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 its 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

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 the past ruling dynasty, the house of Ka’rimah. Rebellious sentiments and plots started to ferment some years after the occupation by 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 closest 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 mighty union of fortresses, trenches, and anti-air defenses, was built 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.

Economy

The New Kingdom of Adhomai uses 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. The 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 the 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 a result of 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 types of products 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 businesses 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 are 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.

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, descendants of the deposed rulers, and supporters of the currently 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 as a reward 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 to as Princes. Petty Lord is the term used for unlanded nobles that are not part of any lineage.

Commoner 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 fewer expectations, as they are not bound to repay the Crown for their position through work. 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 seen as rugged frontiersmen and rustic farmers, known for their traditional values and love for the simple way of life. While the agrarian nobility prefers 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 the utmost 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 because of the slow industrialization of the economy. Nobles living in cities may enjoy greater opportunities and luxuries that those rare urban centers 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.".

Because of its focus on lineages, the traditional Tajaran family has an important role in the New Kingdom of Adhomai. Personal prestige and satisfaction are second to the needs of one’s dynasty. Extended families are the norm, most Tajara continue to live with their parents after marriage. Acquiring a partner of respectable pedigree is a common expectation set upon the nobles. Commoners suffer from less pressure, but many seek to marry into nobility to raise their social status.

In line with the conservative Tajaran culture, deviant behavior is shunned by the people and New Kingdom’s authorities. Laws exist to persecute anyone that engages in such activities, but they are frequently interned in mental asylums instead of serving time in jail. Dating outside of one’s ethnicity is still taboo. Individuals of mixed heritage are seen in a negative light; they are commonly labeled as bastards.

Cuisine

Before the first great war, most of the land was owned by the privileged aristocracy of the Kingdom of Kaltir, which 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 traditional agriculture plays an important role. The technology employed in the farms of the New Kingdom is considered rudimentary and outdated. Mechanized farm equipment is a rare sight and shortages of food are still a present menace to the population.

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 have ceased, due to the drink relation with the enemy regime.

Notable Dishes

Fermented Hma'trra Meat: large pieces of Glacier Worm meat that have been fermented for months. It has a strong taste and smell because of its large concentration of ammonia, usually causing anyone not accustomed to it to vomit. This dish originated as a way to preserve meat during the harsh winters of Northern Harr'masir. It is served alongside alcoholic beverages.

Spicy Ras'val Clams: made from the prized Ras’val Clams served alongside spicy herbs and Adhomian vegetables, this recipe has gained galaxy-wide fame after the First Revolution. It became exceedingly expensive outside of Adhomai during the Second Revolution because of the blockade imposed by the Orbital Fleet; as off-world clam farms were unable to cope with the demand.

Creamice: 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 Creamice. The popular tales claim it was invented after a famine desolated the land, resulting in the population resorting to eating snow, however, such tale has been classified by most historians as nothing but fiction. Creamice is commonly consumed by the nobility since they are the ones that can afford the luxury of refrigeration.

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 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 indecent or offensive to the Crown are quickly forbidden by the law.

New Kingdom of Adhomai 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.

Literature

The interest in literature was reignited with the creation of the New Kingdom; as books were once a symbol of status among the old nobility. Pre-contact texts are prized and actively copied in an attempt to safeguard whatever survived the book burnings of the First revolution. Reading for entertainment is associated with the nobility and the urban Tajara, while the rural population has more contact with plays through the theater. The revival of Ya’ssa has also helped strengthen the nobility interested in literature.

While many writers attempt to copy the style of the pre-contact text, the content is largely related to the reality of the Modern Tajara. The romanticization of the Traditional Tajaran life, the retelling of old tales in a modern setting, and tragic stories are the most common themes found in the NKA literature.

Notable Books

• The New Kingdom: a political text written by King Vahzirthaamro Azunja during his time in hiding. The book calls for the toppling of the Hadiist regime and the restoration of a constitutional monarchy. The New Kingdom proposes the creation of a new political system to preserve the traditional Tajaran society while avoiding the pitfalls of the previous regime. Copies were illegally published and smuggled all across Northern Harr'masir before the uprising.

• When the Clock Strikes: the retelling of a pre-contact family tragedy centered around the town of Bal’tor. While the original setting was situated during the gunpowder age, this version places the characters in the era shortly before the return of King Azunja. The story follows the daily struggle and drama of two feuding families. The text is famous for its bleak outcome and criticism of revenge.

• Zhan Mine: a novel romanticizing the society pre-contact and criticizing the First Rebellion. The book tells the story of a group of Zhan-Khazan miners who rebel against their Njarir overseers, hoping to create an underground community where all Tajara are equal. A power struggle soon ensues between the rebels, resulting in infighting and purges. Ultimately, the rebellion is betrayed when a group of Zhan Tajara opens the shaft’s entrance to a squad of M’sai enforcers.

