Kahlahra - Revision history

Theonewhoknows at 05:14, 15 April 2019

2019-04-15T05:14:23Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:14, 15 April 2019
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	The Khalar tribes speak a related family of languages. Tribes that live near one another often have largely intelligible dialects, but diverge more widely with geographical separation. Wordplay involving dialectal differences is a common type of Khalar humor.		The Khalar tribes speak a related family of languages. Tribes that live near one another often have largely intelligible dialects, but diverge more widely with geographical separation. Wordplay involving dialectal differences is a common type of Khalar humor.


			{{Navbox Countries}}


	[[Category: Countries]]		[[Category: Countries]]

Theonewhoknows at 04:40, 15 April 2019

2019-04-15T04:40:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:40, 15 April 2019
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	The hardy Khalars are a loose "nation" of semi-nomadic horse people, divided up into many rival tribal groups. They are known for producing some of the finest horses and light cavalry troops in the known world.		The hardy Khalars are a loose "nation" of semi-nomadic horse people, divided up into many rival tribal groups. They are known for producing some of the finest horses and light cavalry troops in the known world.

	~~Kahlara~~ is also a major transit area for land-based merchants traveling through the continent. Wise traders make sure to be on a friendly basis with at least one of the major tribes.		Kahlahra is also a major transit area for land-based merchants traveling through the continent. Wise traders make sure to be on a friendly basis with at least one of the major tribes.

	=History=		=History=

Theonewhoknows at 00:33, 9 March 2019

2019-03-09T00:33:48Z

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	{{Infobox Country		{{Infobox Country
	\| name = Kahlahra		\| name = Kahlahra
	\| image = ~~Kahlahra~~.~~jpg~~		\| image = Kahlahra_New.png
	\| alt =		\| alt =
	\| caption =		\| caption =
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	'''Kahlahra''' is the land of the Khalars; the reason for the difference in spelling is uncertain. It lies to the north of [[Song Deep]], which forms its border with the Kingdom of [[Arangoth]].		'''Kahlahra''' is the land of the Khalars; the reason for the difference in spelling is uncertain. It lies to the north of [[Song Deep]], which forms its border with the former Kingdom of [[Arangoth]].

	The hardy Khalars are a loose "nation" of semi-nomadic horse people, divided up into many rival tribal groups. They are known for producing some of the finest horses and light cavalry troops in the known world.		The hardy Khalars are a loose "nation" of semi-nomadic horse people, divided up into many rival tribal groups. They are known for producing some of the finest horses and light cavalry troops in the known world.

Pigasus: /* Society and Peoples */

2016-11-14T14:10:15Z

Society and Peoples

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:10, 14 November 2016
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	While the “Khalari Elves” exist in several tribes, the Narkhet tribe is almost exclusively made up of people with varying degrees of elven heritage. Their religious practices integrate the traditional Khalar religion with the [[Religion of Elvendeep\|Celestial Court]] of Elvendeep. The Horse Maidens occupy a more prominent social role, particularly those with the gift of Horse Speech, which is more common among the Narkhet. The Chieftain is somewhat beholden to the council of maidens, who serve as prophets and oracles for the tribe. These oracular abilities are virtually unknown among the other tribes, and many speculate that the role of the maidens is more politics and theatre than genuine magic.		While the “Khalari Elves” exist in several tribes, the Narkhet tribe is almost exclusively made up of people with varying degrees of elven heritage. Their religious practices integrate the traditional Khalar religion with the [[Religion of Elvendeep\|Celestial Court]] of Elvendeep. The Horse Maidens occupy a more prominent social role, particularly those with the gift of Horse Speech, which is more common among the Narkhet. The Chieftain is somewhat beholden to the council of maidens, who serve as prophets and oracles for the tribe. These oracular abilities are virtually unknown among the other tribes, and many speculate that the role of the maidens is more politics and theatre than genuine magic.

			[[Category: Tribal Groups]]

	=Magic=		=Magic=

Pigasus at 17:30, 1 November 2016

2016-11-01T17:30:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:30, 1 November 2016
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	The hardy Khalars are a loose "nation" of semi-nomadic horse people, divided up into many rival tribal groups. They are known for producing some of the finest horses and light cavalry troops in the known world.		The hardy Khalars are a loose "nation" of semi-nomadic horse people, divided up into many rival tribal groups. They are known for producing some of the finest horses and light cavalry troops in the known world.

