New Kingdom of Adhomai

Flag of the New Kingdom of Adhomai.

New Kingdom of Adhomai

The last major faction is the rebellious New Kingdom of Adhomai, which seceded and declared itself a nation in 2450. The New Kingdom is ruled by a Njarir’Akhran noble line that survived the previous Revolution by remaining in hiding, owing to the efforts of their supporters. Ruled by King Nazira Ka'rimah (Vahzirthaamro Azunja) specifically, he denounces both other factions in the civil war as illegitimate and himself as the only legitimate ruler of Adhomai. Supporters of the New Kingdom tend to be rare outside lands it controls. However, they believe strongly that the current republic on Adhomai was founded on genocide and unspeakable slaughters. The New Kingdom puts forth the ideology that Republicanism is bloodshed. The only way to return Adhomai to peace and prosperity is to learn from the mistakes of the ancient nobles and Republicans, and create a new noble dynasty. They believe this dynasty should rule as a constitutional monarchy in order to prevent abuses of power. The lofty titles of the nobles disguise the fact that most of the nobility of this new kingdom remain in squalor only marginally better than the peasants. Life is difficult, but improving since the end of the war. The Ka'rimah dynasty finds itself struggling to function with their limited constitutional powers and factional in-fighting between the military and the civilian government.

General

Capital: Kaltir

Demonym: Adhomian, Royalist

Official Language(s): Siik’maas and Ya’ssa

Population: 1.4 billions

Economy

The New Kingdom of Adhomai uses the Credit as their main currency, with the Adhomian knuckles and other local currencies being accepted and widely used by the population.

Most of the NKA economy is based on agriculture and mining, enjoying the presence of large and rich mineral deposits of Northern Harr'masir. Industry is only present in the major urban centers, and it is heavily focused in the production of weapons and heavy machinery. Despite this, the New Kingdom suffers from an overwhelming public and private debt caused by Tajaran civil war.

The agricultural land is divided between large farms held by the nobility, and countless small and medium properties controlled by commoners. The technology employed in the farms of the New Kingdom is rudimentary and outdated when put in comparison to the one used in the People's Republic, such is result from the years of neglect by the Hadii's administration and the isolation promoted by the ongoing conflict. The earthen-root is one of the most common type of produce found in the farms of northern Harr'masir.

All members of the nobility that owns landed titles, with the exception of those that already work on their own private enterprises, have the obligation to serve in the public bureaucracy, civil service or military. Landless nobles are part of a class that can be drafted as part of the service gentry in times of need, otherwise it is common for them to take positions in education, administration, as officers in the army or in the medical field. Commoners are able to conduct enterprises of their own and practice most of the professions in the Kingdom, such as being doctors, soldiers, professors and artists. However the majority of the business are under the control of the nobility, forcing many commoners to work under a noble family in their companies. All nobles answer directly to the King and Crown, paying taxes to the government. There is no vassalage ties between nobles, with different titles serving to display how much land and prestige someone has. It is not uncommon for unlanded and petty nobility to seek employment and fortune outside of Adhomai.

The presence of megacorporations is limited, however the government of the New Kingdom has been receptive of any contact and deal they might be able to sign with NanoTrasen or other galactic elements. Unlanded nobles and entrepreneuring commoners are known to leave Adhomai to work for megacorporations, seeking fortune outside of the Kingdom.

Additional information: Adhomai Economy

Culture

The New Kingdom of Adhomai culture is characterized as traditional; instead of trying to change the Tajaran caste system, those divisions are seen as a natural part of the way of life. While the government makes no effort in enforcing this separation, there is a great societal expectation that each tajara will attempt to stay in their customary roles related to their ethnicity.

The society is divided between nobles and commoners. The nobility of the New Kingdom of Adhomai was created from the remnants of old Adhomian houses, descendents of the deposed rulers and supporters of the current ruling dynasty. Nobles are considered to be the leaders and leading intellectuals of the Kingdom. Most nobility titles are hereditary, with some orders being granted due to one's effort or service to a certain family. King is the highest landed title, followed by Grand Duke, Duke, Marquis, Count and Baron. Unlanded members of noble families are usually referred as Princes. Petty Lord is the term used for unlanded nobles that are not part of any lineage.

