The Kingdom of the river valley is both a tranquil oasis of ancient knowledge, and a decadent mire of forbidden secrets. A well-administered and harmonious land that’s laws are both restrictive and brutal, whilst being a festering cesspit of corruption. It is a land of dichotomy, it’s people both hold a deep pride in their knowledge and achievements, while living under the shadows of ancient terrors. Venerating life while respecting death. Magic, especially necromancy, permeates Phyraxgian society: it builds and sustains their cities, grows their food, and provides most of their entertainment, military and infrastructure.

An archaic society that dwells in vast antediluvian cities deep in the underdesert. Famed for their peculiar practices, strange gods and obsession with the dead.

Beneath the languid emptiness of a hollow sun, across the windswept dunes, through scorching heat and untold perils of the unforgiving deserts of the underworld, lay countless wonders of an age lost to the sands of time. Antediluvian temples, great obelisks and vast ziggurats stand defiantly throughout the landscape, a testament to one of the most hallowed of all the Dral’azie creeds, the ancient Phyraigans. The Phyragians are indigenous to the lands of Phyraxgia that bears their name. Phyraxgia lays the in furthest reached of The Dsja'taresh Desert, comprised of the verdant Nirkana valley and river delta that brings life to these desolate wastes, of bleached bones and endless sands.
The people of this isolated desert kingdom are proud, sophisticated and noticeably xenophobic with a fervent credence of their own cultural superiority and dominated by the vehement dogma of their monotheistic pantheon of deities. Steeped in remnants of forgotten histories, and deep rooted traditions in forbidden Dark Magic. Settled in the verdant Nirkana valley, their entire civilisation relies on the enchanted waters of the Nirkana river that brings life and protection from an otherwise inhospitable wastelands. This dichotomy between life and death runs so deeply throughout their society on more levels than most Phyraxgians are even aware of. Possessing a morbid obsession with death, immortality and necrotic lore, constructing vast tombs for their mysterious mummies. To outsiders they are perceived as imperiously arrogant and a g humourless people, the overall attitude of most Phyraxgians is one of numb resignation. A reputation that is hardly diminished by a self-certified belief that they are the true heirs to the lost Kingdom of Veilnakarah. In the eyes of a Phyraxgian rest of their so called kin are uncivilised, impetuous barbaric mongrels whom they only interact with them when it is deemed a necessity.

by Brett-neufeld

Upon the surface Phyraxgia appears to be a well-governed and prosperous realm that venerates their fickle gods, and reveres the lifegiving Nirkana and its many rivers and estuaries. Lingering beneath this civilised veneer cracks begin to form, it is a the festering pit of corruption and foul magic, filled with ancient horrors and nameless shadows of the past. Dominating all is the magnificent city of Veilnakhet. A magnificent metropolis of tall spires, ziggurats, obelisks and pyramids that epitomises antediluvian culture of Phyraxgia. One will find the streets of Veilnakhet filled with lumbering undead and skeletal sentinels, brushing shoulders alongside the living as a common occurrence in day-to-day life. Many venerable Phyraxgian nobility use their knowledge of necrotic magic to extend their already long lives, becoming the reclusive undead *Immortals* of high society.

…When you approach a Phyraxgian for the first time there are two sensations that immeiately wash over you. The debilitating gripe of your own inferiority as they look down their nose at you, and the cold clammy chill of death breathing down your neck…

— Author

Society and Culture

Death to Phryaxgians is essential, for without death there is no life, no renewal, no cycle.

