City of Septis
Septis is a powerful city-state situated atop an active volcano, which constantly spews ash and smoke into the air. The terrain surrounding the city is rocky and unforgiving, with jagged mountains and treacherous canyons making travel difficult. Despite the harsh environment, the Barkih ruling class has turned Septis into a magical research and development hub.
The Barkihs are a secretive and feared group that has mastered a variant of Astromancy that uses blood and sacrifice to fuel their magic. They are the ruling class of Septis and have absolute power over the other castes. The Ghamids, an upper caste, do not practise Astromancy but hold considerable wealth and influence. The Almasaries are a caste of fierce warriors trained from a young age to serve the Barkihs. The Khadams are a caste of enslaved people serving the ruling class and the entire nation. Their conditions and treatment vary from district to district and even from master to master. One of their duties is to provide blood and sacrifice when needed. The Barkihs assert that the Khadams are all valued citizens who receive food, lodging and education, and that their place in society is vital.
Despite the oppression, Septis has a vibrant culture with unique traditions, art, and music. The Septs have a deep appreciation for art, music, and dance. Their music and dance are often inspired by the movements of the stars and planets, and their art often depicts astrological symbols and images.
Due to their harsh and oppressive conditions, the Khadams, in particular, developed an underground culture that allowed them to find solace and community despite their subjugation. They hold secret ceremonies and gatherings where they can sing, dance, and pass down their oral history to future generations, with each new generation adding its unique touch to the traditions. The Khadams are always careful to keep their culture hidden from the Barkih rulers, as any expression of individuality or cultural heritage is strictly forbidden.
Presentation
SACRIFICE
The Barkihs practise a variant of Astromancy that uses blood and sacrifice to fuel their magic. This involves making offerings of animals or even people to the stars and planets, in order to gain their favour and influence their power. In Septis, Sacrifice is seen as a necessary component of Astromancy, and the Barkihs perform elaborate rituals to ensure the success of their magic.
CASTE HIERARCHY
The social castes of Septis are also tied up with their beliefs and practices. The Barkihs are seen as the most powerful and important, with the other castes serving as their subordinates. This hierarchy is considered a natural and necessary component of Septis society.
RITUAL OF CLEANSING
In Septis, the cleansing ritual is an important practice that the people believe will purify individuals of negative energy or spirits and prepare them for important events or tasks. This ritual is especially important for the Barkihs, who believe that any contamination of their magic could have disastrous consequences.
The cleansing ritual may involve several practices, depending on the individual and the situation. Here are some examples:
WATER PURIFICATION: One common form of cleansing in Septis involves purifying oneself with water. During this ritual bath, the person scrubs themselves thoroughly with soap and water. The water is believed to wash away any negative energy or impurities clinging to the person's skin or aura.
FIRE PURIFICATION: Another form of cleansing involves using fire to burn away impurities. Commonly, the person being purified will stand over a fire or hold their hands over a flame to burn away any negative energy or spirits that may be attached to them. This practice is widespread among the Barkih, who use fire to purify their magical tools and equipment.
INCENSE PURIFICATION: Burning incense is another common practice in Septis for purifying individuals. The smoke from the incense is believed to drive away negative energy and spirits, leaving the person purified and ready for their task.
MAGICAL PURIFICATION: The Barkih may also perform more elaborate magical rituals to purify themselves of negative energy or contamination. This includes drawing protective symbols or sigils, reciting special incantations or prayers, or calling upon the stars for assistance.
THE KHADAMS
As the most oppressed and exploited caste in Septis, the Khadams developed their unique rites and beliefs as a means of resistance and self-preservation. Here are some examples of the rites and beliefs held by the Khadams:
ANCESTRAL VENERATION: The Khadams believe in honouring their ancestors and their spirits. They perform rituals and make offerings to their ancestors to seek their guidance and protection.
SECRET LANGUAGE AND CODES: In order to communicate with each other without being detected by the ruling class, the Khadams have developed multiple secret languages and codes. These languages are passed down from generation to generation and may be used to share information about escape routes or other important information.
MUSIC AND STORYTELLING: Music and storytelling are essential forms of expression for the Khadams. They use these art forms to share their history and culture, and to pass down knowledge and wisdom to future generations.