Commoners is the term used for any individual that is not part of a noble family, holds no titles or is a foreigner. While occupying a social position with less political rights, they have less burden and expectations, as they are not bound to repay the Crown for their position. Despite the existence of this separation, social mobility is possible, as the most successful Tajaran commoners are able to buy titles of nobility.

Citizens of the New Kingdom’s territories usually bear strong patriotic sentiments, seeing the Crown as the protector of their culture and land, while the civilization of the PRA was seen as a threat to their heritage. The People's Republic was unable to stamp down those sentiments during their occupation, due to the stubbornness of the local population and the distance between northern Harr'masir and Nal’tor. Republican imagery and establishments were soon destroyed or confiscated during the uprising.

The inhabitants of the rural areas are seems as rugged frontiersman and rustic farmers, known for their traditional values and love for the simple way of life. While the agrarian nobility prefer to serve in military positions, having the fame for supplying brave army officers and captains for the Royal Navy. Both of them commonly subscribe to the concept of sacred hospitality, where a guest should be treated with ultmost respect.

Urban dwellers are more inclined to pursue the fields related to education, medicine, administration and arts. A growing working class, composed mostly of migrating peasants, is emerging due to the slow industrialization of the economy. Nobles living in cities may enjoy greater opportunities and luxuries that those rare center urbans may offer, while preferring to work in the bureaucracy and politics of the Kingdom.

Patriotic citizens will commonly greet each other by saying: "Suns bless the north.".

Cuisine

Before the first great war, most of the land was owned by the privileged aristocracy of the Kingdom of Kaltir, that utilized the peasantry to work in the fields. After the great war and with the capitulation of the Kingdom of Kaltir, most of the ownership of the land was taken away from the hands of the nobles and distributed among peasants and bureaucrats loyal to the new government. Under the New Kingdom of Adhomai most of the land was given to supporters of the Ka'rimah dynasty.

A large part of the population is still employed in the agrarian field, and the traditional agriculture plays an important role. The technology employed in the farms of the New Kingdom are considered rudimentary and outdated when put in comparison to the ones used in the People's Republic, such is result from the years of neglect by the Hadii's administration and the isolation promoted by the ongoing conflict. Mechanized farm equipment is a rare sight and shortages of food are still a present menace to the population.

Traditional Dishes

The Earth-Root soup is a common sight on the tables, of all social sectors, in the Northern Harr'masir. Prepared traditionally with water, Earth-Root and other plants, such as the Nif-Berries. Other main dishes include stews, commonly prepared using Snow Strider’s meat, hunted by the local M’sai population. Common alcoholic beverages might include fermented Sugar Trees and Earth-Root’s extracts, mixed with honey from Messa’s Tears or from the native apiculture. Victory Gin can also be found in the borders of the New Kingdom of Adhomai, but its production and importation has ceased, due to the drink relation with the enemy regime.

The traditional dessert of Northern Harr'masir is considered by many as being the mixture of ice, Fatshouters’s milk, sugar and Nif-Berries’ oil, named as Creamice. The popular tales claim it was invented after a famine desolated the land, resulting in the population resorting to eating snow, however such story has been classified by most historian as nothing but fiction. Creamice is commonly consumed by the nobility, since they are the ones that can afford the luxury of refrigeration.

Fishing has a minor role in the society of the New Kingdom, even if the country has a strong naval tradition. This is because of the frozen condition of the oceans, that does not facilitates the operation of fishery entreprises. Most of the Kingdom’s shipwrights efforts are also focused on the military field, leaving the civil sector underrepresented.

Gifting Tradition

The conditions at Northern Harr'masir are deemed harsh even for the standards of Adhomai, a planet known for its extreme climate. Due to such, a culture of cooperation and generosity emerged as a response before the hardships supported both by the nobility and the commoners. It is a common tradition when visiting someone’s else household, to gift the host a dish, with the more common choices being Earthen-Root’s soups, stews or desserts. This custom is observed both by nobles and the common population, being recognized as a sign of friendship, generosity and, as some might argue, wealth. It is an act of disrespect to visit someone and do not bring them a gift, and it is considered an insult to reject the offering.

