The Karakatuan Empire

[Xerdun 117]

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Now without further ado - let us begin...

The Karakatuan Empire

Creation

The ancient history of Aegis tells of the struggle of the Descendants to rid their world of the evil, sent upon them by their own God. Iblees, The Fallen, tore the world asunder with his vast hosts and dark magic. The tale of Iblees is known to all inhabitants of Aegis, the story of the creation of the 4 great races, yet, the tale I am about to tell is known to none.

Iblees’ victory seemed almost certain. Slowly the world was falling to ruin. The Mother of the Earth, the eternal watcher, Metztli broke free of her heavenly bonds in love for the sons and daughters of Aegis. She spoke to them, those mortal races of flesh and bone – the elves, dwarves, orcs and men. Fearing the worst for Aegis she came before a select few representatives of each race in their dreams and granted them a vision of the destruction Iblees would cause to their lands. The Moon – Mother Metztli also granted them a vision of new lands, far from Aegis - the land of Asulon, where she believed her followers would be safe. In addition to offering her followers hope, she also gifted 5 of her most devout disciples with the gifts of the 4 sacred beasts to aid the survival of this new society. The first was gifted the traits of a hound; loyal, disciplined and ruthless he became the first military leader. The second was granted the traits of a cat. Gluttonous, clean and lazy, yet cunning they were to become the first leader of social affairs such as festivities and law. The third was given the wisdom of an owl and became the first of the Karakatuan’s economic advisors. The fourth of these chosen was blessed with the strength and work ethic of an ox, and became the first representative and leader of the craftsman. These 4 were to become the Aelkos – the religious and political leaders of the Karakatuans. Upon their deaths, the original 4 Aelkos became lesser deities in their own right and are worshipped as the original children of the Moon. As a result the Ox, Wolf, Cat and Owl are considered holy beasts within Karakatuan culture. The final of Metztli’s most devoted children was blessed with the traits of all 4 beasts and was to become the Emperor of the new lands that they journeyed towards.

Those who believed their visions left their homes in order to strike a new life in Metztli’s promised paradise. The journey was long and perilous and many lost their lives on the march, whether to the wild beast attacks that plagued their every move or to the treacherous marshes. Many deserted the cause and the plight of the travellers became ever more desperate. Finally as the band were approaching the lands promised to them, disaster struck, the disciples of Metztli were confronted by their greatest obstacle yet – a great desert as far as the eye could see. This was to be Metztli’s holy land. Against all Metztli’s power Iblees taint had even spread into the deepest reaches of Aegis and desecrated the paradise she had promised her followers. Despite Iblees taint, Metztli had managed to keep a solitary oasis alive at the very centre of the desert.

This was to become the heart of the Karakatuan Empire. Metztli’s chosen settled within the holy desert gifted to them by their deity and carved a life for themselves. Under Metztli’s guidance they crafted a city from the sand that was to become a desert paradise in its own right. The citizens donned the riches they found beneath their feet and despite their initial struggle, survived.

Hundreds of years later, the prosperity of the Karakatuan Empire was to cease with the oncoming of a great storm, the likes of which had never been witnessed before. The wet, coastal winds mixed with the grit and sand of the desert, creating an impenetrable whirlwind of devastation. In only several days the entirety of the Empire had eroded away or been buried in the sands. Mother Metztli, heartbroken after not being able to save her disciples kept but a single tome intact, detailing the entire history of the Empire. With the arrival of the Aegian settlers in Asulon, Mother Metztli allowed herself to hope that the light of the Empire would once again be rekindled. She bestowed a vision to those she deemed worthy; of the might of the old Empire. Fuelled by their visions these new followers flocked to the promised land, filled with the will to rebuild Karakatua and once again rule over the sands.

We are the spiritual descendants of the Empire of the Sands, those who would restore Karakatua to its former glory. We are the disciples of Metztli. The Karakatuans.

Culture

The Emperor – The Tlatlanni – His rule is absolute, yet if all 4 of the Aelkos agree he should be removed from office then steps can be taken to ensure that it is done

The Aelkos - Under the Tlatlanni are the spiritual leaders, the Aelkos. Composed of 4 members who are believed to be descended from the 4 lesser deities themselves; they each command a different sector of society. All 4 are equal in terms of their power.

