Akesh Culture (IC)

The Akesh Culture (IC)

"The Family Comes First,

The Seven Rule the Families,

The Hollow Ones Tend Us,

BETRAYAL IS UNFORGIVABLE"

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The Akesh is made up of four different peoples; the Kesh, the Shabaldeen, the Ghulka and the Ba’hivar. The nation of Akesh follow the following tenets:

The Akesh family comes first, and the Akesh’s strength is in Family
Akesh is a meritocracy and actions speak louder than words
The Firsts of the Families rule all Akesh in a council called the Council of Firsts
Possessing Hollow (corporeal) magic whilst also possessing another sphere of magic is forbidden
All those of Akesh work for the betterment of the Akesh as a whole before anything else
The Hollow Ones tend the Akesh and are revered by all those of Akesh.

The nation of Akesh is a society deeply rooted in the values of family strength, competence and merit. Above all, the people of Akesh believe that their greatest strength lies in their unity and loyalty to the Akesh family. This focus on these bonds underscores the structure of their entire society, creating a culture where every individual is expected to prioritise the Akesh family and its collective strength and wellbeing.

The culture of the Akesh is a study in contrasts, defined by internal pragmatism and external unity. Among themselves, the Akesh are fiercely ambitious. This drives intense political rivalries and internal disputes, as individuals and the Families strive for influence and power within their meritocratic society. However, when faced with external challenges, these internal divisions dissolve. To the outside world, the Akesh present an unyielding front, bound by an unwavering loyalty to The Family; The Akesh, a collective identity that transcends individual ambitions. This dogmatic unity in the face of outsiders is the cornerstone of Akeshian culture, ensuring their survival and strength in a world that demands both adaptability and cohesion.

The main Kesh Families comprise of Kimaris, Tyan, Cainan, Kade, Cyrenus, NaBaal and Vyne.

The Kesh Families (playable):
Kimaris: Ice/Responsibility

Tyan: Fire/Conflict

Cainan: Earth/Possession

Kade: Air/Understanding

Cyrenus: Water/Command

NaBaal: Spirit/Influence

Vyne: Nature/Freedom

Leadership

As the above mantra suggests, the above seven Families rule all of Akesh together. Within each Family's respective city resides an appointed First. Each First will have a Second and a Third who also reside in their respective city. While this system may appear complex, it ensures that each Family's leadership is present across the Akesh lands, facilitating unified and fair governance.

The Firsts converse to vote on matters of national significance, such as declarations of war, although day-to-day decisions are delegated elsewhere.

Note: It is worth noting that in cities like Tyanabad (for example), there may be a representative of the First of Cyren present. However, these appointed representatives for the First, Second or Third of Cyren will answer to their true First, Second or Third of Cyren back in their home city. This ensures that the hierarchical structure remains intact, with each city's governance ultimately accountable to its respective Family leaders.

The Ascendant, who is one of those Firsts, is voted in and serves as both a figurehead and a tiebreaker (when needed), possessing veto powers in cases of deadlock. However, misuse of this authoirity can lead to... replacement - ensuring accountability.

The Ascendant also represents the Akesh amongst the other nations of Kabourashi and has the authority to make day-to-day decisions in regards to the Akesh in Kabourashi matters; however, wider and more important decisions are brought back to be discussed and voted on by the Firsts and/or through Kastiq.

Custodians

Also residing within each Family's City are Custodians of the Families, who have dedicated their lives to tending the halls of each Family and guiding their residents.

Hollow Ones

Hollow Ones (playable) are individuals who possess Greater Corporeal magics and they tend to the Kesh families and are deeply respected.

Any Hollow One can sit in judgment of a Kastiq.

The Voice

The "Voice" refers to the Hollow One advisor, who represents the Hollow Ones to the Firsts. This role exists both in Kabourashi and on the Eastern Continent.

Beyond the Families

There are several other Akesh groups that reside in the Akesh lands, including the Shabaldeen, the Ghulka, the Ba'hivar, Path and Place and the Vashara/Maridun.

The Shabaldeen (Shab) (playable): The Shabaldeen, a distinct cultural group within the broader Akesh society, originate from a series of islands separated from the Akesh mainland by the Shadowsea. Despite their integration into Akesh civilization, the Shabaldeen maintain a unique identity, divided between those living on the mainland and those residing on their ancestral islands.

Note: The Shabaldeen have the physical attribute of pointed ears. Please note they ARE NOT ELVES and Shabaldeen are ANY shape and size, NOT just the sleek slender standard fantasy portrayal of elves.

