Jherakeen

City State of Jherakeen

Location

Located near the base of the Deshret Mountains along the West bank of the Lioness River.

Social Structure / Caste

The city-state of Jherakeen has four castes. At the bottom of the system and most numerous are the common serfs. Mainly farmers and herdsmen, they are usually tied to the land of a citizen. Each family of the serf class is charged with maintaining one large farm for the state. They are treated fairly well by the other caste, as long as they work sufficiently. Luckily for the serf class, the Jheramen typically try to prove their superiority to others by displaying proper ‘civilized’ manners. Life as a serf involves a lot of farming, taking care of animals or fish mongering as well as serving as work the force for civil projects. However they also have little to fear as long as they provide food to themselves and to the state, they are treated well, protected by the Soldier caste, and have some leisure time. Serf farms are typically run by the head of the serf family and overseen by the Administratoi. Sanitation in the city is also provided by groups of serfs, also overseen by the Administratoi.

The second caste is the tradesman and merchant caste, considered second class or semi-citizens. The land allotment for the merchant and tradesmen caste is given directly from the soldier caste. The most prestigious of the tradesmen class are the engineers. It is fairly common for the daughters of famous civil engineering families to marry into full citizen families. The third caste is the full citizen or soldier caste. They are the true land owners in Jherakeen. One family in the soldier class typically has control over one family of the tradesmen/merchant caste. The soldier caste families have many responsibilities, with some of this class acting as city guard/police and the rest as a standing army. All male members of the military caste are trained from age 7 to their 18th birthday to be professional soldiers. They then serve in the standing army at least until age 38, after which time they may retire if they wish. Their main purpose is the defence of Jherakeen and its interest abroad. Honour and courtesy to all are drilled into this class as they grow up. Both physical and mental fitness is also stressed for both sexes. The full citizen caste females main job is to produce more citizens, marriage is typical at age 18 although not always. However females are encouraged to be strong fighters and sometimes all female army units are formed from the best female fighters, but rarely do they leave the Jherakeen city area. Travellers to Jherakeen often are surprised to find the soldiers in the city acting as highly civilized as they do. Priests, Priestesses and Doctors are also citizens being equals of the soldier caste. At the age of 18 all members of this caste are considered as equals. It is also possible to fail at these professions or volunteer and be demoted to the merchant and tradesmen class, although this is fairly rare. After 20 years of service in the army, soldiers usually retire and take up a job in the administratoi.

Travellers from out of the region are often surprised at the natural beauty of the Jheramen soldier caste women, as they are usually very physically active, in shape and attractive even without makeup and other such devices. They are also strong and experienced enough to often defeat males from other cultures, this has proven a nasty shock to more than one foreigner. The women also life a fairly free life compared to some other cultures.

The noble class are few in Jherakeen. The King, or locally known as the Khan, is the head of the nobility, his wife is second only to him. There are only 7 other members of the nobility in Jherakeen. These 7 other members are known as the Justicars. Duty to the city-state is generally believed to be the most important duty of every member of society.

Approximate population by caste

Serf- 3000

Trade/Merchant – 1100

Citizen- 1500

Political System

The Khan rules the city of Jherakeen. He has the power to create laws, as well as ensure they are carried out. He also has the power to pardon criminals, however not himself. He is also the head of the army. And therefore in charge of the soldier class, and through them the rest of the populace. The Khan also has the ability to grant land to families and to thereby raise families to the soldier caste. He also has the ability to raise serf families to the tradesmen caste. The council of Justicars is the balance to the Khan. They can advise the Khan, as well as propose laws. They can also overturn the Khan’s laws by 6 out of 7 votes of the council, though this has never been done. Justicars can issue pardons for petty crimes. Justicars are appointed by popular vote and are selected from among the soldier caste. Each of the five leaders of the temples in Jherakeen appoint one Justicar, the appointment of all Justicars are for life. One Justicar is voted on, and chosen by popular vote of all family leaders of the trade and merchant caste, and one is also elected by popular vote by the family leaders of the serf class. The Justicars oversee the Administratoi in the city and act as generals in the army. When the Khan dies, a new king is selected from among the current Justicars by a vote amongst themselves. It is customary for the council to debate amongst themselves before voting. Many of the civil service jobs of Jherakeen are performed by soldiers who have performed 20 years in the army. The government body that all the civil servants belong to is known as the Administratoi. Priest/Priestesshood: Every temple in Jherakeen has 9 priests and/or priestesses, and one high priest or priestess.

Taxation system The serfs are taxed only in food and physical labour, and the tithe is set by the Administratoi, based on the size of the serf family and the growing season as well as the needs of the city. The merchant and tradesmen caste are taxed with 50% of their profits (meaning 50% of the money they make after subtracting operating cost) collected by the Administratoi and given to the State, which is distributed amongst the nobility and full citizen families fairly equally, with the king getting a much larger percentage used for things like civil projects and community programs. Citizens are not taxed.

Health care Doctors and health care are state run and subsidized. While citizens get the best treatment, doctors are available to the serf and trade caste as well. Well behaved foreigners are also accepted into the halls of healing most of the time.