Rites and Beliefs
THE HARRIS
The Harris caste dresses in opulent, regal clothing made from fine fabrics and adorned with intricate jewellery. They often wear cloaks or capes to show their status and rank, and their clothing is often embroidered with symbols of their district or family. The Harris always wear complex metal masks.
THE BARKIHS
The Barkih caste dresses in flowing, loose-fitting clothing made from light, airy fabrics. They often wear long robes or tunics, which allow for ease of movement during their magical practices. It is a tradition of the utmost importance that a Barkih's face is not to be seen by a lower caste, so they always wear a mask. The Barkihs also often wear jewellery adorned with symbols of their magical abilities or their family, and they carry a staff.
THE GHAMIDS
The Ghamid caste dresses in fine clothing made from expensive fabrics. They often wear ornate jewellery and carry themselves with an air of refinement and sophistication. The Ghamids do not wear armour or carry weapons, as they do not engage in magical or physical combat.
THE ALMASARIES
The Almasarie caste dresses in protective, utilitarian clothing made from sturdy materials. They often wear bronze armour and carry bronze weapons as a symbol of their status and rank. The Almasaries often wear capes or cloaks with their district's symbols or colours.
THE KHADAMS
The Khadam caste wore used and damaged simple clothes. Khadams working outside often wore black and grays to hide the soot and ashes covering their clothes, while the ones working inside were often forced to wear pale fabrics to easily see if they were covered in dust from the outside. The ones who recently found freedom take great pride in their footwear, a sign that they can now go wherever they want.
Aesthetics
Photo: André Langevin
Photo: André Langevin
Photo: Yves Bériault
Photo: Yves Bériault
Photo: André Langevin
Photo: André Langevin
Photo: Yves Bériault
Photo: Yves Bériault
The political structure of Septis is unique and unlike any other nation. The city-state is ruled by a council of 6 Barkihs, known as the Harris, one for each city district. The council holds absolute power over the city and its people. The council is not elected or chosen but taken by force or cunning. Murder, conspiracy, and duels are common in the struggle for power and control. Council members remain in position until they abdicate or die.
Each of the 6 Harris rules over their respective city district, and their power is absolute within those borders. They have their personal armies of Almasarie and Khadam workers, as well as schools of magic and traditions. However, the council congregates in the Central Ziggurat in the middle of the 6 districts and where the most significant and most potent rituals are performed. This is where the Harris come together to discuss and debate the affairs of the city, negotiate with foreign powers, and make critical decisions that affect the fate of Septis.
The political structure of Septis is chaotic and unpredictable, with power constantly shifting between the 6 Harris. It is a society that values strength, cunning, and magical power above all else, and where alliances and loyalties can change in an instant. People from the other castes have little say in the matters of their city, if at all, and are often caught in the crossfire of the battles for power between the Barkihs.
Organization
The caste system in Septis is a rigid and hierarchical social structure that determines the role and status of every individual in the city. The caste system is based on a combination of birthright and magical ability, with those with greater magical power being placed in higher castes.
There are five castes in Septis, each with its duties, privileges, and restrictions:
THE HARRIS
This is the highest caste, reserved for those who hold absolute power over the city and its people. Only Barkihs can aspire to become Harris. Each of the 6 Harris governs a district of the city and is responsible for maintaining order, enforcing laws, and ensuring the prosperity of their district. Harris stay in power until they abdicate or until they die.
THE BARKIHS
This caste is composed of the world's most powerful and respected Astromancers. They are both respected and feared for their immense powers. They sell magical services to other nations, such as curses, divination, and protection.
THE GHAMIDS
They are an upper caste in Septis that does not practise Astromancy. They usually come from the families of Barkihs, skilled artisans, or powerful merchants who have gained wealth and influence through their trade or craft. The Ghamids are often respected for their wealth, education, and influence. Still, they are also viewed with some suspicion by those in the Barkih castes, who consider them to be outsiders to the magical traditions of the city.
THE ALMASARIES
This caste is made up of highly trained warriors who serve the Barkihs and protect the city. They are skilled in both physical combat, and the intense magical conditioning they receive makes them cold-blooded and unquestioning killers. The most skilled among them receive the honour of guarding the Harris.