The Ghulka (playable): The Ghulka nation consists of tribes of Ghulka , Ghulkorg and Ghulkoll who reside mostly in the Ghulka lands towards the North West of the Akesh lands. The Ghulka blend their traditional tribal roots with modern Akesh society, integrating into cities and settlements while retaining their unique cultural identity. Contrary to the brutish stereotypes sometimes associated with similar mortals, the Ghulka are known for their sharp intellect and primal strength, embodying a blend of wisdom and ferocity that makes them formidable allies and opponents. Ghulka are also well incorporated with the Akesh Families and may reside within any group/Family.

Note: For familiarity reference only, the different types of the Ghulka have similar physical of Orcs (Ghulka), Ogres (Ghulkorg) and Trolls (Ghulkoll). None of the Ghulka peoples have tusks or horns, and they ARE NOT ORCS, OGRES AND TROLLS.

The Ba'hivar (playable): The Ba’hivar are an ancient and enigmatic people with a rich history of nomadic exploration and mastery of elemental magic. Originally roaming the seas as adept sailors and spellcasters, their society was based on merit rather than lineage, allowing individuals to rise based on their deeds and strength of spirit. Ba'hivar are also well incorporated with the Akesh Families and may reside within any group/Family.

Note: For familiarity reference only, Ba’hivar have the physical attributes of beastkin with a desert and grassland plains theme. Please note the Ba’hivar ARE NOT BEASTKIN.

Path and Place (playable) reside in Kabourashi and in the Akesh lands. Path and Place members tend to the land and the oases, dedicating their lives in assisting Akesh residents, traders and the likes with manoeuvres across the harsh desertland. Path and Place are a neutral group who are well respected across all of Kabourashi.

Vashara and Maridun (playable): Vashara and Maridun are those who live out in the wastes (who are not Path and Place) or on the seas/coastlines. These nomadic people are not practically from any Akesh family. Vashara are caravans of people who often have a name for their caravan and are no less Akesh than those who live in Cities or settlements. Similarly, the Maridun reside on the ocean in their vessels and on nearby coasts.

Kastiq (sometimes with varied spelling...!)

The Akesh way dictates taking action swiftly and THEN being held accountable later for those actions.

That being said, in tradition, any member of the Akesh has the authority to initiate a Kastiq (trial) at any time and for varying reasons. To proceed, they must coordinate with a Hollow One, who will organise Kastiq proceedings at an appropriate time and in front of a suitable audience.

Reasons for initiating a Kastiq can include holding someone to account for their actions (as above), or for contesting for a position of authority.

For a Kastiq to be valid, three 'justfication' points must be declared to the satisfaction of the Hollow One who is sitting in judgment of the Kastiq. The Hollow One may permit input from others or facilitate cross/re-examination, but ultimately, the final decision rests with the Hollow One based on the justifications and evidence that is presented during the Kastiq.

The Akesh are renowned for their competence, allowing them to act decisively first and provide their justifications later. This approach reflects their ability to assess situations swiftly (and equally amongst everyone) and take appropriate action, confident in their capability to justify their decisions afterwards.

The judgment of the Hollow One is final and cannot be disputed; although someone with a death wish may attempt to challenge it.

Handling of the Dead

Bodies are not disposed of with large amounts of ceremony, but they are treated with care and tend to be disposed of depending on the deceased person’s affiliation. Although there is usually no formal ceremony around the handling of the dead, the more important the recently deceased the more likely it may mean a proper “funeral” is in order. The First of Cyrenus, for example, may well be wrapped in finest silks and given to the deepest sea on their most sea prized vessel, whereas a labourer may simply be lowered over the side of a small fishing boat.

What is common among all the Akesh is that belongings have value, and when someone dies they do not need their belongings anymore. This could have developed from a need to survive in the desert, but now it is expected that when an Akesh dies that their belongings will be stripped from them and passed out among the wider Akesh, so they can be of value and use to all.

There is a lot of background to the Akesh and this is only a taster, if you are looking to join and play a character in the Akesh and would like to know more than please contact one of the Group Command via Facebook or email.

Hospitality

All members of the Akesh are competent and are able to source sustenance for themselves. If an Akesh member wishes to obtain something that they need, they will take it.

Historically, offering another Akesh food or beverages is a great offense when it is not offered with respect, or as part of an Akesh tradition such as during a Festival (e.g. Vyne Harvest).

Veils

In the scorching desert lands, where relentless sun and blowing sands threaten to blister skin and sting the eyes, all members of the Akesh don veils during the day as a practical measure to shield themselves from the harsh elements.

This tradition is not rooted in belief, but is instead a pragmatic response to unforgiving climates. Veils are worn outside of the desert, serving not only as protection but also as a symbol of unity and identity amongst the Akesh people. To remove a veil quickly during daytime hours is considered a display of distaste in something. Similarly, during times of great conflict or war, veils are removed, allowing individuals to fully engage in combat.

Once night falls, or when inside the safety of the Mizan or another tent, veils may be set aside, offering respite.