Bâklîsh (bah KLEESH)

The Bâklîsh are an ethnic subculture of the Kleshians that live in clearings within the jungle as they enjoy the direct sunlight. They feel the sun gives them immense vitality, power and is the way that Nature gives them their true warrior spirit. They are mostly known for the Blood Hunter Orders and their Shaman use very mysterious Blood Magicks. Some members of this tribe have gold, gold/green, or gold/hazel eyes, which is extremely rare in Kleshians. It is theorized that due to the particularly heightened practice of Blood Magics coupled with the immense population of Blood Hunters in this tribe when compare to the rest of the Empire, it has affected the offspring (Blood Hunters in Klesh typically comprise 5% of the other two tribes whereas in Bâklîsh, they are at 25%).

Demographics

• Mean Age/Range: 24 / 0 - 75

• Gender Ratio F/M: 60%

• Income Class: Low Middle to Upper Middle

• Education Ratio Educated - Skilled / Unskilled: 35%

• Occupation: Masonry: 10% : Lumbar 15% : Merchant/Craft 45% : All other 30%

• Species: 95% Human : 3% Dwarven : 1% Halfling : 1% Elven

• Ethnicities: 2% M'Bōchīsh : 3% Tëkhâsh : 85% Bâklîsh : 5% Lankhmarian: 4% Hill Dwarf : 1% High Elf

Government

While Soma Inene Otimwa is the Absolute Monarch of the Kingdom of Klesh, she is not tyrannical nor fascist. Instead, she enjoys delegating and distributing the responsibilities of rulership to selected individuals to govern each of the three major cities in the Kingdom: Tëkhâsh, Bâklîsh, and M'Bōchīsh . Her methods of selection aren't completely known or understood, but she seems to have an uncanny knack of selecting the most appropriate rulers as the local population always seems to strongly favor and approve them.
Each city's ruler runs the city as they see fit, which usually can change somewhat according to need or circumstance. Soma Inenen Otimwa meets with these rulers once every new moon in the Capital city of M'Bōchīsh. Additionally, she occasionally lives amongst the general citizenry disguised as a common citizen. When she does this, it is said that she shape-shifts into different personalities and various genders and ages with the purpose of anonimity. She does this so that she can get the "pulse" of the city directly from its citizens. This way, she can be sure that she is not being misled by her rulers-- a sort of "check and balance" to ensure things are as these rulers say they are.
There is no formal taxation system. Donations made to local shrines and temples are instead used to supplement the upkeep of local areas. In large part, the proceeds from the Emerald Mines in M'Bōchīsh are used to finance any additional funds needed for local municipal needs, Kingdom infrastructure and military funding, and any other financial requirements the Kingdom is required to address.
Laws are spare and can be modified as time and circumstance require. When that is necessary, the leaders of the three cities will convene their local elders and develop a proposition. After this, each of the city leaders will meet with Soma Inene Otimwa, afterwhich a final decision and, if applicable, a modification or new law will be made. While there is no formal police force, there are always citizens that will keep and uphold these laws from a local level.

Defences

The Blood Hunters of Bâklîsh are fierce and greatly feared force who will drive off any who seek to enter the jungles without invitation. The only trade route allowed comes from the road to the east from the city of Kokgnab. There have been very few occassions where invaders have entered the jungle from any other area, however as the Kingdom's elite force, the Blood Hunters will respond and assist the other cities should they need their assistance in driving off such an invasion.

Industry & Trade

Mostly a hunter-gathering people like all the Kleshian tribes, the Bâklîsh are also well known and respected for their weapon making skills. Like the Blood Hunters who adorn their skin with a variety of scar tattoo patterns, pierced jewelry and painted designs, they engrave similar designs onto their blade shafts and spear heads. After the creation of such a weapon, a Blood Shaman will perform a ceremonial rite on the weapon. This is believed to enhance its quality, accuracy and impact.

Infrastructure

Being the source of life, village wells are beautifully built and designated for different purposes such as drinking water, laundry, and livestock.

Districts

Being a smaller village, there are no distinct districts within Bâklîsh. Commercial buildings are nestled amongst the residential huts. There are public town squares with chiseled stonework, streets, water wells and square buildings that are still in use, principally for commercial purposes. These buildings seem out of place amongst the colorful and artistic huts, however they are functional and intact remnents from former Kleshian eras.

Assets

The Bâklîsh are known for their tasty Venison and Venison Jerky that are very filling and therefore useful to a traveler with limited carrying capacity. The Bâklîsh are also known for their well organized and efficent herb gardens which they design to make water use the most efficient with the least amount.

Guilds and Factions

• Burzum - Local Chapter of the Thieve's Guild that is present in all three cities.

• Am Chata - Merchant's Guild

• Ema Kam Chora - Blood Wizard's Guild

• Bela Lamani - Lumbermen's Guild

• Abazu - Teamster's Guild

• Agora Khan - Mason's Guild

• Elda Banari - Farmer's and Hunter's Guild

Tourism

None. Outsiders are not generally welcomed.

Architecture

Bâklîsh live in very well built huts, beautifully decorated in colorful designs and patterns. As the Kleshian empire dates back thousands of years, some buildings are made of ornately chiseled stone, are square or rectangular in shape, and mirror the styles of architecture found in Tëkâsh and M'Bōchīsh. These are remnants of the former era in this region, a style that has not been perpetuated by this particular tribe.

Geography

Hot and humid jungle region.

Founding Date

445 RC

Type

Town

Population

2816

Inhabitant Demonym

Bâklîshian

Location under

Lankhmaria

Owner/Ruler

eSwatini Habán

Additional Rulers/Owners

• Otimwa

Ruling/Owning Rank

eSwatini

Owning Organization

Kingdom of Klesh