Military – The Wolf - Charged with the training and command of the nation’s armies

Social – The Cat - Charged with keeping the peace, co-ordinating with the Military Aelkos to govern the guard and keeping the population happy. Is also charged with co-ordinating the Empire’s festivals

Economic – The Owl - In charge of the treasury, wealth and commerce. Has rule over the merchants of the Empire.

Craftsmen – The Ox - Oversees and instructs building over the whole of the Karakatuan Empire. Is also in charge of the craftsmen and gatherers within the society.

The titles of Karakatuan’s are bestowed upon them according to their place in society. They are put before the individuals name

Tla' - the title bestowed upon The Tlatlanni

Ri' - the title bestowed upon the Aelkos

Ra’ - Bestowed before the name of those who command the villages and towns, as well as those considered nobility

Do-ra’ The title bestowed upon the Tlatlanni’s own personal guards

J’ or Ja’ – Someone of religious, magical or engineering importance. Dabbling in magic, being committed as a redstone priest or tending the alters and sacrifices of the temple are all tasks that may earn this title

Do’ – Warrior or guard, revered amongst Karakatuan society as an honourable profession. It is considered an honour to die in the service of the Tlatlanni.

Ko' - A merchant, one who would sell their wares at market stalls in the plaza

Ki’ – A craftsman, bestowed upon those who would collect or produce goods

S’, Sa’, So’ or Si’ – the generic title given to symbolise an adult with no specific role or one who has many roles

Karakatuan culture, by its very nature has been extremely isolated from the rest of Aegis. To those who have lived within the comforts of central Aegis their way of life may seem barbaric and alien. They have an intolerant, religious society as the state is governed by religious figures, under the dictator, the Tlatlanni. Punishment within Karakatuan society is often judged by the Aelkos and Tlatlanni. Those who commit murder are sentenced to death in the name of Metztli and are sacrificed atop the Temple stops. After the sacrifice is completed the corpse is tossed down the steps into the crowd. Other crimes are often punished by extended periods of time being buried up to the neck in the sand just outside the city gates. After serving their punishment citizens are welcomed back into society and treated as an equal once again. Although theft is highly frowned upon, if the stolen item is returned then all charges are dropped and no punishment is given.

The Karakatuans are a hardy people having lived their lives in the desert. As such they have little sense of empathy for other creatures outside of their own culture. Primarily a nation of hunter-gatherers it is not uncommon for Karaktuans to toy with their prey for amusement before moving in for the kill. Although primarily hunter-gatherers it is not uncommon for Karakatuans to set up primitive farms around the oasis’ that dot the desert within which they make their home. Fishing is also an important source of food which is made easier by the Empire’s proximity to the sea.

In times of war the Karakatuans have little concept of honour. They do not believe in facing their opponents head on, instead employing guerrilla tactics, striking unseen from the undergrowth or slowly whittling down enemy forces using traps. If close quarters combat does occur it is often swift and lethal, employing the cunning of a snake, striking without warning when the foe least expects it. However, they are not without respect and often the mightiest foes are allowed to surrender, at which point they are taken as prisoners of war. Unfortunately, most prisoners of war find themselves serving as sacrifices to Metztli or fighting in the arena for the amusement of the Karakatuan masses.

Arena combat is an important aspect of Karakatuan life and many of those following the path of Do’ will practice their skills in unarmed and unarmoured combat within the arena. Often spectators will make bets on who they believe they will win. Other activities that are considered important in Karakatuan society are bathing – they are not barbarians and always seek to stay clean. This is a very important social aspect of their lifestyle. Eating and making merry at festivals is also a key part of life within the city of Karakatua.

Golden bronze is often used in the forging of the jewellery and armour of the Karakatuans, so used due to its vast abundance in the deserts where they make their home. Lapis Lazuli is highly prized amongst the Empire as having great value and is often used as an ornament in palaces, armour and jewellery. They are not excellent miners, only partaking in simple mining exploits to gather the materials they need, before returning to the surface.