Religion

The chief deity of Jherakeen is the goddess Alliana. According to legend Alliana is the mother of the Jheramen people as well as the most beautiful goddess in the Jherakeen pantheon, with skin of bronze, hair of gold and eyes of glowing sapphire. She is commonly depicted as a warrior wearing lamellar armour and carrying a sword. Besides giving birth to the Jheramen she is also the goddess of truth, and the moon as well as the creator of the Al Nuhr River. It is said none can lie to her, and her words speak only truth. She is also said to be fearless and deadly in combat, and her sword spits lightning. Her holy symbol is that of a down turned sword with a full moon behind it. The Jheramen use the lunar calendar, and the days are kept track of by the temple of Alliana. Each full moon, every 30 days, marks the end of each month. Seasons are recorded also, with each season officially lasting about 91 days. 4 Seasons make one year, the year starts in spring. The first new moon after spring has come is considered the first month of that year. It is possible then to have one month count as being in two separate years.

Jherall is the god of the desert, also called the Wanderer of the Desert, or the Swordmaster. He is the god of knowledge and survival, the fighting scholar who seeks understanding. He is seen as a friend of those in seek of knowledge and the traveller. He is commonly depicted as a slender man with pale skin, pointed ears, eyes of emerald, dressed in desert attire and carrying a large Jhera style sword, of which he is credited with designing the first of, with help from Arrinala. In myths he is always portrayed as calm, and does not show anger physically. Instead of showing anger he channels it into the mortal world in the form of sandstorms. He is said to be the ally of the wise, and foe of the rash. Jherall’s holy day falls on winter solstice, and commemorates the journey of the Jheramen across the desert to Jherakeen. It is celebrated by mass at the temple of Jherall and after that, the day is traditionally spent in public places, pubs or parks listening to bards recount tales of the past.

Gharagu is the god of death and destruction. He is depicted as a giant man about 12 feet tall and very muscular, always wields a large axe and carries a highly reflective golden shield made to look like the sun. Gharagu represents the destructive power of the desert sun, and the uncouth of barbarians. He was a foe to the early Jheramen as well as all he remains the killer of unwary travellers in the desert.

Arrinala is the goddess of builders. She noted for her patience and attention to detail. Worshiped mainly by smiths and engineers, Arrinala is depicted carrying the hammer and level. Arrinala’s greatest creation was said to be the building of the world.

Daldirk is the jolly god of drink, and fishing. He is always depicted smiling, carrying a fishing pole, an alcoholic beverage and has a full black beard and a fishing hat. He is a favourite of the serf class. Every year, during the vernal equinox, the festival of Daldirk is held. It always includes a fishing tournament, a fish fry, and drunken revelry.

There is one holy book which collects multiple stories of each of the gods. The book is called Saga of the Sea of Sand.

Military

The army’s main manoeuvre unit is called the Platoon. One platoon consists of 50 soldiers in 5 ranks, or squads. Each squad in turn has 10 men. Each squad has one leader called the protarch. The protarch is signified by a single chevron on his helmet. Each platoon is led an officer called the Dahboltarch. The Dahboltarch is signified by maroon crest on his helmet that runs from left to right. Jherakeen Guard- The soldier caste forms the standing army of Jherakeen. They are both highly disciplined and effective at what they do. Starting at the age of 18 the soldiers begin life in the standing army as a heavy archer, equipped with bronze scale lamellar armour on a linen or leather foundation. They carry a composite bow and a wood and bronze plated buckler as well as the Jhera style bronze sword for melee, which is good for slashing and thrusting. After 10 years of service, a soldier is moved to the chariot corp. The chariots are constructed light and manoeuvrable and crewed by two, a driver and an archer. The archer also is armed with a long spear for melee when arrows are expended. Seriously wounded soldiers who survive are often transferred to the Administratoi.

Sororitoi Guard- One Platoon of female soldiers is always maintained in the standing army called the Sororitoi Guard. They are armoured in the standard Jhera style lamellar, bronze helmet, buckler, and carry a bronze voulge. They typically serve as the palace guards of the king. All Auxilios units are expected to meet three days per month, every month for platoon level exercises and training.

Sororitoi Auxilios- Additionally most females of the soldier class are trained in the art of war, not as much or as long as their male counter parts, however they still are semi-professional soldiers organized into their own Platoons. The Sororitoi Auxilios serve as reserve troops that are called up mainly in defence of the city of Jherakeen, although occasionally a platoon is sent in the field for war. The Sororitoi Auxilios are armed in the same way was the standard male Jherakeen Guard units and are usually more than a match for most foreign troops. Each suit of scale lamellar armour is made to the highest standards in Jherakeen. Even the belt buckles of the soldier caste are finely detailed and have written, “Alliana’s with us,” over the emblem of Jherakeen. The typical bronze helmet of Jherakeen troops is well constructed Civilitoi Auxilios and Conscriptoi Auxilios – When additional troops are needed the militia Auxilios is called up which consist of volunteers from the merchant class, led by an officer of the soldier caste. Some tradesmen and merchants can afford better or maintain decent armour and weapons. They typically fight in linen and bronze brigandine armour when they don’t have lamellar and carry wooden shields and spears. Mainly used for defence of the city, occasionally one Civilitoi Auxilios platoon is organized for war by young and ambitious merchants seeking to prove their worth in battle and be raised to the status of full citizen. Two platoons of Civilitoi Auxilios specialize in combat engineering. Those two Platoons see the most deployment of any Auxilios unit, and one platoon commonly accompanies the Jherakeen field army when on. Conscriptoi Auxilios are the serf militia who are in theory called up as a last resort in defence of Jherakeen or used in small numbers to support military campaigns abroad. Serving in the Conscriptoi Auxilios on campaign usually means relegation to serve as a sort of squire and attendant to the soldier caste between battles, or to augment the work force of the Engineering platoon. However the lure of the chance to get some loot and riches, and maybe even earn a chance to join the merchant class an engineer, or romantic (however wrong) notions of battle sometimes draws young serfs to volunteer for field duty in the Auxilios. When campaigning, tents consisting of felt are often employed for protection from the elements.

