When one thinks of Kettle, they do not immediately associate it with the loyal infantrymen of Alexandria. Indeed, the first thought to come to most people's minds is that of the common teapot. But the truth is quite different. The name Kettle was given to this region due to it often being a great battlefield in the ancient wars of Alexandria. After these wars the fields were often strewn with the "kettle" helmets worn by the soldiers of both sides. History books recall that it was veteran soldiers of these wars that named the region Kettle, for all the helmets found lying about. It was these same soldiers who founded Kettle City at the centre of the ancient battlefield, and which now stretches out in a vast metropolis. Many soldiers, compatriots in battle, chose to settle near eachother in the area, building up the Kettlese population into the strong province of Alexandria it is today. A well known fact is that soldiers from both sides, laying down their arms, chose to settle together here and make peace, leading to the common Kettlese hymn which goes as;
| QUOTE |
"Solemn do two soldiers stand
Bloody swords drawn in wavering hands
Two different flags tattered and torn
Waving on their staffs, tall and worn
Last of their armies with dead all around
Blood and tears soak this dark stained ground
Should they fight to prove the stronger
Or do they see the light and fight no longer
Solemn do two soldiers stand
Bloody swords drawn in wavering hands
They place their weapons on the ground
They lower their flags bringing them down
Two quivering hands unite in fate
The war is over there is no more hate
A lesson learned in war
Peace to reign evermore" |
It is well known that many of the present-day cities of Kettle were founded on former battlefields, as became somewhat of an icon for the province. As former soldiers flocked to Kettle City, the region expanded into other areas; Poitiers, Langeirs, Hudson Fields, Fort Aragon and many others. Kettle has such a large background of military veterans that it is known for supplying some of the best young officers to the Alexandrian military. Kettle Military Academy is also one of the foremost schools of the empire, founded in 1858 by former General Sir Renee Lecroix. But the military is not the only aspect of Kettlese society. As our national anthem says "We arm ourselves to defend peace", Kettle is not a war-like state, with the last major war being fought with the Sennari terrorists. During this time Kettle was also an independent principality. Outside of this small conflict however, Kettle has risen to become a prosperous province with modern conveniences and a strong national infrastructure. Superhighways link major cities and the skyscrapers of Kettle City can be seen from miles away.