The History of the Republic

The Republic of Hyboria History

The Republic has existed for a long time, though until recently it was viewed more as a cult. Word of their deeds and practices were simply hearsay, and members were not open about where their loyalties lay. Even so, those early members of the Republic remained staunchly loyal to their own countries, and this became the core of its existence.

A republic gives its power to the citizens, and the Republic of Hyboria, and those early pioneers, saw just that. It became a gathering of all the nations the voice of their people.

Each member at this time was influential, at least in their own local politics, and used their power to keep Hyboria a peaceful place for the citizens of each nation.

Peace, however, is difficult to maintain.

In those early days, we, the Republic, were led by many exceptional individuals. One of these was a powerful conqueror, and another, a Captain of the Comitatenses Aquilonia, a defensive archery unit stationed within Tarantia.

From Cimmeria, one of their barbarian peoples gave voice in the Republic, aided by the twisting words of a shaman from that northern land.
Not even the Stygians were left out, and their words were given by a necromancer and a tempest.

This diverse and, seemingly, at-odds group would often gather for heated debates on how to better the lives of their own people, before taking a vote. Most often, votes were unanimous. But not always, descending either into more debate or a close victory. No matter the ruling, however, all members abided by it, seeing it as the right choice made by all, for the good of all.

But, as I said, peace is difficult, and it was not long before the bells of war began to sing. Blood and conflict spread—such was the danger that nations did not fight only themselves, but a darkness that plagued the land. Each representative held their loyalties close to their hearts as they fought for their land and their people. None spoke of the Republic in these dark times, not even those that called it a home, and slowly it eroded and fell away into blackness. When, finally, war slowed and the survivors could have voice to remember and speak again, most of the Republic were either dead or missing.

When Conan I took the throne, many things changed. Adventurers knowing of the tales of the dead Republic took to its ideals, bringing back to life that which was dead. While undoubtedly many heard the whispers and read the forgotten words, it was a huntress and archer, Aieka, who learned its existence from the lips of the Captain—now former Captain—of the Comitatenses. While others heard and may have taken heed, it was she who made haste to take advantage of the chaos and freedom in the wake of Conan’s ascension.

More followed, drawn perhaps by the ideals of the Republic. Or its desire to shape the world. Or, perhaps, for its money and power. But nonetheless, they came.

A cursed man, named Damen, came to the halls of the Republic. One of Aquilonia’s master assassins, the woman Kovina, came as well, seeking a purpose and a place in Hyboria.

From the wilds where she was queen, Aieka called upon her friends and allies. Among them was Shah, a master hunter and archer, his skill rivaling that of our leader’s.

Not even Mitra’s priesthood stayed away, for many of them came, swayed by the Republic’s words and teachings. Most powerful among them were Acrisus and Aria, and through them Mitra blessed and aided the Republic.

These people, as they slowly came together, found they disagreed with the old ways. They had no desire to be secretive and hidden, but instead open and large and powerful. Where before their members subtly influenced politics and people, this new Republic called out with a loud voice all across Hyboria, gathering people under its promise of a secure government designed to speak for all. As more and more heard the call, they came to the Republic to pledge loyalty to the voice of its citizens.

No longer a dark whisper and old secret, we are well known and vast. Respected for our voice, revered for our aid, renowned for our prowess when threatened. Never has the Republic embroiled itself in the viciousness and brutality of the rest of Hyboria, instead distancing itself, watching from afar and taking notice of everything. Some may criticize us for our unwillingness to stride into the fires of war, but they will die by the sword just as surely as their enemies, while we stand and live and take vigil over our people.

From those early days, listening to the whispers of a Comitatenses Captain, Aieka has driven the fore of the Republic ahead, never compromising our ideals. We speak not for our leaders, but for our people, from all the lands of the world, something that is still foreign to the brutal minds and countenances of the world. It is no easy task, but we strive not for today or tomorrow, but years and decades and centuries into the future, where the ripples of our actions will be felt strongest. And everything we do is for the people.