CLOVER COLONY
the iridescent hills of luck and luxury
Intro
Clover, deeply inland, finds itself in a unique position. The rest of Myrme has taken to the water, constructing cities at lakes and rivers, building towns on the coast, leaving themselves open to pillaging by navies and ever-looming Shell Colony. But, in a strike of ingenuity, founder Phyton's first order was to construct an aqueduct from the sea to the capital, enabling the Clovias to nestle themselves securely within the rolling hills they call home.
As such, they have reaped many luxuries the other colonies have not. Their capital is a beacon of decadence and artistry, where most residents enjoy the luxury of having been besieged only once, long before their time. In their position of relative power, they offer treaties to the other colonies - agreements of trade, armistices, and peace.
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Founding...
Phyton, once a general of Letter Colony, broke from the oppressive rule of Terra and Frothe, and staked his claim on the eastern continent that would grow to encapsulate Clover's territory.
He single-handedly struck down the insurgents that rose against him, and led the colony into its first golden age - with himself as leader, commander, and director all in one. With his companion, Firset, at his side, he built Phytomea, surrounded by his loyal followers. It is to him that Clover ascribes its eternal prosperity, in deep idolization.
Geography...
Clover is situated in an enormous hillscape, whereas most other colonies are used to flatland and beaches. Gargantuan aqueducts run the length of the continent, feeding both small military outposts and the capital with filtered seawater.
Phytomea itself is an enormous urban sprawl, contested in size only by Aaxe. Its city center is a small park with a giant fountain in the center, boasting a statue of Phynor. Enormous walls separate it from surrounding farm arrays, the agricultural center of Myrme.
Off the continent, Clover only claims one territory: Firset Island. southwest of the main colony. It supplies the capital with fish and imports, and hosts Clover's small navy.
Separating Clover's continent from Letter's is an enormous swamp, named the Clover Bayou. Too shallow and tree-choked to be transversed by boats, it is traditionally demilitarized and mostly untouched.
Religion...
Clover sees the gods Cleverly, Acilitie, and Olympe as their patrons, though their names have been long lost to time. Acilitie directly assisted Phyton in controlling the continent, and most religious books center around him.
Overall, though, Clover is not particularly religious. After Phyton's death and Phynor's rule, it quickly fell to the wayside as worship of their leaders and founders superseded it.
Though there are still cathedrals and holidays, most residents do not know any holy texts or proper rituals.
No one suspects Leader Cleverly is a god. It is an uncommon, but not unheard-of name.
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Internal Culture
Clover exalts creativity and crafting the colony to be beautiful. It's almost unheard of to find someone disinterested in at least one of the arts - or who avoids designing their work around beauty.
Leaders & Government
Life is safe in their leaders' hands - none have ever let them down. Kindness comes easily, and the Clovias recognize that - personifying themselves as enthusiastic, driven creators who want to embetter their colony and extend that love towards the others.
Every member knows each of the four leaders - Phyton, Phynor, Osage, and Cleverly - by heart. The pinnacles of their world, their leaders face the outside world and the colony alike, ensuring both will prosper. Phyton's legacy is so strong that 'Phy' is a popular prefix for many Ants in Clover.
The Commander and Director positions are respected, but Leader of the Colony trumps them in every way. Idolization is the center fixture, and much weight lies on the position - though the Immortals who've held it regularly exceed expectations.
Gyne
Gyne in Clover are free to do as they please, though they are expected to live within Phytomea's borders. They can seek creative work - painting, music, dance, etc. - but are disallowed from entering the military or any physical labor. Though care of them is a top priority, the health and beauty of the overall colony must always come first.
Clover does not raid other colonies for more gyne.
War & Violence
Clover does not think violence is unneeded - in fact, they pride themselves on their small, but strong standing military. They see it as the last resort, to be used only when all other options are exhausted. They look down upon the other colonies who default to it, and hope they can be elevated above such things, with enough time and effort.
Architecture
Gorgeous dried sand brick lines most of their immaculately-designed buildings, water running through the streets in fountains and stylish canals. The sun never sets on the city or its carefully-tended fields of wheat and corn, laying just outside of the innermost walls. Surrounding the central park's fountain are the primary governmental buildings, and the dorms for the highest-ranking colony members.
There are regular festivals, either in reverence to a previous leader, or to display and judge art. Participation is not mandatory, but socially expected.
Opinions in the Territories
The people of Firset Island see things differently. With the brine splashing against their gray seawalls, lookout towers poised to spy any incoming Shell military, they see themselves as protectors first and foremost. It is they who will alert the capital of war first, and they who approve all imports heading inland. Though their world is colder and smaller, they are resilient, passionate, and hardy.
Foreign Policy
Clover sees itself as the world superpower, despite arguably not having the strongest military. Its control over much of the world's grain supply means that its decisions are incredibly powerful, though. They trade with all of the colonies, providing wheat, fruits, and vegetables from their enormous farms in return for refined goods.
Allies
Their closest and longest ally is Letter Colony, with whom they have tended good relations since their founding. The bayou separating their colonies means that direct invasion is difficult, so they've settled instead for trade and an alliance.
Also on good terms is Abyssal Colony, with the relationship tended to by Leader Cleverly. Upon Laceria Crater's destruction, Clover accepted many of its refugees and integrated them into its own colony. Trade is difficult, due to Abyssal's location, but they are free to contact Firset Island for any needed assistance.
Adversaries
Shell Colony prides itself on being one of Clover's rivals, as the only colony to besiege Phytomea and temporarily lay claim over it. Phynor, Clover's second leader, beat them back thousands of years ago - but the grudge hasn't faded. Though they still trade with one another, Clover constantly expects to be backstabbed.
Ambivalence towards Ink has churned into horror in Rain's destruction. The annihilation of another colony is deeply deplorable in Clover's culture, and Ink's brutal murder of many of its aner, ergates, and dinergates is unacceptable. Though, with Ink's technological might, defeating them in open combat is nigh impossible....