			Kahlara is also a major transit area for land-based merchants traveling through the continent. Wise traders make sure to be on a friendly basis with at least one of the major tribes.

	=History=		=History=

Pigasus at 16:31, 29 October 2016

2016-10-29T16:31:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:31, 29 October 2016
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	'''Kahlahra''' is the land of the Khalars; the reason for the difference in spelling is uncertain. It lies to the north of [[Song Deep]], which forms its border with the Kingdom of [[Arangoth]]. The Khalars are a nation of semi-nomadic horse people, divided up into many rival tribal groups.		'''Kahlahra''' is the land of the Khalars; the reason for the difference in spelling is uncertain. It lies to the north of [[Song Deep]], which forms its border with the Kingdom of [[Arangoth]].

			The hardy Khalars are a loose "nation" of semi-nomadic horse people, divided up into many rival tribal groups. They are known for producing some of the finest horses and light cavalry troops in the known world.

	=History=		=History=

Ayanula: /* Geographical Features */

2016-04-14T05:42:33Z

Geographical Features

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:42, 14 April 2016
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	Kahlahra is bordered to the north by mountain ranges that divide it from [[Najjir]]. [[Rashnad]] is to the east, [[Rondis]], the [[Assi]], and [[Arangoth]] to the south, and [[Caern Rhia]] and [[Zul Kiras]] are to the west. Much of the country is plains and steppeland that give way to hills near the mountains. The country grows increasingly arid as one moves north toward Najjir and east toward Rashnad. Lake Nar in the north is fed by streams from the northern mountains. The Tkhonu River empties from the western end of the lake, and winds its way through the central region of Kahlahra, and it empties into Song Deep in the south. Access to water is the chief driver in conflict among the tribes, and the strongest tribes control the most fertile areas. A few permanent settlements are scattered throughout the country, clustered along the Tkhonu, Hakhet, and Sekhel ribers.		Kahlahra is bordered to the north by mountain ranges that divide it from [[Najjir]]. [[Rashnad]] is to the east, [[Rondis]], the [[Assi]], and [[Arangoth]] to the south, and [[Caern Rhia]] and [[Zul Kiras]] are to the west. Much of the country is plains and steppeland that give way to hills near the mountains. The country grows increasingly arid as one moves north toward Najjir and east toward Rashnad. Lake Nar in the north is fed by streams from the northern mountains. The Tkhonu River empties from the western end of the lake, and winds its way through the central region of Kahlahra, and it empties into Song Deep in the south. Access to water is the chief driver in conflict among the tribes, and the strongest tribes control the most fertile areas. A few permanent settlements are scattered throughout the country, clustered along the Tkhonu, Hakhet, and Sekhel ribers.

			==Climate and Influence==

			The pastureland and steppe-like features are heavily driven by numerous factors involving much of [[Veth]]'s toiled climatology.

			Firstly and most importantly, the rain shadow of the Najjira mountains cuts off most of the moisture to the region. This results in an almost desert-like climate. The vast majority of the country receives only enough rain to sustain the grassland environment.

			However, the southern oscillating current that savages the lower peninsula in winter creates a sharp temperature contrast between Arangoth and Najjir. This takes its toll in the form of high powered winds that have since eroded most of Khlahra's terrain. Left behind are the plains that stretch endlessly across the countryside.

	==Notable Settlements==		==Notable Settlements==

Stygian: /* Traditional Dress */

2013-06-19T12:28:19Z

Traditional Dress

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	Khalar women wear long, loose robes, ornamented with embroidery, felt appliques, or golden plaques. Women also wear shawls, often with brilliant colors or elaborate patterns. Like Khalar men, the Khalar women wear broad, ornamented belts or girdles. Some tribes also add a colorful sash under the belt. Khalar women may wear boots like the men, or soft slippers adorned with embroidery or golden plaques. When riding, Khalar women wear trousers underneath a split skirt.		Khalar women wear long, loose robes, ornamented with embroidery, felt appliques, or golden plaques. Women also wear shawls, often with brilliant colors or elaborate patterns. Like Khalar men, the Khalar women wear broad, ornamented belts or girdles. Some tribes also add a colorful sash under the belt. Khalar women may wear boots like the men, or soft slippers adorned with embroidery or golden plaques. When riding, Khalar women wear trousers underneath a split skirt.

