Keleshite
The vast eastern continent of Casmaron is home to one of the most enduring and powerful cultures on Golarion: the Padishah Empire of Kelesh. Born amid searing deserts, arid mountain ranges, and scattered oases, the empire occupies a geographic hub through which most trade routes connecting the Inner Sea region, Casmaron, Tian Xia, and Vudra must pass, making it a mercantile superpower, key cultural center, and arbiter of taste for much of the world.
Though most Keleshites have lived among the cool gardens and shaded courtyards of the empire’s glittering metropolises for centuries now, they still revere the mythologized purity of desert life from which the empire originated, even if they have lived in other nations for generations or their own ancestors hailed from less arid areas. Courteous companions and lavish hosts who are fiercely proud of their cultural identity, the sophisticated Keleshites find ready welcome in nearly every court and nation on Golarion. They bring with them refinement and education in how best to enjoy the finer things in life, along with the latest fashions, rare and exotic goods that cannot be obtained elsewhere, the redemptive and generous teachings of their patron goddess, and news from all corners of the globe.
Olive-toned, tawny, or gold complexions are most common among people from the various desert reaches of the empire, though residents of forested areas tend to be paler and inhabitants of the deep desert have dark bronze or umber skin. Most Keleshites have jet-black hair, which they grow luxuriously long. The inhabitants of the deep desert line their eyes with kohl to reduce the glare of the sun, a practice which has spread across the empire as an aesthetic preference.
Keleshite society consists of five strata: the imperial family and the various officials, civil servants, and staff who serve it; nobles; the merchant class; other citizens; and slaves. An intricate web of family ties determines a Keleshite’s place in society, and her family’s standing shapes her life and fortunes. Family membership is matrilineal, though upon reaching adulthood, an individual can petition his father’s family for adoption if he so chooses, though this practice is known to begin feuds between merchant families when a daughter’s attempt to defect is supported by her father’s family, since the next generation’s inheritance will flow through her. Absent such complications, marriages are usually accompanied by alliances between the two families. The heir to the throne is the firstborn child of the empress, or of the emperor and his wife. Members of the imperial family, known as shahiyanam (a gender-neutral word without a direct correlate in Taldane, usually translated poorly as “Princes”) often maintain harems. In addition to a single spouse, a shahiyan may take multiple consorts—generally selected for their political connections—and any number of concubines, who are usually not members of the nobility. The nations under Keleshite rule are each governed by a satrap chosen by the emperor or empress, and watched closely by an imperial vizier who reports back to him or her, as well as to whichever members of the imperial family have paid him off.
Both noble and merchant houses function as extended families and business entities. Keleshite nobles are free from prosecution for crimes committed outside the empire (and non-Keleshites attempting to prosecute them may find they have to go through a Keleshite ambassador and dozens of lawyers in order to press charges against a Keleshite noble abroad). Most are wealthy, though some impoverished houses seek marriage with the sons of successful merchant families to replenish their coffers. The increasing political weight and wealth of the merchant families has led some of the noble houses to lobby to reinstate older, harsher distinctions between nobility and common folk, but as yet, the imperial family has shown little interest in hearing their petitions, perhaps due to the high number of imperial consorts drawn from the merchant class. Members of especially successful merchant houses that have bought their way into the nobility are often referred to as “Trade Princes.”
Those Keleshites who are born free within the Empire’s borders but not to a noble or merchant house are citizens, who may freely carry weapons, join the army, or purchase property with the permission of local authorities. The rest of the empire’s population are slaves, who may have been born into slavery, captured in war, or sold themselves into servitude to pay off debts or gain protection.
Worship of other major gods (especially Irori), minor tribal deities, elemental lords, empyreal lords, and other various outsiders remains common, especially in more remote corners of the empire. The secretive cult of Rovagug constantly attempts to undermine the good works of the church of Sarenrae and foment conflict between the empire and its neighbors.
One form of slavery common among the nobility originates in a hospitality tradition. An individual fleeing avengers of a blood crime may request sanctuary from an Althameri tribe until the next sunrise. When the sun rises, he may offer to surrender his autonomy in return for the tribe’s lifelong protection. If they accept, he is considered “dead” as a free person, negating the wronged party’s right to take vengeance, and the tribe is accountable for his behavior henceforth. This demise of identity—and the loss of family connections and tribal status—is seen as a tragedy on par with physical death. Keleshite nobles tend to speak delicately about such arrangements, not wanting to further shame those under their protection, and may become prickly with foreigners who commit the faux pas of drawing attention to such a slave’s status. In addition to ties to hospitality obligations, such arrangements also have a religious element, in keeping with Sarenite traditions of redemption and healing, and Sarenite clergy may come to the aid of a slave who is mistreated or a tribe who is endangered by their protection of one who has surrendered to their authority.
