Alik'r - Xian Empire (Shi-an')

The Xian Empire is the home of the Catfolk, namely the Leonin and Tabaxi. Spurred to war by their fierce overlords, the Court of Blood, these relentless warriors have begun a conquest of the mainland Alik'r, ready to put the weak Sindor out of its misery.

Structure

The leadership of Xian is held by a select few leaders called the Court of Blood. These influential leaders are in fact breeds of fiendish Rakshasa. Each member of the Court has the title Rajah, and each has their own role for the group. For example, Durastoran the Wyrmbreaker handles all things concerning Dragons, both protecting from and negotiations with. Mordakesh, the Shadowsword, is the organizations spymaster and assassin.

Culture

When the Tabaxi ruled, it was a pacifist nation that worked tirelessly to ensure peaceful ends, even if it meant defeat after defeat. That all changed when the Leonin seized power. Over the last 40 years, a new philosophy has taken hold: kill or be killed. They have embraced a violent and warrior culture. By law if you're strong enough to take something, it is the fault of the owner to be strong enough to stop you. Only outright murder is forbidden, and even that is acceptable within a noble approved duel.

Public Agenda

Xian plans to conquer Alik'r in their righteous crusade against the tyranny of Sindor that pushed them from the mainland centuries ago.

Assets

Xian has many ships, as Tabaxi have been noted sailors for centuries, though few are actually made for war. Still, the Leonin and Tabaxi use them as troop transports, pouring off in waves of murderous warriors that strike fear into the hearts of even trained soldiers.

History

The Xian islands were mostly untouched by the chaos of the Breaking. As such, they withdrew from the devastated world and focused on themselves. During this time, their religious leaders preached peace and focusing on farming rather than exploration.
This suited the Tabaxi just fine, but the fierce Leonin chafed at this, so much so that after a generation, they took the remaining ships and left the mainland island of Mystrel and founded a new city of Rawl' Ka.
Around 40 years ago, the Leonin returned led by the fiendish Court of Blood. The Tabaxi had no defenses and no way to resist, being toppled in days. The Tabaxi are now a servant race to the Leonin. The only Tabaxi who earn citizenship are those that learn to fight and kill, the rest are slaves.
After conquering their former kin, the Court of Blood began marching north, taking the distant southern most city of the Sindoran Kingdom and renamed it Kymara, the Leonin word for "First wound". They have moved steadily north, though the gorilla tactics of the Sindoran Rangers have slowed them. They have their sights set on Xynnal next.

Demography and Population

While the Tabaxi once outnumbered the Leonin substantially, their slavery has changed that. Now its closer to 50% Leonin and 50% Tabaxi. More and more Tabaxi are learning to take oaths of service to the Leonin Clans in exchange for citizenship and a better life. Bit by bit, the Court of Blood is changing the hearts of the subjugated Tabaxi.

Territories

Xian takes up the islands south of mainland Alik'r and have moved onto the southern tip, conquering Kymara.

Military

The Leonin armies of Xian are broken up into Clans, of which there are hundreds. Each Clan is made up of 100-500 warriors and their immediate families. These Clans are led by a Master.

Religion

The Leonin worship the fiends of the Court of Blood like living Gods. Some take pacts of service and become warlocks. Some even become full clerics of their fiendish overlords, though this is rare.

Foreign Relations

Xian has poor relations with Sindor, feeling as though they were brutally expelled from the mainland. They have a decent relationship with Namiran traders that sail in from the city of Tanor.

Agriculture & Industry

Tabaxi are kept in fields to grow food year round, constantly planting and reaping crops.

Trade & Transport

The Xian trade many things with Namiran merchants, namely silks in exchange for steel, which Xian does not have enough of in high enough quality for fine weapons and armor.

Education

Leonin and Tabaxi teach their young, often in the ways of their given trade. Many are warriors, while some are tradesmen.

Righteous in Wrath

Founding Date

843

Type

Geopolitical, Country

Demonym

Xianan

Currency

Xian gold pieces are called Eyes, silver pieces are called Claws and copper are called Tails

Legislative Body

The Court of Blood writes the laws collectively. These laws are often brutalist, simple, open ended and efficient.

Judicial Body

There are several level of judgement in Xian.
First is the Harbinger's judgement. Often, they will find one guilty and execute them on the spot. This is often allowed and so long as it doesn't happen much, no one bats an eye.
If a Harbinger brings in a criminal, the individual is brought before a Clan Masters or their chosen steward. This often results in a quick execution and is perfectly legal. Encouraged even since Clan Masters are expected to police their people and pay reparations for their crimes.
If the crime is especially heinous or unforgivable, they Chieftain can send the criminal to an individual member of the Court of Blood. These criminals are never heard from again. Rumor has it they are sent to hell to be tortured for all eternity, but that could be an exaggeration.

Executive Body

The enforcers of law are called Harbingers. These are specialized warriors expert at bringing in and punishing offenders of the Court's laws.

Neighboring Nations

• Alik'r - The Reign of Sindor