Khapesh - Revision history

Gronk: /* Society */

2025-12-24T17:04:33Z

Society

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:04, 24 December 2025
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	Khapeshans tend to be superstitious about the ancient ruins surrounding them. While adventurers might gladly enter such structures in search of treasures or mysteries within, ordinary citizens tend to associate these ruins with burial places of the long dead. While Khapeshan scribes and scholars recognize the wealth of knowledge and items that could be found, they tend to be focused more on the vast amounts of poorly understood material already in easy access to them, and do not usually venture forth themselves or hire others to explore and gain more.		Khapeshans tend to be superstitious about the ancient ruins surrounding them. While adventurers might gladly enter such structures in search of treasures or mysteries within, ordinary citizens tend to associate these ruins with burial places of the long dead. While Khapeshan scribes and scholars recognize the wealth of knowledge and items that could be found, they tend to be focused more on the vast amounts of poorly understood material already in easy access to them, and do not usually venture forth themselves or hire others to explore and gain more.

	In addition to their religious roles, Khapeshan temples are economically central to live around the Aur River. Rather than bringing their goods to a marketplace to sell individually or to a private merchant, as is the case in most other regions around the Chaska Sea, in Khapesh farmers, artisans, and so forth sell their goods to local temples, who are then responsible for distributing them through the marketplaces of their cities and towns. Some temples are more critical to this system than others, but all are involved. While the benefits of this system are clear to the people of Khapesh - as prices are set by temples coordinating across Khapesh, the costs of basic goods are always known and predictable, ensuring fairness and facilitating trade - it brings great power and wealth to the temples as well. As the patron of farmers, for example, those of Sokar are tasked with overseeing the supply of food in the nation, and all basic foodstuffs pass through temple larders and storehouses at some point, granting them immense political leverage, even if they are socially and religiously mandated to do the best for the people in the name of their deity.		In addition to their religious roles, Khapeshan temples are [[palace economy\|economically central]] to live around the Aur River. Rather than bringing their goods to a marketplace to sell individually or to a private merchant, as is the case in most other regions around the Chaska Sea, in Khapesh farmers, artisans, and so forth sell their goods to local temples, who are then responsible for distributing them through the marketplaces of their cities and towns. Some temples are more critical to this system than others, but all are involved. While the benefits of this system are clear to the people of Khapesh - as prices are set by temples coordinating across Khapesh, the costs of basic goods are always known and predictable, ensuring fairness and facilitating trade - it brings great power and wealth to the temples as well. As the patron of farmers, for example, those of Sokar are tasked with overseeing the supply of food in the nation, and all basic foodstuffs pass through temple larders and storehouses at some point, granting them immense political leverage, even if they are socially and religiously mandated to do the best for the people in the name of their deity.

	Not all goods in Khapesh are bought and sold through temple intermediaries, however, only basic necessities and common items. Buyers seeking specialty magical wares, for example, must still seek out a producer of such an item and negotiate an agreement with them directly.		Not all goods in Khapesh are bought and sold through temple intermediaries, however, only basic necessities and common items. Buyers seeking specialty magical wares, for example, must still seek out a producer of such an item and negotiate an agreement with them directly.

Gronk at 18:32, 30 November 2025

2025-11-30T18:32:16Z

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	== Demographics ==		== Demographics ==
	The population of Khapesh is largely [[human]], though the cities tend to be quite cosmopolitan, and those of the delta especially so. [[Gnome\|Gnomes]], [[tengu]], catfolk, and [[Dwarf\|dwarves]] live in Khapesh as well, alongside individuals of many other ancestries.		The population of Khapesh is largely [[human]], though the cities tend to be quite cosmopolitan, and those of the delta especially so. [[Gnome\|Gnomes]], [[tengu]], [[catfolk]], and [[Dwarf\|dwarves]] live in Khapesh as well, alongside individuals of many other ancestries.