by Brett-neufeld

Harking back to the bygone days of the ancient kingdoms of the old world, Phyraxgian society is a twisted reflection of what it once was. Phyraxgians are proud of their heritage and all the knowledge and accomplishments of their ancestors that others mistake for arrogance. History is important to them, their customs and traditions are deeply integrated with their morbid fascination with the afterlife and the forbidden arts, born out of their unnatural aptitude toward Dark Magic.
The presence of the undead is a normal, everyday occurrence. Most Phyraxgian children grow up accustomed to the grim and dark aspects of life, surrounded by undead servitors, carefully wrapped and embalmed and adorned with ensorcelled cartouche that is embedded into their sternum. These mummies attend to the daily life of Phyraxgian cities and settlements, being little more than tamed zombies. Legions of skeletal solidary patrol city walls and streets whilst strange undead constructs wait pensively for the commands of their masters. As a result Phyraxgians become completely detached from the concept of death at a young age. To most Phyraxgians, the veil between life and death is one and the same, a consequence leading to their bleak and macabre demeanour, has made them apathetic and cynical even among Dral'azie.

While most view their veneration of death and obsession with necromancy and the afterlife an abhorrent and grotesque practice. To a Phyraxgian it is a way of life, death is not viewed in the same linear narrative and finality that most perceive it to be. In their culture life and death are one and the same, two parts of the same whole. Death is a celebration, from life is born death and from death is born the afterlife.

Prolific in Dark Magic and necromancy, their mastery of sorcery permeates every aspect of Phyraxgian society. Priestly and oracular magic is practiced almost exclusively by women, and is considered to be the most valued kind of magic. The traditional schools of magic are practiced mostly by men. While female and a select few male Neophytes are instead chosen to concentrate on the higher aspects of the art, apprenticed by sorcerers in long, often gruelling training and secretive ceremonies. So predominate is it that even the lowliest slave has a general air of indifference when around magic. They use it to build and sustain their cities, grows their food and provides most of their entertainment, infrastructure and the day to day trappings of life within the Nomes of their cities and settlements. Many Phyraxgians seem jaded when compared to others, it takes spectacular or unique magic to perk their interest.

Where the Dral'azie are famed for their cultural aesthetic of Suulvite decorative webs and spider motifs, Phyraxgians are for their use of scarabs throughout theirs.

A People of Necromancy and Sorcery.

Pyraxgians are masters of occult secrets and necromantic lore. Their scholarship is legendary and their mastery of the dark arts is without equal anywhere in the known world.

The people of Phyraxgia are surrounded by an air of mystique and secrecy, countless tales enwreathe Phyraxgian sorcerers for centuries. Calling forth black plagues out of darkened tombs stripping flesh from bone or raising up legions of the dead by whispering an ancient curse. This reputation has led to Phyraxgian practitioners to become widely feared and respected throughout the underworld for their predilection for Black Magic and the ancient necromantic secrets known only to them. Many of the ancient spells and incantations known to Phyraxgian practitioners have never been translated into contemporary languages, still remaining in their original Veilnakarii tongue and hieroglyphics. Countless outsiders long for the forbidden knowledge they possess, knowledge the Phyraxgians keep a closely guarded secret and refuse to part with.

It is one thing to be of noble blood, but it is entirely another to wield magic. Sorcerers and those that wield supreme power over the arcane of magic are held in the highest regard. Yet few reach the pinnacle of their art due to the dangerous nature of the Dark Magic that Phyraxgian sorcerers are famed for. Typically few dark mages ever reach the point where they can fully control and master their gifts. Most Neophytes succumb to the allure of seeking out more and dangerous powers until their hubris consumes them; mind, body and soul, leaving naught but an empty husk. These are the dark trappings and doomed paths many weak-willed sorcerers and dark mages may succumb to. It is why those powerful sorcerers, priestesses and mages that survive this arduous path are regarded as elite members of society. Held in the greatest esteem, both out of fear and reverence, due to their ability to wield powerful magic and hold dominion over their art. Whereas these ancient practices are typically practiced by females, the traditional schools of wizardry are practiced mostly by men.

by Anithecutie

Phyraxgian sorceresses are few and far between. It was once explained by my dear colleague Tai'Atef that due to the dangerous nature of Dark Magic, few Phyraxgian mages ever get to the point where they can fully control and have mastered their gifts, for most, their power consumes them; mind, body and soul.

— Zaeldrel Illusionist Educator at the Bel'vanion'dol Academy.

