Throughout history, civilizations have often observed the fusion of cultures, and the Ghulka and the Akesh exemplify this phenomenon. The intricate threads of both cultures intricately intertwine, resulting in a lively and dynamic synthesis.

 

Kesh Families and the Ghulka.

• Most of the Ghulka nation is a member of one of the many Ghulka tribes and are independent of the families, mainly they live in the Ghulka lands but there are tribal settlements spread across all the main Akesh lands. 

• Some of the Ghulka nation do choose to  be part of one of the families where they are fully integrated and can work their way up in the family etc, leaving their tribal bonds behind in favour of the Kesh family they have joined.

• Some Ghulka only choose to be attached to one of the families, these Ghulka work towards the betterment of that family but are not fully integrated into that family, giving them some flexibility and freedoms and allowing them to operate ‘independently’ if needed.

 

It is worth noting here that there is no stigma attached to any of the above and the Ghulka nation works for the betterment of all Akesh no matter how they choose to live their lives.

 

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Tribal and family bonds.

The Kesh firmly believe that within their Families, betrayal is unforgivable. In Ghulka society, the concept of Family really is everything. Whilst the Kesh may display a cynical devotion to this ideal, the fiery temperament of the Ghulka leads them to embrace the principles with a passionate and sometimes aggressive fervour. They hold sacred the ethos that underpins this. The Akesh is Family and betrayal truly is unforgivable.

 

Ghulka Rule

While all Akesh is ruled by the Firsts of the seven families and just like each family is ruled by their first, each tribe is led by a secular leader, the Te’Khada and the head Taniwah who are the tribe's lore keepers and spiritual guides.

 

The Ghulka nation is then governed by two councils, one secular and the other spiritual. The secular council consists of tribal heads (the Te’Khadas). The spiritual council consists of the leading spiritual guides/lore keepers (The Taniwah). The Taniwha advise the secular council on spiritual and cultural matters and help them negotiate with the Kesh.

 

Professions

Alchemy, crafting and warfare are frequently embraced as vocations by Ghulka individuals, many of whom venture beyond their homelands to explore the diverse landscapes of the Akesh lands. Whilst these pursuits are highly esteemed, the Ghulka also excel in various artistic endeavours, showcasing their creative talents in the realms of art and culture. Across Akesh, Ghulka artists are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship and innovative contributions, earning admiration and acclaim throughout the land. But the Ghulka, like all of the Akesh can and do all the professions needed, from Mages to Farmer, Scholars to warriors, alchemists to blacksmiths.

 

The Sword of the Akesh - Ghulka Warriors and Armies

The Ghulka embody the ethos of strength through action. They refuse to overlook any offence without retaliation. They embrace the blood-fury coursing through their veins, they are the children of earth and fire, of storm and sea, created by the elements.

 

Having reconstructed a formidable fighting force, the Ghulka draw wisdom from the Kesh generals under whom they serve. Whilst certain castes may engage in independent skirmishes when permitted, the Akesh leadership ensures that all Ghulka share in the glory of their victories. 

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The Magics of the Ghulka

Mages and Shamans ascend to the revered status of the gifted, recognised as elementalists bestowed powers directly by the land itself. Despite their mythical prowess, many remain formidable warriors in their own regard. 

Whilst once plentiful, Ghulka corporealists have dwindled in number. Like mages, they often double as warriors and are typically trained by the Kesh, guided along the path of the Hollow Ones. Adherence to the word of the Essence Lords mandates that Hollow (corporeal) magics remain pure and unadulterated, never again to be intertwined with other forms of magic.

 

The Hai-akto

The Ghulka are known for their ferocious looks, but calm and calculating minds, while they can be very intelligent, as much as any other mortal, they can also be extremely vicious. To keep these murderous urges in check, once every six years each Ghulka must partake in the rites of Hai-akto, this event purges the uncontrollable urge to kill every living thing in sight and stops the Ghulka from submitting to their primal urges indefinitely. The primal urges are a throwback to the Ghulka’s ancestry where the race was wholly devoted to violence. 

 

If the Ghulka is unable to perform these rites, their control on this primal nature begins to slip, usually ending in the individual striking out at the first source of confrontation.

Rites performed by the Taniwha can calm the Ghulka’s mind, but for only so long. Sooner or later the rites must be performed.
 

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Appearance.

For familiarity reference only, the different types of the Ghulka have the following physical attributes:

Ghulka: have the physical attributes of Orcs. 

Ghulkorg: have the physical attributes of Ogres 

Ghulkoll: have the physical attributes of Trolls

 

Here are some general minimum costume requirements for a all types of Ghulka Nation characters:

Mask, prosthetics or makeup at a minimum:  a character should have some form of mask or makeup to convey the appearance of a Ghulka Nation character. These elements should be employed to convey the distinctive appearance associated with Ghulka culture. This could entail the use of latex masks, face paint, prosthetic features such as pronounced brows and ears, or a combination thereof. The diversity among Ghulka individuals spans various skin tones and sizes, with a preference for greens, blues, purples, and some reds. Grey is particularly prevalent, alongside drab olive shades, though there are no rigid limitations on colours, with the exception of browns, blacks, or yellows, which we do not want for any Ghulka characters. The Ghulka are typically depicted as tough and robust beings, reflecting their resilient nature.

 

Note: None of the Ghulka nation people have tusks or horns.

 

Clothing: Ghulka typically wear practical and rugged clothing, this could include flowing robes, tunics and trousers made from hard wearing looking material including leathers and furs. Ghulka primarily earthy colours often accented with a bright colour or colours that are the colour/s of their tribe. They often adorn themselves in jewellery made of bone and obsidian.

 

Ghulka that are members of one of the families wear the family colours just like all other Akesh of that family, but they often adorn themselves in obsidian and bone jewellery as befits their ancestry.