Kingdom of Ap

The Kingdom of Ap (Kingdom of the Ocean) is a small kingdom in the northeastern region of Ha during the second era.

History:
The origins of Ap began well before the actual establishment of the kingdom, roughly 2E 1531. The city of Kezap began as a large community of tribal families living at the delta of the Grozhnok River. After several wars and skirmishes, they formed a collective of tribal states with close relations and small governments, frequently sending out trade caravans and establishing some of the closest alliances in the east. The kingdom doesn't officially began until the Council of 2E 1531 when the majority of the matriarchs and patriarchs decide to elect a leader, King Ezun who was close to death anyways, and only ruled for like 15 years. He also heavily relied on his council, to the point where he was mostly described as a figurehead and symbol of unity. The next leader was Queen Edt, a name adopted after anointment. Edt was a bit more aggressive and bought several tribes into the coalition, some through unfavorable means. She was voted out after only 8 years.

Government:
A king was elected by a small committee of unmarried, high ranking leaders of local colleges and the oldest family member of certain families until either a vote of no confidence or death dethroned him or her. The king/queen's offspring were often sent away from court to be raised on the outskirts of the main city in a specially designed keep villages or heavily garrisoned towns. There was a large religious investment towards the end of the Ap Kingdom which led to the transition and downfall of the kingdom.

Historic Contributions:
The first major paved road was built from the city Kezap in the north to Shin Jwo in the south, about 300 kilometers long. Around 60% of it was paved and actively patrolled for safety to ensure positive trade relations. After the fall of Ap, this major road still saw great use, and small sections of it are preserved to this day as a historic marker.

Record keeping for this kingdom is surprisingly well preserved, as most records were kept on the walls of the Archive Room kept alongside the Council Chamber. Even after the official dissolution of Ap, the walls of the archive room were still maintained for another several decades.