Citizens who cannot pay significant debts might sell themselves into a similar form of slavery, as may foreigners who wish to live and work within the empire but cannot meet the citizenship requirements. Artists and researchers who wish to gain a reputation under the protection and patronage of a noble house may submit themselves to slavery until their fame lets them buy back their freedom.
Slaves purchased from other nations or captured in war lack this traditionally protected status. Myriad laws regulate the treatment of slaves, the legal status of their children, and the conditions of their release, but these laws can be difficult to enforce, especially given the secretive natures and competitive practices of many noble and merchant houses. In practice, this means that a slave’s treatment is largely dependent on his owner’s personality, cultural background, and adherence to tradition. Regardless, most worshipers of Sarenrae find the keeping of slaves obtained as prisoners of war to be utterly barbaric.
Keleshite attitudes toward slavery also shape their relationships with various outsiders who, as non-humans, have ambiguous societal status similar to that of foreigners. Like slavery, the Keleshite practice of genie-binding takes multiple forms. After summoning a genie, some binders attempt to enslave it, imprisoning it on the Material Plane within a bottle or brass lamp. Others bargain for its partnership, offering gifts of exotic woods, fine weapons, magical potions, or favors owed in return for the genie’s aid. Binding genies allows Keleshites to easily accomplish tasks that might otherwise be dangerous or time-consuming, such as fetching goods from far-away places, and reaffirms their sense of superiority and business acumen.
While expanding the empire’s influence is a priority for most Keleshites, they tend to prefer trade and diplomacy to the threat of violence. Qadira’s tensions with Taldor have made that nation more prone to warmongering than most of the empire, and Qadirans tend to jump to violent solutions more quickly than most Keleshites—a trait that has unfortunately colored the perception of Keleshite society in the Inner Sea region. Keleshite culture and that of the Garundi people bear some superficial similarities, and Keleshite trading networks weave through most Garundi cities, but there is tension with the Osirian empire stemming from the historical Keleshite conquest of Osirion. For representatives of these two refined cultures, however, the tempting lure of exchanging knowledge and goods often overcomes past hostilities.
Individual Keleshites make polite and supremely competent adventuring partners. They place their interests above those of their acquaintances unless the situation is life threatening, but a Keleshite business partner is an ideal ally; her subtle prompting makes her partners look brilliant, and with a few smooth words she can convince strangers that their interests are shared—or reduce those who oppose her to humiliated wrecks. Her friendship is generous, and should a friend rise to the status of family in all but blood, her loyalty is fierce and unwavering. Keleshites often seem arrogant to outsiders, but they lavish the same high esteem in which they hold themselves on those for whom they care. After all, given Keleshites’ exquisite taste, any non-Keleshite who has earned their affection must be truly extraordinary.
The most combat-savvy Keleshite adventurers are agents of the Dawnflower, doing battle with the destructive cult of Rovagug. Informants who learn of cult plots often inform their local church of Sarenrae, which in turn seeks out the agents of Rovagug and expunges them with efficiency, knowing that in such cases, swift excision of the problem is the only sensible solution. Whatever their reasons for adventuring, Keleshites gravitate toward roles that allow them to exercise their talents for reading people, working with their partners, and dealing swiftly with any problems that arise.
Though most Keleshites have lived among the cool gardens and shaded courtyards of the empire’s glittering metropolises for centuries now, they still revere the mythologized purity of desert life from which the empire originated, even if they have lived in other nations for generations or their own ancestors hailed from less arid areas. Courteous companions and lavish hosts who are fiercely proud of their cultural identity, the sophisticated Keleshites find ready welcome in nearly every court and nation on Golarion. They bring with them refinement and education in how best to enjoy the finer things in life, along with the latest fashions, rare and exotic goods that cannot be obtained elsewhere, the redemptive and generous teachings of their patron goddess, and news from all corners of the globe.
Appearance
Traditional Keleshite clothing is designed to keep the sun and sand at bay, layering light fabrics and shielding the wearer’s face with veils or headdresses. Most city-dwelling Keleshites wear modified versions of traditional garb, designed for luxury rather than utility. Keleshite warriors prize mobility, favoring light armor, spears, scimitars, and shortbows. Most revered among the armed forces are the renowned dervishes, who usually eschew armor altogether in favor of kilt-like silks and brightly colored turbans.Olive-toned, tawny, or gold complexions are most common among people from the various desert reaches of the empire, though residents of forested areas tend to be paler and inhabitants of the deep desert have dark bronze or umber skin. Most Keleshites have jet-black hair, which they grow luxuriously long. The inhabitants of the deep desert line their eyes with kohl to reduce the glare of the sun, a practice which has spread across the empire as an aesthetic preference.
