New Khalag Empire

Description

The Khalag have always organized themselves in tribes, and these tribes only rarely band together. But in the northern regions of the Eastern Steppes, for the first time, they have started to do so in great numbers for a purpose other than war. They have even stepped away from their nomadic ways, and started building larger settlements. Led by Gorok, the Great Khalar they have decided to move down a new path in this rapidly changing world. This is the New Khalag Empire, or the Shigunas Khantül in their own tongue.

Politics

The few times the Khalag banded together, they were fearsome warmongers, but Gorok has decided on a more peaceful path. He has united many of the tribes through not just strength, but also diplomacy and undeniably effective leadership. He does not seem to be preparing for a large war effort either, and he has even offered all settlements that are autonomous or allied to other countries the choice of remaining autonomous or being assimilated with all accompanying benefits. The new Empire has also spared no expense in setting up trade routes with other countries and city-states to support their starting industry. Furthermore, they have been actively trying to attract and fund inventors and metallurgists. All in all, their intentions seem peaceful, and focused on getting their species caught up to the industrial standard of other nations.

Culture

Historically, the Khalag have always been pastoralist nomads, so settling into villages and cities has taken some adjusting from them. There is also unease among the population about this many tribes banding together, considering that did not always end well in the past. This is further amplified by the fact that they now all have to submit to a centralized judicial system, rather than rely on the judgement of their own tribe. But the new Empire's leadership has been decent about assuaging these fears and the advancements they are making as a society are clear, so loyalty seems decently well maintained for now. This stability is flimsy however, because if Gorok were to die, the Empire would surely collapse, torn apart by different factions trying to succeed him. But for now, under his leadership, they have managed to stay together and they are entering a new age of industrialization.

Fashion and Food

Clothing within the Empire is rich in variety, a combination of the typical animal hide worn by nomads and fabric clothing made from fibers that are either homespun or in some cases even produced by the newer machinery. This means it is easy to tell economic status and sociopolitical views from a combination of clothing quality and type. Those with greater economical means do not need to patch up their clothing and can simply replace it. Their views on the changes to their people and society can also be seen in their clothing, with traditionalists often sticking to animal hides or tanned leather to show their allegiance to the old ways, while progressives wear fabric clothing (of factory make if they can afford it).
Traditionally, the diet of the Khalag steppe tribes consisted almost entirely of meat and dairy products from the animals they took with them. Within the Empire there is still a heavy emphasis on these products, obtained either from trade with the surrounding steppe tribes or from the ranches they have built surrounding their capital. Common traditional dishes would be mutton soup, meat mince dumplings, dried cheese biscuits called 'byachulu', and fried dough. Traditional khalagan cuisine is based on being practical and making do with what is available, and rather unlikely to win any prizes. Within the Empire they have settled and started employing basic agriculture to feed the growing cities. This also means there's slightly more variety in the dishes found within these lands. Example dishes are: 'khorkhog' a dish comprised of lamb meat cooked with hot stones inside a jug and served with carrots and flat beans, or 'üksogt' which is auroch beef cooked in a strong spirit called 'tsagasün' and served with scallions.

Military

Each tribe came with its own hunters and warriors, and these have transitioned into becoming the Empire's military regiments. To avoid conflicts between the tribes, each division tends to made up entirely of only one, maybe two, tribe(s). The central organization of the military is still lacking, but as these divisions are made up of fellow tribesmen, at least the divisions themselves work well together.

Into A New Age

Type

Geopolitical, Empire

Alternative Names

Gorok's Horde

Training Level

Semi-trained

Veterancy Level

Experienced

Demonym

Khalagan

Location

Eastern Steppes