Kingdoms: Domain of The Sun Pharoah

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Dreamform: Domain of The Sun Pharoah

This is a desert civilisation in the ancient world centred around a single life-giving river. The White Court are mortal men, but they wear the mantles of the gods and are worshipped by the people. The Domain of the Sun Pharoah represents a mythical version of Pharaonic Egyptin its infancy - the great pyramids have yet to be built, and the civilisation is still only a hundred or so years old, yet to establish its lasting identity. The seeds of greatness are there though - this is an ordered and pacifistic society that prides itself on tradition and obedience to the gods. It is a nation of thinkers, architects and sages. By its nature it may not be predisposed towards the warfare that the Game of Succession will require, but should the Sun Pharoah be victorious, the next millennium promises to be a time of peace, of just rulership and of great wisdom.

The Dominant Actors of the Court

KING: Nopheros, the Young Pharoah

Nopheros recalls his parents as Isis and Osiris, and knows that one day he will be Heru, the God of Sun and Sky. He must also become Nekheny, the Falcon Warrior, and Kemwer, the Beloved Husband. He must become Nemty, he who Travels, and he knows that it is his destiny to become Harsiesis, the Victor. He will be both Mekhenty-er-irty (the Eyeless) and Khenty-irty (the Seer), and thus will rule over both Dark and Light.

For now though, he is just Nopheros - the young pharoah. Dark skinned, strong of limb and regal in features, he is undeniably a grown man, but his full destiny has yet to unfold. The story of Heru demands to be told, but for this to happen he must first win the Game of Succession. Thus Nopheros combines pride in his destiny with humility in his current weakness. He rules as a God-king must, but he understands that his future depends upon the actions of his servants, and so he is beholden to them. Thus he is devoted to his wife, fair to his subjects and one who listens to his generals and ministers.

KNIGHT: Sekhmet, the Lioness

Sekhmet is in her late forties now, but has been serving her country since her birth. For the first half of her life, she was just an ordinary slave soldier, but on her twenty-second birthday the priesthood recognised that she had greatness in her, and brought her to the attention of the Kingdom. Since then she has served as the high priestess of war and as the commander of the nation's armies. She is famed for her honour and sense of duty (which some say she pursues to an excessive degree) and once famously destroyed a city for daring to stage a theatre performance critical of the Pharoah. She inspires similar fanaticism in the soldiers she commands - thanks to her influence the Kingdom's armies have a reputation for absolute incorruptibility and absolute devotion to their King.

BISHOP: Ma'at, Lady of High Justice

Ma'at was a mere junior minister in her department just three years ago, but wrote a series of scrolls on justice and law. This was recognised by the Pharoah as a work of great insight, and she was instantly put in charge of formulating the kingdom's code of laws. Her iron control and deep understanding of the intricacies of the Kingdom's legal systems make her one of the most powerful women in the kingdom. Oddly (for an authority figure that represents law and order) she is well loved and respected by the common folk, who recognise that she is even-handed and fair in all she does, even if she is merciless towards criminals and lawbreakers.

ROOK: Neith, the Protective Mother

Though a war-goddess and a patron of medicine, Neith is also the guardian of all womenfolk, and this is where her true strength lies. Because the women of the kingdom look to her,

The Eight Armies

• Marynannu War Charioteers - Well suited to wide open terrain, these noblemen archers guide their one-man chariots, steering through reins attached to their waists, keeping both hands free to make their attacks.
• Nubian Spearmen - Lightly armed but versatile and stoic warriors.
• Falcon Swordsmen - Extravagant in appearance and armed with expensive bronze swords.
• Sekhmet's Lion Spears - Ultra-disciplined spearmen with a strong sense of honour.
• Mothu's Raging Bulls - Fanatical shock troops armed with heavy clubs.
• Trireme Hornbows - Equally skilled as boatmen and archers.
• The Temple Guard - Technically part of the priesthood, solidly built fanatics dedicated to the defence of holy places.
• The Slaves - Lack of quality is compensated for with quantity.