	Away from the river, bands of [[Seshem]] kasatha live within the Red Lands. Not large in number and to a significant degree separate from the rest of Khapeshan society, these kasatha live as nomadic hunters within the desert. It is rare for a kasatha to live in a river-dwelling community, though some find work as guards and guides.		Away from the river, bands of [[Seshem]] kasatha live within the Red Lands. Not large in number and to a significant degree separate from the rest of Khapeshan society, these kasatha live as nomadic hunters within the desert. It is rare for a kasatha to live in a river-dwelling community, though some find work as guards and guides.

Gronk at 04:55, 1 March 2025

2025-03-01T04:55:04Z

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	== Government ==		== Government ==
	Khapesh is, and has long been, a bureaucratic monarchy. In theory the king or queen possesses ~~absolute~~ authority, yet in reality they rarely choose to exercise it, as the large size and diverse concerns of the kingdom render most issues better solved at a local level. The monarch remains in full control of the Khapeshan military but most other responsibilities are delegated to the [[Nomarch\|nomarchs]].		Khapesh is, and has long been, a bureaucratic monarchy. In theory the king or queen possesses authority over nearly all matters within their realm, yet in reality they rarely choose to exercise it, as the large size and diverse concerns of the kingdom render most issues better solved at a local level or by the temples. The monarch remains in full control of the Khapeshan military but most other responsibilities are delegated to the [[Nomarch\|nomarchs]].

	Each city and surrounding area within Khapesh is administered by one or more nomarchs, entrusted by the monarch with near complete autonomy to oversee the day to day governance. Nomarchs are granted a great deal of discretion over their territory, and are essentially given a lifetime position as long as they perform in line with their liege's expectations. However, it is not unknown for a nomarch to be recalled and replaced if the monarch judges them incompetent.		Each city and surrounding area within Khapesh is administered by one or more nomarchs, entrusted by the monarch with near complete autonomy to oversee the day to day governance. Nomarchs are granted a great deal of discretion over their territory, and are essentially given a lifetime position as long as they perform in line with their liege's expectations. However, it is not unknown for a nomarch to be recalled and replaced if the monarch judges them incompetent.

Gronk: /* Government */

2025-03-01T04:52:42Z

Government

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:52, 1 March 2025
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	== Government ==		== Government ==
	Khapesh is, and has long been, a bureaucratic monarchy. In ~~principle~~ the king or queen possesses absolute authority, yet in reality they rarely choose to exercise it, as the large size and diverse concerns of the kingdom render most issues better solved at a local level. The monarch remains in full control of the Khapeshan military but most other responsibilities are delegated to the [[Nomarch\|nomarchs]].		Khapesh is, and has long been, a bureaucratic monarchy. In theory the king or queen possesses absolute authority, yet in reality they rarely choose to exercise it, as the large size and diverse concerns of the kingdom render most issues better solved at a local level. The monarch remains in full control of the Khapeshan military but most other responsibilities are delegated to the [[Nomarch\|nomarchs]].

	Each city and surrounding area within Khapesh is administered by one or more nomarchs, entrusted by the monarch with near complete autonomy to oversee the day to day governance. Nomarchs are granted a great deal of discretion over their territory, and are essentially given a lifetime position as long as they perform in line with their liege's expectations. However, it is not unknown for a nomarch to be recalled and replaced if the monarch judges them incompetent.		Each city and surrounding area within Khapesh is administered by one or more nomarchs, entrusted by the monarch with near complete autonomy to oversee the day to day governance. Nomarchs are granted a great deal of discretion over their territory, and are essentially given a lifetime position as long as they perform in line with their liege's expectations. However, it is not unknown for a nomarch to be recalled and replaced if the monarch judges them incompetent.