Television

Due to technological constraints and its association with the People’s Republic, television is barely present within the New Kingdom. It is only found in noble homes and among some urban families. The influence of the traditional Tajaran theater is still present in the shows; broadcasts are usually theatrical recordings or based on plays. Alien shows have only started to make their way into the New Kingdom.

Notable Shows

• Kaltir Royal Theater Broadcast: a show dedicated to broadcasting plays performed at the Kaltir Royal Theater. The program is popular with the growing urban middle class; as they lack the time and the money to attend fancy plays in person. Oleg Al'Mor’s works are one of the main attractions of the show.

• Drunken Earthen-root: a low-budget sketch comedy show, created by a group of Kaltir Law Academy dropouts. Known for its black comedy and satire, the show explores the anachronistic nature of the New Kingdom through absurd situations and observational sketches without punchlines. The series gathered a cult following outside of Adhomai thanks to its rather unique humor.

• The Cold Court: a telenovela set during the gunpowder age. The story is focused on the plots and interpersonal dramas of the imperial court of Ras'nrr. Having no set protagonist, the series follows the stories of several courtiers and their attempts to gain the favor of the King of Kings. The show is infamous for killing off its character abruptly despite their popularity with the audience.

Radio

Because of its simple technology, the radio can be found in most homes in the New Kingdom. Despite this, entertainment takes a backseat before the necessity of broadcasting news and the Crown announcements. Pubs and other gathering centers will have at least one radio that is left on during the entire day. Amateur radios are widespread in rural areas.

Notable Radio Stations

• The Crown Herald: the main government news station. Originally a pirate radio created to broadcast the return of King Azunja, the channel was brought by the Crown to be its main means of communication with the population. Parliament decisions and the King’s speeches are broadcasted daily to the subjects of the Kingdom through the Crown Herald.

• Northern Harr'masir Radio: the largest entertainment radio station in the New Kingdom. Situated in Kaltir, it broadcasts traditional Tajaran music and radionovelas on a daily basis. Actors that are not talented or connected enough to join the Royal Theater will commonly find work in this station.

Religion

The New Kingdom of Adhomai possesses 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 identify 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 nobility, 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. The conflict between the settlers and the Rhazar'Hrujmagh is common, as they often see each other as unlawful 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 travelers 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.

• Olska: 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 Oslka; 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 Olska.

• 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 that remain 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.

Technology

Much like the Democratic People’s Republic, the New Kingdom inherited a portion of Republican technology when they broke from the once-unified Hadiist government. However, the social strata of the Kingdom is exceedingly different, and their isolated territory in the North did not see that much development prior to the War. The New Kingdom has been forced to grapple with this reality, and, as a result, most advanced technology has been appropriated by the landed nobility unlike the peasants, who are left to return to the old ways.

Civilian

By design, the noble families of the New Kingdom enjoy access to a wide variety of modern inventions. Once again, the nobility has begun to hoard technology for itself, and while different levels of political power and nobility permit access to varying ranges of items, almost all are more easily capable of acquiring imports thanks to their elevated status. Nobles enjoy devices like televisions, radios, gaming systems, automobiles, computers, advanced kitchen appliances - anything they can afford to buy and import and upgrade in their own household. Eventually, though, the prices of these new imports and inventions do fall, giving the peasantry wider access to newer technology - though not before the nobles have had their fill of it.

Peasant homes are usually constructed with wood and stone and may have few utilities. Owing to their far northern homeland, boilers and wood-burning stoves are typical to provide warmth and hot water. The average peasant does not have an icebox, however, and most families store their food and meat in the ground under the snow as Tajara did for thousands of years. Simple, reliable furniture and breathable, sturdy clothing for the workday is favored. Some well-off rural peasants or farmers may be able to have electricity installed so they may power things like radios or simple appliances like irons, but most households rely on oil lamps and the local river for needs like light or clothes washing.

Cities in the interior of the Kingdom enjoy easier access to these amenities. Rural villages and settlements tend to be the most backward, but life in the numerous Imperial population centers does tend to offer a higher quality of life. While by no means approaching the level of wealth and decadence landed nobility might enjoy, city-dwellers do gain access to utilities like plumbing, heating, and electricity. Widespread illiteracy means that most homes in the city have radios so they can receive news and updates from the Imperial government. The New Kingdom has many of these bustling metropolises, and though they are nowhere near as industrialized as the Republic, a melding of technology with older Tajaran styles and traditions has offered city-living peasants a brighter lease on life.

The New Kingdom’s industry is heavily focused on the mining and agricultural sectors, and as such these tend to receive the most investment and attention from Imperial elements. Miners and farmers still use old methods of transportation, like lever-powered mine-carts or N’hanzfu-driven tills for their needs, and mining especially does not come without inherent dangers. A good portion of the populace is devoted to maintaining these two economic powerhouses, favoring the agricultural sector. To escape from the monotony of this work, and in lieu of entertainment like televisions or radios, the performing arts have made a huge comeback in the North. Plays, musicals, poetry nights - anything to help distract the peasantry from the grind of their daily lives. Theaters are especially common in most villages.