Naming
Keleshite names are long and complex, incorporating matronymics, nomadic origins, city of residence, and even profession or notable ancestors, though for daily use most Keleshites limit themselves to their first name and sometimes a matronymic (al-). Masculine names include Abannak, Karif, and Sabit; feminine names include Bardiyyah, Qitarah, and Nahla; and gender-neutral names include Ghali, Rayane, and Zhar.Society
Ruled absolutely by the Padishah emperor or empress, Kelesh is a true empire comprising many different peoples and cultures. Initially little more than a handful of nomadic deep desert families who grazed their herds around the same oases, the tribes from which most of the nobility originate cultivated canny alliances and extensive trade networks to build a globe-spanning domain. The descendants of these tribes, collectively known by others in the region as the Althameri, have governed for centuries, and many of the cultural elements regarded in Avistan as “Keleshite” are actually Althameri in origin.Keleshite society consists of five strata: the imperial family and the various officials, civil servants, and staff who serve it; nobles; the merchant class; other citizens; and slaves. An intricate web of family ties determines a Keleshite’s place in society, and her family’s standing shapes her life and fortunes. Family membership is matrilineal, though upon reaching adulthood, an individual can petition his father’s family for adoption if he so chooses, though this practice is known to begin feuds between merchant families when a daughter’s attempt to defect is supported by her father’s family, since the next generation’s inheritance will flow through her. Absent such complications, marriages are usually accompanied by alliances between the two families. The heir to the throne is the firstborn child of the empress, or of the emperor and his wife. Members of the imperial family, known as shahiyanam (a gender-neutral word without a direct correlate in Taldane, usually translated poorly as “Princes”) often maintain harems. In addition to a single spouse, a shahiyan may take multiple consorts—generally selected for their political connections—and any number of concubines, who are usually not members of the nobility. The nations under Keleshite rule are each governed by a satrap chosen by the emperor or empress, and watched closely by an imperial vizier who reports back to him or her, as well as to whichever members of the imperial family have paid him off.
Both noble and merchant houses function as extended families and business entities. Keleshite nobles are free from prosecution for crimes committed outside the empire (and non-Keleshites attempting to prosecute them may find they have to go through a Keleshite ambassador and dozens of lawyers in order to press charges against a Keleshite noble abroad). Most are wealthy, though some impoverished houses seek marriage with the sons of successful merchant families to replenish their coffers. The increasing political weight and wealth of the merchant families has led some of the noble houses to lobby to reinstate older, harsher distinctions between nobility and common folk, but as yet, the imperial family has shown little interest in hearing their petitions, perhaps due to the high number of imperial consorts drawn from the merchant class. Members of especially successful merchant houses that have bought their way into the nobility are often referred to as “Trade Princes.”
Those Keleshites who are born free within the Empire’s borders but not to a noble or merchant house are citizens, who may freely carry weapons, join the army, or purchase property with the permission of local authorities. The rest of the empire’s population are slaves, who may have been born into slavery, captured in war, or sold themselves into servitude to pay off debts or gain protection.
Faith
Sarenrae is the state deity of the Padishah Empire, and was the patron goddess of most of the nomadic tribes who now form the core of Keleshite nobility. She represents the sun and heat that infuse the empire’s desert lands, the cleansing light in which her adherents must examine their own motivations, and the mercy and compassion with which the inhabitants of the desert must treat one another if they are to survive in their often harsh environment.Worship of other major gods (especially Irori), minor tribal deities, elemental lords, empyreal lords, and other various outsiders remains common, especially in more remote corners of the empire. The secretive cult of Rovagug constantly attempts to undermine the good works of the church of Sarenrae and foment conflict between the empire and its neighbors.
