The Khanate

The Kyo'Vyar, upper caste of the Khanate from which most governors come, consists of several great clans who vie for power within the Khan's court. A formidable alliance between the Leopard and Taimen clans, brokered two centuries ago, holds the current balance of power firmly in place. Unwilling to resort to open violence, dispute and power struggles between minor factions tend to play out across the three islands in the dead of night. Although many such disputes fizzle in and out of existence constantly, it is well known that the Eagle clan is a rival of the Leopard clan and currently opposes many policies of the Khan.   The Leopard clan is presently the royal clan of the Khanate, and by extension family to the Khan. This clan controls all of the Khanate's sanctioned trade, and many governors appointed to oversee its economy hail from this great family.   The Taimen clan, though no less noble or wealthy than the Leopards, controls the guard force known as the White-and-Golds. The Red-and-Gold officers of this guard, though not often found walking on the streets or among the canals, are primarily descended from this lineage.   Other prominent clans include the Eagle, Tortoise, and Wolf clans.

Descendants of the Fourth City, the Khaganians set sail from the Western Lands centuries ago to carve an empire out of the sea. Rumors speak of a civil war just prior to their departure, suggesting the Khanate represents only the survivors of that struggle. Through the collaboration of the castes within the society, a new city-state was born from the ruins. Possessing a strong military and large navy, the Khanate is perhaps the greatest threat to Fallen London and the Admiralty's imperialistic goals in the Undersea.

One's position in this caste system is decided by birth, excluding a few notable exceptions, and defines the lives of every Khaganian citizen. Those in the lower castes might never leave their island, while those in the upper caste might never touch a tool. Despite the segregated nature of this culture, unity in purpose is a defining characteristic of the Khanate and is a key factor in maintaining their empire.

Society is demarcated by the three islands on which the Khanate stands: the Khan's Heart, the Khan's Shadow, and the Khan's Glory. The Khan's Heart and the Khan's Glory abut one another, two cities of canals and painted buildings bisected by the Khan's Gate.   The Khan's Heart is home to the Kyo'Wosyn, or "People of the Blood", the tradesman, artisans and farmers of the Khanate who constitute the majority of its population. It is here that visitors to the Khanate first arrive, deboarding beyond Ogedei's Bridge under the watchful eyes of the White-and-Golds. The Heart is divided into the Copper, Iron, Nephrite and Porcelain quarters. The Copper Quarter includes the docks and zee-side tea-houses, noodle shops and businesses that primarily cater to foreigners and visitors. Since the vendors know that foreigners are restricted to this quarter, the prices of supplies are often mischievous to say the least, and often exorbitantly so when considering the quality and the restrictions of quantities. Some might complain, but not too loudly, as the guards are all but itching for an excuse to put their staves and spear-butts to use. Bridges leading to the other quarters are watched closely by the White-and-Golds to ensure nobody...strays... past where they are permitted. Still, the canals are lines with multi-colored, magically sustained lamps which make for breathtaking scenery if one has the time to stroll. In the Square of Cedars bards and storytellers recount tales to the few who pause and listen, offering a brief distraction or small insight into Khaganian culture.   The Nephrite Quarter is home to the Khaganian merchants. Prices here are only slightly more reasonable, but the few lucky foreigners granted license to come here can surely find uncommon (or perhaps rare) items if they look closely enough. White-and-Golds also patrol this area, although in fewer numbers than the Copper Quarter. Although merchants provide a valuable service to the Khanate, it is still a distasteful profession that is looked down upon by the guards and other members of the upper castes.   The Khan's Shadow is more of a large port than a city unto itself, composed largely of decommissioned ships and other jetsam and flotsam. This smaller island is home to the Kyo'Rusalk, or "People of the Fist", the deposed warrior caste of the Khanate, and various other exiles. Those who reside here permanently have either chosen to distance themselves from the Khanate (or been forced to). Though beyond the reach of the White-and-Golds, this place is no less dangerous to those ignorant of local customs. That being said, the people who reside here live and die by the zee. Shipwrights and crew from here, if loyal, can be of great use to prospective captains.   The Khan's Glory is home to the palaces of the Khan and his court, each a fortress to itself. The upper caste, known as the Kyo'Vyar, or "People of the Eye", reside here behind the high walls and guarded gates of their homes. A merchant or traveler seeking to curry favor with the nobility (or even the Khan himself) shall inevitably find themselves drawn here beneath high balconies and manicured gardens. The palace of the Khan lies at the center of the maze of canals, and visitors who are granted access to this island can request audiences of the great clans here.   Aside from the three main islands which comprise the Khaganian homeland, several outlying territories and islands are also controlled (and contested) by the Khanate. The most notable of these is a prison fortress nestled in the Sea of Lilies known as "Wisdom". Ruled by a mysterious governor, Wisdom is one of the only places in the Khanate where visitors are welcome. Behind the tall smooth walls and guard towers reside the prehistoric Knot-Oracles and cavernous cisterns in which they dwell. These nightmarish creatures, combined with the rumors that slaver ships frequently visit the island, are more than enough to dissuade all but the most desperate of captains from making landfall. Those who do have business here are lead into the heart of Wisdom, past five locked gates, to the governor's office. Although it is impossible to know what or who lies behind the governor's porcelain mask, there in no disputing the authority granted to him by the Khan is absolute in matters of this place.

The White-and-Golds and the Red-and-Golds comprise the local military peacekeeping presence within the islands, being the guard and the officers of the guard respectively. Thus named for their distinctively colored robes, these men, women and persons of mysterious and unknown gender carry the full deeded authority of the Khan himself. Although tasked generally to ensure the safety and welfare of all Khaganian citizens, the White-and-Golds are more commonly involved with ensuring visitors and foreigners behave and obey the laws of the Khanate. Suspicious activities are reported directly to the great Taimen Clan, and names are added to a perpetually growing list of "Causes for Concern". Names that rise too high on this list for the liking of the Taimen's are apt to find the Loyalty Service at their door, either knocking or breaking it down.   Although not strictly military in nature, the Kyo'Assyn, or "People of the Carapace", need be mentioned due to their influence on Khanate warfare and politics. Numbering only seven at any given time, these legendary monk assassins are employed by the upper caste of the Khanate to eliminate enemies and silence opposition. Considered a minor clan in their own right, the People of the Carapace are known as follows: the Mantis, the Moth, the Locust, the Firefly, the Spider, the Wasp, and the Beetle. These names reflect the anonymous and detached nature of this organization which operates outside of the normal political arena.

If one were to rank the technological level of societies and city-states across the Undersea, Fallen London and the Khanate would be tied head to head in this never-ending arms race. Foreign territory disputes and shadowy conflicts between these two nations means that both view advancement in magic and technology as essential to their survival and (eventual) triumph. To this end each employs a vast network of spies, operatives and engineers, simultaneously striving to discover the next great weapon and also hinder the other's efforts to accomplish the same. The Second Treaty still holds officially, of course, but that seems to do little to pause the endless cycle.

Though the Gods of the Unterzee and High Wilderness are acknowledged and afforded appropriate deference, worship of the Deep Blue Heaven remains the primary religion of this kingdom. Altars and totemic shrines to Tal'At, the embodiment of the sky, are scattered throughout the Khanate and tended to by the Blue Priests of Tal'At. The primary cathedral of the Khanate, known to foreigners only as the Blue Dome, is said to contain a painted rendition of the Surface's sky complete with an orb of magical light representing Helia. This continued adherence to Talist ideals and beliefs aptly demonstrates the tradition and honor which pervades Khaganian culture.