Tarkuus - Revision history

Gronk at 17:30, 4 October 2024

2024-10-04T17:30:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:30, 4 October 2024
Line 50:		Line 50:

	=== Traditions ===		=== Traditions ===
	One of the most popular holidays in Tarkuus is the Night of False Life. In the evening of the 1st Falcon every year, large festivals and parades are held where the participants don costumes to appear like the living. Magical use is generally discouraged in favor of fine craftsmanship of clothes, masks, imitation or real skin, and so on. Some of the living, mostly necromancers, also cheekily dress up as the undead for comedic effect.		One of the most popular holidays in Tarkuus is the Night of False Life. In the evening of the 1st Falcon every year, large festivals and parades are held where the participants don costumes to appear like the living. Magical use is generally discouraged in favor of fine craftsmanship of clothes, masks, imitation or real skin, and so on. Some of the living, mostly [[necromancy\|necromancers]], also cheekily dress up as the undead for comedic effect.

	Public executions/disintegrations are often a social event, as many are interested in attending for religious purposes or merely as a spectacle.		Public executions/disintegrations are often a social event, as many are interested in attending for religious purposes or merely as a spectacle.

Gronk at 13:55, 24 September 2024

2024-09-24T13:55:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:55, 24 September 2024
Line 33:		Line 33:
	Established in {{Year\|2550}}, the Eternal Empire is significantly younger than its founder. Though it has grown greatly in size and influence since then, the empire has remained remarkably stable.		Established in {{Year\|2550}}, the Eternal Empire is significantly younger than its founder. Though it has grown greatly in size and influence since then, the empire has remained remarkably stable.

	The lands now occupied by the empire were once inhabited by myriad peoples and cultures, who were gradually forced east and then south by the expansion of the undead state. Today many in the nations around the [[Gulf of Timakal]] still view Tarkuus with enmity, a view they share with the ratfolk of the Shields who were likewise driven out of their territory.		The lands now occupied by the empire were once inhabited by myriad peoples and cultures, who were gradually forced east and then south by the expansion of the undead state. Today many in the nations around the [[Gulf of Timakal]] still view Tarkuus with enmity, a view they share with the [[ratfolk]] of the Shields who were likewise driven out of their territory.

	== Demographics ==		== Demographics ==

Gronk at 21:59, 23 September 2024

2024-09-23T21:59:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:59, 23 September 2024
Line 33:		Line 33:
	Established in {{Year\|2550}}, the Eternal Empire is significantly younger than its founder. Though it has grown greatly in size and influence since then, the empire has remained remarkably stable.		Established in {{Year\|2550}}, the Eternal Empire is significantly younger than its founder. Though it has grown greatly in size and influence since then, the empire has remained remarkably stable.

	The lands now occupied by the empire were once inhabited by myriad peoples and cultures, who were gradually forced east and then south by the expansion of the undead state. Today many in the nations around the [[Gulf of Timakal]] still view Tarkuus with enmity, a view they share with the ~~hobgoblins~~ of the Shields who were likewise driven out of their territory.		The lands now occupied by the empire were once inhabited by myriad peoples and cultures, who were gradually forced east and then south by the expansion of the undead state. Today many in the nations around the [[Gulf of Timakal]] still view Tarkuus with enmity, a view they share with the ratfolk of the Shields who were likewise driven out of their territory.

	== Demographics ==		== Demographics ==

Gronk at 20:58, 22 September 2024

2024-09-22T20:58:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:58, 22 September 2024
Line 14:		Line 14:

	== Geography, flora, and fauna ==		== Geography, flora, and fauna ==
	The Eternal Empire of Tarkuus is an expansive region, stretching almost ~~1400~~ miles along the coast of the [[Kilche Sea]] and as far inland as the western side of the [[Shields]]. The empire is in a humid subtropical climatic zone - the region is warm year-round, though with summers somewhat warmer than winters.		The Eternal Empire of Tarkuus is an expansive region, stretching almost 700 miles along the coast of the [[Kilche Sea]] and as far inland as the western side of the [[Shields]]. The empire is in a humid subtropical climatic zone - the region is warm year-round, though with summers somewhat warmer than winters.

