Kal Phyriax
File:KalPhyriax.png
The dark corporate republic of Kal Phyriax.
| Regional Information | |
|---|---|
| Population | 800,650 35% Humans |
| Capital | Jal Kurik |
| Government | Corporate Authoritarian Republic; ruled by The Council and the Thane |
| Major Religions | Mala, Albiorix, Akiri, Nyraxia |
| Imports / Exports | Coal, iron ore, precious stones, slaves, weapons, wines |
| Total Area | 375,000 sq. miles |
| Dimensions | Length: 500 miles Width: 750 miles |
| Elevation | Average: 3,750 feet Lowest: Sea Level |
| Known For | Mercantiles, corporations, slavery, illicit trade, dark religion, corporate law, Black Hand legions |
| Major Military | Order of the Black Hand |
Kal Phyriax is a dark corporate authoritarian republic within the Northern Realms. Originally settled by outcast Knights of Elal, it began as an experiment in freedom, tolerance, and noble ideals. Over the centuries, however, Kal Phyriax degenerated into a nation ruled by mercantiles and corporations filled with greed, slavery, madness, and cruelty.
The nation is often described as a tumor upon the countryside. Its continued existence has created unlikely alliances among those who oppose the machinations of the Phyriaxian government. The only things keeping the nation whole are its terrifying war machine, its well-oiled corporate republic government, and the open arms it extends to anyone willing to enrich it.
There is no sorcery too dark, no god too blighted, and no secret too damning that cannot be found in Kal Phyriax for the right price.
Overview
Kal Phyriax is a land of rugged hills that give way to the steep mountainous slopes of the broken edge of the Blue Mountains to the north. Where the land is relatively flat, thick bogs and moors compete with hard-soil plots of farmland.
The plains of Kal Phyriax are dotted with moors and swamps. These shallow wetlands provide a large variety of plants and wildlife, including a great number of monsters. Drier portions of the land are host to hardy grasses and low bushes, which feed the large herds of sheep and goats often herded between the smaller villages.
Other than the monsters that inhabit the moors, marshes, and swamps, Kal Phyriax is relatively free of large hordes of monstrous humanoids. Nevertheless, Kal Phyriax is locked in a continuing blood war with the Rhakas of Ni Ilik, who hail from the southern portion of the Blue Mountains.
Many attempts have been made to root out the sickness of Kal Phyriax. These efforts have failed in large part because the nation is defended by the Order of the Black Hand. Members of the order fight with single-minded determination. Those who have faced them claim they can ignore blows that would kill most warriors without even slowing.
There are five legions within the order, each commanded by a captain shrouded in legend and mystery. These captains answer only to the Thane of Kal Phyriax and to whatever dark powers he bends a knee to.
Kal Phyriax abounds in slavery, both as a trading source and as a user of slaves. Many slaves are taken by raiding parties that invade Harr, Myanothia, and the Haaran Empire. Slave traders then make their way into places such as the Duchy of Mashrapur, the Baronies of Vishraan, and as far south as the Empire of Resha and Pash Tar.
Inhabitants
Kal Phyriax is a melting pot of many different species. This is mostly the result of the rise of mercantiles dominated by one species or another.
The nation is home to humans, Fhen Khanur, Bhahuul, Ta’Jahu, Acires, Rhakas, Ha’vatu, and Fir Darrig. There are also mercantiles owned or operated by Bhahuul, Fhen Khanur, Ta’Jahu, Rhakas, and Ha’vatu. A number of smaller mercantiles are operated by Fir Darrig who deal largely in drug manufacturing, distribution, and slavery throughout Ta Los, Kralis, and beyond.
The Acires have found themselves once again under the yoke of slavery, despite the existence of a small but powerful Acirean mercantile.
The region of Kal Phyriax is also home to several non-humanoid peoples and creatures, including giants, Gantu, centaurs, goblins, and oku.
Languages
Common is the most spoken and used language within Kal Phyriax. Its use is strongly enforced by the population, who display an intense form of nativism.