Culture
Keleshites tend to guard their cultural identity fiercely, maintaining long-held traditions against the influence of outsiders. The nobles’ convention of veiling, which began as protection from the sun and evolved into a form of formality when outside the company of one’s tribe, has spread to the Sarenite clergy and to commoners who want to share in the prestige associated with the habit. The near-reverent value attributed to horses, especially those of magical origin, has also become nearly universal within the empire. Most urban Keleshites still cling tightly to a few hereditary ornamentation styles, culinary traditions, and ritual observances that distinguish them from their neighbors, and maintain these observances even while abroad. Most believe such cultural adherence contributes to the power and prestige of the empire, and brings elements of civilization to benighted foreigners.Hospitality
No matter how boorish or uncouth a Keleshite’s guest, it is a matter of honor to be seen as nothing less than a scrupulously polite host, for such hospitality can be the difference between life and death in the desert. When guests arrive at a Keleshite home, they are ushered into a special antechamber, called a zraka, where they are given water, shade, and a comfortable place to rest. Most polite guests leave after an hour or two, but the host is honorbound to shelter them until the next sunrise if need be. It is customary to offer a gift to one’s host, the value of which is determined by the guest’s status and wealth. A modest gift from a pauper is seen as a great sign of respect, while the same gift given by a wealthy merchant would be viewed as a slight. Foreigners traveling in the empire or its satrapies would do well to bring a selection of respectable gifts for such occasions.Economic Imperialism
The Padishah Empire’s enduring power and status as one of the most influential political entities on Golarion is due largely to the mercantile excellence of its people. Keleshite merchants are notoriously skilled in transcontinental organization, ruthless logic, economic understanding, and interpersonal skills such as negotiation, diplomacy, and cultural awareness. Their global trade networks are unrivaled, allowing them to provide flawless silks from Tian-Xia, livestock from Avistan, spices from Vudra, minerals from Garund, and more exotic goods from across the world. They are occasionally resented for their economic dominance and the ease with which they undercut competition, but few are willing to turn away their ships. The goods and services they can provide have allowed Keleshites to build an empire that spans multiple continents, mostly without military conquest. All told, the real strength of the Padishah Empire is its members’ willingness to facilitate trade and diplomacy between disparate societies, while at the same time incorporating the best of other cultures into their own.Slavery
One of the most disputed aspects of Keleshite society, slavery in the Padishah Empire takes many different forms due to the diverse and often conflicting definitions of servitude originating among the many cultures within the empire.One form of slavery common among the nobility originates in a hospitality tradition. An individual fleeing avengers of a blood crime may request sanctuary from an Althameri tribe until the next sunrise. When the sun rises, he may offer to surrender his autonomy in return for the tribe’s lifelong protection. If they accept, he is considered “dead” as a free person, negating the wronged party’s right to take vengeance, and the tribe is accountable for his behavior henceforth. This demise of identity—and the loss of family connections and tribal status—is seen as a tragedy on par with physical death. Keleshite nobles tend to speak delicately about such arrangements, not wanting to further shame those under their protection, and may become prickly with foreigners who commit the faux pas of drawing attention to such a slave’s status. In addition to ties to hospitality obligations, such arrangements also have a religious element, in keeping with Sarenite traditions of redemption and healing, and Sarenite clergy may come to the aid of a slave who is mistreated or a tribe who is endangered by their protection of one who has surrendered to their authority.
Citizens who cannot pay significant debts might sell themselves into a similar form of slavery, as may foreigners who wish to live and work within the empire but cannot meet the citizenship requirements. Artists and researchers who wish to gain a reputation under the protection and patronage of a noble house may submit themselves to slavery until their fame lets them buy back their freedom.
Slaves purchased from other nations or captured in war lack this traditionally protected status. Myriad laws regulate the treatment of slaves, the legal status of their children, and the conditions of their release, but these laws can be difficult to enforce, especially given the secretive natures and competitive practices of many noble and merchant houses. In practice, this means that a slave’s treatment is largely dependent on his owner’s personality, cultural background, and adherence to tradition. Regardless, most worshipers of Sarenrae find the keeping of slaves obtained as prisoners of war to be utterly barbaric.
Keleshite attitudes toward slavery also shape their relationships with various outsiders who, as non-humans, have ambiguous societal status similar to that of foreigners. Like slavery, the Keleshite practice of genie-binding takes multiple forms. After summoning a genie, some binders attempt to enslave it, imprisoning it on the Material Plane within a bottle or brass lamp. Others bargain for its partnership, offering gifts of exotic woods, fine weapons, magical potions, or favors owed in return for the genie’s aid. Binding genies allows Keleshites to easily accomplish tasks that might otherwise be dangerous or time-consuming, such as fetching goods from far-away places, and reaffirms their sense of superiority and business acumen.
