’s
Permanent settlers outnumber nomadic peoples
Diggers begin to visit from abroad
392
Sixth Weissland Expedition
400’s
Visitors from abroad cease
900’s
Diggers arrive once again in large numbers
c. 1000
Merchants visit Weissland
Tribal societies
If not for the potential output of Quells, Weissland would not be a place where people choose to live. The severe cold makes farming impossible and hinders aspects of daily life. Traditionally, the natives of Weissland subsisted through hunting. This style of living continued since the first arrival of humankind in the region and remained unchanged even after the discovery of Quells.
1 Unchanging Society
In this society that revolves around hunting and surviving in a cold environment, the population did not increase and the people lived with extensions of their relatives in the bare minimum level of structure. Because of this, the culture had not matured beyond that of tribal societies and there was no need for such development. Elders were regarded as society leaders and met with representatives from each family to discuss matters of import. This style of living remained unchanged even after the discovery of Quells. However, those who utilized the blessings of Quells and wished for societal changes left Weissland.
2 The Path Toward a Commercial Society
Around the year 1000, this society of nomadic tribes that focused on hunting gradually adopted permanent settlements. The number of visiting Diggers and merchants increased in that era, so the hunting lifestyle changed to that of a lifestyle focused around welcoming these visitors. The number of permanent settlements increased and the societal system changed from one of tribes to that of villages focused on commerce.