	Since they own little that is not portable, many Khalars like to display their wealth on their person. The leaders among the Khalars have a taste for elaborate personal jewelry, ornamented weapons, and decorated horse-trappings. Animal motifs are common, such as dragons breathing fire, winged griffons attacking horses, battling stags, and eagles, combined with everyday scenes like milking ewes. Bow cases and quivers are also richly decorated with with animal scenes or ~~scenes depicting~~ daily life on the steppes. The Khalars are skilled at working soft metals like gold and silver, and their decorative pieces are also popular trade goods.		Since they own little that is not portable, many Khalars like to display their wealth on their person. The leaders among the Khalars have a taste for elaborate personal jewelry, ornamented weapons, and decorated horse-trappings. Animal motifs are common, such as dragons breathing fire, winged griffons attacking horses, battling stags, and eagles, combined with everyday scenes like milking ewes. Bow cases and quivers are also richly decorated with with animal scenes or depictions of daily life on the steppes. The Khalars are skilled at working soft metals like gold and silver, and their decorative pieces are also popular trade goods.

	==The Horse Maidens==		==The Horse Maidens==

Stygian: /* Notable Settlements */

2013-06-10T20:01:36Z

Notable Settlements

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:01, 10 June 2013
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	'''Kafras''' - Kafras is as much the capital city as any place is, owing to its importance as a center of trade and religious worship. It is often a site of inter-tribal councils, since the city is considered neutral ground and open to all Khalars. Kafras lies near to the border with Najjir and is a major hub of trade, much like the Grand Horse Market in the south. Much of the city is built with timber felled from the hills to the north. The entire city is surrounded by lofty wooden walls, and the homes, market, and temples within are all similarly made of wood. The temples and the altars within are richly embellished with decorative carvings and images of animals and scenes from mythology, and decorated with gold leaf. Once every three years, Kafras is closed to outsiders for a week for a religious festival to the goddess Siamakh.		'''Kafras''' - Kafras is as much the capital city as any place is, owing to its importance as a center of trade and religious worship. It is often a site of inter-tribal councils, since the city is considered neutral ground and open to all Khalars. Kafras lies near to the border with Najjir and is a major hub of trade, much like the Grand Horse Market in the south. Much of the city is built with timber felled from the hills to the north. The entire city is surrounded by lofty wooden walls, and the homes, market, and temples within are all similarly made of wood. The temples and the altars within are richly embellished with decorative carvings and images of animals and scenes from mythology, and decorated with gold leaf. Once every three years, Kafras is closed to outsiders for a week for a religious festival to the goddess Siamakh.

	''''The Grand Horse Market''' - Much of the Khalar trade with the south occurs at the Grand Horse Market, which is a permanently established encampment in Southern Kahlahra at the intersection of roads coming from the lands of the Sherkhen, Khtarpan, and Hoshk tribes in the midst of the prairie north of Song Deep. Despite the name, the giant market serves to trade more than simply horses; sheep, spices, wool and cloth, weavings from the Tkhonu tribe, leather work, gold and silver ornaments, and all other manner of goods are traded here. In the horse market, a complicated system of precedence (defined by who has won and lost in recent wars) decides who has the best places to sell. Almost always, some tribes find themselves pushed out, unable to do trade until they are more successful in war. Inevitably these unlucky tribes find themselves in a position where they must fight, not to settle a dispute, but to improve their reputation.		'''The Grand Horse Market''' - Much of the Khalar trade with the south occurs at the Grand Horse Market, which is a permanently established encampment in Southern Kahlahra at the intersection of roads coming from the lands of the Sherkhen, Khtarpan, and Hoshk tribes in the midst of the prairie north of Song Deep. Despite the name, the giant market serves to trade more than simply horses; sheep, spices, wool and cloth, weavings from the Tkhonu tribe, leather work, gold and silver ornaments, and all other manner of goods are traded here. In the horse market, a complicated system of precedence (defined by who has won and lost in recent wars) decides who has the best places to sell. Almost always, some tribes find themselves pushed out, unable to do trade until they are more successful in war. Inevitably these unlucky tribes find themselves in a position where they must fight, not to settle a dispute, but to improve their reputation.

	'''Dilakhasi''' - Located in the central region of Kahlahra, Dilakhasi was founded to protect several natural springs that feed a tributary branch of the Tkhonu. Dilakhasi is an important rest and resupply point for caravans travelling along the road from Taranor to Najjir that skirts the edge of Rashnad through the arid eastern reaches of Kahlahra.		'''Dilakhasi''' - Located in the central region of Kahlahra, Dilakhasi was founded to protect several natural springs that feed a tributary branch of the Tkhonu. Dilakhasi is an important rest and resupply point for caravans travelling along the road from Taranor to Najjir that skirts the edge of Rashnad through the arid eastern reaches of Kahlahra.

