Ahagwuena
Ahagwuena, officially known as the Empire of Ahagwuena, and colloquially known as Nimana or The Old Empire, is a nation in southwestern Tuatha. Ahagwuena is bordered by Fonterre to the north, Arduli and Chikelu to the east, the Navurian Ocean to the south, and the Akorlian Ocean to the west. Ahagwuena is divided into the regions of Agaezika, the Desert of Oromaal, Karnawne, and Nkejide.
Ahagwuena's crest is the Ahataes' Children, six arms holding each other to symbolize the Six Tribes of the Nimadu.
Government
Ahagwuena is an elective monarchy, ruled by an Emperor, also known as a Kansa (masculine), Kandanke (feminine), or Kashta (agender). Their spouse is referred to as an Itebe Kansa, Itebe Kandanke, or Itebe Kashta. The heir apparent of Ahagwuena is given the title of Le’ul/Le’elt/Le’ij (masculine, feminine, and agender respectively). The advisors and electors of the emperor are the chieftains of the six Nimadu tribes, each one holding the title of Ras. Children of the Rasa and emperor are given the title of Abe. The title of Ras is passed down hereditarily. When the emperor decrees it, the emperor and the other Rasa of the six tribes of the Nimadu select an heir. The heir must be of noble birth, and is usually from the families of the chieftains of the six tribes, if not one of the chieftains themselves. In response to the Epoch of the Iron Fist, many checks and balances exist to prevent the imperial throne from descending into a hereditary monarchy. All nobility in Ahagwuena can supposedly trace their lineage back to Ahataes, the legendary founder of Nimana, through her six children. Along with the six Rasa, the dwarves of Nkejide are allowed to send their own representative to approve the nomination of the heir apparent. The emperor can later revoke the heir apparent with the approval of the Rasa, beginning another election for a new heir apparent. Upon being given the title of Le’ul/Le’elt/Le’ij, the heir apparent adopts a new heir name that they are known by, and if they ascend to the title of Emperor, will adopt a new imperial name as well. These changes in names are symbolic of the rebirth necessary for them to become a monarch. The current emperor is Emperor Olwenyo VI, of the Siyoum Dynasty of the Galadewyos Tribe, also addressed as Kansa Olwenyo Galadewyos Siyoum VI. Along with his imperial title, he also acts as Ras of the Galadewyos Tribe since his father, Ras Lehatus II, passed away in 1346 MT. Born in 1319 MT as Abe Gevonzi Siyoum, and given the title of Le’ul in 1338 MT as Jeurhaor Siyoum, Olwenyo ascended to the throne in 1340 MT after the death of Emperor Thereuju (Kansa Thereuju Dione Sanzaft). He married his wife and childhood friend, Empress Mizhishi Galadewyos Siyoum, in 1335 MT. Together they have seven children: Hekaibo, Iyoas, Sapho, Milya, Masaharta, Kagiso, and Zahera. Questions are raised, however, as to whether all their children are legitimate, because of the rumours of Empress Mizhishi’s promiscuity. Olwenyo VI also elected an heir, Le’elt Vero Kairahya Rindija, in 1358 MT. Because of the culture of its ruling Nimadu ethnicity, Ahagwuena’s government is closely tied to tribalism. The ruling Rasa themselves come from the leaders of the six Nimadu tribes: the Kairahya, the Suntumah, the Tochopho, the Fekrezit, the Dione, and the Galadewyos. Apart from them, the Ahagwuenan state also surveys and categorizes the non-Nimadu citizens within their empire into tribes or clans, be they nomadic or sedentary. This categorization is often done with the help of those the Ahagwuenan government is surveying. Those with no seemingly no tribal affiliation are sorted into “clanless” groups within their settlements. Outside of the aristocracy, there is no definite procedure for the inheritance of leadership positions. As long as the officials of settlements carry out the will of the emperor, the state does not interfere with their choice of method for selection of leadership status. In Agaezika and Oromaal, leadership is commonly passed down hereditarily through the aristocracy, while in Karnawne and the Sunken Archipelago, elective or meritocratic methods are more common. Unlike the other regions of Ahagwuena, the dwarven state of Nkejide is mostly self-governing, but still considered a dominion of the empire. The stronghold-city of Hanbhulhudhor is considered the capital of the province, as it is the easiest to reach from the empire’s administrative regions, and was the first city conquered during the Epoch of the Iron Fist. However, the stronghold-city of Sgonim is much more populous. While it has been part of the empire for around 500 years, there are rumours of a possible independence movement brewing within Nkejide. Ahagwuena has outlawed the death penalty since the proselytization of the pacifist Congregationalist prophet Takhazoma. Instead, those found guilty of crimes are sentenced to periods of indentured servitude dependant on their punishment. Most are sent to the saline lakes in the Desert of Oromaal to mine salt, or sent to the gold, silver, copper, platinum, and gemstone mines of Nkejide, the Sunken Archipelago, and the Barakuri Nweyn Shield.Culture
