Confederacy of Khünd Ajil
Geography
The Confederacy of Khünd Ajil is largely located in the Khünd Plains but stretches into the Thuthíqut Forest around the marshes and the Kaveto Plateau. It is bordered on the south by the Ömnöd Sea, the west by the Amikwànò Marshlands and the Thuthíqut Forest, the north by the T̍lim̍ Qul Mountains and the east by the Settentrionale Mountains and the Meridionale Mountains. The confederacy also owns two islands in the Ömnöd Sea known as the Khünd Isles. The Khünd Plains makes up around half of the area of the land South of the mountains in Malplenan. The four main ways to get into the region is through the Pallina Pass, the Kaveto Pass, The Pass across the Trucco Peninsula or by sea. However, by sea is the most reliable approach due to the political tensions of the Pallina Tribes and Mata Duitan, as well as the extreme danger of The Pass.Modern Politics
Overview
The nation is currently ruled as a semi-loose confederacy of seven tribes. Each tribe has an elected leader voted on by the leaders of each major tribe within the state. Upon a leader's death, a council is convened and each leader places a vote on who should lead next. Generally, the person elected is either an important figure in the government already, such as a relative of the deceased leader, or one of the heads or heirs of an important tribe. This transition is not always peaceful, as disputes often come and this leads to civil war or regions trying to secede from the state. Other states have been known to interfere when this occurs, leading to larger wars. However, this has become less common recently as the region has seen relative stability. There is no guarantee that this will continue, as tensions still exist. The loose nature of the state borders also comes into play, as during succession state leaders can try to lay claim to lands in exchange for supporting a rival claimant. The state leaders meet in a grand council in the spring in Ekhlot to discuss the focus of the nation, trade agreements, security concerns both internal and external, and sharing new technology, developments, and changes in resources exploitation. Each leader gets an equal vote in whatever matters that people wish to bring up. If someone wants to call a motion to vote it needs one other leader to agree in order for the issue to be debated and voted upon. Women play a large role in politics, largely internally. They often see to the administration of the state while the leader is abroad either in meetings or at war. They are highly educated and often have a larger aptitude for politics than the rulers themselves. They are generally respected, and when the ruler is at home they can rule in conjunction, just not always publicly. Some women are used as ambassadors for external affairs when the leader cannot be dispensed abroad.Economics
Initially, Khünd struggled economically due to their inability to exploit resources because of their lack of opposable thumbs. They were unable to develop technology to assist them properly. In modern times they flourish based on foreign and immigrant labour and trade agreements. Most farming areas, mines, forestry regions, trade hubs, and artisan shops have various other species to help with tasks. Khünd perform all of the heavy labour, such as working bellows, transporting goods and resources, and tilling fields, while other species work on the more fine details, such as engraving, sewing, harvesting, planting, and building. Due to fears of economic inequality within their own nation, heavy tariffs and taxes for non-Khünd traders and companies were set up to ensure Khünd workers received good pay. Nearly all engineering works such as bridges, ships, buildings, roads, aqueducts, and statues are built by the Amikwànò, and this has created a very close relationship with these two species. An important economic facet of society today is the vast schooling system. People from all over Malplenan send the most important members of their society to train in these schools to receive the best education. See Khün Bür Sur Schools.Council Leaders
- Talabuga (Bayan Tansag)
- Toqta (Olon Uuloin Oran)
- Jani Beg (Goloin Gazar)
- Toqtaqiya (Ikh Tal Nutag)
- Olugh (Khavtgay Gazar)
- Shadi (Marsh Gazar)
- Nawruz Beg (Us Namgarkhag Gazar)
Other Important Roles
Outside of the council leaders, there are many powerful members of Khünd society. The next most important role is the Darga, who are the main city administrators. Port masters are also very important, as they control and organize shipping through the seas and many waterways of the nation. They are generally appointed by the Darga. Tribal leaders and advisors for the state leaders can also play large role in government function and policy, as they push their views or lobby for their causes. Tribal leaders can often hold lots of sway, as they control vast portions of land of the states, as well as maintaining vast levies.States
- Bayan Tansag
- Olon Uuloin Oran
- Goloin Gazar
- Ikh Tal Nutag
- Khavtgay Gazar
- Marsh Gazar
- Us Namgarkhag Gazar
Culture
Debates
Debates are a large part of Khünd culture. It permeates all parts of their civilization, from politics, to education, to tournaments, to drinking at the bar with friends. A Khünd will always be looking for a good debate no matter what topic and it is often considered rude to turn down a debate. The debates usually take hours to complete, and often have no conclusion at the end.Music