Stygian: /* Deities */

2013-02-06T03:37:30Z

Deities

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:37, 6 February 2013
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	'''Sirakh''' - Depicted as a winged young man clothed entirely in gold, Sirakh is the Khalar sun god, and the patron of music, art, and creativity. He is also said to be the inventor of archery and gave the first bow to the Khalars at his mother Khalaret's request. Tkhonu weavers, Slikhtanu leatherworkers, and Dilakh goldsmiths all sing songs to the golden god as they work to invite his blessing on their efforts.		'''Sirakh''' - Depicted as a winged young man clothed entirely in gold, Sirakh is the Khalar sun god, and the patron of music, art, and creativity. He is also said to be the inventor of archery and gave the first bow to the Khalars at his mother Khalaret's request. Tkhonu weavers, Slikhtanu leatherworkers, and Dilakh goldsmiths all sing songs to the golden god as they work to invite his blessing on their efforts.

	'''Siamakh''' - Goddess of prophecy, the hunt, revelry, wine, and passion. Siamakh contains aspects of both Siamah and her brother Nedresh from the [[Najjir#The Old Gods\|Old Gods]] of Amas'kyaa. She is the patroness of Khalar warrior women. Worship of the goddess involves inducing trances through use of intoxicants or magical artifacts. Khalar soothsayers use Najjira ~~hasish~~ and opium to induce a state wherein the goddess might grant visions. Some rituals involve inducing a state of ecstatic frenzy through a combination of wine, singing, and dancing. Legends abound--both among the Khalars and among foreigners--of the deeds a devotee of the goddess in this state can achieve, such as chasing down a deer on foot and killing it bare-handed. Kafras is closed off to foreigners for a week once every three years for a major festival in her honor, and its unknown nature makes it a subject of much lurid speculation about what might occur within the city walls during that time. The [[The Era of the Khalar War#The Siren Stone\|Siren Stone]] was an artifact of Siamakh, and important in her worship. Its loss was a major blow to the Khalars. Some Najjira scholars have posited that the Siren Stone might have been an artifact of Amas'kyaa, rather than of divine origin.		'''Siamakh''' - Goddess of prophecy, the hunt, revelry, wine, and passion. Siamakh contains aspects of both Siamah and her brother Nedresh from the [[Najjir#The Old Gods\|Old Gods]] of Amas'kyaa. She is the patroness of Khalar warrior women. Worship of the goddess involves inducing trances through use of intoxicants or magical artifacts. Khalar soothsayers use Najjira hashish and opium to induce a state wherein the goddess might grant visions. Some rituals involve inducing a state of ecstatic frenzy through a combination of wine, singing, and dancing. Legends abound--both among the Khalars and among foreigners--of the deeds a devotee of the goddess in this state can achieve, such as chasing down a deer on foot and killing it bare-handed. Kafras is closed off to foreigners for a week once every three years for a major festival in her honor, and its unknown nature makes it a subject of much lurid speculation about what might occur within the city walls during that time. The [[The Era of the Khalar War#The Siren Stone\|Siren Stone]] was an artifact of Siamakh, and important in her worship. Its loss was a major blow to the Khalars. Some Najjira scholars have posited that the Siren Stone might have been an artifact of Amas'kyaa, rather than of divine origin.

	'''Tkhonos''' - Tkhonos is called the Green God, and is the god of rivers. The Tkhonu, which winds its way through central Kahlahra from north to south, is sacred to him. In the permanent settlements of the Khalar tribes, he is also worshipped as an agricultural deity. Tkhonos created the horse and the sheep and gave them to the Khalars at the behest of his mother. At harvest time, horse races are held in the god's honor, with the victorious horse offered up as a sacrifice to sustain the tribes for another year.		'''Tkhonos''' - Tkhonos is called the Green God, and is the god of rivers. The Tkhonu, which winds its way through central Kahlahra from north to south, is sacred to him. In the permanent settlements of the Khalar tribes, he is also worshipped as an agricultural deity. Tkhonos created the horse and the sheep and gave them to the Khalars at the behest of his mother. At harvest time, horse races are held in the god's honor, with the victorious horse offered up as a sacrifice to sustain the tribes for another year.