Those who speak Common with ease are more warmly accepted and treated with greater respect than those who speak with an accent or stumble through the language. Those who have trouble speaking Common may become targets of violent harassment, ranging from vegetables being thrown at them to being thrown out of establishments or even “escorted” out of towns, villages, or cities.
Non-humans who reside in their own communities often speak their native languages intermixed with Common.
Life and Society
Much of the population of Kal Phyriax is poor and downtrodden. Nearly everything they produce is taken by the various mercantiles and corporations to increase wealth, standing, and control over holdings and regions.
The Council has divided the entire region of Kal Phyriax among the various mercantiles and corporations. Every Kal Phyriaxian must pay taxes, fees, dues, and product tributes. While the country is dominated by the heads of mercantiles and corporations, this has effectively made nearly all Kal Phyriaxians serfs. They work fields, tend livestock, maintain assigned businesses, or labor in service to corporate demands.
This corporate domination has shaped society within the nation. The labors of the people are enough to survive on, but they are always subject to the harsh whims of mercantiles and corporations. Those who do not produce enough, are disobedient, or are judged incompetent may disappear, be re-educated, or be killed in public venues after being accused of crimes.
The laws of the Council are flexible enough that the killing of a citizen within the employ of a mercantile or corporation can be considered legal.
Rebellions have risen throughout the centuries among the lower Kal Phyriaxian serfs, but these have been crushed by mercantiles and corporations through mercenary retainers. These retainers are well compensated and have proven brutally effective in enforcing the will of their employers. Naturally, they are despised by the common population.
These circumstances have left Kal Phyriaxians distrustful and suspicious of nearly everyone they encounter. Citizens expect the worst from others until given reason to think otherwise. They assume others seek to exploit them in some way, which leaves them distant and guarded.
Kal Phyriaxian trust must be earned, and earning it is a long and difficult process. The people have little reason or opportunity to celebrate anything, and they often view such leisure with distrust.
Social Customs
The majority of social customs in Kal Phyriax are preserved among the commoners. These customs are kept alive by following social etiquette and family traditions as closely as possible, often in secret, to avoid retribution by mercantiles and their mercenary groups.
Like many human-centric nations, many customs deal with human family structures. As with nearly all aspects of life in Kal Phyriax, commoners are deeply concerned with the contract of marriage.
Kal Phyriaxian tradition demands that those wishing to marry provide a “marriage price” in currency or goods to the father of the bride. Kal Phyriaxians are not concerned with limiting marriage by sex or gender. These prices range from 100 to 500 silver and represent the value of the marriage contract.
For the average Kal Phyriaxian, this is a substantial amount of wealth, which means few young commoners actually marry.
Arts
Art, at least in the sense of paintings, statues, and crafting, is not overtly important to the mercantiles and corporations unless it is being purchased, traded, or used as a commodity. Commoners craft only small baubles that they give to one another. These are rarely sold, as doing so can result in arrest and punishment if discovered.
The major production of art in Kal Phyriax is theater, especially foreign productions and traveling theater troupes. When these are unavailable, the wealthy attend Haebuku.
Haebuku is a form of performance that combines intricate dance, music, and lyrical narrative with fearsome masks, stylized costumes, and exotic instruments. These performances are affairs of the most wealthy and powerful heads of mercantiles and corporations. Trade deals, both public and secret, are often conducted during these events while servants move through the gathering offering hot liquor, exotic edibles, and other unique services.
A common art loved by both commoners and elites is the Unruka, or puppetry. Unruka was originally developed by commoners hundreds of years ago as a way to spread information and entertain themselves.
Commoner puppets have changed very little since their inception. They are crafted from blocks of wood, string, and paint.
The Unruka of wealthy mercantile and corporate families are much more complicated. These puppets are half to two-thirds human size and require great skill and strength to operate. Such puppets are controlled by teams of two, with one puppeteer sitting on the shoulders of another. Each has specific duties for manipulating legs, arms, head, mouth, and eyebrows.
