Khorajan

Starting Languages

When a player selects a culture, they automatically gain ability in the primary language associated with that culture. This language represents the common tongue or dominant language spoken in that cultural region. Each culture provides a pool of additional languages that players can choose from. This pool should include languages associated with neighboring regions, historical influences, or significant trade partners of that culture. The number of additional languages in the pool can vary based on the diversity and historical context of the culture. For example, a culture with extensive trade routes or a history of conquest might have a larger pool. You may select an additional language from this pool for each point of edge you have in Intellect, and another for each additional point you gain as you level up in your adventures.

Starting Arms & Armor

Players are afforded their starting weapons, clothing, & tool proficiencies by the age associated with their homeland. So Stone Age cultures and Dark Age cultures might both grant ability with a mace for example, but only the Dark Age culture would grant ability with guns, for example. Over the course of your adventures you may choose to use your progression to gain proficiency in a different age's tools.

Land of Khoraja

Khoraja is a strategically located kingdom in the southern regions of the Hyborian world, nestled between the more powerful nations of Koth and Shem. Known for its rugged terrain, Khoraja is characterized by rolling hills, fertile valleys, and the imposing Khorajan Mountains. The land is rich in mineral resources, particularly copper and silver, which have historically attracted the interest of neighboring powers. The capital city, also named Khoraja, is a fortified settlement with strong defensive walls, serving as the center of administration and commerce.

People and Culture

The people of Khoraja are a resilient and proud group, renowned for their fierce independence and warrior spirit. Khorajan society places a high value on martial prowess, with both men and women being trained in the art of combat from a young age. They have a mixed cultural heritage, reflecting the influences of neighboring Kothic and Shemitish cultures. Khorajans are known for their skilled horsemanship, metalworking, and mercenary traditions. Despite their warrior ethos, they also have a rich cultural life, with a strong tradition of poetry, music, and dance.

Names of Characters

Male Names: Artabanus, Daran, Ebrahim, Farzan, Gavan, Khalid, Nasir, Parsa, Rostam, Taran
Female Names: Anahita, Darya, Elham, Farzaneh, Leila, Mina, Nazanin, Parvaneh, Roxana, Tara

Religion

The kingdom officially cast off the worship of Mitra in favor of Ishtar, though Mitra’s temples yet exist. They are not often visited by most, but rumors hold the king’s sister consults such a site for oracular visions. While this may not be true, Mitra is not looked upon askance so much as part of another time. Ishtar is today and tomorrow, while Mitra is a story left far behind.
A number of household deities were also borrowed from Koth, Shem, and elsewhere, and each Khorajan family carefully selects their deity to help identify their role in society. These minor gods all serve Ishtar and, perhaps more than actual icons, might be seen as a hybrid of holy idol and family crest.

Playing a Khorajan Adventurer

Starting Arms & Armor: Bronze Age
Automatic Languages: Khorajan, Trade Tongue
Favoured Tropes: Mercenary, Priest, Barbarian
Bonus Languages: Kothic, Shemitish, Stygian, Zamoran, Turanian