The Khünd have developed their music culture in recent centuries. They mostly play rudimentary wind and percussion instruments. The main instrument for the lower classes that you would frequently hear at inns is a large mounted flute with individual tubes for each note to accommodate their inability to cover holes. The upper classes can get around this by having foot levers that cover holes on more complex wind instruments. They also play some simple rhythm instruments by holding mallets or sticks in their mouths or by pounding drums with their feet. Horse chairs are common to allow the use of up to three limbs at once. Various padding and wrappings are usually used on the hooves to provide different sounds and tones while playing. Traditionally, more complex music was played by larger ensembles. Recently, smaller ensembles using string instruments played by races with thumbs have become more popular.Art
The most common art for Khünd to produce are paintings using broad strokes. Colours are generally simple. They also create some reliefs, but these are less common. Recently the Khünd have a large culture in the upper classes of designing art that the Amikwànò will then produce for them. These include designing architectural artistic flourishes (such as stucco art), statues, and larger-scale paintings. These artistic visionaries are considered to be great artists despite not actually making anything more than rudimentary sketches themselves.Sport
The most famous sporting events occur here, as they have a tradition of hosting a yearly event with a variety of competitive activities, known as Ikh Temtseen. Rewards and great honour are bestowed on the winner of these events. All events have Khünd participating in them, but some involve multiple species. These events include:- Racing
- Chariot racing
- Wrestling
- Jumping
- Hurdles
- Jousting (with any other species)
- Horse archery (with any other species)
- Tug of war
Culinary Tradition
The Khünd themselves have a rather basic diet of various grains, grasses, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Some of the upper classes eat small amounts of meat and fish products, but due to their limited nutritional value they are uncommon. Fish are very commonly caught and served to the other species living in Khünd lands. In most cities you can expect fish and vegetable dishes to be served, commonly involving stews served with bread. Ale has surged in popularity recently, but traditionally the drink of choice for the Khünd is a fermented milk product known as airag. This alcohol can be distilled into arkhi, which has a higher alcohol content.History
Southern Nations History
Mythical Era
The Khünd Ajil expanded as separate tribes on the plains nomadically, mainly moving around to rotate the places they would graze. They had little competition for their land early on since all other races in the area did not like living on the plains. The Pallina to the East stayed in their mountains, the Amikwano to the West in their marshes, and the Sqwenesctm to the North in their forests. This allowed them to prosper and grow. All of the Southern Myths related to the Khünd Ajil are said to have taken place during this time period.Heroic Era
The Heroic Era represents the time where the Khünd Ajil grew to the edges of the plains and started to encounter other races, including the Pallina, Amikwànò and Sqʷn̓ečstm. This resulted in conflict, both within the plains as the Khünd fought each other for prime grazing lands, and at the edges of the plains as other races fought for resources. Two of the bigger wars from this time are The Great Push and The Kakina Basin War. Many war heroes grew out of the conflicts that took place during this era. The primary still remembered today is Ganbold, who became the first Khan after uniting the plains into The Khündish Empire, which eventually became the Confederacy of Khünd Ajil.Modern Era
The Modern Era began when modern Khünd Ajil Technology came to the masses, which allowed the growth of larger cities and more efficient of exploitation of resources. This also allowed for the expansion of the Khün Bür Sur Schools which brought education to the masses. The now commonplace technology and education changed the cultural landscape for the entire nation. The cultural revolution also affected the politics of The Khündish Empire. After the last Khün of the empire passed, there was no clear successor and many factions vied for power. Weeks of infighting went by, and when no natural successor was found, seven independent states were founded, which would eventually go on to become the seven states of the confederacy.Demography and Population
The Confederacy of Khünd Ajil is largely inhabited by the Khünd Ajil people, a species of intelligent horses. Due to their lack of opposable thumbs and penchant for education the land has large amount of other species. Many labour roles are taken by Sqʷn̓ečstm who have had a long history with the Khünd. Other common races that are citizens are Amikwànò, Foradar, and Snezhinka. However, it is not uncommon to come across citizens of any of the known races in Malplenan.
While the Khünd Ajil have a history of being a nomadic people, they have recently began to concentrate themselves into larger settlements. Some areas still practice the traditional nomadic lifestyle.. In the more mountainous and boggy regions the population is largely rural outside of a few main settlements. 90% of the population lives in communities of less than 100 people. Along the rivers and coastlines are the densest populations, with some states being up to 20% urbanized.
