Yodotai

[Jewel]

The newest empire to make contact with Medinaat al-Salaam the Yodotai have only openly visited within the last year. To date perhaps less than a hundred have ever set foot within the Jewel and perhaps a dozen make residence there. Despite being new arrivals in terms of Medinaat al-Salaam the Yodotai empire has stood for centuries an unstoppable force sweeping across the lands conquering all those that stand before it. However, while the people of the Jewel have recognized the discipline and martial skill of the Yodotai they have met, the true strength, extent, and ambition of their empire has not yet revealed itself. For now they are viewed as an interesting novelty, worthy mercenaries, or potential allies. If the Yodotai decide to add the Jewel to their collection the knowledge they have already acquired will make them a threat beyond anything Medinaat al-Salaam has ever faced.

As a culture the Yodotai are an incredibly diverse people except on two fronts - language and religion - the Yodotai empire has conquered countless nations and empires since their foundation and each has been allowed to maintain their culture as long as they learn the Yodotai language and forsake any religion other than that of the Yodotai. As long as they are willing to accept these changes, and to consider themselves Yodotai, they are allowed to maintain other cultural practices intact. This diversity would come as somewhat a surprise to the people of Medinaat al-Salaam as, so far, only the Hanif-descended Yodotai have openly declared themselves as such - however that does not mean that Yodotai of other cultural groups have not made their way to the city without stating their true allegiance.

Theology: Some would say war was the defining characteristic of the Yodotai, others would say religion, those truly acquainted with them recognize that the two are largely one and the same. The Yodotai worship a number of gods, given titles that describe their domain as opposed to names, the foremost of which is Conquest. They are fiercely devoted to their beliefs and hold that no other faith holds true merit. All must some day worship the gods of the Yodotai or they must perish. Even in death Yodotai do not stop serving Conquest and their spirits often manifest beside their living brethren in war - striking down their foes and shielding their descendants from hostile magic.


Hanif
The Hanif were the first people brought together by Conquest to form the Yodotai. While, for the most part, merit is superior to blood among the Yodotai those of Hanif descent are often found in positions of prestige and power within the Yodotai empire and the ranks of its army. As such they are often what most outsiders think of when they think of Yodotai even though they themselves would balk at the idea of a 'true' Yodotai. Any who take their name, their language, and their gods are as true Yodotai as any other.

Grekoi
The Yodotai fear the goddess of the Mighty and Merciless Sea and the Grekoi serve as a stark reminder of that. Despite their lands being separated by twenty miles or less of open water the Yodotai instead crossed five hundred miles of forests and mountains to conquer them. In the face of this determination and strength the philosophical Grekoi surrendered after a single battle. One of the first conquests of the Yodotai they have now served loyally for centuries. They are best known for their philosophy, science, and engineering.

Cartagi
A fierce people who loved and largely lived on the sea they are known as a conquest which almost did not result in victory - largely due to the Yodotai fear of the waves. In the centuries since they have become a stalwart part of the Empire and are some of the only Yodotai who would dare risk the wrath of the Mighty and Merciless Sea.

Gallim
The most recent conquest of the Yodotai these semi-nomadic people are proud and stubborn. Their lands still occasionally give birth to uprisings and resurgences of old beliefs. Those aware of the true nature of the Yodotai suspect that the continuing pacification of these stubborn lands may be the only thing currently distracting the Yodotai from marching on the Jewel.

Factions: Unaligned. Though the various factions of Medinaat al-Salaam are all keen to learn, and find use for, these new arrivals true alliances, or infiltration, takes time and there simply has not yet been enough for any to gain a foothold among them.

Schools & Paths:

Yodotai Legionnaire
Yodotai Mercenary
Battle Tactician
Yodotai Raider
Advance Scout
Yodotai Surgeon
Path: Triarii
Path: Velite
Path: Equitatus Lancearii
Path: Engineer
Path: Centurion

Advantages & Disadvantages:
Blessing of Bahadur
Leadership
Magic Resistance
Servant: Guard (2 less)
Tactician

Brash
Obtuse