Most Ahagwuenan architectural styles are recognized for their use of limestone and rock, often carving a structure from a single piece of stone. The oldest architectural style, the Ahataes style, named for the ancestor of the Nimadu culture, is typified by its tall, narrow stepped pyramids and underground rectangular buildings with aisles of square piers cut from rock. After the First Reunification, the aptly named First Reunification style came to prominence, characterized by buildings of mud and stone with columns, courtyards, and hypostyle halls. During the reign of the dragon-empress Etharnabali, and even after her death, the Etharnabalian style arose, typified by walls, courtyards, and ziggurats made from mud and stone and decorated beautifully. During the Dark Ages after The Retreat, many buildings were constructed either of stone and wood or out of a single rock, sometimes whitewashed in a style known as the Nimadu Dark Age style. The following New Ahagwuenan style was very similar, incorporating more wood and rounder structures. After the end of the Epoch of the Iron Fist, a new style of bright and colourful cubic structures with intricate engraving or elaborate symbols designed into the facade came to be, called the Six Tribes style. No ruins from the Invasion Era seem to exist, as they were likely annihilated or hidden after the defeat of Kashta Necherophara.
Ahagwuenans view visual presentation as a mark of status and refinement, and as such, place great importance on it. Ahagwuenan clothing, usually made from cotton, cloth, or hemp, is brightly coloured with dyes and decorated with a wide variety of possible patterns. Some of these patterns are connected to, and “owned” by, a certain tribe or clan for ceremonial purposes. The plentiful mines of precious metals and gemstones contribute to the easy accessibility of jewellery for many Ahagwuenans to accent their appearance. Ahagwuenans also decorate their skin directly, usually with body paint or tattoos. Tattoos are inked to memorialize important life moments, such as coming-of-age or marriage. These are inked by traditional tattoo artists known as Akwehfichiayin (Life-scribes, singular akwehfiayin), who must know the many Ahagwuenan tattoo symbols and patterns before graduating from their apprenticeship. Body paint is worn on the face during ceremonies, with specific patterns denoting the person’s tribe and family affiliation. Some even tattoo these patterns onto their face. Priests, acolytes, and monks in Ahagwuena wear veils to cover their face, symbolically showing loyalty to nobody but the gods they serve. This is usually practiced by those of the Congregation of the Firstborn, but other faiths in Ahagwuena have adopted this custom.
Along with their personal appearance, Ahagwuenans are also known for their masonry and sculpting. One incredibly famous aspect of Ahagwuenan architecture for ages was their penchant for carving entire structures out of mountains or a single piece of stone. Ahagwuenan architecture was also known for its use of pyramids and stelae. In addition to architecture, Ahagwuenans were also known for their beautiful sculptures, in expressions both realistic and stylized, crafted out of stone or metal, usually bronze.
Ahagwuenan music uses flutes, fiddles, rattles, and most famously, drums. Ahagwuenan dances are often upbeat and exciting, and many dancers use magic to accent their performances.
In terms of entertainment, Ahagwuenans prefer the sports of boxing and soccer. Every three years, a sporting tournament known as the Unzudian Games is held in the once-mighty settlement of Unzud, where representatives of each tribe, clan, or settlement are sent to compete. Board games such as mancala and shen have proved to be popular within Ahagwuena for many generations.
Ahagweunan cuisine is varied, determined by the many environments that the state comprises of. Ahagweunan cuisine uses many different types of grain, from rice, to maize, to millet, to wheat, to barley, to oats. Fruits and vegetables used in Ahagweunan meals include yams, lentils, okra, plantains, bananas, and citrus fruits. Typical meats consumed include beef, lamb, fish, and especially chicken. Salt, turmeric, cardamom, and chilies are often used as seasonings. Honey, chocolate, and sugar are all sweet ingredients used in Ahagwuenan meals. Beer and mead are the alcoholic beverages of choice, while non-alcoholic beverages consumed in Ahagwuena include milk and coffee, the latter of which is native to the nation.