Military Nutrition

The early Alam'ardii forces relied on the landed nobility to provide them food, with the resources being taken from the private properties of their contractors. Their rations were composed mainly of salt-cured Snow Strider's meat, Blizzard Ears's flour and Fatshouters’s milk. The defection of many officers from the Republican navy to the imperial side introduced the concept of canned goods, a luxury at the time, being used as rations. Large shipments of supplements, included food, were smuggled by the officers and their crew during the formation of the Royal Navy.

With the conscription enacted by the parliament and the king, it was necessary to find a better method to store and feed the armed forces. The Mrraka'te'almalik, inspired by the navy, contracted a canning factory, one of the few to provide such service in the city of Kaltir, to supply canned goods for the Imperial Army. While certain issues were solved with the utilization of canning, the Navy was prioritized above the Imperial Army. Food shortages are still common among the land forces, and many officers have to rely on buying supplies from other sources or even enforcing rationing among their ranks.

Fashion

Commoners and nobles usually wear similar clothing in their daily lives; traditional Tajaran garments or working attires. Military uniforms are a popular choice among the rural nobility, with the urban elite dressing in a most modest manner. Peasants prefer wool and fur clothes, made to withstand the bitter cold of the north. The metropolitan population favors comfortable overalls and worn suits.

Jewelry, tail adornments and veils are in rich abundance, often showing off small and intricate details of individual personalities. More intricated and fancy outfits are reserved for special events, such as parties or parades. Dresses long hidden that have gone from a generation to generation, peacoats and cloaks adorning every modern gentleman, suits tailored to fit. Even if the Kingdom lacks in treasury they always find that extra credit to spend on a new dashing coat.

Music

The Music in the New Kingdom of Adhomai typically deals with the restoration of the old ways, the idyllic lifestyle of the rural areas and tales of folk heroes. Folks instruments are widespread, alien equipment can be only found in large urban centers. Artists are free to perform and publish their work without asking for governmental authorization, but without government help or the patronage of a noble, it is uncommon for any producer to gain notoriety. Censorship is usually uncommon, but pieces that are considered indecents or offensive to the Crown are quickly forbidden by the law.

New Kingdom of Adomai war songs claimed for the restoration of the monarchy and the destruction of the Republican enemy during the first years of the Second Civil War. As the Kingdom was pushed into a defensive position, the themes changed to honor the sacrifice of the unyielding defenders and the call to restore the Kingdom of Kaltir’s old borders.

Religion

The New Kingdom of Adhomai possess no official religion, but the Crown claims the role of protector of the Ma'ta'ke creed and the Worship of S'rand'marr. Most of the population identifies themselves as followers of the Ma’ta’ke pantheon, with S'rand'marr Worship being more common in the urban centers and with some noble houses.

Foreign missionaries are permitted in the Kingdom territory, but their activity can be hindered by locals, that are considerably more religious than the average Republican citizen.

Language

Siik’maas and Ya’ssa are recognized as the official language of the New Kingdom of Adhomai, used in all official documents and taught in the schools. Other Tajaran languages are also commonly used, with Delvahhi being spoken by Rock Nomads and Nal’rasan by M’sai Amohdan exiles.

The language of the noblity, Ya’ssa, is heavily promoted by the house of Azunja, undergoing a period of revival and renaissance as the official tongue of the NKA.

Regions

Nomadic Host of the Southern Borders

A semi-autonomous province on the south-east borders of the New Kingdom, it was created after the end of the Tajaran Civil War.The region was gifted to the nomads as a reward for their support during the conflict. It is home to most of Harr'masir Rhazar'Hrujmagh, under the leadership of Rustam Harmaliik. Rock nomads are allowed to practice their own customs and are granted a certain degree of autonomy within this place. In exchange for these benefits, they are tasked with defending the frontier and serving as cavalry in the Kingdom’s military. The low population density of the region allows wagons to roam freely; they are commonly followed by a herd of animals Despite the existence of the Host, most Zhan nomads still don’t recognize its borders. Caravans are known to leave the province and wander the rest of the Kingdom or beyond into the Democratic People’s Republic territories; this is a common source of friction between both countries.

