Rhoda People

Rhoda people are an in southeastern Osova. The Rhoda people are the largest ethnic group in Rhodanthian, with an estimated 21-22 million people living in the country.

They originated in eastern Osova from communities who took part in migrations southward over centuries. As the clans integrated and formed unique cultures, the rulership of Nkosana Oluwaseyi created the idea of a unified Rhoda identity. The Rhoda people take pride in their oral tradition of Zambalo, and in military and civic service.

The art and skill of storytelling is a large part of Rhoda culture for its role in reinforcing family and community bonds. Diversity and acceptance are important virtues for Rhoda people, with self-actualization seen as critical for the health of a community.

Origins
The idea of a cohesive Rhoda identity solidified under Nkosana Oluwaseyi, ruler of the Lovu clan in the late 18th Century. In the Rhoda language, Rhoda means heaven, or sky. At that time, what is today Rhodanthian was occupied by many large communities and clans. Various communities had migrated down Osova's east coast over millennia. As the nation began to develop, the rulership of Nkosana brought the clans together to build a cohesive identity for the Rhoda.

Unification of Rhodanthian
The Lovu nation's growth and strength was based on its organization and skills during Nkosana's reign and that of his successors. Nkosana recruited a number of skilled subordinates, and built a coalition through diplomacy, religious propaganda, and military might. During this time period, Zambalo was codified in The King's Record and syncretized with the Vordic Church. Zambalo was used as a tool to legitimize Rhoda unity and the rule of Nkosana personally. The King's Record was widely adopted, and became a key facet of Rhoda identity.

Kingdom
The Rhoda formed a powerful state in 1788 under the leader Nkosana Oluwaseyi. Nkosana, as a chief of Lovu and a regional powerbroker, united the peoples of Rhodanthian into a prosperous and peaceful kingdom under Rhoda. Nkosana's descendants integrated Amphian technology and ideas into Rhoda culture, including firearms, steam power, and a standing army. Also during this period, Rhodantine cultures flourished, economic prosperity boomed, and foreign influences became more important to the balance of power in the region.

Conflict with Zusea
In March 1864, envoys of the Zusian crown and Prince Sekani Ayodele delivered an ultimatum to the rival claimant of the Rhodantine Kingdom, Prince Thokozani Ayodele. Under the terms presented, Thokozani would have been required to disband his army and surrender the royal treasury. He refused, and war was declared on the 23rd of April. Moving swiftly and with superior arms, colonial forces captured the Rhodantine capitol of Idwalalokuzi on July 3rd, and decisively defeated Thokozani's army at the Battle of Umhume we-Noxolo on September 17th.

After Thokozani's capture, Provinzvizekönig Sascha Lafrenz leveraged the Zusian forces into a complete annexation of the Kingdom of Rhodanthian and Hyspanic East Osova. The monarchy was dissolved and the region converted into the colony of Ostotzova. Thokozani was sent to Vordin to perform in an exhibition, and Prince Sekani was reduced to a regional chief.

Colonial Period
(Instilled the idea of strength in diversity, role in freedom movements, etc.)