	The coastline of Tarkuus, or at least the natural parts of it, are mostly quite rough. Commonly referred to as the [[Skeleton Coast]], these shores got their name not only for their inhabitants but also for the number of ships that have been wrecked on the rocks. This is much less the case within the [[Bay of Tulzar]], where extensive reclamation projects have both extended the land out to sea and made the coastline significantly less dangerous.		The coastline of Tarkuus, or at least the natural parts of it, are mostly quite rough. Commonly referred to as the [[Skeleton Coast]], these shores got their name not only for their inhabitants but also for the number of ships that have been wrecked on the rocks. This is much less the case within the [[Bay of Tulzar]], where extensive reclamation projects have both extended the land out to sea and made the coastline significantly less dangerous.

Gronk at 03:08, 25 July 2024

2024-07-25T03:08:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:08, 25 July 2024
Line 173:		Line 173:
	[[Category:Nations]]		[[Category:Nations]]
	[[Category:Tarkuus]]		[[Category:Tarkuus]]
	~~[[Category:Autocracies]]~~
	[[Category:Kilche Sea]]		[[Category:Kilche Sea]]

Gronk at 03:01, 6 July 2024

2024-07-06T03:01:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:01, 6 July 2024
Line 82:		Line 82:
	* The Bay of Tulzar has been shrunk as a result of reclamation efforts - the land stretches far past the natural coastline. This has made the bay safer, as well as provided more space in the coastal cities in which to build.		* The Bay of Tulzar has been shrunk as a result of reclamation efforts - the land stretches far past the natural coastline. This has made the bay safer, as well as provided more space in the coastal cities in which to build.
	* Large levees along the Skeleton Coast have reduced the impact of the major storms that commonly strike the region.		* Large levees along the Skeleton Coast have reduced the impact of the major storms that commonly strike the region.
	* Entire lakes, for example, Lake Ushoz, have been dug to serve as reservoirs.		* Entire lakes, for example Lake Ushoz, have been dug to serve as reservoirs.
	* The most notable of the earthworks projects is the Zarkuuz Canals. Three massive canals were dug for hundreds of miles, and the Zarkuuz River diverted from its natural path to fill these canals instead. These canals have aided greatly in transportation, though they require constant maintenance.		* The most notable of the earthworks projects is the Zarkuuz Canals. Three massive canals were dug for hundreds of miles, and the Zarkuuz River diverted from its natural path to fill these canals instead. These canals have aided greatly in transportation, though they require constant maintenance.

	Some cities in the Eternal Empire are built on massive earthen pyramids. Much wider than they are tall, these stepped cities use their elevation changes as a way of separating different districts - usually, the more exclusive parts of the city are higher in elevation. Some other cities use canal networks instead of roads. Rather than using carriages or other land-based means of travel, boats are used instead.

	=== Architecture and urbanization ===		=== Architecture and urbanization ===
Line 92:		Line 90:
	Though their cities tend to be quite densely populated, Tarkuusan urban planning heavily emphasizes large boulevards and green spaces. As a result, most buildings are multiple stories tall.		Though their cities tend to be quite densely populated, Tarkuusan urban planning heavily emphasizes large boulevards and green spaces. As a result, most buildings are multiple stories tall.

	Tarkuusan architecture is ~~often [[wikipedia:Rococo\|~~extremely ornamental]], with ~~open spaces~~, ~~tall columns~~, ~~asymmetrical forms~~, and ~~extensive use~~ of ~~curves~~ and ~~sculpted molding~~. ~~Paintings and frescoes are used~~ to ~~decorate interiors. Most buildings~~, ~~both on the interiors~~ and ~~exteriors, are either made of white~~-~~colored stone or are otherwise painted that color~~. ~~Gold and red are commonly used as accent colors. Floor plans tend to be~~ highly ~~elaborate~~, ~~with rooms often~~ in ~~unconventional shapes~~.		Most cities in the Eternal Empire are built on massive earthen pyramids. Much wider than they are tall, these stepped cities use their elevation changes as a way of separating different districts - usually, the more exclusive parts of the city are higher in elevation, and one can determine the social status of any individual by the step upon which they live. Terraced gardens and waterworks often occupy the rises in elevation.