The province is governed by Rustom Harmaliik and his council of elders. Unlike the Kingdom’s citizens, the nomads only answer to their own leaders, instead of being subject to the Crown authority. Rhazar'Hrujmagh living in the Host are seen as traitors by the rest of the Adhomian rock nomad community, as they decided to follow a leader that was elected without consulting the caravans of Ras’nrr. Non-nomadic inhabitants of the province are farmers and ranchers that lived in the region before the creation of the Host; they have a mixed relationship with the nomads. Conflict between the settlers and the Rhazar'Hrujmagh are common, as they often see each other as unrightful occupants of the land.

Amohda Exiles

A large community of Amohdan immigrants can be found in Bar’jar, transferred from the Island to the New Kingdom after the ceasefire treaty with the Adhomai Liberation Army. Composed mainly of monarchists that followed the Royal Army after their retreat from Amohda, they have settled on the coast of the Northern Harr'masir. They have brought their culture and martial art traditions with them, opening lodges and serving the New Kingdom’s military in their own auxiliary divisions. Most of the Amohdan community has not given up on the hopes of returning to their homeland; as the dream of restoring the monarchy in the isle is still alive among them. The relations between the exiles and the Kingdom’s citizens are generally positive. Many nobles seek to acquire Amohdan blades; a sought after curiosity and sign of wealth. Despite the existence of this alliance, lodge membership and the learning of their swordsmanship remains something exclusive to the members of the Amohdan community.

Major Cities

• Kaltir: the capital of the New Kingdom of Adhomai. The largest and most industrialized urban center in the Kingdom, with its industry focusing on heavy machinery and weaponry. Kaltir is known for its cultural attractions: museums, opera houses, art galleries and traditional pubs are found within the city. The presence of megacorporations and alien elements is on the rise since the armistice; as Kaltir has the only functioning shuttle port in the entire country. The Kaltir Imperial Palace, the home of the Azunja dynasty, can be found here. The Kaltir Law Academy is one of its most renowned learning centers.

• Bar'jar: a coastal town, home to the majority of Amohda exiles residing in the New Kingdom. Most of its inhabitants are employed in the fishing or clam farming business. The city is famous for its seafood cuisine, Ras'val Clams are considered a staple in the region. The Amohdan population has started to open their lodges and mix their traditions with the local ones, creating their own blend of culture. Bar’jar also had contact with Zhan nomads during the war; as it was the location where they were temporarily settled before the creation of the nomadic host.

• Miran’mir: the main harbor of the New Kingdom, where the bulk of the royal navy is situated. Home to the largest shipyard in Adhomai, where several ships dock daily for repair or supplies. Most of the locals are employed in the shipwright industry or in the service sector. The city is visited daily by travellers and sailors from all over the Kingdom. Miran'mir is the home of the Miran’mir Academy of Scientific Pursuits and its museum.

• Dymtris: the site of the now defunct Dymtris Line, which protected the New Kingdom for nearly a decade before being destroyed by the major People's Republic offensive in 2458. The city has an important cultural significance; it is the bastion that protected Kaltir from the Republican Army for years. Dymtris was changed deeply by the constant battles close to it, many memorials and monuments dedicated to the ones that fell in its defenses can be found in the streets and parks. Marryam is the patron god of Dymtris.

• Baltor: a fortress founded during the Gunpowder Age; it was the landing site of the royal armies during the Suns’ wars. Baltor plays a strategic role in controlling the Ras'val sea during the war. A town emerged around the fort over time, attracted by the safety provided by the military presence. The city is known for its skilled watchmaker artisans, a trade that has been passed down through generations. The Mez'gin clock tower, located at the town square, is one of its points of interest.

