History of Huawan (Part 1)
Mountainous Isolation and Early Humanoids (Approx. 800,000 BCE - 3000 BCE)
The formidable Xiongwei mountain range, a result of the tectonic dance between the Avalon Plate and the Brutland Plate, played a pivotal role in shaping the early history of Huawan. This massive mountainous region, often dubbed the “Tall Sentinels of the South Pacific,” created a natural barrier, effectively cleaving the Cordilian continent in half. This geographical marvel presented an imposing wall stretching from north to south, obstructing the warm tropical currents from the north to permeate Southern Cordilia.
In the shadow of these majestic peaks, early humanoids may have roamed the steppes of what would later become Huawan. Fossils and remnants of primitive stone tools, discovered in the southern reaches of Huawan, indicate the presence of possible early human communities dating back as much as 800,000 years. These resilient beings adapted to the challenges posed by the rugged terrain and diverse ecosystems created by the Xiongwei mountains.
The artifacts discovered tell tales of resilience and adaptation. These early humanoids, living in the shadows of the Xiongwei, honed their survival skills to endure the challenges posed by the rugged terrain and diverse ecosystems shaped by the mountain range. Stone tools, crafted with precision, were essential for hunting, resource extraction, and constructing rudimentary shelters.
Archeological evidence points to the establishment of settlements in the southern reaches of Huawan. These early communities, likely influenced by the abundant resources flowing from the Xiongwei mountains, left traces of their daily lives in the form of pottery fragments, tools, and communal hearths. These remnants provide insights into their social structures, trade practices, and the symbiotic relationship they cultivated with the natural world.
Paleolithic Era and Early Artistic Expressions (Approx. 3000 BCE - 1500 BCE)
As the tectonic forces continued to shape the landscape, early humanoids in Huawan left indelible marks on the canvas of time. Prehistoric sites, including the enigmatic Paleolithic cave drawings of the Eastern Caves of Sapphire and the Topaz cave of Mianping, stand as testament to the creative instincts of these ancient inhabitants.
The Eastern Caves of Sapphire unveil a mesmerizing array of Paleolithic art, depicting scenes of daily life, hunting expeditions, and mystical symbols. The Topaz cave of Mianping, another archaeological marvel, reveals intricate carvings and paintings, offering glimpses into the spiritual and cultural tapestry of these early communities.
Among the intricate Paleolithic depictions, scenes of hunting expeditions emerge as a recurring motif. These ancient inhabitants, armed with rudimentary tools crafted from the resources provided by the Xiongwei mountains, showcased their prowess as hunters. The palpable energy of the hunt is palpable in the art, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between humans and the creatures they shared the rugged landscape with.
Interwoven with depictions of daily life are mystical symbols that hint at the spiritual beliefs of Huawan’s early humanoids. Glyphs representing celestial bodies, the Xiongwei mountains, and enigmatic cosmic patterns adorn the cave walls. These symbols, though cryptic to modern interpreters, are believed to have held profound meaning for the ancient artists, reflecting a spiritual connection to the mystical forces that governed their world.
Tribal Dynamics, Mountainous Divide and Maaism (Approx. 1500 BCE - 500 BCE)
As the diverse tribes of Huawan adapted to their respective environments, the Xiongwei mountains, standing tall and formidable, transformed into a symbolic entity – a representation of both division and distinction. The mountainous barrier not only physically separated the tribes but also catalyzed the development of distinct languages, customs, and belief systems, creating a rich tapestry of cultural diversity.
The nomadic populations, feeling the ebb and flow of the Xiongwei’s influence, organized themselves around the five main rivers of Huawan – the Leng, the Zhong, the Gao, the Di, and the MuQin. Each river, descending from the mountain ranges that divided Cordilia, carved its own unique path through the landscape, creating distinct ecosystems that shaped the nomads’ way of life.
Early Huawanic nomads, deeply attuned to the rhythms of nature, held sacred beliefs centered around the Xiongwei mountains. They perceived these towering peaks as pillars that pierced the heavenly sky, a direct connection between the mortal realm and the divine. The waters that flowed from the Xiongwei were seen as the lifeblood of the earth, shaping the landscapes and feeding a lush forest that provided abundant resources for their nomadic way of life.
The ancient religion was known now as Maaism, practiced by shamans and nomads, it details that goodness and energy had overloaded the heavens, causing Father Sky to cry in pain that rained the world with fire and ash. Mother Earth, hearing the cries of her spouse, pushed her hands to the heavens to relieve the pain. This caused the birth of the 5 main rivers of Huawan, and blessings from the heavens.
A testament are ancient megaliths known as Hill Stones. These stones are carved with symbols that can be found all over central Cordilia but they are also found as far as the Frost Empire and Bailtem. The stones found in Huawan has a similar composition to the mineral content of the Xiongwei Mountains. These stones are associated with ancient graves, and are guardians of the dead. Some scholars theorized that these are mainly marks of graves of important people in nomadic circles, while others believe that they hold lessons and messages to the next generation on agriculture and hunting techniques. Though a prevailing theory in Maaism was that the spirits of the deceased will center on the sones, as these were from the Xiongwei mountains thought to be the connection between the earth and the sky, and the hand of mother earth itself. The spirits of the deceased will be reunited with the heavens, and preside over the security of the land. One of the largest stones, known as the Kurgan stone found in modern day city of Aweiqinna, was interpreted as the following:
“Should there be a imbalance between the natural world and the heavens, the stones heavy of the grief of sea of souls, will dig itself down to the ground and split mother earth, the crack of her flaming bosoms sets the mortals to fire to cleanse their sins, before all the souls are sent upwards to the heavens.”
Over 700 stones have been unearthed and identified in The South Pacific.
In this era of spiritual interconnectedness, nomads worshiped the celestial forces that governed the Xiongwei mountains. Rituals and ceremonies were conducted to honor the elements, seeking blessings for bountiful harvests, successful hunts, and protection from the challenges posed by the mountainous terrain.