Qaath Dynasty
The Silver Twilight
A long-living dynasty of empresses of Catholonika. Ruled by only empresses, the men that come to power change their gender to women to fit into the title and propriety. This may but doesn't always include a feminine appearance. Some keep their beards or features and delicately paint their faces, or wear their hair in the style of women's fashion, though not all do. Born women are first in power and preferable to born men.
History
From Sokoes to Scions
The original Qaath were a mysterious family from the Hinterlands. They were sokoes and said they came from farmers and their family had long ties to the land, however no one has been able to corroborate this. They became merchants in the capital city, Thateokenik, growing in status and wealth. At this point the grandchildren of the original newcomers became architects or painters or other culturally influential people. After a few years the Qaath dictated fashion, ethics, and culture in the country. Before the Qaaths Catholonika was a disparate culture of various peoples. The Qaath sought to unite them. Many thought this was pride or power, but it was for preservation. The Caphitolians were amassing a formidable army and navy to blockade, something they knew from their trades. Eventually the peoples did gravitate toward their interesting and compelling beliefs and customs, adopting them and appropriating them as planned.Uprising & Establishment
Once fully adopted in, the Qaath undermined the current democracy, lauding the failures and passivity of its leaders who all had grown lazy in their decadence. The Qaath rid them of their power easily through a series of mostly peaceful riots. The democratic leaders put up little resistance. Their plan of speed and precision won over the people's support who had long desired and tried to put up some active government. Relieved beyond words, the people saw the democratic system as inherently flawed, and in the time known as the "Qaath Spring" philosophers and theorists wrote letters and speeches denouncing the democratic system in favor of the monarchic dynasties of old. These were widely read and highly praised. The Qaath assumed the titles of Empress soon after.Current
The Qaath Dynasty currently rules with absolute power, though they retain a council and personal advisors. The council are elected officials and the advisors are chosen by the Qaath family for their merits. They promulgate laws and cousins and relatives continue to influence art and culture. Since they also allowed all deity worship, many outcast religions fanatics or otherwise have found refuge in the country and Thateokenik. The dynasty also received high praise for repelling and even establishing a foothold in Caphitolia, their long rival. Several forts were constructed on the Jagged's slopes to provide power and protection to others.Criticism & Controversary
The dynasty is not without detractors, of course. The cynics and critics are free to speak their mind, for the Qaath Dynasty allows freedom of criticism under their rule. Many have seen the Qaath as pulling the hair over the eyes of their fellow countrymen. They are aghast any criticism levels against the dynasty is met with closed minds and jeers and insults. There may be laws allowing free speech, but most people do not. The criticisms are of too much power being funneled into the dynasty and the families having too much power and authority. They say the veil of openness and care is there, but behind it is the ugly face of power-hungry nobles who thrive on deception and lies. They saw the Qaath only know one currency, power, and they have been dealing with this currency since their arrival in Thateokenik. Still other criticisms note how similar the Qaath and the drow operate. There is no formal connection, but the gothic style, the matriarchal power structure, and the secret cruelty are too reminiscent of the drow far below. To be fair, there are no official reports of cruelty, and men are not subjugated like those in the drow culture can be. Defenders of the empire point this to be insecurities of the weak and even propaganda from the Caphitolians to discredit the empress.
Exalt grotesqueries and detest righteousness, Fallelujah!
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Demonym
(the) Qaath
Leader
Leader Title
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Controlled Territories
Notable Members
Related Species
Related Ethnicities
Comments