There are four classes that make up the citizens. They are the working class, artisan class, services class and ruling class. The working class is made up of largely Khünd Ajil. They are responsible for all of the heavy lifting on farms, in mines, in constructions, etc. The artisan class is made up of a variety of races that have the hands and paws for fine details and dextrous work. However, some Khünd Ajil have joined this class through the use of special tools or magical abilities. The services class is made up of all races and represents everyone that owns or works in a business or service. The ruling class is almost entirely Khünd Ajil and represent the leads of the states, cities, universities, etc. They are almost entirely Khünd Ajil but recently some other races have made their way into this class.
Military
The Khünd have a fearsome military due to their advanced military technology, and sheer size, speed, and strength. While other species use unintelligent horses in combat, the intelligence of the Khünd gives them a massive advantage in battle. Most of their military is stationed in the east, defending against the Pallina Tribes.
In all states the ruler has their own standing army and levies of generally moderate size. However, most of the troops in times of war come from the levies of various tribal leaders who are called upon. Foreign mercenaries or locals of other species are called upon to work in conjunction with the Khünd, creating a menacing force. They rely on both heavy charges and archers riding the horses and using shoot and retreat methods.
Technological Level
Due to a lack of thumbs, many unique technologies have been invted to help the Khünd Ajil take part in modern culture. These include the Handy Trinket and the Moridal Chair. For a more complete list of technology, see Khünd Ajil Technology.
Religion
The Khünd Ajil love debating the many facets of how different religions affect their lives. As a result, there is no single central religion that is followed by the Khünd. The largest ones followed are believes that spun out of the shaminism of the Southern Myths, Deucracia and Gumaga. The largest religion is Deucracian.
Foreign Relations
The Khünd Ajil currently have positive relations with almost all of their neighbours based on long-standing trade mutually-beneficial trade agreements. However, skirmishes against the Pallina Tribes to the east are very common, especially with Goloin Gazar. No formal diplomatic relations exist with the Pallina and the war is not formalized as the Pallina lack central rule and their fluid constantly changing ruling class is hard to properly negotiate with. Raids are done opportunistically for monetary gain rather than for any sort of geopolitical goal. The Khünd wish to create stability in the east by whatever means possible but have had trouble gaining ground due to the inhospitable terrain and ability for the Pallina to quickly retreat and avoid retribution.
Agriculture & Industry
Agriculture is a massive industry, especially in the central regions. Key grain crops include spelt, millet, emmer, and durum wheat. Other grains grown include barley and oat. Legumes such as lentils, peas, chickpeas, and beans are grown. Clover and fenugreek are grown largely as fodder for domesticated animals.
Other vegetables, herbs, and spices grown include parsnip, artichoke, beets, radish, asparagus, gourd, fennel, onion, parsley, leeks, chives, celery, basil, mustard, thyme, dill, poppy, cabbage, lettuce, cumin, garlic, plums, peaches, grapes, marjoram, and rocket.
Some trees grown include bitter orange, pear, apple, and figs.
Major industry exists all throughout the nation, but is especially concentrated in the north and west due to the high concentration of key resources. Many mines and extraction operations exist in these regions. Resources are generally shipped down river or along the coast to the regions around the capital in order to create finished goods. Military weaponry, farming implements, and great infrastructure projects use the majority of resources.
Trade & Transport
The Khünd have a history of exporting raw resources due to their inability to properly manipulate material, but as other species immigrated to the confederacy, workshops and artisans began to spread and flourish. Today a lot of finished goods are exported along with the raw materials. These include leather products, farming tools, armour and weapons, ceramics, cloth, and textiles.
Most trade within the country happens north and south along their river network with some trade happening east and west on their roads. Most trade to other countries happens south of the mountains or by sea, but some trade goes out north through Mata Duitan or south east across the Trucco Peninsula. Occassionally, a brave merchant will attempt the Pallina Pass, but the merchants must be heavily armed due to Pallina ambushes and the political instability of the Tribes.
Education
The Khünd are known across the entire continent for the Khün Bür Sur Schools.
Maps
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Confederacy of Khünd Ajil
Provinces and cities of the Confederacy of Khünd Ajil.
Founding Date
63 AE
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Capital
Alternative Names
CKA
Predecessor Organization
Demonym
Khünd
Leader Title
Government System
Tribalism
Power Structure
Confederation
Economic System
Mixed economy
Currency
Gold Sukhes
Silver Sukhes
Paper currency
Silver Sukhes
Paper currency
Major Exports
Lots
- Salted Fish
- Wood
- Clay
- Wax
- Dyes
- Foods
- Domesticated Animals
- Manure
- Stone
- Oil
- Liquor
Major Imports
Lots
- Salt
- Metals
- Fabrics
- Tools
- Construction
- Spices
- Rope / Cordage
Legislative Body
Council for national laws
Judicial Body
Representatives of the council
Executive Body
State armies
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Related Ranks & Titles
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Comments