Kaoling

Overview

  Kaoling is a harsh and merciless land governed by hobgoblins who live in a rigid two-tiered society. Hobgoblins hold every position of power, from administration to military leadership, while all other races are reduced to a slave caste, providing the labor that powers the country's economy and military-industrial complex. The nation is infamous for its disciplined armies, defended borders, and rigid enforcement of order, making it a constant threat to its neighbors, including the Kingdom of Lingshen and the Republic of Goka. Beneath this authoritarian structure lies an even darker force: the Oni. These malevolent beings rule Kaoling’s underbelly, controlling its black markets, forbidden magics, and political machinations. While the hobgoblins hold the reins of visible power, the Oni are the true architects of Kaoling’s destiny, using their influence to shape the nation’s goals and perpetuate its culture of domination. Together, the hobgoblins and Oni create a nation of brutality and shadowed ambition, where order and fear coexist in a precarious balance.  

Governance

  Kaoling's governance is based on a militaristic system dominated by hobgoblins, with all positions of authority determined by rank and merit within their disciplined society. At the helm is the Warlord of Kaoling, a powerful commander selected by a brutal combination of martial talent and political acumen. The Warlord’s primary focus is ensuring the stability and security of the nation, with an emphasis on fortifying Kaoling’s borders and maintaining internal order. The Oni, who operate in the shadows, provide an additional layer of defense to the nation. Their power over Kaoling's underbelly maintains control over internal opposition and the slave caste, while their knowledge of dark magic provides an exceptional shield against exterior threats. Forbidden rites, hidden informant networks, and otherworldly pacts provide a diabolical counterbalance to the hobgoblins' martial defenses, rendering Kaoling impenetrable through deception as well as raw strength.