Xethen Empire
The Xethen Empire is a powerful and ancient nation located on the eastern side of the Agashi Range, within the sprawling Great Desert on the continent of Idoryn. The empire is predominantly populated by catfolk, known as the Xethen, who have developed a sophisticated and thriving civilization despite the harsh desert environment. The Xethen Empire is ruled by Emperor Makari Anapa from the opulent capital city of Pakrah, a jewel in the desert that symbolizes the empire’s wealth, power, and cultural heritage.
Structure
The Xethen Empire is an absolute monarchy, with power centralized in the hands of Emperor Makari Anapa. The emperor is advised by a council of noble houses, each responsible for various aspects of the empire, such as trade, military, and law. The nobility is composed of powerful catfolk families who have ruled their territories for generations, often in fierce competition with one another for favor and influence at court.
Culture
Xethen culture is rich and deeply rooted in tradition. The empire values honor, loyalty, and skill, with a strong emphasis on family and ancestry. Art, music, and literature are highly regarded, with the empire producing some of the most renowned poets, musicians, and philosophers on the continent. The Xethen people are also known for their craftsmanship, particularly in metalwork, textiles, and architecture.
History
Before the founding of the Xethen Empire, the Great Desert was home to a collection of independent tribes and city-states. These tribes and city-states often engaged in trade, conflict, and alliances with one another, but no single power dominated the region. The desert was a place of both danger and opportunity, with various groups vying for control of the scarce resources like water, fertile land, and trade routes. The unification under Emperor Harakh Anapa marked the first time the desert was brought under a single, cohesive rule. His ability to unite the catfolk through diplomacy, warfare, and strategic marriages is what led to the foundation of the Xethen Empire, transforming the disparate groups into a powerful and centralized nation.
Demography and Population
Military
The Xethen Empire boasts a formidable military, known as the Golden Claws, which is composed of highly trained warriors, cavalry, and elite desert scouts. The army is known for its swift and brutal tactics, using the desert’s harsh conditions to their advantage. The empire also maintains a powerful fleet of desert ships, equipped with sails designed to navigate the shifting sands. Often times these ships can be seen being pulled by large lizard-like creatures to quickly traverse the inhospitable terrain.
Religion
The Xethen Empire follows a pantheon of gods, with Sekara, the goddess of the sun and justice, being the most revered. The emperor is believed to be a direct descendant of the gods, chosen to rule by divine right. Temples and shrines dedicated to the gods are found throughout the empire, with elaborate festivals and rituals held in their honor. Priests and priestesses hold significant influence in society, often acting as advisors to the nobility and the emperor.
Foreign Relations
The Xethen Empire maintains a complex web of alliances and rivalries with neighboring nations. While it is respected and feared by many, the empire must constantly navigate the delicate balance of power in Idoryn. The emperor’s diplomatic skills are crucial in maintaining the empire’s dominance and securing its borders.
Agriculture & Industry
The Xethen Empire’s economy is diverse and robust, relying on agriculture in the fertile river valleys, mining in the Agashi Range, and trade across the desert. The empire is a major exporter of precious metals, gemstones, textiles, and spices, which are highly sought after across Midund.
Trade & Transport
The Xethen Empire is strategically located along several key trade routes, connecting the eastern and western parts of Idoryn. The Silk Road of the Sands is a major trade route that passes through the empire, bringing wealth and exotic goods from distant lands. The empire’s merchants are skilled negotiators, and Pakrah's markets are known for their variety and opulence.
All The Sand Touches, We Rule
Founding Date
1802
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Capital
Alternative Names
Xethen
Demonym
Xethen
Leader
Founders
Government System
Despotism
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Traditional
Major Exports
- Gold
- Fine Textiles
- Incense
- Perfume
- Spices
Major Imports
- Animal Livestock
- Grain and Foodstuffs
- Iron
- Luxury Goods
- Timber
Official State Religion
Location
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Related Species
Defensive Alliance
The nation controlling the southernmost reaches of the rainforest and temperate lands shares a close relationship with the Xethen Empire. They have mutual defense agreements and engage in significant trade.
Friendly
The Xethen Empire maintains a cordial relationship with the dwarven nation in the Agashi Range. They collaborate on mining operations and share a mutual interest in protecting their borders from external threats. However, both sides are cautious, recognizing the other's potential military strength and the strategic importance of the Agashi Range.
Trade Partners
The nations within the western rainforest are key trade partners for the Xethen Empire. They supply the empire with essential resources like timber and exotic animals. In return, the Xethen Empire exports its precious metals, spices, and textiles. Diplomatic relations are generally stable, though the dense rainforest geography and cultural differences keep the relationship more formal than friendly.
Trade Partner
The nations within the western rainforest are key trade partners for the Xethen Empire. They supply the empire with essential resources like timber and exotic animals. In return, the Xethen Empire exports its precious metals, spices, and textiles. Diplomatic relations are generally stable, though the dense rainforest geography and cultural differences keep the relationship more formal than friendly.
Uneasy Trade Partner
The Xethen Empire and the Ogamis Republic are significant trading partners, with the Ogamis Republic providing essential foodstuffs and other imports. However, the relationship is strained due to competition for control over trade routes and differing political ideologies.
Neutral
The dwarven nation in the Boor Archipelago has minimal interaction with the Xethen Empire due to their geographic separation.
Neutral
The Xethen Empire has little direct interaction with the island nation in the southwest corner. Trade is sporadic, mainly involving luxury goods and rare resources. Diplomatic relations are neutral, with neither nation seeing the other as a significant threat or ally.
Neutral
The Xethen Empire and the Hisian Kingdom have a cautious relationship. While they engage in limited trade, particularly along their shared border, the Hisians views the Xethen Empire's expansionist history with suspicion. Occasional skirmishes and territorial disputes along the desert's northern fringes strain relations.