Literature and Education
Due to the authoritarian structure of the nation, commoners are not provided with education unless they can afford foreign private tutors. The majority of commoner education is handed down from generation to generation to ensure families can survive.
Nearly all commoners are illiterate and unable to read even basic instructions.
Those who obtain some knowledge and education may apply to the few academies found in major settlements. The two most infamous are the Darhaka Academy in Jal Kurik and the Academy of the Fighting Arts in Ramu.
Architecture
Homes, shops, and other buildings throughout Kal Phyriax are broad, massive structures of plastered and whitewashed brick and stone. Most have sharp gabled rooftops shingled with thick charcoal-gray stone or heavy redwood timbers. Many also have slim, tall spires.
Most buildings are trimmed in dark green wood and blue stone slats. These are often carved with stylized vines, animals, monsters, and forests.
Throughout the region, small to medium-sized statues of Mala, Akiri, Albiorix, and Nyraxia can be found before homes, businesses, and roads that enter or leave towns, villages, and cities.
Most towns, nearly all cities, and a few villages have smooth black or charcoal-gray stone streets. These streets are narrow because of encroaching buildings and high overhangs, often giving such places a dark and oppressive presence.
Lifestyles
There are two very different lifestyles in Kal Phyriax: that of the mercantiles and corporations, and that of everyone else.
Those families and individuals who comprise the mercantiles and corporations are called the Lituma. They sit at the top of the social pyramid, often living richly in segregated districts within cities, towns, and even villages. Entrances to these districts are heavily guarded by mercenary groups.
While ethnically the families that make up the Lituma are no different from the lowly Buras, they tend to be less rugged in appearance. Their skin is softer and less sallow, their hair is cut and styled, and they are often fragranced.
The appearance of the Lituma is made even more distinctive by their tattooing practices. These tattoos often incorporate the logo, symbol, or shape that identifies their mercantile or corporation. A staggering number of these tattoo symbols exist, yet each member of the Lituma is able to recognize them.
The Buras, or commoners, are tough and sturdy folk, but centuries of plagues and malnutrition have ravaged them. Many older generations are up to a foot shorter than normal humans. They often have an unhealthy appearance and are prone to illness.
Kingdom Law and Government
Kal Phyriax is ruled by the Council, a group of representatives drawn from the nine most powerful mercantiles based in the realm.
The Thane implements the will of the Council, though the Thane often distorts that will enough to maintain power and keep the Buras in an iron grip.
Nearly all law is based on promoting and protecting business within the borders of the realm. Very little is illegal for mercantiles, as they are granted many of the same legal rights and responsibilities that natural persons enjoy in other realms.
This has created a system where corporations are protected, commoners are expendable, and the law is a tool of profit.
Technology and Crafting
There is little in the way of unique technology or craft that originates in Kal Phyriax. However, the nation is a bastion of illicit and illegal weapons, technology, and other nefarious items.
The mercantiles and corporations often act as middlemen between producers and purchasers of these items, including slaves.
The Buras and slaves are known to modify imported goods to satisfy the specific needs of mercantiles or individual customers. This work often results in death or crippling injury for those who perform it.
Religion
Kal Phyriax is a dark and depressing nation, at least from the point of view of the commoners. Most believe there is nothing truly good in the world.
As a result, many commoners worship Akiri or Nyraxia: Akiri for the luck she may grant, and Nyraxia for the protection of children that her faithful claim she promises.
Mala is the predominant deity worshiped and held high by the mercantiles and corporations, who believe she protects their contracts and businesses. Others worship Albiorix with similar beliefs.
Occasionally, mercantiles of differing faiths clash over the same business pursuits, with priests from each church leading or encouraging the conflict.
Features and Important Sites
Kal Phyriax contains numerous sites shaped by corporate power, ancient horror, frontier violence, and the deep corruption of the land.
The Border Towers of the East
The shared border between Kal Phyriax and Myanothia is difficult for the Council, mercantiles, and corporations to control efficiently. Along this border stand ten large border towers supported by long, high walls nearly 30 feet tall. These walls run to natural sheer cliff uprisings.
