Bridge Empire

During the Rain of Amaars, the Sun's children fell as asteroids, riddling Amaarion with craters. Goddess Apor sacrificed herself to safeguard her people and keep Amaars at bay. Her son, Qasim the Wall, wished to honour his mother’s martyrdom. He founded cities inside the western craters and linked them with enormous, impenetrable black bridges. Qasim carried Apor’s torso remains and a single arm into the empire. The son then constructed a magnificent temple atop the arm.

K’nksh’s appearance took a further toll on the surviving populace. These four-armed folk raided settlements, abducted select women and imprisoned them inside the Weapon Pyramids. The Bridge Empire became a refuge for displaced dharaats, as not even k’nksh dared to approach its perimeters. Yet, the Empire could support so much, and Qasim shut its doors to any newcomer. 

Some say Qasim shaped dharaat corpses into the walls. Others mention him raising the bridges using fallen hska metal, or moulding them with his own flesh. Some theorise the bridges share properties with the Pillars of the Eternal Sleep, the only known material able to kill the creaking folk. That might explain why k’nksh never touch the Empire’s surface. 

The Structure 

The bridges link nearby crater cities with each other. They act as trading routes, living quarters and farms. Some bridges surround a land region used for hunting and gathering food when needed. 

Constant trading ensures resources from different craters and bridges reach the faraway locations. The eastern crater and the bridge connecting it to the western one have ample water supply, making it a highly prized resource for the whole empire.

The Immortal Emperor  

Initially, Qasim personally monitored the Empire. As years went by, his public appearances turned sporadic until he no longer showed his face to the people. For centuries, Qasim’s carriage has traversed the bridges and kept an eye on his domain. Only a select few personally visit the emperor. Some doubt if Qasim is alive. While others believe in and pray for the emperor’s longevity.




Cover image: by Nincho

Comments

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Jul 24, 2024 22:45 by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

I love the uniqueness of the Bridge Empire, and the fact that the bridges are just as much a part of everyday life as the craters. Qasim is interesting; I wonder why he no longer really shows his face.

Emy x
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Jul 25, 2024 00:32

Thank you! I'm glad the small bits were enough to peak your interest. I plan on writing about Apor and her three sons in more detail in the future.

"Visit Ayonerra. Your Khelmtsiphe demands it!"
Jul 28, 2024 16:25 by Aster Blackwell

Epic. Love the ominous image of a shrouded carriage carrying the alleged emperor patrolling these bridges.

Jul 28, 2024 22:25

Thank you! No wonder some are suspicious.

"Visit Ayonerra. Your Khelmtsiphe demands it!"
Aug 9, 2024 14:20 by Han

Your writing is always such poetry. I love this.


welcome to my signature! check out istralar!
Aug 9, 2024 15:58

Thank you! Always fear it's too dry, so that's reassuring c:

"Visit Ayonerra. Your Khelmtsiphe demands it!"