Hakan Confederation

Overview

Haka, a kingdom situated in the northern region of Lorinia, exists as a feudal society firmly entrenched in a racial-caste system, overseen by the ruling Kanreic Elves. House Conray, holds dominion over Haka, with Borislav Conray currently serving as its head. The realm operates with a decentralized structure, granting high nobles a degree of semi-autonomous rule over their respective fiefs. In this highly competitive environment, noble factions frequently engage in conflict, vying for control over land, wealth, and resources. Notably, Haka stands as the sole elven nation where the legalization of slave labor persists. Throughout history, Hakan nobles have conducted raids on the Eisenovian Marches, leading to the appointment of the Margraves of Agraën as the Wardens of the Northern Marches.

Political Structure

Haka has a strong racial-caste system, with certain families being placed higher than others, as well as there being a strict limit on what races can be a part of what caste. The Kanreic Elves make up the upper castes, Drow make up the middle and lower castes, and other races make up the rest of the lower caste and the bulk of the slave caste.
The kingdom is divided into five major regions, each governed by a High Lord vested with absolute authority over their lands, including the formation of individual armies, laws, and taxes. The Tsar, who serves as the High Lord of the Crownlands, holds a position of immense power, responsible for executing the Blood Laws set down by Kanrei I. These laws supersede those enacted by other High Lords and are considered immutable. The Blood Laws establish and regulate the Hakan Caste system, dictating the roles and limitations of each caste, as well as outlining the conditions under which a lineage may ascend to a higher caste. The Tsar also possesses the authority to propose Realm Laws to the other High Lords, which apply throughout the entire realm and override local laws. However, these Realm Laws must secure the approval of at least two other High Lords. While only the Tsar can initiate new legislation, any High Lord can propose the removal of a Realm Law, requiring a minimum of four votes to pass. Haka's political landscape is marked by the intricate interplay of power, caste divisions, and the struggles for control within its feudal system. The kingdom's history is defined by the ruling elite's authority, the contentious nature of caste-based governance, and the dynamic relationships among the influential High Lords.
The High Lords are:

• The King of All Haka and High Lord of the Crownlands, House Conray. Head of House: Tsar Borislav Conray
• The Princes of Whitehearth, House Jägerhorn. Head of House: Knyaz Vance Jägerhorn
• The Princes of Anorik, House Tolstoy. Head of House: Knazhna Sonya the Unready
• The Grand Dukes of Presmere, House Conray of Presmere. Head of House: Grand Boyar Castimir II 'Dragonsbane'
• The Dukes of the Southern Marches, House Kramar. Head of House: Boyar Igor 'Rockhammer'

Feudal Noble Titles

Tsar(ina) - The King of All Haka

The Ruler of the Confederation, the current King is Borislav Conray

Knyaz/Knazhna - Prince(ss)

The title held by the Princes of Whitehearth and Anorik, two of the Great Houses of the Realm.

Grand Boyar(nja) - Grand Duke/Duchess

The title held by Castimir II 'Dragonsbane', this is the title used in the Grand Duchy of Presmere

Boyar(nja) - Duke/Duchess

A upper noble title used for the principal vassals of a Great House, as well as the title of the lowest of the Great Houses, House Kramar, the Boyars of the Southern Marches.

Graf(in) - Count(ess)

A noble title granted to relatively important vassals

Baron(ess)

A minor noble under one of the Great Houses

Caste

Royal Caste

The Royal Caste of Haka consists exclusively of the esteemed members of House Conray, the revered royal family who trace their lineage back to the revered ancestor Kanrei I. The individuals belonging to this exclusive caste bear the blood of their venerated ancestor, the creator of the ritual that enables the transformation of an elf into a blood elf. While the Royal Caste has historically maintained a firm grasp on the realm, their position has become more precarious since a succession struggle in 651AC. This internal conflict resulted in the tragic demise of the crown prince and the unfortunate loss of the sole surviving copy of the blood rituals. Regrettably, a fire ravaged the Royal Library, forever depriving the world of this valuable knowledge. Within the intricate web of Hakan society, the Royal Caste enjoys several distinct privileges that set them apart from other castes. These privileges, exclusive to the Royal Caste, include:

