Ahkmis
Demographics
The city's demographic heart belongs to the Kaheb-Ma, the powerful leonine catfolk, who comprise the majority of its inhabitants. Their elegant forms and keen eyes are a common sight in the bustling marketplaces and sun-drenched plazas.
Alongside the Kaheb-Ma thrive communities of humans, drawn to Ahkmis by its opportunities for trade, scholarship, and adventure. Halflings, too, find a welcoming home within the city walls, their knack for business and amiable nature making them integral to Ahkmis's economic engine.
Adding further color to the urban landscape are smaller, yet significant, populations of more exotic peoples. The placid wugui are respected for their wisdom and exotic fruits. Ratfolk, with their nimble fingers and sharp wits, carve out niches in the city's underbelly and bustling trade guilds. The raptorial Akhom, with their keen eyes acting as messengers and scouts. Finally, a scattering of geniekin, descendants of powerful djinn, bring an air of magic and mystique to the already enchanting city. These are found in varying degrees amongst all races that call Ahkmis home.
Government
At its apex sits the Pharaoh, considered both divine ruler and chief administrator. While their power is absolute in theory, in practice, the Pharaoh is guided by the Council of Sages, a body composed of high priests, esteemed scholars, and influential nobles.
This Council plays a crucial role in advising the Pharaoh on matters of state, from trade agreements with neighboring kingdoms to the interpretation of ancient prophecies. Their deliberations are often lengthy and deeply rooted in tradition, prioritizing the stability and prosperity of Kaheb above all else.
Beneath the Council lies a complex bureaucracy, meticulously organized into departments overseeing agriculture, defense, construction, and the administration of justice. These departments are staffed by scribes, meticulously recording every transaction and decree on papyrus scrolls, ensuring a thorough and unwavering adherence to the law.
Local governance is entrusted to the Nomarch, appointed by the Pharaoh to oversee the Nome, or province, in which Ahkmis resides. This Nomarch is responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining order, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the region, reporting directly to the Pharaoh's estate in Ahkmis. The city is overseen by the Haty-a, or governor, who is appointed by the Nomarch. They are directly responsible for the daily operation of the city, delegating separate tasks to advisors.
Defences
Ahkmis's defenses are not to be overlooked. The Royal Guard Barracks, a sprawling complex of sandstone buildings, houses the elite warriors sworn to protect the Pharaoh and the city. Within its walls, one finds meticulously maintained weaponry: polished bronze spears, gleaming shields adorned with the falcon emblem of Kaheb, and powerful composite bows capable of launching arrows with deadly accuracy. The training grounds echo with the sounds of drills and the clash of steel, a constant reminder of the city's readiness to defend itself.
Industry & Trade
Ahkmis, the radiant capital of Kaheb, pulses with a vibrant industry and trade that fuels the kingdom's prosperity. Situated on the life-giving banks of the Iteru River, the city thrives on agriculture, with fertile fields yielding bountiful harvests of grains, fruits, and vegetables. Skilled artisans craft exquisite pottery, intricate jewelry from locally mined gemstones, and sturdy tools from the region's rich iron deposits.
A bustling port city, Ahkmis serves as a vital hub for trade. Caravans from the southern deserts arrive laden with gold, ivory, and exotic spices, while river barges carry precious timber and copper from the northern territories. Kaheb's famed linen, woven from the finest flax, is a highly sought-after export, as are the distinctive Ahkmis-crafted sandals and leather goods.
The city's workshops hum with activity, producing everything from papyrus scrolls for scribes to sturdy chariots for the Pharaoh's army. Fishermen cast their nets in the Iteru, providing a staple food source and exporting dried fish to neighboring lands.
Infrastructure
A network of canals, ingeniously fed by watermills along the riverbanks, crisscrosses the city, providing irrigation and powering grinding stones for the bustling grain markets. Windmills, a more recent innovation, dot the higher ground, harnessing the desert winds to pump water to elevated reservoirs and power rudimentary ventilation systems within the larger temples.
Beneath the sun-baked streets, a sophisticated sewer system, a legacy of forgotten engineers, has been meticulously maintained and expanded. This crucial infrastructure contributes significantly to the city's hygiene, reducing disease and improving quality of life.