• Oska: a mining town close to the Zarragh Lake. The city was one of the last Republican bastions in Harr’masir during the final chapters of the Second Civil War. However, it avoided any substantial damage due to the surrender of the garrison during its siege. The Kraszar Library is the main attraction in Oska; an extensive deposit of knowledge preserved by its priesthood. The city attracts many scholars and Kraszarrumalkarii, with some of them taking up residence on it. Its parks have reserved spots for story-telling. Kraszar is the patron god of Oska.

• Tunguska: once a secretive People’s Republic military base in the northern wastelands of Harr’masir. The compound was attacked by the Royal Navy in 2459. For unknown reasons, the New Kingdom abandoned Tunguska shortly after its capture. Its underground installations were sealed and all the military hardware was left behind; it is a collection of buildings, tanks and autogyros remains left to rust on the cold winds. The compound has turned into an eccentric tourist attraction, with Tajara and alien visitors paying local guides to take them to the area. Many return with stories of unexplained events happening at Tunguska, ranging from disembodied voices to the entire place changing shape and size overnight.

Government

The New Kingdom of Adhomai is a constitutional monarchy, with the King acting as the head of the judicial and executive system. The Parliament is constituted of nobles, that were granted their seats by the monarchy, holding their positions as a hereditary title. The Crown Heir is selected through the appointment of the King, with the approval of the parliamentarians.

The Parliament is divided in three parties;

• The Royal Party: this party encompasses most of the agrarian land owners and high nobility, known to be loyalists to the ruling dynasty. Their main interest lies in protecting the rights of the royalty and strengthening the civil government. Peasants and monarchists usually support this party, as they see it as the one that is fully aligned with the interests of the house of Azunja and the Kingdom.

• The Officers Party: this party is composed mostly of army officers, navy captains and fervorous patriots. They seek to strengthen the importance of the military in the politics and daily life of the Kingdom, usually clashing with the other two parties. Their main platforms include increase the spending and modernization of the armed forces. Soldiers and sailors usually support this party, as it is one of the few ways they can improve their condition and participate in politics through their superiors.

• The Commoners Party: despite its name, this party is made up by lower ranking and landless nobles. They aim to increase the rights of the commoners and move the government to a more democratic orientation, reducing the King’s powers and the reliance on the army. Members of this organization are known to hold meetings with the population to gather and understand their concerns, making use of those problems to create their own political agenda. Factory workers, learned professionals and urban inhabitants usually supports this party, as this organization is one of the few ways that their voice can reach the Parliament.

Royal Ministry of Intelligence

Formed during the early stages of the second revolution, the Royal Ministry of Intelligence, also known as Office of Ungentlemanly Affairs, can trace its origins to royalist circles that organized their meetings in cellars of Kaltir’s pubs. First serving as the force used to free King Azunja from his prison, the RMI has evolved into an agency tasked with dealing with all kinds of foreign intelligence and threats. Internal matters are handled by the ministry of interior and its subordinated departments.

Agents of the Royal Ministry of Intelligence are adept in espionage, reconnaissance, interrogation and surveillance. Information gathering and counterintelligence are the main tasks of the RMI, as they prefer to work closely with the military in their operations. Several diplomats and consular officials are members of the agency, as their positions allow them more contact with the affairs of other nations. They have added Biesel to their theaters of operations after the armistice.

Military

The New Kingdom of Adhomai is composed of the Imperial Adhomian Army and the Royal Navy.

The Imperial Adhomian is the ground army of the NKA, made up mainly by infantry divisions, supported by artillery, cavalry and the few armored vehicles that the Kingdom is able to bring in service. Despite being poorly equipped by Tajaran standards, they are able to deploy efficient defensive tactics. Each commoner family in the New Kingdom of Adhomai has the duty of offering a single member of their household to serve in the military, while the nobility usually serves in positions of command.

The Royal Navy is the powerhouse of the Kingdom military, nearly securing them supremacy on the seas. Created through the defection of most officers, alongside their ships and supplies, during the uprising. The New Kingdom’s naval force was able to secure the shores of Northern Harr'masir, but was proven to be less useful in the overall land conflict.