1. Blooded Ascendancy: Members of the Royal Caste possess to exclusive and inherent right to raise or lower bloodlines to or from nobility.
2. Inheritance of Ancient Traditions: The Royal Caste safeguards and upholds the ancient traditions and customs of Haka, ensuring the preservation of the kingdom's rich cultural heritage. Through their bloodline connection to Kanrei I, they bear the responsibility of carrying forward the legacy of their revered ancestor.
3. Sanguine Birthright: Only members of the Royal Caste may introduce Realm Laws.
4. Resplendent Palanquins: Members of the Royal Caste are carried around on Palanquins made of the finest materials, they are considered so holy that merely touching the ground would be an insult to their nature. Members of the Royal Caste also wear veils when interacting with non-Kanreic elves who are not directly under their employ, as it is believed that they are too good to be looked at by lesser beings.

Upper Priestly Caste

The Upper Priestly caste holds a position of immense authority and influence within the intricate caste system of Haka. Comprised of the esteemed leaders known as the Sanguine Cardinals and the Crimson Archbishops, they are the guiding force behind the Blood Priests of Haka. The Upper Priestly caste possesses exclusive privileges that solidify their status and perpetuate the hierarchical structure of Hakan society. These privileges include:

1. Caste Manipulation: As the custodians of the sacred rituals and religious doctrines, the Upper Priestly caste wields the power to raise or lower the caste of entire bloodlines. Through their pronouncements and interventions, they exert control over the social mobility and destinies of Hakan individuals, ensuring adherence to the prescribed order of the caste system.
2. Divine Authority: The Upper Priestly caste claims a direct connection to the divine realm, acting as intermediaries between the mortal realm and the gods. Their exalted status grants them exclusive access to divine knowledge, prophecies, and blessings, enabling them to guide and shape the spiritual beliefs of the Hakan people.
3. Education and Knowledge: The Upper Priestly caste enjoys privileged access to extensive education and knowledge forbidden to most, including the esoteric teachings of arcane magic, religious texts, and historical records. This wealth of information empowers them with profound understanding and wisdom, consolidating their authority and influence within the realm.
4. Veils of Purity: Members of the Upper Priestly class must wear veils or masks to hide their face when in the company of any except their servants or any non-royal.

Within this caste system, the Blood Priests, led by the Upper Priestly caste, play a pivotal role in maintaining the hierarchy and enforcing the assigned roles of each caste. They utilize religious doctrines, rituals, and social pressure to ensure compliance and obedience, cementing the social structure and preserving the status quo. Furthermore, the nation's utilization of slave labor further reinforces the dominance of the upper castes, allowing them to maintain economic control and power over the enslaved lower castes.

Upper Noble Caste

The Upper Noble Caste in Haka holds a position of considerable power and prestige within the complex caste system. Comprising the Great Houses of the Realm, namely House Jägerhorn, House Kramar, and House Tolstoy, they enjoy exclusive privileges that solidify their status and distinguish them from the lower castes. The Upper Noble Caste maintains a unique relationship with both the Royal Caste and the Lower Noble Caste, fostering a delicate balance of power and vassalage. Members of the Great Houses are allowed the use of Palanquins, though they are always less than that of the Royal Castes, as it would be a great insult to even attempt to show up a royal.

Lower Noble Caste

The Lower Noble Caste in Haka holds a significant position within the intricate caste system, serving as vassal lords under the Great Houses of the Upper Noble Caste. Comprising a diverse group of noble administrators and military officers, they play a crucial role in governing the land and commanding the Warrior Caste. While their status is subordinate to the Upper Noble Caste, the Lower Noble Caste enjoys certain privileges that distinguish them within Hakan society. Here are three privileges granted to the Lower Noble Caste:

1. Land Ownership and Administration: The Lower Noble Caste holds the privilege of land ownership, granted to them by the Great Houses to administer and oversee. They are responsible for managing their territories, ensuring the collection of taxes, maintaining law and order, and facilitating the implementation of policies set forth by their Upper Noble counterparts. This authority allows them to exert control and influence over the daily affairs of their respective lands.
2. Military Command: Members of the Lower Noble Caste serve as officers in the Hakan military, commanding the Warrior Caste. They have the privilege of leading and organizing the military forces, directing them in battles, and ensuring the defense and security of their territories. Their military role grants them prestige and influence within both the noble and warrior circles, solidifying their position as influential figures in Hakan society.
3. Vassalage and Support: The Lower Noble Caste maintains a sworn vassalage to the Upper Noble Caste, acknowledging their authority and pledging their loyalty. In return, the Upper Noble Caste provides protection, guidance, and support to the Lower Nobles. This symbiotic relationship ensures the stability and continuity of the caste system, as well as the hierarchical structure within the nobility.