Clothing that the Karakatuans wear is often fairly bare – after all you don’t need to dress in thick skins in the desert heat. They do take great pride in wearing bright colours however and showing off their wealth through jewellery such as bracelets, gem encrusted collars etc. In order to try and remain cool however it common for the majority of the torso to remain bare (obviously retaining modesty!)

Architecture

The Empire will be using architecture that's some kind of hybrid between the Aztecs and Ancient Egyptians. Here are some sample screenshots

The Palace (the other 2 pictured buildings are old versions and will be changed)

Sacrificial Temple (possible will serve other roles)

Main Gatehouse

Section of Wall

Inside of Bathhouse

Military

All Karakatuans are trained to handle a bow with some degree of competency from an early age, making any within the Empire a force to be reckoned with. However the following documents the military in full.

Credit to Ninja

Guards: There is no standing Karakatuan army, therefore the guards form the backbone of the elite armed forces.

Do-Be': Basic military rank, unpaid but can take classes to rank up to full Do'

Do': The basic and most common guard rank. Payed a small fee every irl week, dependent on activities within the guard. Most of the time on duty will be spent on the gate and patrolling the walls and city for... undesirables and vagrants...

Do-Ca': More responsibility as a guard. You "command" a certain sector of the city and also command the guards posted there... This rank is chosen by the candidate after promotion...

Do-Ge': You chose instead to command the wall sectors; a greater responsiblity. This is the one rank you can choose- whether you become Gen or Ca decides where you are posted, and you are given a choice on promotion of your posting. You can switch over if you decide it isn't for you, but it costs minas, 250, to be precise, and this covers the "paperwork" necessary for such a transfer.

Do-Xe': One of two penultimate guard ranks attainable, you command all internal sectors ultimately, but also you are in charge of pay.

Do-Xa': You do the opposite to Do-Xe'- you instead command the wall sectors completely. The Do-Ge' are your deputies just as the Do-Ca' are Do-Xe's; you give the pay to guards for doing wall jobs.

(Wall jobs and internal patrol are considered two responsibilities, and therefore have separate, low wages.)

Gladiatorial Ranks

Do-Pi': Basic, normal recruit rank for gladiator work. Arena worth is required if you wish to be the greatest of all!

Do-Ak': You have chosen sheer muscle and your fists over conventional gear. You hone your wrestling in the arena if you want payment...

Do-Ni': You have mastered the art of wrestling and strength to perfection. Having been noticed by the military Aelkos, you are paid 50 minas for your efforts... however you are still far fron greatness! More combat is needed to gain it!

Do-Or': You may have been noticed for your deeds, but many are still greater in honour and strength than you. You must start thinking now - the opposition is cunning, but you must do better. Fight, and advance in combat is all your worth now...

Do-Cur': You are very honourable indeed! 300 minas and glory await until you - when you win your next fight!

Grand Champion of Metztli! Metztli has blessed you surely! You are chosen, but you must beat the reining Champion first. Remember, Metztli doesn't take sides... Or give 500 minas for being his/her champion. That is the reining Tlatlanni's job... Well done, and may Metztli bless you and your kin...

Finally the Do-ra. I feel they deserve their own little section

The Do-ra is an organisation shrouded in mystery from the common Karakatuan. Adorned in their lavish golden armour they answer to none but the Tlatlanni himself. Their tasks include guarding the Mane as well as leading Karakatuan troops into battle. The black face mask the Do-ra wear signifies their oath to silence whilst on guard in the Mane's defence. It is unknown how many there are in this secretive sect but estimates range from 3-8. Each has sworn an oath to the Tlatlanni and the Tlatlanni alone, to die in his service if needs be. Each Do-ra has risen to the title through proving their prowess in battle. The finest warrior among them is known as the Do-ri - the leader of the Do-ra.

The group is held in high respect for their fine skills throughout the Empire. Although many of their duties are kept secret from the majority of the population, they are known to partake in war council when the time comes. It is common in times of war that the Tlatlanni will gift the military Aelkos command over a number of Do-ra to serve as captains for a limited time.

Skins

Here are some sample skins. Although all depicted are human, this is in no way indicative of the Empire. All races are accepted - feel free to edit the skins to match the race you wish to be. I only picked human because I myself play a human and therefore find it much easier to make human skins!

