Ibilen, The Unincorporated Territories. Ibilen, like several other cities in the unincorporated territories, is historically comprised mainly of vulpine refugees who successfully escaped the persecution of the Sevropian and Dverian occupation of Listonian lands over the course of four hundred years. Those who could attempted to move toward Vekaiyu, so the story goes, but inevitably moving armies and changing borders caused many to be cut off and forced them eastward. Ibilen is perhaps the easternmost settlement of predominantly vulpine individuals on Yasteria. While the city lies in and around a desert, it is maintained fairly well. Vayan Catholicism is the religion-of-choice here, though is slightly altered to fit the tone of desert life. Unfortunately, a religious chant is often followed by an act of crime. Criminal organizations from Listonia and surrounding areas had long ago exploited this city for its mining, trade, and helium production. Prayers in the light, deception in the shadows. This is Ibilen.
Such city-states, if one could refer them as such, often held mixed feelings toward the predominantly vulpine nations to the west. While some were encouraged over the progress with Isklevyu and Listonia, others remained skeptical. After all, the last time Vekaiyu had any sort of interaction with these territories was when the nation donated / sold outdated tanks in order to put up a mild defense. Ibilen bought six, but by now most were out of commission. With no further interaction in some thirty years, many felt rather isolated, but perhaps that wasn’t such a bad thing. After all, Kolaks have entered the region from Really Nice Hats, and many considered their presence a godsend in two respects - Premier Levinile had promised their protection, and their sect was rumored to have the “blessing fingers” of St. Aiya, which were lost during transport in ancient times.
The “manager” of Ibilen was Restro Ignalostruve, an older individual (though not too old) who basically ran the settlement - policing, management, defense, and politics all fell on his shoulders. “What of the advancing armies from the east?” he asked one of his advisors. They waited for a small gathering of Kolaks to advance before crossing the street.
“If we sent a message to Vekaiyu, there’s no telling what would happen. As far as I’m concerned, if I were you, I’d consider that off the table right now. Their Premier seems bent on expansion. If enough noise is made here, we might lose our independence.”
“Should we expel the Kolaks?”
He shook his head. “No. What exactly would they do if we’re attacked? They’re a very private people.”
“They also don’t fight.”
“Keep them here. So long as they stay within the city walls, their presence should be well enough to repel an attack. Everyone knows the Premier wills their protection.” He brushed some of the sand out of his hair. “It might do us well to tell all city states to hang Vekaiyun flags from their walls, worse comes to worse.”
“Let’s not be too hasty.”