Assets
Ahagwuena’s biggest industries are its salt mines in the Desert of Oromaal, as well as the mines of precious metals (gold, silver, copper, and platinum) and gemstones throughout Karnawne, Nkejide, and the Sunken Archipelago. Coffee and resin, which are native to Agaezika, are also some of their biggest exports. Manufactured goods from the dwarves of Nkejide are another heavy contribution to the Ahagwuenan economy.
Demography and Population
Those from Ahagwuena are known as “Ahagwuenans”. People from Agaezika are known as “Agaezikans”, and people from the Desert of Oromaal are known as “Oromaali”. Natives of Karnawne are known as “Karnawnese”, and those from Nkejide are known as “Nkejidi”. People from the Sunken Archipelago are called either “Sunkenites” or a demonym denoting the island or chain they are from. Most Ahagwuenans are human, specifically Nimadu, though other populous human ethnicities include Chikelans and Rathin. After humans, dwarves, specifically Njaronse dwarves, make up the second-largest racial majority in Ahagwuena. Large racial minorities in Ahagwuena include elves, orcs, halflings, and Goblinoids. The most widely spoken languages are Common, Nimadu, and Nkejidi Dwarvish.
Territories
Ahagwuena is comprised of five primary regions: Agaezika, the Desert of Oromaal, Karnawne, Nkejide, and the Sunken Archipelago. Within Agaezika is the Pipasxudhi savanna, the tropical Forest of Umkerifé, and the coastal region of the Osrita. Karnawne contains the Asres Heaths, the Barakuri Nweyn Shield, and the Ahagwuenan holdings of the Khidiana rainforest basin, known as West Khidiana.
Ahagwuena has many diverse climates. Agaezika has a tropical climate, with the tropical rainforest of the Forest of Umkerifé, the tropical savanna of Pipasxudhi, and the tropical grassland of The Osrita. The Desert of Oromaal has, as one might expect, a hot desert climate. The Asres Heaths have a humid subtropical climate, and the Barakuri Nweyn Shield has a subtropical highland climate. West Khidiana, like its counterpart, is a temperate rainforest. Nkejide has an alpine oceanic climate. The climate of the Sunken Archipelago varies between islands.
Agaezika, also called the Agaezika Peninsula, is the southernmost territory of Ahagweuna, and also the birthplace of the nation. The Santikash Sea, named after the black dragon that Ahataes fought in Nimadu legend, divides Agaezika from its neighbouring Chikelu. The sea feeds the Mwayi River, the Tibikishe River, and the Amu-kurati River, the most important river to Agaezikan civilization. The Amu-kurati River winds through the Pipasxudhi savanna, and nestled on the river’s bank are the fishing, farming, and trade towns of Dayamir, Debrem, Unzud, and Teno. The river ends at the Tolaya Waters, where the ancient capital of Ahagwuena, Akhylaji, is. South of Unzud is Kevas Lake, where the town of Aresh fishes the unique creatures within its waters. South of the lake is the Forest of Umkerifé, named for the green dragon lover of Santikash who made it her lair. The nearby city of Mwayi, named after the river next to it, serves as the base for logging and foraging done within the forest. The western coast of Agaezika consists of the grassland of The Osrita. Tso’juama River courses through the northern area of the Osrita, where the village of Ciid and the city of Tidez lay, panning the river for gold. In the center of the Osrita is Nwa’uri Swamp, and next to it is Elmipam, which uses the marsh for farming. Cape Fikuvun sticks out in the south of the Osrita, and placed at its tip is the city of Korihman, named for its great lighthouse.
Central Ahagwuena consists of the Desert of Oromaal. While foreigners assume that Oromaal is a place or a person, it is actually the Nimadu word for “wealth”, referring to the plentiful riches within its sands. Saline lakes dot the desert, and a majority of the settlements in the Desert of Oromaal are mining towns, taking salt from these lakes. These include the towns of Waspera, Djanno, Emneiru, Tartu, Qisno, Kitar, and Desso. Near the northern coast of the desert is the Sandy River, where the town of Mednei has sprung up to pan for gold within the river. South of the river is the coastal trade town of Nep’t’ea, founded by shipwrecked sailors. Nep’t’ea is sheltered within Crater Bay, a coast of sheer cliffs where, according to legend, the gods sent a meteorite which both dried the desert and drowned the landmass that became the Sunken Archipelago. At the eastern edge of the desert, settled on the northern bank of the Santikash Sea, is the fortress and trade city of Osurik, the largest settlement in the desert.