			Non-stepped Tarkuusan cities use canal networks instead of roads. Rather than relying upon carriages or other land-based means of travel, boats are used instead.

			Tarkuusan architecture is extremely ornamental, with homes and other buildings used by the wealthy and powerful featuring intricate carved stonework, often full of statuary, gargoyles, and abstract designs. The interiors of these structures are frequently laden with precious metal inlays in the stonework, thin and delicate. Some visitors to Tarkuusan cities have remarked that the upper levels of their steps resemble in many ways the ancient walled cities of [[Langkha]], only which each home and estate its own well-defended bastion. As with many aspects of Tarkuusan society, however, architecture too is highly class-based, and those lower on the social ladder typically live in far more austere accommodations.

	=== Education ===		=== Education ===

Gronk: /* Agriculture and cuisine */

2024-01-14T02:26:35Z

Agriculture and cuisine

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:26, 14 January 2024
Line 70:		Line 70:
	Drug and spice plantations make up the vast majority of agriculture in the Eternal Empire, along with some production of staple crops. Incredibly labor-intensive crops, for example tobacco, saffron, and vanilla, pose no problem whatsoever to Tarkuus due to the undead farm workers. Many other drugs and spices are cultivated as well, almost all of which are exported to other regions around the world. Some plantations are truly massive in scale. Stretching for hundreds of square miles and worked by thousands of undead, these plantations and the supply chains they feed into are some of the finest examples of Tarkuusan logistics and planning. Extensive soil rehabilitation projects as well as field rotation keep these plantations incredibly productive. Intricate artificial irrigation channels form networks in the plantations. In the vast, otherwise featureless plantations, large cylindrical pillars serve as waypoints marking every five or ten miles.		Drug and spice plantations make up the vast majority of agriculture in the Eternal Empire, along with some production of staple crops. Incredibly labor-intensive crops, for example tobacco, saffron, and vanilla, pose no problem whatsoever to Tarkuus due to the undead farm workers. Many other drugs and spices are cultivated as well, almost all of which are exported to other regions around the world. Some plantations are truly massive in scale. Stretching for hundreds of square miles and worked by thousands of undead, these plantations and the supply chains they feed into are some of the finest examples of Tarkuusan logistics and planning. Extensive soil rehabilitation projects as well as field rotation keep these plantations incredibly productive. Intricate artificial irrigation channels form networks in the plantations. In the vast, otherwise featureless plantations, large cylindrical pillars serve as waypoints marking every five or ten miles.

	The Eternal Empire does have livestock farms, but not in a sense that is recognizable to people from elsewhere. There are effectively no cows, sheep, or other such creatures. There are, however, blood farms. From outside, these take the appearance of idyllic small towns, carefully planned with well-ordered streets, luxurious homes, and many recreational opportunities. The inhabitants of these towns are living people of many ~~races. These people are~~ provided every comfort of life with no requirement to work, but ~~this is~~ not ~~done~~ out of altruism. Rather, Tarkuusan administrators have found this is the most practical way to harvest large amounts of blood ~~for~~ vampires with minimal resistance. Despite being fully sapient living individuals, the inhabitants of the blood farms are given the same legal standing as the mindless undead laborers (see laws below). The inhabitants of the blood farms are mostly criminals sentenced to live there as part of their punishment, instead of non-productive incarceration.		The Eternal Empire does have livestock farms, but not in a sense that is recognizable to people from elsewhere. There are effectively no cows, sheep, or other such creatures. There are, however, blood farms. From outside, these take the appearance of idyllic small towns, carefully planned with well-ordered streets, luxurious homes, and many recreational opportunities. The inhabitants of these towns are living people of many ancestries, provided every comfort of life with no requirement to work, but not out of altruism. Rather, Tarkuusan administrators have found this is the most practical way to harvest the large amounts of blood necessary to support a population of vampires with minimal resistance. Despite being fully sapient living individuals, the inhabitants of the blood farms are given the same legal standing as the mindless undead laborers (see laws below). The inhabitants of the blood farms are mostly criminals sentenced to live there as part of their punishment, instead of non-productive incarceration.

