Qarbak

Qarbak

Most of Qarbak comes under the rule of the emperor, called the rokha, under a theocratic monarchy.

Religions

The state religion of the empire is Sarrayun. Temples are called devarsuq, and sarrayi priests reside there. Because Sarrayun states that each emperor is a reincarnation of the previous one, the religion is tied very closely into the ruling powers.

An ancient variant of Sarrayun called Pakorra only exists today in smaller city-states bordering the empire. Pakorra utilise the same kinds of temples as Sarrayun, but to slightly different deities. Their priests are called pakori, and are illegal in the Oolu Empire. Also as with sarrayi, pakori give authenticity to their monarchs by holding the reincarnation ritual.

Ziggurat temples were built by the ancient Karbak people for a lost religion but today they all lie in ruins. Though not as tall as some of the pyramids in the Seleru area, most ziggurats had broader bases.

Magic

Qarbak in general is a fairly un-magical place; the few mages that exist are mostly magiturgists who study it academically, or are rare magichaists.

Common magic orders include elementurgy and impiturgy.

Magic is used for production, warfare, and entertainment purposes.

Economy

Though coins called madu were more popular in the past, barter is the most common form of trade now, especially in cities along the Archroad. In more rural areas, livestock are sometimes used as currency.

The people of Qarbak offers high quality glass, textiles, and spices, as well as some marble, grain, and oil. Their primary pigment is called Mintar Green, is made of farmed coral called lion's mane, and is a shade of teal.

Military

Soldiers in Qarbak mostly defend borders and protect the wealthy, and sometimes for conquest purposes. Orders of guards enforce the law.

Historically, Qarbak uses a lot of boats, due to the entire area being split into two halves by water, but there was not much drive to develop seafaring vessels. Because of this, Qarbak navies are similar to Seleru's in design, but are smaller in scope and power.

Ranged weapons for soldiers include the bow, javelin, artillery, thrown blades, and sometimes magic. Most melee weapons are blades, blunt weapons, axes, or polearms.

The best soldiers in this area are elite infantry; highly skilled combatants who are also usually very good at surviving off the land. Sometimes a warrior merchant makes his way into Qarbak history as well.

Culture

Common forms of entertainment include artworks, drugs, food and drink, gambling, and performances.

Common artforms include sculpture, spoken word, drama, architecture, weaving, and glassblowing.

Common cultural practices include a twilight lifestyle, mummification, blood siblinghood, and exiling.

Common cultural beliefs include thinking they are the chosen people, and emotions are good.

Building materials used include adobe, brush, thatch, plaster, clay brick, and sandstone. Clothing materials used include linen and satin.