Upper Merchant Caste

Despite being the lowest caste of Kanreic Elves, the Upper Merchant Class occupies an influential position within Hakan society. Comprised of the wealthiest and most successful business owners, they dominate the economic landscape and hold significant power and privilege. Despite constituting only a fraction of the business owners in the Confederation, their enterprises contribute substantially to the nation's GDP, accounting for over 60% of its economic output. Their enterprises span a wide range of industries, from trade and finance to manufacturing and agriculture. Through their economic dominance, they accumulate immense wealth, consolidate resources, and exert considerable influence over the economy and markets. This privilege grants them the ability to shape market trends, dictate prices, and enjoy substantial profits.
Among the privileges granted to this caste are the right to own slaves, and a lack of restrictions on the ownership of properties and businesses that the lower castes are subject to.

Lower Priestly Caste

The Lower Priestly Caste is comprised non-Kanreic Elves, primarily Drow, who have attained the highest status available to them. This hereditary priesthood propagates the teachings and Gospel of Kanrei, reinforcing the belief in the inherent superiority of certain species and the notion that some are destined solely for servitude. Members of the Lower Priestly Caste are primarily tasked with preaching and spreading the religious doctrines. While the Lower Priestly Caste cannot personally own property or slaves, the church grants them land and slaves for their use during their lifetime. This arrangement allows them to enjoy the benefits and privileges associated with land ownership and access to labor without direct ownership. Their position within the priesthood grants them a degree of influence and authority, enabling them to exert control over the religious affairs of their respective communities and maintain a semblance of power and privilege within the broader caste system.

Warrior Caste

The Warrior Caste in Haka is composed of professional soldiers who serve as the backbone of the nation's military forces. Families within this caste are bound by hereditary servitude to their respective lords, owing loyalty and obedience in exchange for protection and sustenance. However, their position within the caste system comes at the cost of personal autonomy and freedom. Members of the Warrior Caste have little control over their own lives, including the most fundamental aspect of choosing their partners. Marriages are arranged by their lieges, who prioritize the strategic goals of producing stronger warriors over individual preferences or desires. This hereditary nature of servitude ensures that future generations of the Warrior Caste remain firmly tied to their lords, perpetuating the cycle of subjugation.
The Warrior Caste is utterly subject to the whims and restrictions imposed by their lieges. Their activities and movements can be tightly controlled, their lives influenced by the decisions and demands of their lords. While the provision of basic necessities is guaranteed, the lack of autonomy and freedom significantly limits the personal agency of individuals within the Warrior Caste, reinforcing their subservient status within the broader caste system of Haka.

Lower Merchant Caste

The Lower Merchant Caste in Haka comprises individuals from races considered second-class citizens within the realm. These hardworking individuals, including small business owners, tavern proprietors, smiths, and self-employed workers, form the backbone of the local economy. However, despite their entrepreneurial endeavors, they face numerous legal restrictions and economic barriers that prevent them from amassing significant wealth or attaining higher social status. The Blood Laws, which dictate the hierarchical caste system, impose limitations on the amount of property the Lower Merchant Caste can own. These legal restrictions curtail their ability to expand their businesses or invest in larger ventures, stifling their potential for economic growth and advancement. Additionally, the Lower Merchants are burdened with disproportionately high taxes, intentionally imposed to ensure their wealth remains meager and prevent the accumulation of significant resources.
The combination of legal constraints and excessive taxation serves a dual purpose. It reinforces the notion of social hierarchy and reinforces the lower status of non-privileged races within the caste system. It also curbs the political power of the more numerous Lower Merchant Caste, as limited wealth and resources hinder their ability to exert influence or challenge the dominance of the smaller but higher castes.