Medical

Advanced medical treatment in the New Kingdom is typically reserved for the upper class. The landed nobility get to enjoy the most of new advancements in gene therapy, surgery, or cosmetic operations - far beyond what the average peasant can get, thanks to their political status and the privilege that comes with it. Equally, with the New Kingdom currying favor with NanoTrasen, they have access to medical care even on par with what the average Republican citizen may receive in cities like Nal’tor. The same, however, cannot be said of the lower classes. Peasants are often hospitalized for longer periods of time and tend to have higher mortality rates both from increased stressors and dangers from work and insufficient medical care.

Traditional remedies such as the usage of Messa’s Tears or S’rendarr’s Hands are popular for cuts and burns. Many peasants still practice old methods of curing ailments, like salt-water gargling for strep throat and even in some rural areas bloodletting to ‘cleanse the body of its unnatural vapors’. Poor understanding of medicine amongst the rural population complicates wounds sometimes, but some medical architecture leftover from the Republicans still remains, giving the typical peasant the ability to visit a doctor - if they can afford it. Most cannot, however, and village religious leaders or family elders tend to care the most for their injured. Education and understanding of anatomy is not as advanced, and experience varies wildly from village to village.

Infant mortality rates in the New Kingdom tend to be high. While the children of nobility tend to have easier access to life-saving care in the event of abnormal births or defects, peasant families are not nearly so fortunate. The typical New Kingdom family will have many children, but there is a high chance a few may die in the first few months or years of their lives. This has diminished somewhat with the introduction of vaccinations to larger cities in the New Kingdom, but unlike other powers, medical facilities lack the ability to mass-produce these inoculations and the government relies on NanoTrasen to step in, leading to a rise in the cost of drug prices.

Military

Unlike the People’s Republic or the Democratic Republic, the infantry of the New Kingdom is not as mechanized. While they do have tank corps and technicians, they still maintain the usage of outdated tactics and units like cavalry or grenadiers. Whereas the other powers focused their power on offensive research, the New Kingdom prepped for and successfully waged a defensive war against the invading Republican army. Most branches of their military are aimed towards defending the northern territory - with their most offensive units being their naval forces. Indeed, out of the three powers, the New Kingdom has invested the most into its navy.

Some of the Republic’s most brilliant admirals and veteran ship crews seceded with the New Kingdom, a defeat which the Republican navy has not recovered from. While this benefit does not give them much beyond bombardment for land operations, the massive fleet of formidable ships, aircraft carriers, and anti-submarine detectors has kept both other powers on the ropes when it comes to engagements on the seas. Their enemies are wary of engaging the Imperial Navy unless absolutely required - and as such, this reputation equally carries over with privateers or pirates, who scarcely engage with the Imperial Navy as well.

The New Kingdom is widely known for having very reliable equipment; military research is less involved in experimental or expensive designs, and instead industrial capacity is devoted towards tried-and-true and traditional weapons, like bolt-action rifles or bayonets. Lacking the intense industrialization of the other nations, artisans of the New Kingdom focus on producing arms and armor that is less prone to failure and requires less maintenance. It takes longer, but the end result typically is the production of high-quality armaments, giving the average Imperial soldier a leg up on the battlefield.

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 divided into a chamber of Nobles and a chamber of Commoners. The Chamber of Nobles is constituted by hereditary positions held by the Nobility. The representatives in the Chamber of Commoners are elected through elections. The Crown Heir is selected through the appointment of the King, with the approval of the parliamentarians.

Because of the intrinsic relationship between the nobility and the public offices in the Kingdom, rivalities between the existing dynasties are common. Many of the positions are used to gain more prestige to one's family or sabotage a rival's attempt to secure a post of importance.

The Parliament is divided into three parties;

• The Royal Party: this party encompasses most of the agrarian landowners and high nobility, known to be loyalists to the ruling dynasty. Their main interest lies in protecting the rights of the nobility 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. They do not oppose the presence of megacorporations and diplomacy with other galactic states.

• 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 increasing 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. They are staunchly against the presence of megacorporations and have an isolationist instance in regards to galactic diplomacy.

• The Commoners Party: despite its name, this party is made up of 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 support this party, as this organization is one of the few ways that their voice can reach the Parliament. While not opposed to the presence of megacorporations, the Commoners Party is against them being allowed into the Kingdom without strict laws to control their expansion. They have an open but cautious approach in regards to diplomacy with other states.

Royal Ministry of Intelligence

Formed during the early stages of the second revolution, the Royal Ministry of Intelligence, also known as the 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 Forces

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

The Imperial Adhomian is the ground army of the NKA, made up mainly of 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 the field.

Firearms are more common in rural regions than in the few urban centers, owning to 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 because of a 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 that 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 sorts of implements, such as explosives and even grappling hooks. Large guns are usually mounted on warships, serving as a complement to their traditional cannons. Smaller versions are usually carried by sailors and fishermen.