First Settlements
(annotated by me)
Amstaad was founded thousands of years ago on the southern bank of the Amtuk River, where it meets the Ocean. It was originally a cluster of traditional houses of the Tiktuk tribe, a group of fisherfolk.
The Tiktuk lived in peace until
(until? I thought they peacefully conceded their town)
they were discovered by the Passani Empire. The southerners discovered Amstaad about 2000 years ago. Rather than wage war against superior numbers and arms, the Tiktuk willingly conceded their town to the Passani.The Passani used Amstaad as a waystation between their capital and the boundaries of their Empire, which stretched towards the north. They kept the original Tiktuk buildings intact, but built around them, incorporating them into traditional Passani architecture. The city was walled for protection, and built up into a maze of winding roads and staircases. The first docks were also built along the Ocean to the southeast of the Old City.
The Passani spread their forces too thin, however, and were turned back by an alliance of Men, Elves, and Dwarves from the north
(this makes little sense and has no continuation from the previous paragraph)
. Upon their arrival at Amstaad around 500 years ago, the Tiktuk and Passani families in the Old City met in secret, and agreed to hand the city over to the northerners to avoid bloodshed. The northern Briaf army was conveyed into the city at night in secret, loyal Passani guards were killed by stealth (why were they killed if the victims agreed to hand the city over? especially classically "good" forces such as elves, dwarves and men, who wouldn't attack unless all options were exhausted)
, and in the morning the Passani awoke to find that only the docks still belonged to them. Those outside the city fought back, but were unable to win against stronger forces in a better position. The docks were razed by the remaining Passani, as they fled to the south.Empire and Independence
The Briaf kept the Old City intact and to the existing Passani and Tiktuk inhabitants. Rather, the new settlers built around the Old City. The attractive location connecting three trade routes (to the great cities on the plains to the south, to the mines to the north, and to the capital of Briven up-river) led to a rebuilding and expansion of the Docks, and the conversion of Amstaad into a major trading centre. Wealth attracted businessmen and Briaf nobles. During this time settlement expanded north of the river, and as Tiktuk and Passani populations gradually declined Elves moved into the Old City.
Governors sent from Briven were in general good for the city, until 100 years ago the Emperor
(so we go from an alliance of men, dwarves and elves to an empire? what race is the leader of this empire? doesn't make much sense)
made the mistake of appointing a young noble by the name of Vithis. Soon after arriving, Vithis became a notorious drunkard, setting usurious taxes to fuel his opulent lifestyle. Corruption seeped into the city guards. Even the nobles were privately embarrassed.In response, there were incidents of civil unrest, and a petition for a recall sent by a coalition of nobles. Also, a merchant by the name of Bylin started a popular movement to agitate for independence. On the same day, he organized a complete shutdown of the city while he presented a proposal requesting independence in the capital. The Emperor capitulated, Vithis was recalled, and Amstaad was left to choose it's own leader.
The City State
The first governor of Amstaad was chosen by a coalition of representatives from the Tiktuk royalty, the Passani families, and the Briaf nobles. One of the Passani, Allel, was selected. Under his guidance, the governor's mansion was converted into the Council Hall, and land was appropriated nearby to build the other functions of government, a university, and a museum. Allel also was responsible for rebuilding the reputation of the city guards, and many other civil works including bridges crossing the river, the sewer system, and upgrading water distribution.
...Needs a concluding paragraph still.[/quote]