Trade

The city market is a large circle, open at sunrise and does most of its business before lunch time. Trade caravans in and out of the city usually arrive by camel caravan. However horse drawn carts are also used in the city a great deal. Some trade also comes from the south by boat on the Lioness River.

Jherakeen has a monopoly on jade and the spice cinnamon.

The local currency is called the Dinar.

Clothing

Because of the hot climate, light colour (White, off-white, and tan), and loose fitting linen clothing is normally worn. The serfs generally wear cloth pants that are tied at the waist and ankle, and plain looking shirts that are put on over the head.

The merchant caste wear similar clothing, however, their shirts are usually better constructed and more ornate. And their pants are commonly brown in colour.

The citizens are the only persons authorized to wear maroon coloured clothing. Males commonly wear maroon coloured short sleeve shirts that open in the front and fasten down the left breast with black ties. Black pants are also part of the standard citizen dress. The pants tend to be baggy down to about the knee, where they taper down to a cuff that can be tied. Tan coloured clothes in the same fashion are also worn in the summer. For the females typical dress consist of the same style shirt, most often in maroon with black ties and a black skirt that goes down to the knees. Again tan is sometimes worn during the summer.

Females of all caste, sometimes wear a long textile gown, known as a deel. However these tend to be much more ornate than your average dress, and used for festivals and other such occasions.

The poncho is a popular garment. All people of every caste wear ponchos as needed. Even the serf class can have a decent poncho. Thin, tan or white ponchos are worn in hot weather. For other more inclement and cool weather, including on campaign, thicker felt ponchos are very popular. When outside wide brimmed straw hats, usually shallow and conical are also popular due to how sunny and hot the Jhera region tends to be on average.

Hair Styles

The hair of the Jheramen tends to be black and straight. Men tend to wear their hair short to shoulder length. Shoulder length is more popular in the surf class. Soldiers usually opt for shorter hair. Beards are worn by about one quarter of the male population, Moustaches are common. Women almost always have long hair. The women of the soldier caste tend to pin their hair up in many different styles however.

Education

The state runs the school system of Jherakeen, which is over seen by the Administratoi. The teachers are usually females of the merchant or soldier caste, or males of the Administratoi. The citizens are given the finest schooling available, as they are taught the ways of warfare. They are also taught to read and write early on. Math is covered, as well as the psychology of warfare, history and social science. School for the soldier caste is a military style of schooling. The soldiers are conditioned to resist fear and embrace order, and well as to respect all and conduct themselves appropriately.

Merchant class are taught to read and write as well. Math is also stressed for the trade class. The serf class are not mandated to read and write, however it is highly encouraged. The serf class typically spend the least amount of time in school, and rarely learn math.

Social science is taught to every student, as is their place in the grand scheme of the city. Serf children are taught to believe that because of the soldier caste they can live in relative safety and that in exchange for the soldier caste fighting their battles for them, they get to life in relative peace (Which is true). They are also taught patriotism for their city-state, and that every task that helps the state is rewarding to society as a whole.

Legal system

All citizens and semi-citizens are given the right to a trial by jury. The juries consist of one priest from each of the temples, with a Justicar or a subjusticar appointed by him to act as a judge. Each Justicar can appoint one subjusticar from the Administratoi, for any length of time. The subjusticar then acts as a judge during trials.

Serf caste also have the right to trial for all crimes except capitol offenses, however, they are tried by a panel of five Citizens, with one priest to act as a judge. In the case of a capital offense a serf may be summarily executed by a soldier caste, or brought in for trial. Either is acceptable.

In both cases, simple majority vote of the jury can find a person guilty or not guilty. During trials witnesses can be called for defence and prosecution. The judge calls for a vote at the end of the trial and then sentences.

Sports and leisure

Chariot races are a public sport that serves as training for the Jherakeen Guard, and a good way for soldiers to make a name for themselves. Soccer is a popular sport for all caste and it is acceptable for them to mingle while playing soccer. Athletic clothes are worn so as ones caste cannot be distinguished while playing.

The soldier caste, male and female, also practice archery, running and wrestling as a sport apart from during training time.

Folk dancing is popular in all caste as is singing and the playing of musical instruments (the latter being more rare).