The Federation of El-Mara
Short Name: El-Mara
State Religion: Zoroastrianism
Government: Tribal Federation
City colors: Tan and Red
Demonym: Marian
Official language: Persian (ancient)
Population: 305,000
Currency: 1 Rial (gold coin)=100 Tomans (silver coin)=1000 Perians (bronze coin)
Trade Goods: Stone, Iron, Silver, Fish, Horses
Location: El-Mara
~History~
Founded by Asiatic horse nomads over a thousands and half years ago, the Federation of El-Mara is a land composed of tightly allied equine tribes who depend on one another for survival. At it’s beginning, these tribes were pathetic raiders who attacked each other for petty wealth and power; It took a skilled warrior and diplomat named Tin Hinali-a woman-to unite the tribes after centuries of squalling. Referred to by all El-Marians simply as “Mother,” Hinali established a lasting federation and built many mighty fleets to rule the seas.
Since then, the tribes have lived in relative peace, except for the occasional scuffle between tribal leaders. Mostly interested in trade rather than war, the El-Maran trade fleets have come in contact with most every city in the sea, exchanging vast amounts of wealth and discovery from the other countries and city-states. There have been many times when El-Mara has been under direct attack, either from western armies or vast Asian hordes; thrice have western barbarians stormed across El-Maran lands (in the late 1200’s, 900, and most recently 500 B.C.), each invasion nearly bringing the fragile El-Maran economy to it’s knees. Thirty years ago-in 430 B.C.-a huge, unnamed horde of horsemen attacked from east, nearly destroying the great city itself. Every one of the invasions was stopped in it’s tracks, however. As of now, the region waits anxiously for any other threats on the horizon, fully prepared to destroy whatever enemy appears.
~Society~
Ruled by the powerful Tribal Warlords, who elect a Great Leader every decade, the entire El-Maran society is motivated by trade. Nearly every citizen is required to work the fields or mines daily, including most soldiers when they are not needed in battle. Slaves are non-existent in El-Mara; its people find the practice both inefficient and extremely cruel. Each tribe has access to at least one, but not all of the rich lands of El-Mara’s resources; this forces the tribes to either make costly wars or cooperate with each other for survival. It has been theorized that Tin Hinali set up the federation in this manner for that very purpose.
El-Mara is a very tolerant region, allowing freedom of religion and free passage to foreigners, as long as they can provide proper documentation. The ancient fire religion of Zoroastrianism is the state religion, and is practiced by almost all El-Marian citizens. Women and Men serve relatively equal roles in the government; both sexes can be in the military, or rise to high governmental positions. Indeed, many of El-Mara’s greatest leaders have been women.
Master stonecutters, El-Marans have mastered the art of Fortifications and walls; many stone towers litter the landscape and shoreline, a precaution initiated by the last great invasion. El-Mara itself is a grand structure, surrounded by two thick stone walls and dozens of defensive towers.
While the society of El-Mara is cut into classes-namely Soldiers, Farmers, Miners, Traders, and Tribal Officials, no one is considered to be superior that another, as they often intersect and depend on each other.
~Military~
The El-Maran military, unlike many other nations, is based solely off a complicated merit system instead of hereditary titles. If the lowest farmhand can rise to the rank of general if he commits great deeds on the battlefield. Formed around a small, extremely elite corps of soldiers and augmented by normal citizens, El-Mara possesses a very effective military, although it is usually used in a defensive manner.
~Army~
The majority of the El-Mara land force is made up of a huge mass of medium-trained citizens and traders and amplified by the extremely well trained Citadel Guards. Most soldiers are armed with light armor, a spear and short sword, and a shield; the Guards, however, are adorned in heavy bronze armor and carry large war swords and scythes rather than spears.
A smaller, but important part of the army are the Bowmen, armed with light composite bows made of sinew, wood, and animal horn. Light Citizen Soldiers:112,000
Citadel Guards: 12,000
Bowmen: 16,000
~Cavalry~
Without a doubt the most feared land forces of El-Mara, the El-Maran cavalry is comprised almost entirely of light horse archers; skilled in feints, trick shooting, and massed charges, they are a not a force to take lightly.
In comparison, the El-Marin “heavy” cavalry is armed with a large shield and long javelins as well as a sword, but prefer to stay at medium-range and lance their opponents rather than engage them directly.
Horse Archers: 40,000
Heavy Cavalry: 12,000
~Navy~
While the El-Maran army is a strong and formidable force, it’s navy far outshines it’s land forces in terms of pure power and mobility. Made up of huge and heavy Nemi warships, El-Mara has also adopted the powerful Quinqueremes and Quadriremes of the west. Galleys and Triremes make up the remainder of the naval forces, and even the merchant fleets can be converted into combat ships and troop carriers in a short time.
Standing Navy
Nemi Warships: 24
Quinqueremes: 80
Quadriremes: 62
Galleys/Triremes:160
Sailors:40,000
~Total Standing Military Number~: 245,000 soldiers, including Support Personnel (Cooks, sappers), not including trade fleet sailors and ships.