Ahkmis is also a city of artisans and industry. Blast furnaces, fueled by charcoal and carefully managed airflow, produce the bronze tools and weapons that equip Kaheb's armies and farmers. Shipyards buzz with activity, constructing sturdy river barges and sleek warships that ply the Nile, facilitating trade and projecting Kaheb's power.
Broad, sun-drenched roads, paved with tightly fitted sandstone blocks, connect the various districts, while elegant arched bridges span the canals, adding to the city's aesthetic appeal. Courtyards, shaded by date palms and cooled by trickling fountains, offer respite from the desert heat and serve as communal gathering spaces.Districts
Home to nearly three million souls within its 115 square miles, the city is a vibrant tapestry woven from ancient traditions and burgeoning ambition. For the wanderer arriving at its gates, a specific district offers the most welcoming embrace: the bustling Rivergate Quarter.
This district, as its name suggests, is the primary point of entry for traders and travelers arriving by boat. Its sprawling markets overflow with goods from across Kaheb and beyond – spices from the eastern deserts, shimmering silks from the western oases, and meticulously crafted pottery from the southern highlands. Rivergate is a hive of activity, a place where languages mingle, deals are struck, and fortunes are made (and lost) in the blink of an eye. It is here, amidst the vibrant chaos, that a newcomer can find lodging, provisions, and perhaps even a guide into the deeper mysteries of Ahkmis.
Beyond the accessible Rivergate Quarter, Ahkmis is structured around a carefully balanced, albeit complex, system of power. Formally, the city is governed by the Haty-a, appointed by the Pharaoh himself. The Haty-a’s authority extends to all aspects of city administration, from maintaining order to overseeing infrastructure projects. Beneath the Haty-a are district governors, responsible for the day-to-day management of their respective areas.
However, the true power dynamic is more nuanced. Informally, Ahkmis is heavily influenced by the powerful Merchant Guilds. These guilds, controlling everything from grain distribution to precious metal mining, wield considerable economic and political clout. They can sway decisions, influence the Haty-a, and even indirectly impact the Pharaoh’s policies. Navigating the intricate web of Guild interests is crucial for anyone seeking real influence within Ahkmis.
Furthermore, the Priestly Orders also hold a significant position. Dedicated to the various deities of Kaheb, these orders control vast swathes of land and command immense respect. Their pronouncements on matters of morality and tradition can significantly impact public opinion and even challenge the authority of the Haty-a in certain circumstances.
Finally, whispers of a hidden power, a clandestine organization known as the Silent Watchers, permeate the city's underbelly. Rumored to be an ancient network of spies and informants, they are said to observe all and wield influence through blackmail and manipulation. Whether these claims are truth or mere speculation, the existence of the Silent Watchers adds another layer of intrigue to the already complex power structure of Ahkmis.
Assets
Foremost are the Granaries of Akhet. Towering structures carved into the sandstone cliffs overlooking the Iteru, they safeguard Kaheb's agricultural bounty. These are not mere storehouses; they are architectural marvels, equipped with ingenious ventilation systems to combat the desert heat and protect the precious grains, pulses, and dates that sustain the nation. The meticulous record-keeping within, etched onto clay tablets, speaks to a sophisticated understanding of resource management.
The city's wealth is further evident in its Artisan District. Here, under awnings that offer respite from the scorching sun, skilled artisans craft exquisite goods. Jewelers meticulously work gold and lapis lazuli, fashioning intricate amulets and ornaments. Potters mold clay into vessels of stunning beauty and functionality, their surfaces adorned with vibrant depictions of gods, pharaohs, and scenes from daily life. Weavers create tapestries of breathtaking detail, depicting the history of Kaheb and its connection to the Iteru. These goods, not only serve the Kahebi people but are highly sought after by merchants from distant lands.
The Great Library of Thoth holds a treasure of a different kind. Within its cool, dimly lit halls, papyrus scrolls meticulously document Kaheb's history, laws, and scientific knowledge. Astrologers chart the movements of the stars, scribes transcribe ancient texts, and physicians study remedies derived from the desert flora. This repository of knowledge is considered invaluable, a testament to Kaheb's intellectual prowess and a vital resource for future generations.