Phyraxgian Immortals.

Phyraxgian nobility do not simply die, they see themselves as above such a trivial inconvenience like dying. Instead, they ascend becoming the Immortals, Iitches, most become liches and retire to tombs and necropolises with servants to slumber. Leaving the way open for the next of their lineage to ascend. Their sleep is only to be interrupted when great need arises or a Nomarch seeks their guidance and wisdom.

The influence and prestige of Phyraxgia's formidable necromancers and the enigmatic order of white necromancers of its mortuary cults grew as the civilization became obsessed with death and the concept of immortality in the afterlife. To Phyraxgians, life is perceived to be only the beginning of one's journey, a prelude to the perfection that awaits in the afterlife promised by Nekkahra. The nobility are renown for having their own personal mausoleums within noble households. Within these are venerable mummified house elders; undead members of the houses nobility that slumber and are only awoken in times of great hardship or when the houses ruler needs experienced council and advice.

Phyraxgian Anatomy

Reminiscent to the dusky skin and dark hair of their ancestors, like most Dral'azie, the Phyraxgians appearance has altered from centuries of exposure to the abyssal taint of the underworld and the effect of the Hollow sun of the Dsja'taresh. Phyraxgian eyes are normally red or orange, with some, usually in the lower orders, possessing blue pigmentation. Then there are individuals with piercing green eyes, a tell-tale sign that one either has a strong heritage of Necromancy in their lineage, which is typically brought out as a result of dabbling in the Necrotic arts.

by Brett-neufeld

Distinctly recognisable for their anachronistic appearance, Phyraxgian apparel seems like an a antiquated relic of the past. Pyraxgians are frequently seen adorned with magnificent golden jewellery due to the kingdom's immense riches and abundant supply of gold. Their elaborate archaic jewellery and clothing is unlike anything found in other Dral'azie societies. Phyraxgians wear little to no clothes due to the dry, hot climate. The attire worn by the nobles is thin, and the finer the silk, the closer it comes to becoming transparent. Because of Phyraxgia's wealth, silk is a popular material for clothing, and linen is another prevalent material for clothing used even by slaves. The wealthier a member of Phyraxgian society, the more ornate and ostentatious the clothing becomes. Renowned for their beautiful collars and ornate chokers, as well as their extravagant neck covers. In their culture, exposing one's neck openly is regarded as indecent and lowborn. Collars are often indicative of one's magical position in society; a standard collar worn around the nape of the neck is for individuals who have received a rudimentary magical education, which is quite vague in and of itself. A half collar represents a fully-fledged magius, whereas a full collar is adorned by the Sorcerer elite.
The majority of Phyraxgians shave their heads and wear wigs in order to emulate the Nomarchs and elites of phyraxgian society to increase their own social standing. Only the wealthiest Nobles can keep their hair in the traditional way, therefore keeping one's natural hair is a sign of power and authority. Henna is a dye used to redden fingernails and hair. Kohl is a black powder that is used to line the eyes, fill in the brows, and deepen the lashes. Phyraxgian women, in particular, are known for their extravagant eye makeup. Particular patterns, which were originally a Veilnakarii tradition, express devotion to an aristocratic family, coven, or religious group to whom they are affiliated. During the later days of the Isolation era, the religious groups of Dral'grondi adopted this practice as well.

Table Of Contents

A Land Of The Gods And Magic.
History.
Society and Culture.
Social And Political Structure.
Symbolism.
A People Of Necromancy And Sorcery.
Customs And Traditions.
Phyraxgian Anatomy.
Phyraxgain Martial Tradition.
Religion And Belief.

The words Phyraxgia and Phyraxgian, comes from an ancient Veilnakarii word for "Peoples that serve the sunless depths". Most likely referring to Aulreth, or Nekharahs domain in the abyssal realm.

Encompassed species

• Dral'azie

Related Organizations

• The Relic Acquisition Syndicate

Related Locations

• Phyraxgia
• The Dsja'taresh Desert
• The Great Nirkana.

