Illahitkum

Illahitkum, officially the Commonwealth of Illahitkum is a Rathniri nation located in Sparwood. It is a vassal of Hostina, predominantly inhabited by Illahiti.

History
Long before the establishment of Hostina and the integration of the Illahiti, the underwater ravines that would become the Illahiti's home resonated with a unique energy. The Illahiti's origins were shrouded in mystery, with tales passed down through generations hinting at a divine bond between their ancestors and the depths of the ocean.

As time passed, the surface world changed. The emergence of Hostina, a nation encompassing land and sea, brought new challenges and opportunities to both the Illahiti and the Saghallikum (surface folk). Recognizing the potential benefits of cooperation, emissaries from Hostina reached out to the Illahiti, seeking a dialogue and understanding.

The Illahiti approached the negotiations with caution, wary of any actions that might disrupt the sanctity of their ravine. Hostina, understanding their concerns, offered a pact of integration that respected their way of life. The Illahiti, rooted in their deep values and ancestral ties, expressed their willingness to forge an alliance under certain conditions.

The Illahiti's integration into Hostina led to the establishment of the Commonwealth of Illahitkum—a province where they could retain a degree of autonomy while contributing to the greater nation. Hostina recognized the Illahiti's role as guardians of the ocean's depths and their commitment to sustainability.

The Illahiti contributed their unique knowledge of the underwater ecosystems, sharing their understanding of the ocean's rhythms and the delicate balance of life within the canyons. In return, Hostina respected their sacred spaces, supported their cultural practices, and ensured that their integration would not compromise their ancestral connection.

Economy
Shells are at the heart of the Illahiti economy. Different types of shells, called Hykwa, hold varying values, and they are used as a medium of exchange for goods and services. From intricate jewelry to rare underwater flora, Hykwa are used to represent value and facilitate trade among the Illahiti community. The economy is driven by a mutual recognition of the significance of these shells, fostering a sense of shared understanding.

While shells serve as a form of currency, the Illahiti also engage in barter and communal cooperation. The economy encourages a spirit of mutual support, where individuals share their unique skills and resources to enhance the community as a whole. Bartering for goods and services is common, and this fosters a sense of interdependence and unity among the Illahiti.

With their integration into Hostinia and their province, the Commonwealth of Illahitkum, the Illahiti have opportunities to engage in trade with the Saghallikum, or the people of the surface world. This trade involves exchanging goods, services, and money for surface goods that they may not have access to within the underwater canyons. This trade is approached with caution and consideration to their values, ensuring that it aligns with their commitment to environmental preservation.

The Illahiti economy places great value on craftsmanship and artistry. Their jewelry, intricate carvings, and other handcrafted items are exchanged as tokens of appreciation or as representations of skill. These items are often used for ceremonial purposes and hold cultural significance beyond their economic value.

The economy of the Illahiti is closely intertwined with their beliefs and way of life. Their commitment to maintaining the equilibrium of the oceans informs every economic decision they make. The Illahiti recognize that their prosperity is intimately connected to the health of the underwater ecosystems, and they take great care to ensure that their economic practices do not harm their sacred environment.

In essence, the Illahiti economy reflects their deep reverence for the ocean, their dedication to sustainable living, and their understanding of the interconnectedness of all life within their underwater canyons.

Government
Four councilmen, each representing a different aspect of Illahiti life—community, nature, culture, and cooperation—form a collective leadership with the Tyee (leader). The councilmen bring diverse perspectives and expertise to discussions, ensuring that decisions are well-rounded and considerate of all aspects of Illahiti society.

The councilmen, chosen by the Illahiti people themselves in a monthly election, are selected based on their contributions to the community, their understanding of Illahiti values, and their commitment to fostering unity within the Commonwealth of Illahitkum. They engage in open dialogues, mediations, and decision-making processes that reflect the Illahiti's collaborative spirit.

The Illahiti government emphasizes unity and balance in its approach to leadership. The Tyee, with their connection to the ocean's currents, ensures that decisions align with the wisdom of the deep. The councilmen bring the perspectives of the community, nature, culture, and cooperation, ensuring that the Illahiti's unique identity is preserved while embracing their place within the larger Hostina nation.

Governmental ceremonies, such as the "Current Convergence Council," bring together the Tyee, councilmen, and Illahiti representatives to discuss matters of importance. During this event, the Illahiti engage in rituals that symbolize the convergence of currents—the unity of their leadership and the diverse perspectives that shape their decisions.

Through the Tyee's spiritual guidance and the councilmen's practical insights, the Illahiti government navigates the challenges and opportunities of integration while honoring their traditions, fostering collaboration, and safeguarding the delicate equilibrium of their underwater world.

Military
In the underwater realm of the Illahiti, where the ocean's mysteries and challenges abound, a special force known as the Ocean Guard stands as the vigilant protectors of their canyons. Specially trained in underwater combat and equipped with unique skills, the Ocean Guard ensures the safety of their community and upholds the values of unity, preservation, and harmony with the deep.

Members of the Ocean Guard undergo rigorous training from a young age. They are chosen for their physical prowess, adaptability to the ocean's currents, and their unwavering commitment to the Illahiti way of life. Training includes mastering underwater combat techniques, proficiency in using oceanic weaponry, and learning to navigate the complex terrain of the canyons.

Ocean Guard operatives are skilled not only in physical combat but also in strategic thinking. They utilize the natural features of the underwater canyons to their advantage, employing hit-and-run tactics, ambushes, and underwater formations that optimize their fighting capabilities. Their training also emphasizes cooperation and communication, enabling them to work seamlessly as a team.

Upon their integration into the Commonwealth of Illahitkum, the Illahiti Ocean Guard took on a new role as ambassadors of their culture and protectors of the oceanic realm shared with the surface-dwelling Saghallikum. They collaborate with the coastal defense forces of Hostina, sharing their expertise in underwater combat and marine preservation.