THE KHADAMS
This is the largest and poorest caste in Septis. It is made up of the city's enslaved workforce. The Khadams work in the mines, factories, as servants and in the fields, and are responsible for the production and distribution of goods throughout the city. They have no rights or freedoms and are treated poorly by those in higher castes. They must also provide blood and sacrifice when the Harris demand it.
Castes
During the Great War between the Dai Shikai Teikoku and the Kouznets Union, the Dai Shikai Teikoku called upon an old debt from their greatest ally, the City of Septis, to join the war effort. Septis contributed heavily to the war effort by providing soldiers and magical support.
Septis sent their elite Almasarie warriors, trained for close combat and known for their brutality and loyalty to the rulers. The Almasaries were particularly effective in the early stages of the war, and their presence on the battlefield often struck fear into the hearts of their enemies.
In addition to their warriors, Septis provided magical support using their mastery of Astromancy. This allowed them to create magical barriers and weapons and manipulate the battlefield to their advantage. They even used their orrery to predict troop movements and weather patterns.
However, the war was cut short when the dead rose and began to kill everyone on all sides. The undead hordes were overwhelming, and despite their military and magical prowess, Septis could not overcome the sheer numbers and ferocity of the undead.
The Barkihs' attempts to control the stars and celestial bodies were ineffective against the undead. The Septis' forces were soon overrun, and the Barkihs, along with the other kingdoms involved in the war, fell to the undead horde. With their magical and enslaved workforce decimated by the undead, Septis could not recover, and the survivors were few and far between.
Alliance with the Dai Shikai Teikoku against the Kouznets Union
Black Sea Company: These children have no control over the treasures they keep for themselves. Their services remain necessary, and they are at least entertaining.
Cities of Sinai: We could be great together, but they keep their heads in the sand. They judge us with hypocrisy, without conviction and vision.
Dai Shikai Teikoku: Noble, powerful, realistic, and serious; words fail to express our respect and friendship for the servants of the Dragon Emperor. Like the latter, our alliance is immortal.
Forest Folks: They are pitiful. They would be more useful to society in our laboratories. They don't even deserve to be considered a nation.
Inheritors Empire: We can always count on them, as customers, and as allies. They tend to overdo it with their faith, but we will always find common ground with them.
Kingdom of Albion: Their false nobility is laughable. They don't know the true meaning of sacrifice and are stuck in the past.
Kingdom of Thessaly: They are pathetic and meddle in what does not concern them. They bring nothing constructive to the world and lecture without credibility. It is a mystery that they are not yet extinct.
Union Kouznets: They are miserable and only tarnish the world. They killed the few respectable people they ever had. These rats need to be tamed before they do any more damage.
Relations with other nations
The 6 districts of Septis are named after the planets that dominate the sky, representing the importance of the celestial bodies in the Sept society:
ÆS’MAR DISTRICT
The Æs’mar is a district that is characterized by stark contrasts. While it houses the largest population of Khadams, who live in cramped conditions, it also serves as the city's primary birthing center. Khadam children born in the city are raised in Æs’mar until they reach the age of 14, when they are then sent to other districts based on the city's needs.
Despite the harsh living conditions, Æs’mar is also known for its vibrant celebration culture, where the Khadams gather to dance, sing, and tell stories. These celebrations serve as a way for the community to come together and find joy amidst their struggles. The people of Æs’mar are recognized for their resilience and a strong sense of community.
KADAR DISTRICT
The Kadar district is a place of mystery and magic. In its center is the necropolis for deceased Barkihs. Few people live in this district, and most of them are Barkihs.
The people of Kadar are highly skilled in divination. One of their most prized instrument is the Sept Orrery, a wonder of astronomical engineering used in conjunction with all the divination specialists in the city to predict, and some even say affect, the future. The people of Kadar are known for their deep understanding of magic and the universe.
MAZÆN DISTRICT
The Mazæn district is a place of beauty and artistry. The district is home to many skilled artisans, who specialize in making jewellery and crafting the fine masks worn by the Barkihs.
The district is also home to many musicians and performers who practise their art in the taverns and performance spaces. The most talented Khadams are chosen to refine their art in the Mazæn district, which offers the most comfortable conditions to members of the lowly caste.