Naming Traditions

Common Male Names; Azhar, Bakt, Basit, Ctesphon, Jabril, Kamoses, Menes, Thutmekri, Zakaria.

Common Female Names; Akivasha, Asenath, Enehy, Fara, Imiu, Isetnophret, Kalasiris, Miw-Sher, Netikerty, Orisa, Rajani, Sadeh, Thalis, Yunet.

Notable Members

History.

First appearing in the sunless realms during the latter years of the first age. Their exodus from the surface was perhaps one of the most dramatic of all the Dral'azie, when the entire of the Hasheeban desert and Kingdom of Veilnarkarah was cast into the underworld by the wrathful gods during the cataclysmic conclusion of the sundering. It was under the guidance and leadership of the infamous Witch Queen Veirana Itholren 'The Undying', daughter of Zelieth'Itholren and great granddaughter of the revered Nefraijat Iseuri, that the new kingdom, Phyraxgia, was founded deep in the sands of the under desert. It was from here that the descendance of the Veilnakarii would rebuild what they lost, spending centuries rediscovering and uncovering the secrets of their past, buried deep in the deserts cast down into the sunless realms.
As such, the Itholren Bloodline is considered sacred among the Veilnakarii, enforcing the unwavering belief that their power is divine and absolute, as it has remained for countless millennia. Queen Veirana would carve out a new Veilnakarii dominion of Phyraxgia in the sunless realm. Leading to a common misconception for the Veilnakarii to be called Phyraxgians. A term not used by those within, to them they are Veilnakarii and being call anything less is insult. Despite this, Phyraxgian is the most widely used term for them as a people, and one begrudgingly the Veilnakarii have begun to accept.

Religion and Belief.

Throughout every echelons of Phyraxgia, religion dominates society, dogmatic belief and veneration of the gods is a fundamental aspect of day to day life. Numerous shrines to the gods can be found scattered throughout every settlement, households and even farms and places of labour. Where offerings can be made to appease the gods and ask for their blessing in even the most mundane aspects of daily life. However, the Phyraxgian gods are known to be fickle, and on many occasions they have refused to answer the entreaties of mortals.
Worship is very esoteric, with ceremonies open only to the nobility and aristocracy. The priesthood often encourage highborn women to join the cults and become religious leaders, or at least keep their families active in the temple.

Symbolism.

Symbolism and iconography play a significant role throughout Phyraxgian society, evoking deep rooted traditions and religious values of their Veilnakara past. The Scarab is perhaps the most ancient and venerated image depicted in their culture. Scarabs are a symbol of rebirth and life beyond the veil of death, found among numerous hieroglyphics, costumes, decorative jewellery and architecture. Motifs of winged scarabs bearing the eye of Nekharah, holding aloft a celestial body or boasting the morbid symbols of death, display the duality of the Nekharah are representative of divinity and royal pharaonic power. Other variants such as horned scarabs mark the solidary and warrior castes of their society, usually weaponry and military decoration is emblazoned with this image. Skulls and skeletons are common symbols of immortality and everlasting life, such motifs becoming commonly emblazoned on shields, banners and chariots, alongside the eyes of the goddess Nekharah. Hybrid symbols such as skulled scarab would emerge amongst necromancers and mortuary cult in particular.

Social and political Structure.

Phyraxgia society is a conservative theocracy, organized into a strict class system.

