Kingdom of Axuum
The Kingdom of Axuum controls lands along the southwest coast of the Ruby Sea, from the Uashta Hills in the north to the southern end of the Tekle Mountains, and west to the banks of the River Aeth. The southwestern part of the country, between the western verges of the mountains and the river, is at the edge of the Central Uplands of central Libynos.
The entire coastal region is given a pleasant climate by the proximity of the Ruby Sea. Farmers in the Uashta Hills and the lowlands east of the Tekle Mountains raise large amounts of wheat and barley, and herd cattle and sheep. West of the mountains, farmers cultivate groves of fruit trees and vineyards, and herd goats and camels.
Axuum has a mountainous spine with its highest peaks in the south, but with plenty of valleys and passes allowing travel from east to west. Keeping roads in good repair is an important responsibility of each town and village, and one thoroughly enforced by the crown. The west side of the Tekle Mountains is drier than the seacoast but also generally higher in elevation, so the temperature is only slightly hotter than the coast.
In addition to its homeland on the eastern coast of central Libynos, Axuum also controls the southern part of the Numedan peninsula, an area known as Imya, which it conquered some 250 years ago.
Axuum is well-known for its trading. The country imports goods from the other Central Kingdoms and sometimes even southern Guurzan or Khartous, and sends ships along the coast of Libynos as distant as Far Jaati. The port of Sallavinera (at the east end of the Channel Lakes) receives ships from far-off Akados and Axuumite merchants trade there for exotic goods from that distant continent. Axuum mints is own currency and the gold “stars,” silver “moons,” and bronze “little stars” (or just “littles”) are used extensively along the east coast of Libynos.
The bureaucratic structure of the government of Axuum is well-developed and hierarchically organized, though not as extensive as that of Khemit. Citizens are expected to do their part in accomplishing the work of the kingdom, and much government effort is expended to ensure that this is the case. Control over the conquered territories in Imya is quite a bit stricter, however; despite being part of the kingdom for nearly 250 years, Imya’s people sometimes still fail to appreciate the benefits of Axuumite dominion.
Axuum enforces a monopoly on trade in Imya and requires all imports and exports be made through authorized Axuumite traders. This monopoly has long been unpopular among Imyans. Other colonial obligations, such as requiring towns to support units of Axuumite soldiers (for their own protection, of course), have also resulted in some unrest among the populace. Nevertheless, the low density of Imya’s population, and its isolation behind the Karaman Mountains, has made it easier for Axuum to maintain its control over Imya.
Many Axuumites worship the gods of Khemit, though some (especially in the south, or far from the cities) continue to worship traditional deities of the region. This veneration of the Khemitian deities was spread to Imya after its conquest and is enforced strictly there while it is not in Axuum itself.
Region
Axuum, Kingdom of
Parent Organization
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