Finally, the Royal Treasury, located beneath the Pharaoh's palace, safeguards the nation's most precious valuables. Gold mined from the eastern deserts, intricately crafted jewelry, and rare artifacts from conquered lands are all housed within its heavily guarded chambers. This is the heart of Kaheb's economic power, a symbol of its prosperity and influence in the region.
Guilds and Factions
The Weavers' Guild, masters of textile arts and trade, control the flow of luxurious fabrics from across Kaheb. Their influence extends into the opulent courts of the Pharaoh and the wardrobes of the elite. In contrast, the Stone Masons, builders and architects without peer, oversee the city's monumental construction projects, their legacy etched in every obelisk and temple.
Beyond the guilds lie the factions, driven by ideology and ambition. The Order of the Scarlet Lord, devoted to the god Apedemak, wields considerable religious authority, guiding the Pharaoh's spiritual decisions and shaping the moral compass of Ahkmis.
Points of interest
The first point of interest is undeniably the Grand Dam of Aswanet, a colossal feat of engineering attributed to Pharaoh Aswanet I. Not merely functional, the dam is adorned with intricate carvings depicting the history of Kaheb, a breathtaking spectacle when illuminated by the setting sun. The controlled waters provide essential irrigation and power the city's elaborate system of canals.
Secondly, the Serpent's Bazaar, a sprawling marketplace buzzing with a dangerous energy, is a must-see (and survive!). Rare goods from the southern deserts, exotic spices from the eastern coasts, and even whispers of forbidden artifacts from the shadowed lands beyond Kaheb can be found here. Negotiating with the shrewd merchants, some rumored to be sorcerers in disguise, is a challenge in itself.
Finally, the Temple of Amun-Ra: its golden pylon reflects the sun and can bee seen from miles away. Said to be the place where the Sun God himself came to rest after a long journey across the sky, it's the symbol of Ahkmis's power and of Kaheb's prosperity.
Architecture
Buildings are predominantly constructed using locally sourced sandstone, its warm hues reflecting the relentless Kahebi sun. For more intricate details and structural support, darker granite is incorporated, lending a striking contrast.
The city's architectural style emphasizes clean, geometric lines. Massive, flat-roofed structures dominate the skyline, often adorned with recessed panels and subtly angled walls that create captivating plays of light and shadow. Wooden accents, crafted from the scarce but precious acacia, are reserved for doors, window frames, and stylized support beams.
Ahkmene homes are differentiated by the vivid, symbolic paintings that adorn their walls: scenes from the natural world, depictions of revered ancestors, and geometric patterns that ward off malevolent spirits. Doorways are frequently painted in vibrant shades of lapis lazuli blue, believed to bring good fortune, while roofs are sometimes used as communal spaces, adorned with woven mats and colorful tapestries for evening gatherings beneath the starlit sky.
Natural Resources
The lifeblood of the city is the Iteru, a source of fertile silt, teeming fish, and essential water for irrigation. Its banks are thick with reeds, providing materials for construction and crafting.
Beneath the ochre sands surrounding Ahkmis lie rich deposits of gold, coveted for its purity and used to adorn the majestic temples and the regalia of the Pharaoh. Quarries of sandstone and granite provide the sturdy building blocks for the city's monumental architecture, testaments to Kaheb's enduring power.
Around the edge of the reservoir are found groves of date palms, crucial for sustenance and trade. The desert also yields precious minerals like natron, vital for mummification rituals and various alchemical processes. The skilled artisans of Ahkmis have mastered the art of transforming these resources into exquisite jewelry, potent medicines, and enduring monuments that reflect the wealth and ingenuity of Kaheb.
Ahkmis
CG Large City
Corruption +5; Crime +8; Economy +5; Law -1; Lore +3; Society +2
Qualities free city, gambling, notorious, population surge, therapeutic (+lore to heal checks)
Danger +25
Marketplace
Base Value 10,400gp; Purchase Limit 82,500gp; Spellcasting 7th lvl
Minor Items 4d4; Medium Items 3d4; Major Items 2d4c
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