The Mazæn district is home to the largest population of the Ghamid caste, who are particularly fond of the arts.
SCARA DISTRICT
The Scara district is a place of infernal heat and activity. The district is situated where the city's volcano is most active, and the heat from the magma powers the forges that produce the bronze weapons and armour used by the Almasaries. The district is known for its harsh, brutal culture, where strength and power are highly valued. The district is also home to Reformation centers, where young Khadams are conditioned to become Almasaries. The worthiest and strongest Khadams are chosen to enroll in the Reformation centres in the hopes of becoming Almasaries. It is considered a great honour for their families.
UTHRA DISTRICT
The Uthra district is a place of productivity and nature. The volcanic ash that covers the land makes the soil incredibly fertile, making it the primary source of agricultural production for the city-state. The Khadam caste is responsible for the labour of agriculture, working tirelessly to ensure that the fields are tended to and the harvest is plentiful. Despite their servitude, the Khadams are otherwise as free as can be as long as their work is done.
In addition to grain and root vegetables for the entire nation, they grow fresh fruits and vegetables reserved for the upper castes' pleasure.
The nation's herbalists and alchemists use the plants grown here to create potions and remedies to sell. These medicines are highly sought after, and the Uthra district is known throughout the city-state for its skilled herbalists and alchemists.
ZĀNNI DISTRICT
The Zānni district is a place of knowledge and experimentation. The Barkihs living there work to unlock the secrets of the universe in the many scientific and magical research institutions. The Khadams that have infringed the rules, tried to escape or attacked a member of the upper castes are sent there, never to be seen again.
The people of Zānni are highly respected for their knowledge and innovation, and they are often consulted on matters of great importance.
Districts
As refugees, each caste of Septis have different experiences, based on their former status and position within the society.
BARKIHS
As the ruling class, the Barkihs struggle with losing their power and authority, making it difficult for them to adjust to life as refugees. They also face suspicion and hostility from locals, many of whom blame them for the oppressive rule of Septis. This leaves the Barkihs feeling isolated and vulnerable, with no clear path forward for reestablishing their former position.
To avoid this, many Barkihs try to hide their true identity since their abilities are feared and reviled by many. By concealing their powers, the Barkihs hope to avoid drawing unwanted attention and being targeted for their past actions.
Nevertheless, some Barkihs have managed to restore their old power by becoming court mages for nobles and influential individuals. These cunning individuals have found a way to use their abilities to benefit their new patrons, allowing them to regain some measure of control and influence.
GHAMIDS
As an upper caste that did not practise Astromancy, the Ghamids had an easier time than the Barkihs adjusting to life as refugees. While they have lost some of their wealth and status, they were able to leverage their connections and resources around the world to establish themselves in their new home. However, they still face challenges as they are viewed with suspicion and resentment by locals who see them as part of the oppressive ruling class of Septis.
Despite this, the Ghamids received some support from other nobles who feared that something similar could eventually happen to them. As a result, they have assisted the Ghamids in their efforts to start anew.
ALMASARIES
The Almasaries, as a caste of enthralled warriors, struggle with feelings of disillusionment and betrayal as they adjust to life as refugees. Their loyalty to the Barkihs was ultimately broken by their inability to protect them, which left many without purpose. The conditioning and obedience they were trained with also make it difficult for them to function independently, leaving them feeling adrift in a world they do not understand.
However, those Almasaries who find a place in a military organization fare better. They can use their training and skills to contribute to a larger cause, giving them a sense of purpose and direction. It is not uncommon for Almasaries to seek out military organizations that are sympathetic to their plight, as they feel most at home in a structured environment.
KHADAMS
As the caste of enslaved people, the Khadams face the most difficult challenges as refugees. They had little to no resources or connections to draw upon and struggled to find work or establish themselves in their new home. However, despite these challenges, the Khadams are incredibly resilient, which proved helpful when fleeing the war and starting over in new societies. They could adapt quickly to their new surroundings, and their hardworking and determined nature helped them overcome many obstacles.
The Khadams also feel a sense of liberation and hope in their newfound freedom. They can finally build new communities and connections outside of the oppressive system of Septis. Despite the many difficulties they face, the Khadams are determined to create a better future for themselves and their families, and their resilience will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their success.