	Living residents of Tarkuus, as well as the undead that can eat conventional food and choose to do so, enjoy a wide array of fine ingredients. Tropical fruits, exotic meats, and complex blends of spices are all common features of Tarkuusan diets. While these are often prohibitively expensive elsewhere, especially considering the quantities consumed, the wealth of the empire makes this hardly a factor.		Living residents of Tarkuus, as well as the undead that can eat conventional food and choose to do so, enjoy a wide array of fine ingredients. Tropical fruits, exotic meats, and complex blends of spices are all common features of Tarkuusan diets. While these are often prohibitively expensive elsewhere, especially considering the quantities consumed, the wealth of the empire makes this hardly a factor.

Gronk at 17:32, 29 January 2023

2023-01-29T17:32:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:32, 29 January 2023
Line 50:		Line 50:

	=== Traditions ===		=== Traditions ===
	One of the most popular holidays in Tarkuus is the Night of False Life. In the evening of the 1st ~~of Desnus~~ every year, large festivals and parades are held where the participants don costumes to appear like the living. Magical use is generally discouraged in favor of fine craftsmanship of clothes, masks, imitation or real skin, and so on. Some of the living, mostly necromancers, also cheekily dress up as the undead for comedic effect.		One of the most popular holidays in Tarkuus is the Night of False Life. In the evening of the 1st Falcon every year, large festivals and parades are held where the participants don costumes to appear like the living. Magical use is generally discouraged in favor of fine craftsmanship of clothes, masks, imitation or real skin, and so on. Some of the living, mostly necromancers, also cheekily dress up as the undead for comedic effect.

	Public executions/disintegrations are often a social event, as many are interested in attending for religious purposes or merely as a spectacle.		Public executions/disintegrations are often a social event, as many are interested in attending for religious purposes or merely as a spectacle.

Gronk at 17:32, 29 January 2023

2023-01-29T17:32:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:32, 29 January 2023
Line 8:		Line 8:
	\|adjective = Tarkuusan		\|adjective = Tarkuusan
	\|languages = Necril, [[Common]]		\|languages = Necril, [[Common]]
	\|religions = ~~Urgathoa, Fumeiyoshi, and others~~		\|religions = Irreligious; [[Deathless Mysteries]]; other faiths
	}}		}}

Line 43:		Line 43:

	=== Religion ===		=== Religion ===
	Most inhabitants of the Eternal Empire ~~follow deities closely associated~~ with the ~~undead~~. ~~Different forms~~ of ~~undead tend to align more with specific~~ deities, ~~but~~ there are ~~exceptions~~.		Most inhabitants of the Eternal Empire are rather irreligious, far more concerned with their pursuits in the mortal realm than with the divine. Some do follow gods, however. A variety of deities have worshipers in Tarkuus, brought there from around the world. [[Hasamel]], [[Nyxras]], [[Tarhunz]], [[Nisaba]], and their aspects across various pantheons are especially popular. In general, the veneration of lawful and evil deities is common in Tarkuus.