Human Do-ra - if you are picked to become a Do-ra be advised that customisation of the armour should be kept to a minimum. The "skin" and face can be changed to fit your race and preferences but the armour itself should be kept the same (or as much as possible)

Human Civilian - this is just a representation - feel free to customise this to your hearts content with different coloured clothes, body paint, jewellery etc etc etc

Orc Civilian

This is an incomplete set of lore and is very much in its early stages! Please feel free to contribute your ideas and suggestions to this, as well as your thoughts and opinions. I shall be creating and uploading some sample skins later this evening! Thank you for taking the time to read this and I look forward to seeing what you all think!

PS. Do not feel that this is just a Kharajyr reinvention - the Karakatuan Empire is more than happy to accept those who had absolutely no interest in the Kharajyr.

Roles Available in the Empire!

Tlatlanni - Xerdun

Military Aelkos

Social Aelkos

Craftsman Aelkos

Economic Aelkos

Do-ra x 3 (Combat skills required, sword / axe skill of at least 60)

Priest

Soldier (will start at lowest rank and work your way up)

Civilian (No application necessary. Can partake in any role, farmer, merchant etc)

Having achieved Town Status we are beginning to reforge our Empire. The beginning of Karakatua is located at x = 317, z = -257. Your rp reason for coming to the settlement is the vision Metztli gifted upon you. Although specific Karakatuan garments are not a necessity at this time, you will soon want to acquire some if you don't want to boil to death on the Karakatuan sands...

[Samson Option 9652]

Wiping grimy tar from his hands in the Lake that feeds his terrace farm, he clambors up the stone supports as he watches water gush forth through his farms and irrigate his crops. Standing poised with a bamboo scythe in both his hands as he leans the blade into the soil and stands erect; Atl Quauhtli clears his throat and begins to speak...

I aum' Atl Quauhtli, the Eagle who draws from the Ocean! Wheresoever my talons grip the Earth's soil, water thereafter runs and irrigates the marks in which I make! I shall be reporting to the Tlan'lanni heer' if I make great discovery! As far as I know, only the terrace farm and a spring has been broken to build a well arawnd it, so we are in good terms with the Earth here! May the bounties be counted and the spoils be divided fairly!

[Lawrence Berell 226]

((My baby T_T

Good luck Xer, you're gonna need it. And a new VA))

[Samson Option 9652]

Atl'Quauhtli writes on a half-baked slab of adobe...

'It seems we may hah've a daumed fool who travels the desert to seek to encumber our people from the resources they need to survive! I came back from my hunt to find my sheep laid strewn, motionless acraws' the sands in front of my mud lean-ins, their organs gutted and wool dyed in blood and sand! The chickens had been stripped featherless and the giblets stolen, I stood and quickly climbed atop the terrace farm and laid my palm over my eyes and scanned the horizon to see if any man was moving about and did not find such man. I gave word to the others of Karakatua that if I find a man in the act, I will cleave the head of my axe into him and see that he looks the same as he had left my sheep!

Thankfully, the Terrace Farm stands fruitful and with bounty, a sure sign that our survival in the desert is secured! Upon Tolta of the Second Seed, 10th day of the 2nd year, it appears we have two wayfarahs' (wayfarers) traveling and coming upon the village of Karakatua. A huntress by the name of Cora and a dwahf' by the name of Kazi and we rejoiced as I made a meal around a fire and traded tales. One spake' of tha' Mori as I related a run-in with a few and the other spake' of a pyrah'mid that had ancient lettering and perhaps possessed a bounty we could investigate more upon?

Thank Yoo' Tlan'lanni for reading and Peace to the Karakatua and may our village thrive as a civilization is borne!

[Samson Option 9652]

Atl'Quauhtli once more takes a stick laminated in swamp tar and removes a squelching slab of adobe and begins to engrave in it before it dries...

Mighty Tlan'lanni, as much as I carry the respect that all wayfarahs' are too' be treated with dignity and given their due meal and drink as they travel amongst our vast and goldenrod desurt', I come to yoo' bearing bad news and I hope yoo' understand my more skeptical nature amongst tha' strangeers'.