Lower Caste

The Lower Caste in the rigid social hierarchy of Haka is primarily composed of unskilled laborers who toil in difficult and menial jobs. As the lowest of the free castes, their position in society affords them few rights and little influence. They exist just above the enslaved members of society, enduring a life marked by limited opportunities and societal marginalization. Members of the Lower Caste undertake various manual labor tasks, including agricultural work, construction, sanitation, and other physically demanding occupations. Their labor forms the backbone of the realm's economy, yet their contributions often go unrecognized and undervalued.
Within the strict caste system of Haka, the Lower Caste faces severe social and economic constraints. They have limited access to education and upward mobility, further entrenching their position at the bottom of the social ladder. Discrimination and prejudice based on caste permeate all aspects of their lives, restricting their social interactions and perpetuating their marginalization.
Due to their lower status, members of the Lower Caste are vulnerable to exploitation and mistreatment. Their lack of rights and influence leaves them at the mercy of those in higher castes, with little recourse for seeking justice or improving their circumstances. They endure difficult working conditions, meager wages, and a lack of opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The Lower Caste's existence within the rigid caste system of Haka underscores the stark divisions and inequalities present in society. Their struggles and limited agency stand as a reminder of the oppressive nature of the caste system, where social mobility is severely restricted, and individuals are confined to predetermined roles based on birth and societal expectations.

Slave Caste

The Slave Caste is a deeply entrenched and dehumanizing institution, comprising various species such as halflings, goblins, wood elves, and humans. Slaves in this caste are stripped of their rights and regarded as property rather than individuals. The slaves within the caste are categorized into three main groups, each with distinct circumstances. The Chainveiled are those who have become accustomed to their enslavement, often blinded by the chains that bind them. They resign themselves to their fate, believing that life as a slave is preferable to the uncertainties and challenges of freedom. The label "Chainveiled" carries a mixture of scorn and pity, as they are seen as accepting their bondage and perpetuating their own subjugation.
Slaveborn refers to individuals who were born into slavery, inheriting their enslaved status from their parents. They have known no other life and have grown up within the confines of servitude. Their identity is closely tied to their role as slaves, a shared memory of the pain they have endured and yet simultaneously a unrelenting sense of self and personhood. Their aspirations and dreams are often limited by their oppressed circumstances.
Freeborn slaves, on the other hand, were not born into slavery but were forcibly brought into it. This can include individuals from other castes who were reduced to slavery as a result of crimes or debts, as well as those captured in slave raids. Their experiences of slavery may differ from the Slaveborn, as they have memories and knowledge of life outside of bondage, fueling their desire for freedom and the longing to reclaim their lost status.
In this dark and oppressive society, the Slave Caste reflects the inherent cruelty and inequality present in the world. The chains of slavery bind individuals from various races, relegating them to a life of subjugation and denying them the rights and autonomy enjoyed by others. The categorization of slaves within different groups highlights the complex dynamics and perspectives that exist among those living in servitude, whether resigned to their fate, born into bondage, or yearning for liberation.
These people have strong traditions that they hide out of necessity, knowing that discovery means punishment and impression. These traditions include:

1. Oral Storytelling: Enslaved individuals pass down stories, legends, and tales from generation to generation, preserving their cultural heritage and finding strength and resilience in the narratives of their ancestors. Through storytelling, they connect with their roots and find comfort in the shared experiences of their community.
2. Spiritual Practices: Many enslaved individuals hold onto their spiritual beliefs and practices as a source of hope, guidance, and resistance against their oppressive conditions. They gather in secret to perform rituals, honor their ancestral deities, or develop syncretic forms of spirituality that blend elements of their original beliefs with those of their captors.
3. Communal Gatherings: Despite the risks involved, enslaved individuals find ways to come together and form tight-knit communities. They organize clandestine gatherings where they can share their experiences, support one another, and strategize ways to resist and seek freedom. These gatherings serve as a lifeline of solidarity and collective strength.
4. Secret Education: In the face of restrictions on their rights and education, enslaved individuals find creative ways to impart knowledge and preserve learning. Elders pass on skills, literacy, and history to younger generations in secret, empowering them with the tools to navigate and challenge their circumstances, and fostering a sense of intellectual resilience.

Currency

Name	Value (Std.)	Exchange Rate
Gold Irebi	5SP	N/A
Silver Am	1SP	5 Am to 1 Irebi
Bronze Bakiar	2CP	5 Bakiar to 1 Am

Type

Geopolitical, Kingdom

Capital

Castle Conray

Demonym

Hakan

Head of State

Borislav Conray

Government System

Monarchy, Absolute

Power Structure

Confederation

Controlled Territories

• Whitehearth

Neighboring Nations

• Königreich Eisenovian