Weapons

Due to its isolation and economic situation, the New Kingdom of Adhomai relies on more traditional weaponry. Soldiers are usually armed with simple bolt action rifles and bayonets, while sailors and expeditionary marines are given the few available semi-automatic weapons. Officers have more freedom in their gear, as they are allowed to use any personnel weapon on field.

Firearms are more common in rural regions than in the few urban centers, because of the culture of the agrarian nobility and peasantry. Commoners are able to obtain and carry small semi-automatic weapons, such as hunting shotguns and pistols. Nobles have more freedom in acquiring weapons, being granted the right to acquire automatic weapons.

Notable Weapons

• Hand Cannon: created due the shortage of weapons that happened in the New Kingdom of Adhomai during the second civil war. Old naval culverins found in museums and forgotten warehouses were adapted into portable weapons, combining modern and ancient Tajaran technology. Usually found in the hands of sailors and marines of the Royal Navy, this fearsome firearm is able to proper small cannonballs with destructive force.

• Royal Firearms Service Revolver: a simple and reliable double action revolver, favored by the nobility, officers and law enforcement. The design is known for having an outdated reloading mechanism, with the need to manually eject each of the used cartridges, and reload one cartridge at a time through a loading gate. However, their cheap manufacturing cost has allowed countless copies to flood the Kingdom’s markets.

• Lawbringer Mk.I: an advanced and rare energy weapon, obtained through a mysterious otherworldly benefactor. Equipped with varying rates of fire, a nonlethal setting, and various types of ammunition which include explosive, incendiary, and armor piercing rounds. The handgun boasts a DNA lock which prevents anyone other than its owner from using it. The presence of the Lawbringer causes awe in the forces of New Kingdom and their enemies, as the few Imperial Dragoons allowed to wield it are well trained in its use.

• Frozen Sea Harpoon Gun: adapted from fishing tools, harpoons were found to be useful weapons in the hands of the Royal Navy and Army. Their ammunition can be equipped with all shorts of implements, such as explosives and even grappling hooks. Large guns are usually mounted on warships, serving as a complement to their traditional cannons. While smaller version are carried by sailors and fishermen.

History

The history of the New Kingdom of Adhomai has its roots in the Kingdom of Kaltir, the entity that was conquered by the People's Republic at the end of the first Tajaran civil war. Regardless of the fall of the old order, the population of Northern Harr'masir was still loyal to past ruling dynasty, the house of Ka’rimah. Rebellious sentiments and plots started to ferment some years after the occupation of the Republican forces, with intellectuals seeking to break the Hadii domination while the common folk wanted the return of their benevolent rulers.

In 2449, Vahzirthaamro Azunja, the heir of the previous king, was rescued during the plot that would set in motion the uprising that would create the New Kingdom of Adhomai. With the war being declared officially in 2450, the closer supporters of the returning house were granted their places as the new nobility. Instead of seeking to merely restore the old regime, the Crown tried to learn from the mistakes of the deposed nobility, to avoid being a victim of the same situation.

The rebellion occupied most of Northern Harr'masir, securing the past territories of the old Kingdom of Kaltir. However, when the PRA’s army was able to organize themselves and mount a counter attack, the NKA were pushed in a defensive position, only being able to hold back due to their land defenses and navy. The Dymtris Line, a migthy union of fortress, trenches and anti-air defenses, was build to hold the enemy from reconquering the rest of the country.

The tides of war turned in favor of the Kingdom in 2458, with the defeat of a Republican offensive that destroyed the Dymtris line. The royal army was able to mount a limited offensive, establishing the Vlrralkhzazhul Line. In the same year, a terrorist attack hit the Parliament, nearly throwing the nation into a civil war, as the King was forced to become the head of all branches of the government, while countless candidates disputed with each other the succession of the vacant offices.

Another royalist offensive happened in 2461, reinforced by forces coming from Amohda and loyal Rock nomads, the New Kingdom was able to recover its original territory, forcing the People’s Republic out of Northern Harr'masir. The Kingdom signed the Armistice of Shastar in the same year, guaranteeing their peace and recognition before the galactic community.