I had cawm' from the West, near Elph'n lands that bears the array of redwood and whitewood. I had walked through the tall graws's and with staff in one hand and wheat in the other, led a cow to bring to my mud lean-ins so that we may begin to breed the strongest ox and bull for food and leather. All was caw'lm as I observed the sun above lead me back towards Karakatua and had caught sight of the Great River that bears to our direct west. Taking the ox by the horn and wrapped a leather strap and twisted it into a braid in my hand, I took ma' cow and waded across tha' river and successfully saw to it swimmin' to tha' other side of tha' river and we had laid out on tha' riverbank and began to nap to regain composure. I had waken up and saw to my cow gaining it's footing on the foamy soil and we began our trek once more. After climbing up a modest hill, ma' cow grunted as flesh was being flaked off and I turned around to find some yung' bandit carving his sword through the air and striking ma' cow!

Unfu'tunately I could not stop the bandit before my cow slid onto it's knees and gave last breathe. I cursed this fool and told him to pay reparations or that I would see to him sufferin' same fate! He told me it was his favorite pastime and attempted to run, after giving chase through the desurt, he ran into the sea at a dead end. Mind yoo', the mighty Karakatua can run fastest on the searing sands and I had followed him directly to this part of tha' ocean. Taking out my bow and drawing an arrow against the sinew, I let fly two arrows and had struck him dead as he attempted to wallow in the sea like a pig in the mud!

Great Tlan'lanni, I will protect our livelihood till my death! May tha' Karakatua live prosperously!

[Samson Option 9652]

Travels back to Karakatua with a shepherd's staff in his left hand guiding sheep and pig along the soft sands of the Sunmoth Desert and a freshly binded book in his right. Upon arriving at the plaza of Karakatua, Atl-Quauhtli places the book firmly under the door of the great Tlan'lanni's abode and walks towards the terrace farm and mud lean-ins.

"Great Tlan'lanni, upon following the trail of my first lost cattle to the hands of bandits, I had noticed the blood trail dribbled yet shown general direction. I took my composite bow and a quiver full of arrows alongside my axe made of steel and headed southwest of Karakatua. After noticing the blood splatter that had fell like ink on papyrus upon the shifting sands were fading, I told myself to continue and had done so and had enter a thick forest. Upon moving nimbly through the thick trunks of redwood and climbing branches full of glorious red apples and picking pairs from such trees; I had eventually been led to a nation of humah'ns. These humah'ns called themsah'lves Salvus and they too had lost a vast range and all tha' livestock within it were once again strewn abawt' like clothes in a tent.

I discaws'ed with tha' Queen, an elderly woman by tha' name of Dawn, the events that had occurred for them and ended with their lose of farmland and animahls'. She informed me that a nation to their South called Renawt'us had brigands who ran throo' villah'g to villah'g stealing and harming young and the thoughtless livestock. I withdrew in disgust, but I am determined to discuss with yoo' the need to see that Renawt'us send no mah' highwaymen who think they have right over our livelihoods and to demand said livelihood to be discah'ded so carelessly! Also, Salvus may wish too' open trade routes to the Great Village of Karakatua aftah' I spent a single day retrieving two dozens of animals; a sight that the King Enor and Queen Dawn felt surpras'ed and were immediately amah'zed that a herdsman of the mighty Tlan'lanni did what their farmers would have took'en a week to do! A Caravan to their lah'vly City could be arranged and I could see to us gaining great benefits for such.

As always Tlan'lanni, I am at yoo' command and will do as yoo' feel is best for our wizened people, sturdy in stature and thirty man strong! May the Karakatua prosper greatly in such sun-bathed desurts with oases dotting the sands and the incense bush burn relaxingly for our people!"

[Eledyr 85]

*reads the inscriptions*

Tha bandits are fools to think thad thay can rob from the mighty Karakatuan!

There heads must be sepurated from thear filthy bodys!

*reads the rest of the inscriptions*

Ah a trade route would be great for ma Buisiness.

I hope that the might tatlani will think tha same

[steelersfan1221 300]

Moved to the Great Library. It shall be sorted into appropriate category shortly.