The northeast of Ahagwuena consists of the elevated hinterland of Karnawne. Despite being held by Ahagwuena for centuries, it remains sparsely populated, with most settlements consisting of villages too small to even be placed on a map. In the south of the region is the rolling Asres Heaths, with the largest settlements there being the farming town of Dabahan and the supply town of Bishoku. While many small villages and hamlets can be found throughout the Barakuri Nweyn Shield, the only ones of important note would be the trade and mining towns of Gelejiga and Zidugu, which rest on the primary road through the mountains. Beyond the mountains is West Khidiana, the Ahagwuenan portion of the Khidiana rainforest basin. The southernmost town of West Khidiana, Laru, was originally established as a border fort by Tyfilion, but now serves as yet another trading and mining town, a shadow of its former self. A majority of settlements within West Khidiana itself spring up around crossroads, such as Beka and Menikos. Osgia, a town originally established for logging, now also acts as a border fort for the Arduli-Ahagwuenan border. At the very north of Karnawne, on the Mensaita Meadows, is the town of Muurovale, which guards the Aboiguela Canyon that marks the border between Ahagwuena and Fonterre.
In the northwest of Ahagwuena is the dwarven state of Nkejide. While officially part of the empire, Nkejide is effectively a self-governing entity with a highly dependant trade relationship with Ahagwuena. On its coast lies the citadel-cities of Khal Dhern and Hanbhulhudhor, the latter of which acts as the capital. Further inland to the east comes the Seogayi River and its basin, Lake Marmorai. Along the bank of the Seogayi River is the mining citadel-city of Sgonim, the largest settlement in the region.
The Sunken Archipelago, a large archipelago just off the western coast of the mainland, also falls within the territory of Ahagwuena. The Sunken Archipelago gets its name from a legend of its creation; it is said that the archipelago was once a massive landmass, but the gods sent a meteorite that caused a ginormous tsunami, sinking it beneath the waves. The largest of the islands is Wuoko, mostly known for its wildlife. The only major settlement there is the somewhat inaccurately named Wuoko City, a small town on its eastern coast. South of Wuoko is the Broken Hand Islands, a small archipelago that is supposedly cursed with foul necromantic magic, and Noneni, which is divided into Upper Noneni and Lower Noneni. Southwest of Noneni is Ahataes’ Scar, a pockmarked island named for its resemblance to the facial scars Ahataes retained from her battle with Santikash. In the center of the archipelago is Kozri, a mountainous chain of islands famous for Kozri Academy, and The Khaem Atolls, a beautiful collection of atolls and reefs. South of them are the Mejita Islands and the Samunet Islands, famous for their resorts and fishing industry. The southernmost part of the archipelago is home to The Chain of Fire, a branch of active volcanoes.
Military
Ahagwuena’s military is known as The Basmora. Most of the specialized and elite military in Ahagwuena come from the showan warrior caste. However, low level infantry and navy, the chonnu, are conscripted forces. The Basmora serves the will of the emperor, and each tribe or group must contribute a set amount of soldiers to the force, the number of which is set by the Emperor. Militia forces are organized locally by settlements.
Religion
The most practiced religion in Ahagwuena is the state religion of the Congregation of the Firstborn. Congregationalism is especially practiced throughout Agaezika, Oromaal, the Sunken Archipelago, and the southern parts of Karnawne. Most Nkejidi follow Morndinsamman, though a large minority belong to the Congregation of the Firstborn. Urbnatism is popular in West Khidiana, and the Court of Niran is popular within both West Khidiana and the Desert of Oromaal. Oromaal and Agaezika are also home to a few who practice the Chikelan Thanadar tradition.
Education
Adolescent education in Ahagwuena requires tuition, but many Ahagwuenan parents and relatives act as tutors to the children of the family. Higher education in Ahagwuenan includes the Kozri Academy of Science on the eponymous island chain, the Hajahr School of Sculpture and Architecture in Teno, and the Caladuna Bardic College on the Samunet Islands.
Maps
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Map of Ahagwuena
Founding Date
Age of Arrival (supposedly)
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Capital
Alternative Names
Empire of Ahagwuena, Nimana, The Old Empire
Demonym
Ahagwuenan
Leader
Leader Title
Government System
Monarchy, Elective
Official State Religion
Controlled Territories