The towers are owned by various mercantiles, the Council, and other corporations that control their surrounding territories.
These bastions are used primarily to discourage rebellion from the Buras and slaves. They effectively control the entire eastern border.
The Barrows of Kings
Situated 60 miles north of Jal Kurik are the Barrows of Kings.
The Barrows are grand and beautiful in their own stark fashion. The mounds are impressive and crowned with large sculptured stones. They are arranged in interlocking ridges that spread for many miles. Most are long escarpments covered in dark, thick grass.
Beneath this bleak beauty lie hundreds of tombs. These tombs vary greatly in size and structure. Most are simple stone-lined pits covered with earth, while others are incredibly complex. Some are accessed only by long stone-lined tunnels, while others are reached by deep shafts.
Many are built from large upright and interlocking stone blocks. Some tombs are interconnected by rough tunnels dug by undead and other underground creatures.
Ungar Drahga
Hidden within the foothills of the Blue Mountains, Ungar Drahga is a series of ancient caves and ceremonial sites of unknown function. It is believed to have been built and used by the Kish Empire long ago.
These caves connect directly to the depths of Tav Aeduhn. Due to their depth and wide-reaching tunnels, the cave system has its own distinct population of deep-dwelling plants, animals, and other creatures.
For millennia, Ungar Drahga has been a stopping place for roaming hordes of creatures.
Organizations
Black Hand
The Black Hand was once a powerful mercenary company and mercantile. Its 1,800 years of existence has helped shape the current state of Kal Phyriax, its political stance, and its slave trade.
The Black Hand includes thieves, spies, assassins, wholly evil spellcasters, and priests within its ranks. Over the centuries, it has experienced great success.
As an extension of the will of the dark god Azahak, the Black Hand has grown into a powerful force of evil within Kal Phyriax. It supports the dark god’s aims within the region and seeks to dominate all aspects of the Western and Northern Realms through manipulation, outright control, or destruction.
The organization is supported by the faithful of the dark god and by unscrupulous merchants. Its agents deal in illicit goods and contraband, using extensive mercantile contacts to move products throughout the region. Commodities include slaves, poison, drugs, and illegal energy weapons.
Red Dragon Mercantile
The Red Dragon Mercantile is centuries old and is believed to have been created by an ancient fire dragon known as Ymrig the Hungry.
It is a very large criminal organization extending into the Western Realms, Dardura Sheva, Alisanos, and Myanothia. Its membership is believed to number in the tens of thousands, making it one of the largest and most powerful organizations in Ta Los, if not the world.
As a mercantile, it deals in importing and exporting cattle, copper, dyes, glass, hemp, horses, spices, and wine. However, it is also heavily involved in gambling rackets, prostitution, counterfeit goods, and the illegal weapons trade.
Blue Scarab Company
The Blue Scarab Company is based in Dardura Sheva and is known to have trading houses throughout the world and the Omniverse.
It is one of the three largest companies on Kralis and within the Khirius Solvetras.
The Circle
The Circle is based in Jal Kurik and is a major rival of the Red Dragon Mercantile.
The two organizations often come into conflict and battle within the city and throughout the region as they attempt to gain control over trade routes and replace one another as contractors and contacts for trade.
While involved in a variety of criminal activities, The Circle’s main source of revenue is the distribution of Dark Spice throughout Ta Los.
Its legal importing and exporting are based on books, cobalt, leather, linens, paper, and teas.
The Family
Among the mercantiles that operate within the safety of Kal Phyriax, The Family is considered a lower mercantile. This means it has little invested in legal trade compared to hundreds of other mercantiles, even those that participate in illegal activity.
The Family is prominent within Kal Phyriax as an organization devoted to the defeat of Dardura Sheva. It is known as a terrorist organization and has found a measure of freedom to operate within the borders of Kal Phyriax.
Major NPCs
The following is a brief introduction to some of the major people of note within Kal Phyriax.
Thane Culdar Ulikor
Thane Culdar Ulikor is lean and strong, with a noble bearing and a powerful presence. He has strong, chiseled features, a commanding gaze, and a full, deep voice.