Gronk at 21:36, 8 January 2025

2025-01-08T21:36:51Z

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	Another week-long festival marks the end of Shemu, or the harvest season. This is a more muted affair, focusing more on rest and recuperation after the hard work put in during the last two seasons. Non-essential shops typically close, and those that remain open tend to only be available during the early part of the morning. Even less devout followers of the Khapeshan pantheon frequently spend long periods at the temples during this time in the year.		Another week-long festival marks the end of Shemu, or the harvest season. This is a more muted affair, focusing more on rest and recuperation after the hard work put in during the last two seasons. Non-essential shops typically close, and those that remain open tend to only be available during the early part of the morning. Even less devout followers of the Khapeshan pantheon frequently spend long periods at the temples during this time in the year.

			Khapesh has a culture that heavily emphasizes gift-giving, especially in times when one invites or is invited into a home. In these situations, both parties are expected to exchange items, even if small or symbolic. To do otherwise is to withhold hospitality, for the one who's dwelling it is, or to not express appreciation.

	=== Arts ===		=== Arts ===

Gronk: /* Age of the Restored Crowns - {{Year|4955}} to present */

2024-11-29T16:34:29Z

Age of the Restored Crowns - {{Year|4955}} to present

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	Prior to {{Year\|6976}}, Khapesh was nominally ruled by King Menes II. Even before his disappearance in {{Year\|6975}} he was rarely seen outside of his traditional role in pageantry and parades. Few had even seen the king directly, as he would almost never appear in public as anything more than a shadowy figure in a carriage, and all royal communication was handled by his retinue of scribes. Most of the primarily human population of Khapesh never knew another monarch, as Menes II had been the ruler for almost three hundred years - supernaturally long for a human.		Prior to {{Year\|6976}}, Khapesh was nominally ruled by King Menes II. Even before his disappearance in {{Year\|6975}} he was rarely seen outside of his traditional role in pageantry and parades. Few had even seen the king directly, as he would almost never appear in public as anything more than a shadowy figure in a carriage, and all royal communication was handled by his retinue of scribes. Most of the primarily human population of Khapesh never knew another monarch, as Menes II had been the ruler for almost three hundred years - supernaturally long for a human.

	After the disappearance of Menes II in {{Year\|6975}}, most nomarchs turned their cities into their own personal fiefdoms. The rulers of Faiyan, [[Sakha]], [[Arthribis]], and [[Akhmis]], in Upper Khapesh, formed an alliance but the others became de facto independent, at least for a time. With the ascension of the new king Chephren the Learned to the throne in {{Year\|6976}}, this situation was soon righted.		After the disappearance of Menes II in {{Year\|6975}}, most nomarchs briefly turned their cities into their own personal fiefdoms. The rulers of Faiyan, [[Sakha]], [[Arthribis]], and [[Akhmis]], in Upper Khapesh, formed an alliance but the others became de facto independent, at least for a time. With the ascension of the new king Chephren the Learned to the throne in {{Year\|6976}}, this situation was soon righted.

	== Demographics ==		== Demographics ==

Gronk at 01:58, 5 September 2024

2024-09-05T01:58:37Z

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	The modern Kingdom of Khapesh is built upon the ruins of thousands of years of history. Founded somewhere around {{Year\|-700}} by the quasi-mythical [[Narmer\|Narmer the Conqueror]], Khapesh has been ruled since by monarchs of forty-three dynasties. This has not all been a time of peace, with many wars, both external and within, breaking up long periods of fairly high degrees of stability. At times the lands of Khapesh have been temporarily divided among multiple states and later reunified again - though histories of the nation generally present Khapeshan control of the Aur and its delta as a continuous line, in reality it has frequently been broken, often info small realms that coalesce around the most prominent cities along the river. Traditionally, the official chronologies of Khapeshan monarchs omit these periods so as to reinforce their own image of strength.		The modern Kingdom of Khapesh is built upon the ruins of thousands of years of history. Founded somewhere around {{Year\|-700}} by the quasi-mythical [[Narmer\|Narmer the Conqueror]], Khapesh has been ruled since by monarchs of forty-three dynasties. This has not all been a time of peace, with many wars, both external and within, breaking up long periods of fairly high degrees of stability. At times the lands of Khapesh have been temporarily divided among multiple states and later reunified again - though histories of the nation generally present Khapeshan control of the Aur and its delta as a continuous line, in reality it has frequently been broken, often info small realms that coalesce around the most prominent cities along the river. Traditionally, the official chronologies of Khapeshan monarchs omit these periods so as to reinforce their own image of strength.