	* Urgathoa and Fumeiyoshi are the two most popular of the undead patrons in Tarkuus~~. These two deities have the broadest popular appeal.~~		Within Tarkuus' upper classes, the [[Deathless Mysteries]] are greatly influential. Founded by one of Tarkuus' closest advisors, this mystery cult encourages intelligent undead to seek personal perfection, in order to one day spread their influence around the world.
	* Lorcan, ~~an infernal duke, is quite popular with~~ the ~~upper class of vampires.~~
	* Barravoclair has a devoted following among living necromancers.
	* Set is widely worshipped by necromancers, mummies, and former residents of [[~~Khapesh~~]].
	* Aesdurath is worshipped by ~~many liches in~~ Tarkuus.
	* Zyphus has some worshippers within Tarkuus among those who resent their deaths, ~~but is otherwise has a marginal following~~ in the ~~region~~.

	~~However, not all choose to follow gods that are specifically concerned with the undead. Abadar, Irori, Nethys, Asmodeus, and Erecura, among others, are also worshiped in the Eternal Empire.~~		Contrary to what might be expected, religion is treated permissively within Tarkuus. One can even worship deities like [[Shai]] and [[Harinna]], both widely considered to be highly opposed to the existence of undead, as long as the practitioners of these faiths do not act on certain aspects of their tenets. A follower of these gods might find themselves socially ostracized, but the state does not restrict their worship.

	Contrary to what might be expected, religion is treated permissively within Tarkuus. One can even worship deities like ~~Pharasma~~ and ~~Iomedae~~, both highly opposed to the existence of undead, as long as the practitioners of these faiths do not act on certain aspects of their tenets. A follower of these gods might find themselves socially ostracized, but the state does not restrict their worship.

	There is only one deity whose worship is explicitly disallowed - the demon lord Zura. Despite being one of the patrons of vampires, the Eternal Empire is strongly opposed to Zura as she encourages the bloodthirstiness of her followers, calling on vampires and ghouls to feed freely. This practice threatens the rigid order of Tarkuusan society, and is therefore cracked down on.

	=== Traditions ===		=== Traditions ===

Gronk at 17:30, 16 January 2023

2023-01-16T17:30:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:30, 16 January 2023
Line 131:		Line 131:

	* The Lord of the Law deals with legal matters. The Dead Courts fall under the Lord of the Law’s purview.		* The Lord of the Law deals with legal matters. The Dead Courts fall under the Lord of the Law’s purview.
	* The Lord of War deals with military matters. This position is largely ceremonial at this point, as Tarkuus rarely engages in warfare aside from a token resistance against the [[~~Dawnflower~~ Refuge]].		* The Lord of War deals with military matters. This position is largely ceremonial at this point, as Tarkuus rarely engages in warfare aside from a token resistance against the [[Sun Refuge]].
	* The Lord of the Land deals with land use, including agriculture, earthworks projects, transportation, and other related matters.		* The Lord of the Land deals with land use, including agriculture, earthworks projects, transportation, and other related matters.
	* The Lord of State deals primarily with diplomatic relations with other states.		* The Lord of State deals primarily with diplomatic relations with other states.
Line 166:		Line 166:

	== Relations ==		== Relations ==
	Tarkuus views the crusader state of the ~~Dawnflower~~ Refuge as more of a minor thorn in the side than any real threat. The crusaders are allowed to remain, and given a token resistance, only because it would be more of an issue to manage the fallout from removing them than it is to replace the undead they destroy.		Tarkuus views the crusader state of the Sun Refuge as more of a minor thorn in the side than any real threat. The crusaders are allowed to remain, and given a token resistance, only because it would be more of an issue to manage the fallout from removing them than it is to replace the undead they destroy.

	Despite their shared undead nature, the ruling class of Tarkuus looks down on the undead hordes of Oscan and highly resent any comparisons. In fact, some paladins who have traveled to Oscan to fight the undead there have been sponsored, knowingly or not, by Tarkuus - the existence of the hordes are a practical concern to Tarkuus, as it interferes with their trade and resource acquisition.		Despite their shared undead nature, the ruling class of Tarkuus looks down on the undead hordes of Oscan and highly resent any comparisons. In fact, some paladins who have traveled to Oscan to fight the undead there have been sponsored, knowingly or not, by Tarkuus - the existence of the hordes are a practical concern to Tarkuus, as it interferes with their trade and resource acquisition.