Bak'keke

Bak'keke is the God-King of the Ape-men.   Deep in the Jungles of the Alteari Wilderness is the ancient kingdom of Bak'keke. The ape-men call themselves the Bak'u. They once were a powerful empire until their God-King Bak'keke was cursed and imprisoned in some outer realm by the human God Olthar, back when the Gods walked Ærnol.   Priests of Bak'keke would send out the warriors to raid the settlements of other sentient races to bring back as slaves and for to sacrifice to Bak'keke in hopes of releasing him from his prison.   The Bak'u view themselves as superior to other races. They do no diplomacy or trade.   The Bak'u speak in a mix of grunts, hoots, howls, and sign-language.   The Bak'u Empire   1. The Divine Hierarchy:   a. Bak'keke, the Imprisoned God-King: The central figure of the Bak'u Empire, Bak'keke is revered as the supreme deity, believed to hold immense power. The priests work tirelessly to decipher ancient texts and conduct rituals to find a way to release him from his prison in the outer realm.   b. The High Priesthood of Bak'keke: A group of powerful and influential priests who serve as the intermediaries between the people and the imprisoned deity. They oversee religious ceremonies, interpret divine messages, and plan sacrificial raids to appease Bak'keke and hasten his release.   2. Political Structure:   a. The Council of Elders: Comprising esteemed members of the Bak'u society, the Council of Elders advises the God-King's appointed regent and makes important decisions concerning the welfare and expansion of the empire. They often debate and deliberate on matters related to war, diplomacy, and resource management.   b. The Regent: Acting as the ruler in the God-King's absence, the Regent is responsible for maintaining the empire's stability and overseeing its day-to-day operations. The position is typically inherited through a line of succession determined by the Council of Elders.   3. Military and Slave Raids:   a. Warrior Guilds: Highly skilled and fiercely loyal warriors make up these guilds. They receive rigorous training and are sent on expeditions to capture slaves and resources from neighboring settlements. The most successful warriors are granted special privileges and prestigious positions within the Bak'u society.   b. Slavery and Sacrificial Order: Tasked with managing and controlling the captured slaves, this force ensures that the slaves are adequately prepared for sacrificial rituals to please Bak'keke. They also oversee the workforce responsible for maintaining and expanding the empire's infrastructure.   4. Social Structure:   a. Noble Families: Descendants of esteemed warriors and influential figures in the empire, noble families hold significant sway in the political and social arenas. They often vie for power and influence within the Council of Elders and other governing bodies.   b. Commoners and Labor Force: The backbone of the empire, the common folk and laborers are responsible for agricultural production, construction, and other essential tasks necessary for the empire's functioning. They are also the primary demographic for military recruitment.