	=== Unification - {{Year\|-700}} (approx) ===		=== Age of Unification - {{Year\|-700}} (approx) to {{Year\|1087}} ===
	Though historical records are inexact, sometime around {{Year\|-700}} Khapesh was founded by Narmer the Conqueror, bringing the separate small kingdoms and city states along the Aur River into a unified nation. Contrary to the name given to him by later historians, evidence points to the unification as a mostly diplomatic effort, not borne of conflict. Some inscriptions from this period recount migrations out of the desert and towards the river, but it is not clear if these are factual or the self-aggrandizement of past rulers seeking to describe how they began to rule over ever-larger populations.		Though historical records are inexact, sometime around {{Year\|-700}} Khapesh was founded by Narmer the Conqueror, bringing the separate small kingdoms and city states along the Aur River into a unified nation. Contrary to the name given to him by later historians, evidence points to the unification as a mostly diplomatic effort, not borne of conflict. Some inscriptions from this period recount migrations out of the desert and towards the river, but it is not clear if these are factual or the self-aggrandizement of past rulers seeking to describe how they began to rule over ever-larger populations.

	~~=== First Dynastic Period - {{Year\|-700}} (approx) to {{Year\|1087}} ===~~		Beginning in the third millennium settlements the first major settlements were founded in Upper Khapesh, away from the early unification in the delta. Worship of the Khapeshan pantheon became well established in this period as temples began to be established around these local deities.
	~~Settlements began to be~~ founded in Upper Khapesh, away from the early unification in the delta. Worship of the Khapeshan pantheon became well established in this period as temples began to be established around these local deities.

	The lands outside the river are known to have been more habitable in this period - mostly arid grasslands instead of barren desert. Most of the ancient ruins away from the river originate from this period in Khapesh’s history.		=== Time of the Scouring - {{Year\|1087}} to {{Year\|1292}} ===

	~~The [[Stoics of Iteru]] were formed during the First Dynastic Period. While they have varied in size and influence since, the order of immortal royal guards remains active to the present day.~~

	=== ~~First Intermediate Period~~ - {{Year\|1087}} to {{Year\|1292}} ===

	The [[Scouring]], a massive centuries-long magical sandstorm, forced drastic changes in Khapesh, causing a near total societal collapse. Those that survived were forced into a pattern of yearly or sometimes seasonal migrations along the river, moving to avoid the worst of the storm. Most settlements are abandoned during this time. It is unknown what caused this storm.		The [[Scouring]], a massive centuries-long magical sandstorm, forced drastic changes in Khapesh, causing a near total societal collapse. Those that survived were forced into a pattern of yearly or sometimes seasonal migrations along the river, moving to avoid the worst of the storm. Most settlements are abandoned during this time. It is unknown what caused this storm.

	=== ~~Second Dynastic Period~~ - {{Year\|1292}} to {{Year\|4030}}===		=== Age of Expansion - {{Year\|1292}} to {{Year\|4030}}===

	During the later part of this period, the kingdom reached its greatest extent, stretching east up to the [[Tela River]] and the [[Lakes of False Promises]], and south to [[Lake Nulukkhaz]].		During the later part of this period, the kingdom reached its greatest extent, stretching east up to the [[Tela River]] and the [[Lakes of False Promises]], and south to [[Lake Nulukkhaz]].

			The [[Stoics of Iteru]] were formed during the Age of Expansion. While they have varied in size and influence since, the order of immortal royal guards remains active to the present day.

