Hexian Empire

The Hexian Empire is an underground empire that is primarily dominated by Drow and Silkith. These people primarily worship the Death-Killer gods, otherwise known as Bas, Goddess of Death, Thorn, Goddess of Poison, Lana, Goddess of Revenge, Raven, Goddess of Pain, and Hex, Goddess of Witchcraft, with the latter playing the most important role in their society, even if they do not recognize her as the strongest of their core pantheon. The Hexian's do not deny the existence of other gods, though culturally only these are seen as worthy of worship. Hexian society is dominated by a series of covens, these covens are similar to guilds in the nearby Earthroot empire, or in other nations around the world, as well as similar to the colleges of Aurbus, however the covens of the Hexian's are distinct from both of these. The covens are seen as both public servants, and political leaders, although the leader of the Hexian empire is someone chosen from among the covens called the Auspex of Hex. Primarily the Hexian's never leave the underground, and their kingdom is primarily located in the Middle Kingdom, or The Dark section of the underground of Tirestir. The times Hexian's do venture out from the depths is to very rarely trade for critical resources with surface nations, or to send out small parties to locate magical artifacts they have heard tale of on the surface, in fact it is seen as an initiation rite for a coven witch to lead such an expedition in order to retrieve an artifact before they are allowed to enter into the upper leadership of the Coven's.
The Coven's are a series of groups that worship Hex, Goddess of Witchcraft. These groups are distinct and powerful, choosing from the magically inclined Drow and blessed Silkith as the only individuals allowed to join their ranks. Although many rumors of these covens speak of blood rituals, demon binding, dark magic, and such endeavors, other covens are known to travel throughout the Hexian empire, using these dark magic technics to improve the fertility of someone who wants to be a mother, change the body of someone who is unhappy with their sex, or even improve the yield of crops. These covens are so integrated into Hexian society that every town has to have a coven member, even low ranking, that leads them, otherwise they are seen as directionless. Coven hierarchy is typically split into initiates, witches, ritual masters, and the inner circle. These ranks are similar to advancements in a business, where each member of each rank typically fills a different role in the structure of the coven. Although many of the covens are dominated by women, this is not exclusive, and many men join covens and there are some male exclusive covens, although due to the Auspex of Hex having always having a woman chosen for the role, it is sometimes seen as a waste of time for male coven member's to try and advance high in the ranks of society.
The Auspex of Hex is paramount to the Hexian empire, they are an individual always chosen from among the inner circles of the most powerful covens by the god Hex themselves to lead the empire. It is unclear, even to the coven members, if the god has any plan for a witchcraft dominated society, or if it just fulfills their own personal desires to see it prosper. Under the leadership of the Auspex of Hex the Drow people took a major exodus underground after the previous god of death was killed by the death-killer gods, and those who chose to worship them were shunned from society. It was soon after this that the elves that moved underground were transformed into the Drow, and the other species that followed them became the Silkith, transformed fully to more resemble Hex with blessings from Thorn.
It is incredibly rare for the Hexian empire to ever initiate trade with any outside nation except for Earthroot, whom they see as rivals to be wary of, but enjoy the times of peace where trade is open between the two peoples. Goods from the Hexian empire such as spider silk garbs, spellcrafts, and other such items are so rare on the surface, that they can fetch incredibly prices to collectors, and so the shrewd members of the Hexian people will typically take such items with them whenever they rarely visit the surface so that they can trade for far more than they are giving. The surface to the Drow and Silkith now is such an alien place to them that many report feeling incredibly sick when seeing the sky, feelings of falling upwards, dizziness, and fear of such open places are not uncommon. Night typically makes these symptoms worse as a blue sky typically can help act as a fake ceiling to their minds, although the day has its own issues, such as incredibly easy sunburns and the burning of the eyes.

Fauna & Flora

Hexweaver Spider

The Hexweaver Spider is a sinister and enigmatic arachnid found within the depths of the Hexian Empire. It is a large spider, its body covered in obsidian-black chitinous armor, adorned with intricate patterns resembling mystical sigils and symbols associated with witchcraft. The Hexweaver Spider's legs are long and agile, allowing it to skitter effortlessly across walls and ceilings, blending seamlessly with the shadows.
What sets the Hexweaver Spider apart from other arachnids is its affinity for dark magic. Each Hexweaver Spider possesses a unique magical ability, granted to it by the goddess Hex herself. Some have the power to cast illusions, cloaking themselves or their surroundings to deceive potential threats or prey. Others can manipulate strands of shadow, weaving them into intricate webs that ensnare unsuspecting victims and drain their life force.
These spiders are deeply connected to the Hexian covens, often regarded as sacred creatures and symbols of Hex's favor. Hexweaver Spiders are sometimes kept within covens as companions and guardians, their presence considered a sign of protection and the blessings of the goddess. Their venom, potent and infused with traces of Hex's magic, is highly sought after by Hexian witches for use in their rituals and potions.
Encountering a Hexweaver Spider in the darkened tunnels of the Hexian Empire is a formidable experience. Their presence instills both awe and fear, as they are seen as agents of Hex's divine will. Whether acting as guardians, enigmatic allies, or harbingers of Hexian magic, the Hexweaver Spider serves as a mystical and eerie representation of the Hexian Empire's connection to witchcraft and their dark pantheon of Death-Killer gods.
Nightshade Vine

The Nightshade Vine is a rare and potent plant cultivated and revered by the Drow witches of the Hexian Empire. This unique plant thrives in the lightless depths of the underground, where it entwines itself around stalagmites and weaves its way through the rocky crevices of the Dark Kingdom.
The Nightshade Vine has long, sinuous tendrils that bear large, dark purple leaves resembling delicate crescent moons. Its vines are adorned with tiny, luminescent blue flowers that emit a subtle, otherworldly glow, providing dim illumination in the otherwise pitch-black subterranean environment.
The true power of the Nightshade Vine lies in its toxic properties and mystical properties. The plant's sap contains a potent poison that induces a deep sleep in those affected. Drow witches carefully harvest the sap, extracting it to create potent elixirs and potions that induce dream-like trances or temporary states of suspended animation. These concoctions are utilized in their intricate rituals, allowing them to commune with the spiritual realm, divine hidden knowledge, or even peer into the future.
In addition to its poisonous properties, the Nightshade Vine is believed to be attuned to the energy of the Hexian pantheon. Drow witches often incorporate the leaves and flowers of the Nightshade Vine into their spellcasting, using them as catalysts to enhance their witchcraft rituals. The plant's essence is said to channel the dark energies of Hex, Thorn, and other Death-Killer gods, enabling the witches to cast curses, summon shadowy familiars, or infuse their spells with potent venomous effects.
Due to its rarity and the inherent dangers associated with its usage, the Nightshade Vine is highly prized among Drow witches. It is typically only found within the inner sanctums of the covens or hidden in secret groves deep within the Hexian Empire. The harvesting and cultivation of the Nightshade Vine are considered sacred arts, entrusted to the most skilled and respected witches who maintain a delicate balance between utilizing its power and respecting its potentially lethal nature.
The Nightshade Vine stands as a symbol of the Hexian witches' connection to the underground realm and their mastery of dark botanical arts. Its allure and danger encapsulate the mystique and power associated with witchcraft in the Hexian Empire.