His skin is normally pallid, though occasionally it appears darker and fuller in color. As a human, his most unusual features are his ears, which are longer than normal and pointed. He often disguises or hides them by combing his dark hair over the tips.
Culdar is the Thane of Kal Phyriax and the primary implementer of the Council’s will. In practice, he also twists that will to maintain his own power.
Commander Kelkar Kelvma
Commander Kelkar Kelvma is a cruel, calculating, and cautious man who has survived many battles. He rarely allows his emotions to get the better of him.
Kelkar relies on his combat prowess, unusual charisma, and ability to lead others in order to command and effectively control the Black Hand. He is a master tactician and supremely confident in his ability to command.
Cities
Kal Phyriax’s cities are harsh places of wealth, exploitation, crime, religion, mercantile power, and public fear.
Jal Kurik
| City Information | |
|---|---|
| Name | Jal Kurik |
| Population | 556,985 |
| Government | Pal |
| Major Religions | Llir, Mala, Azahak |
| Imports / Exports | Animal fats and oils, citrus fruit, ceramic products, fresh water, iron ingot, iron ore, live animals, spices, tobacco |
| Known For | Capital, City of Towers, mercantile power, maze-like streets |
Jal Kurik, also known as the City of Towers, is located nearly dead center within Kal Phyriax. It is the single largest city in the nation and a sprawling oasis of tall towers, thin spires, and thick-walled buildings.
The city is a maze of streets and alleys that can cause newcomers to become easily lost, often to their own demise.
Isth
| City Information | |
|---|---|
| Name | Isth |
| Population | 286,900 |
| Government | Thane Culdar Ulikor |
| Major Religions | Llir, Mala, Azahak |
| Imports / Exports | Hemp, horses, iron ore, marine resources, organic chemicals, perfumes, resins, salt, sailing ship components, tea |
| Known For | Dhunadin Sea port, dark spellcasters, Old Fathers, Three Kings Mercantile |
Isth is the second largest city within Kal Phyriax. It stands on the shore of the Dhunadin Sea, built upon a 1,000-foot rise of ground.
It is a wealthy city ruled by the Old Fathers, a council of spellcasters known to delve in the dark arts, including essence and Sultra Nal Raetha. The Old Fathers are also the leaders of the Three Kings Mercantile.
Lur Thal
| City Information | |
|---|---|
| Name | Lur Thal |
| Population | 156,568 |
| Government | Governor Itzat Kulkirk |
| Major Religions | Mala, Nyraxia |
| Imports / Exports | Ammunition, cattle, cloth, dyes, fish, ink, marble, marine resources, pyrotechnics, sailing ships |
| Known For | City of Dark Callings, temples of Mala and Nyraxia, dark priesthoods |
Lur Thal is known as the City of Dark Callings because of the great number of dark priests devoted to Mala and Nyraxia, as well as their numerous churches.
Those who cast magical spells are treated as lesser citizens because many in Lur Thal believe that only true magic comes from the gods.
Kalhum
| City Information | |
|---|---|
| Name | Kalhum |
| Population | 189,523 |
| Government | Thane Culdar Ulikor |
| Major Religions | Llir, Mala, Aernus |
| Imports / Exports | Alchemical components, ammunition, clay, cloth, fish, hemp, sailing ships |
| Known For | City of the Dark Sails, pirates, slavery, illegal weapons, illegal spice |
Kalhum, known as the City of the Dark Sails, is dangerous, bawdy, and boisterous. It is a haven for pirates, rogues, scoundrels, thieves, privateers, prostitutes, and other outlaws.
It appears to be the least civilized city within Kal Phyriax. Only the presence of a Black Hand legion keeps the city from engulfing itself in chaos.
Despite the soldiers of the Black Hand, Kalhum is generally lawless. One of its most popular locations is the Blind Bride. It is also home to several powerful mercantiles that deal in slavery, illegal weapons, illegal spice, and other unsavory trade goods.