	King [[Khentimeresh\|Khentimeresh the Evil]] reigned from {{Year\|1756}} to {{Year\|2001}}. A despotic tyrant, Khentimeresh is best remembered for his attempts to attain immortality via lichdom. Legends hold that magical countermeasures of some type were put in place so that this could not happen again, though there is much dispute as to what form this would take.		King [[Khentimeresh\|Khentimeresh the Evil]] reigned from {{Year\|1756}} to {{Year\|2001}}. A despotic tyrant, Khentimeresh is best remembered for his attempts to attain immortality via lichdom. Legends hold that magical countermeasures of some type were put in place so that this could not happen again, though there is much dispute as to what form this would take.

	=== ~~Second Intermediate Period~~ - {{Year\|4030}} to {{Year\|4955}} ===		=== Time of the Empty Throne - {{Year\|4030}} to {{Year\|4955}} ===

	Internal wars caused by droughts and famines brought upon the separation of Khapesh into shifting alliances of city states. Control of Khapesh’s outer territories collapsed, helped by scavenging bandits and raider lords.		Internal wars caused by droughts and famines brought upon the separation of Khapesh into shifting alliances of city states. Control of Khapesh’s outer territories collapsed, helped by scavenging bandits and raider lords.

	=== ~~Third Dynastic Period~~ - {{Year\|4955}} to present ===		=== Age of the Restored Crowns - {{Year\|4955}} to present ===

	The ~~Third Dynastic Period~~ has been an almost two millennia long era with a high degree of stability, aside from the [[Reign of the Six Kings]] from {{Year\|5422}} until {{Year\|5455}}.		The Age of the Restored Crowns has been an almost two millennia long era with a high degree of stability, aside from the [[Reign of the Six Kings]] from {{Year\|5422}} until {{Year\|5455}}.

	During the Incident at Faiyan in {{Year\|6975}}, ancient automatons under the control of [[Zamanth]], one of the vizers of [[Faiyan]], terrorized the area around the city before they were defeated and contained.		During the Incident at Faiyan in {{Year\|6975}}, ancient automatons under the control of [[Zamanth]], one of the vizers of [[Faiyan]], terrorized the area around the city before they were defeated and contained.
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	=== Religion ===		=== Religion ===
	Worship of the [[Khapeshan pantheon]] has a long and enduring history in the kingdom. The veneration of these gods began many millennia ago, in the ~~First Dynastic Period~~, and has continued largely uninterrupted since. Each major city within Khapesh has a patron deity - in most cases, the patron deity has a particularly large temple and following within the city’s surroundings. These patrons are important protectors and guides to the city, and their areas of concern are often related to matters of day to day life in the community. However, the reverence towards the entire pantheon stretches across all of Khapesh; a city with a grand temple to [[Sokar]], for example, will still have smaller temples dedicated to [[Shai]], [[Maahes]], and so on.		Worship of the [[Khapeshan pantheon]] has a long and enduring history in the kingdom. The veneration of these gods began many millennia ago, in the Age of Unification, and has continued largely uninterrupted since. Each major city within Khapesh has a patron deity - in most cases, the patron deity has a particularly large temple and following within the city’s surroundings. These patrons are important protectors and guides to the city, and their areas of concern are often related to matters of day to day life in the community. However, the reverence towards the entire pantheon stretches across all of Khapesh; a city with a grand temple to [[Sokar]], for example, will still have smaller temples dedicated to [[Shai]], [[Maahes]], and so on.

	Temples in Khapesh can be truly grandiose. These large complexes serve not only as places for prayer, but additionally as social, economic, and civic centers of their cities. In addition to their religious roles, clerics also frequently serve as bureaucrats or scribes for the city's [[nomarch]].		Temples in Khapesh can be truly grandiose. These large complexes serve not only as places for prayer, but additionally as social, economic, and civic centers of their cities. In addition to their religious roles, clerics also frequently serve as bureaucrats or scribes for the city's [[nomarch]].