Phyraxgia is ruled by a dark theocracy of sorcerer-queens, the Pharahess; anointed leader and physical embodiment of the will of the goddess Nekharah. Her word is the word of the gods and unquestionable. Built up around a strictly organized class system dominated by the priesthood. Numerous elements of Phyraxgian life are governed by the religious doctrine of the sorcerer-priests and ecclesiastical elite, whose gods influence the everyday lives of all layers of society. The chief god of the Phyraxgians is Nekharah, the Goddess of Death and Darkness, whose influence has stretched from the Kingdom of Phyraxgia into nearly all other lands.
The highest level officials to serve the Pharahess are the Vizirs. Often appointed by the Pharahess, they are typically drawn from the Royal family, or particularly loyal and talented sorceresses, especially when they felt their own blood could not be trusted. Vizirs oversee the highest level disputes, manage the royal estates and ensure temples are well supplied with resources.
Founded by Veilnakarii traditionalists to emulate the Nome systems of its forebearers, the nobility rules over many municipal aspects of society. A Nomarch; the leader of a noble house that rules over a particular Nome, a region or area that is part of a Phyraxgian city or settlement. One must be born into noble family lineage in order to attain noble status. Nobility is not something that can be earned; rather, it is something that you are either born with or you aren't. Phyraxgians are acutely aware of their family's and house's status, as well as their personal position within the family. Women rank higher than males of the same age, elders rank higher than those younger, and nobles rank higher than commoners. Foreigners are generally treated civilly in Phyraxgia, although non-Dral'azie have no rights.

by Brett-neufeld

The overall attitude of most ordinary Phyraxgians is one of numb resignation, commoners are generally a downtrodden people with no real power, unwilling to upset the status quo. Tirelessly obeying the priesthood and nobility, ensuring to pay homage and not earn the ire of the gods. At the bottom of Phyraxgian society are the serfs and slaves, a mixture of different races, of foreign and Phyraxgian blood. Enslaved humanoids are the city's most numerous inhabitants, endure their drudgery with little hope of change. Slaves are seen by their Phyraxgian masters as little more than cattle, continuously at work building monuments, repairing buildings, hauling goods, keeping the city clean, and performing other activities their masters consider beneath their station.
Even the release of death cannot free a slave from his or her bonds, and many slaves may have the misfortune of becoming one of the Anointed, who are a common sight in Phyraixgan cities. The Anointed are an undead servantile caste who attend to the everyday life of Phyraxgian cities and communities, resembling tamed zombies. Carefully wrapped and adorned with ensorcelled cartouches, these mummies attend to the daily life of Phyraxgian cities and settlements. They are carefully embalmed by the Mortuary cults of Khafra to preserve them from the curse's mindlessness, allowing them to serve their living masters for another lifetime, and even after their masters' death, in the afterlife.

Customs and Traditions.

Phyraxgain martial tradition.

by TrollTrader

In a society steeped in forbidden sorceries, necromancy and their peculiar mortuary practices and legions of undying servants, many other parts of their culture can be overshadowed and left unknown. It can be otherwise forgiven to know little of the Phyraxgian warrior caste and their ancient martial traditions. Phyraxgia holds some of the most secure borders in the underworld, priding themselves on a strict and disciplined, professional fighting force, with many members of the ruling caste trained as hereditary warriors. Supported by undead auxiliaries, that outsiders assumed their solidary to only consist of. However, it is this living warriors caste that form the backbone of the Phyraxgian fighting forces. These warriors carry large ornate shields, decorated in the scarab motif of the warrior caste. often slung on the back, even in combat and used to form a palisade when encamped.
Different warrior cabals specialise in different aspects of warfare; from the deadly khopesh sickle-swords, spearmen trained to fighting in dense shield formations, sharpshooting crossbows, to heavy mace-like weapons, axes and two-handed great swords. Other warrior cabals veer away from traditional infantry divisions; light and heavy cavalry riders and charioteers are but some examples.

by TrollTrader

These traditions, like most aspects of their culture, comes from their ancestors need for a permeant standing army harks back to the bygone days of the first age. When the Carghtigan empire set southern Lorthwyn ablaze, and the ancient kingdom of Amon'Isettii almost fell. Having never seen any need for a sizable military, their ancestors had an almost non-existent warrior caste, replying of the desert and levy solidary when the need arose. When the Carghtigans came, they were caught unaware, and too slow to respond in time. Much of the kingdom was set ablaze. In aftermath of the Carghtigan wars the Pharah of Amon'Isettii would decreed a standing army was necessary to defend the kingdom at all times, a tradition the Phyraxgians continues.