Relations
Keleshites are reasonably tolerant of other cultures, especially in matters of commerce. They admire elves and find the elven lack of interest in trade both frustrating and an alluring challenge. Keleshites regard dwarves warmly, seeing commonality in the dwarven love of fine craftsmanship, shrewd trade, and heady liquors.While expanding the empire’s influence is a priority for most Keleshites, they tend to prefer trade and diplomacy to the threat of violence. Qadira’s tensions with Taldor have made that nation more prone to warmongering than most of the empire, and Qadirans tend to jump to violent solutions more quickly than most Keleshites—a trait that has unfortunately colored the perception of Keleshite society in the Inner Sea region. Keleshite culture and that of the Garundi people bear some superficial similarities, and Keleshite trading networks weave through most Garundi cities, but there is tension with the Osirian empire stemming from the historical Keleshite conquest of Osirion. For representatives of these two refined cultures, however, the tempting lure of exchanging knowledge and goods often overcomes past hostilities.
Individual Keleshites make polite and supremely competent adventuring partners. They place their interests above those of their acquaintances unless the situation is life threatening, but a Keleshite business partner is an ideal ally; her subtle prompting makes her partners look brilliant, and with a few smooth words she can convince strangers that their interests are shared—or reduce those who oppose her to humiliated wrecks. Her friendship is generous, and should a friend rise to the status of family in all but blood, her loyalty is fierce and unwavering. Keleshites often seem arrogant to outsiders, but they lavish the same high esteem in which they hold themselves on those for whom they care. After all, given Keleshites’ exquisite taste, any non-Keleshite who has earned their affection must be truly extraordinary.
Adventurers
Keleshites seek adventure for many reasons. A Keleshite prince might leave his home out of boredom, while the youngest daughter of a merchant family might wish to discover untapped markets to prove herself to her elders and earn more responsibility within the family trade networks. The bards, artists, and researchers of the imperial courts might venture out in search of new inspirations or secrets to enhance their reputations and the prestige of their patrons. Clandestine operatives of noble houses or the imperial family might be tasked with gathering intelligence about other nations or competitors. A commoner might seek the wealth to marry into a noble or merchant house, or even start his own trade dynasty. A slave might be sent on a mission by her master, attempt to escape servitude, or take the opportunity to further her master’s interests while earning enough coin to buy her freedom.The most combat-savvy Keleshite adventurers are agents of the Dawnflower, doing battle with the destructive cult of Rovagug. Informants who learn of cult plots often inform their local church of Sarenrae, which in turn seeks out the agents of Rovagug and expunges them with efficiency, knowing that in such cases, swift excision of the problem is the only sensible solution. Whatever their reasons for adventuring, Keleshites gravitate toward roles that allow them to exercise their talents for reading people, working with their partners, and dealing swiftly with any problems that arise.
Where on Golarion?
Keleshites garner their collective name from the Padishah Empire of Kelesh, which spans the majority of central Casmaron and covers a bit of eastern Avistan. The vastness of the empire is surrounded by a series of satellite states, known as satrapies. Satrapies answer to and pay tribute to the Padishah Emperor or Empress, but maintain their own armies and collect their own taxes.The most famous of these satrapies is Qadira, a nation with the Inner Sea to the west, Taldor to the north, and the Padishah Empire to the east. Qadira is the empire’s foothold in the Inner Sea region, and most Keleshites that Avistanis meet are Qadiran. The capital of Qadira is the port city of Katheer, a major trade hub for goods traveling between Avistan, Casmaron, Garund, Tian Xia, and Vudra. Katheer is one of the most opulent cities in the Inner Sea region, though it is provincial by Keleshite standards. Most who wish to travel to the bejeweled east pass through Katheer, earning Qadira the title of Gateway to the East.
Keleshites are also common in Katapesh, Osirion (which was formerly a satrapy), and across northern Garund.
Playing a Keleshite
Sophisticated empire builders and savvy traders, Keleshites are known across the Inner Sea region as urbane and courteous hosts, providers of opulent goods, and economic savants.If you’re Keleshite, you likely:
- Are widely traveled, and have at least a passing familiarity with most major cultures even if you haven’t visited their lands.
- Can make use of a family network of trading contacts scattered across the world for help or just to keep up with current events.
- Have a thorough grounding in economics.
- View horses as noble partners more valuable than gold and more reliable than most humans.
- Feel a strong sense of obligation toward your blood relations. View most non-Keleshite cultures as a bit quaint and lacking in sophistication.
- Respect and are even a bit intimidated by your elegant taste and worldliness.
- See your confidence in the superiority of Keleshite ways as arrogant.
- Expect you to be an expert on genies and elementals, or even outsiders in general.
- Suspect you serve the interests of the Padishah Empire, even if your family hasn’t lived there for generations.
- Assume you worship Sarenrae.
- View you as either a desert nomad or a pampered city-dweller, or—paradoxically—both at once.
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