Gronk: /* Occupations */

2024-09-01T17:19:20Z

Occupations

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	Khapeshan cities tend to be quite densely populated, though with larger than normal distances between them. Cities are exclusively located along the Aur River, as the waters of the river provide for the irrigation and means of travel that the cities require. Along the river between the cities are low-density, rural, agricultural landscapes - comparatively little of the land surrounding the Aur is wild in the modern day, as much of it has been developed for agriculture or small settlements. Each city relies on the food produced in a large area up and down the river from itself in order to support its high population. The majority of Khapeshan people live in the rural regions, though rarely more than a day's travel from the nearest major settlement.		Khapeshan cities tend to be quite densely populated, though with larger than normal distances between them. Cities are exclusively located along the Aur River, as the waters of the river provide for the irrigation and means of travel that the cities require. Along the river between the cities are low-density, rural, agricultural landscapes - comparatively little of the land surrounding the Aur is wild in the modern day, as much of it has been developed for agriculture or small settlements. Each city relies on the food produced in a large area up and down the river from itself in order to support its high population. The majority of Khapeshan people live in the rural regions, though rarely more than a day's travel from the nearest major settlement.

	~~=== Occupations ===~~
	A large percentage of the citizenry are farmers, supporting Khapesh’s relatively large population. Craftsmen of varying specialties are also very common, usually working in cottage industries. A smaller class of merchants trades wares between and within cities. Scribes hold a particularly respected occupation, usually requiring extensive training before being given the responsibility of tracking the calendar, administrative bookkeeping, and other tasks. Dock-workers, though their work is manual, untrained labor, can do very well for themselves, as river travel is key to transportation across the kingdom.

	=== Food and cuisine ===		=== Food and cuisine ===

Gronk at 14:59, 1 September 2024

2024-09-01T14:59:44Z

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	=== Food and cuisine ===		=== Food and cuisine ===
	Most people in Khapesh eat ~~fairly simple~~ diets~~, largely~~ centering around bread, rice, vegetables, legumes, olive oil, dates, beer, and fish. Spices are commonly used, such as pepper, ginger, coriander, and garlic. Other spices are imported into Khapesh, mostly from Tarkuus, though these are often priced out of the reach of most people. ~~Wealthier individuals are more likely to eat a greater proportion of meat in their diet, as well as pricier foodstuffs like honey, fruits, and items imported from other lands.~~		Most people in Khapesh eat diets centering around bread, rice, vegetables, legumes, olive oil, dates, beer, and fish. Spices are commonly used, such as pepper, ginger, coriander, and garlic. Other spices are imported into Khapesh, mostly from Tarkuus, though these are often priced out of the reach of most people.
	<!--		<!--
	Besides typical subsistence fare, inn- and tavern-goers in Khapesh are likely to encounter some of the following well known dishes:		Besides typical subsistence fare, inn- and tavern-goers in Khapesh are likely to encounter some of the following well known dishes:
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	Many domesticated animals are kept in Khapesh. Oxen and cattle are most commonly used as draft animals or for meat - in the past, native aurochs were kept for this purpose, though they have been functionally extinct in the region for millennia. Domesticated waterfowl are kept for meat and eggs. Some hunters and scouts are known to train jackals to assist them in their treks across the desert.		Many domesticated animals are kept in Khapesh. Oxen and cattle are most commonly used as draft animals or for meat - in the past, native aurochs were kept for this purpose, though they have been functionally extinct in the region for millennia. Domesticated waterfowl are kept for meat and eggs. Some hunters and scouts are known to train jackals to assist them in their treks across the desert.

			=== Medicine ===
			Khapeshan healers are well-known across the Chaska Sea and widely sought for their expertise. Through years of study these figures often become highly specialized, only treating certain ailments or injuries but peerless in their narrow spaces. The libraries of Khapesh house massive corpora of medical works written by Khapeshan doctors in all manner of topics, collected from their research and experiences across the centuries.

	=== Technology ===		=== Technology ===

Gronk at 23:36, 31 August 2024

2024-08-31T23:36:44Z

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