Theocratic Empire of Manawa
The Empire of Manawa rises in the middle of the One Desert. Here one of the Ancients found the Kara, a magical crystal that holds the secret behind the magic of the continent. He awoke the goddess inside the crystal, and made Kara rise from the sand creating floating islands all over the desert.
Magicians from all of Whenua came here to study the crystal, founding not only the new capital of the empire, Karaihe, but also the biggest magic university on the continent.
The Kara
When Matekai the Wise travelled through the One Desert to meditate, the old empire had already fallen, the Ennead was no more, and the people who were still living there were poor and miserable.
Legends say that Matekai found a place known as The Cave of Wonders. Inside the Ancient found the Kara, a crystal containing an immeasurable power.
Soon Matekai realised that whenever he was using magic, the power behind it was drawn from the crystal itself. He decided to use his powers to take the crystal out of the sand, making it float over the One Desert. Here the power of the crystal created something unexpected: the land around it started floating creating flying islands all around the crystal. But that was not all, water started springing out of it, clouds became like sea and the floating lands became fertile and rich: the closer to the crystale, the better the islands.
The Great Ennead
Before the rise of the Kara, the empire of Manawa was controlled by 9 Netjery (word used in Manawa to call Tapus), sibling gods which formed The Great Ennead.The Theocracy
Risen from the ashes of the old empire, the theocratic empire of Manawa is controlled by the most powerful Maji of Whenua. With the Empress at the pinnacle of the power, and the Vizier controlling the knowledge of the Kara, the system provides different levels of positions to control the land of Manawa. There are four important roles in the theocracy government:- The Empress absolute ruler and considered a living god, the avatar of the Kara.
- The Vizier highest official and the pharaoh’s Chief advisor.
- Nomarchs, Nobles who were granted power over the land of Manawa.
- Scribes essential to the bureaucracy and government function, and also professors of the University of Magic.
The four Vars
The Vars are the castes of Manawa, based on the magical abilities of an individual, with very few exceptions, the castes define the social rank of people in Manawa society.- Brahs: The highest caste in the hierarchy, it includes all the high rank Majis.
- Shatri: Second highest cast, which includes all the people with a government position.
- Vashy: The third cast, which includes all the Majis of a rank lower than the highest.
- Shudra: includes all the free Sekhtis, non magical users.
- Dals: also known as untouchables or tails, this caste includes all the slaves which are in large majorities, Sekhtis. These people are marked with fire on their bodies with the symbol of the caste, a rat tail.
Sky Raiders
One of the many technological improvements made by the Majis of Karaihe is the Cloudengine, a magical power source that allows ships to fly. While mostly used for transportation, it also became a war tool creating flying warships to defend the capital.Pirates
Unfortunately, Flying Ships became also the symbol of the pirates, people that don’t want to live following the rules of the Empire and found refuge in smaller flying islands not colonised by Manawa. While it seems that most pirates chose this life to find freedom, every crew has its own ideals and leaders. Rumours have that there was once a pirate King or Queens and, although it seems they don’t have a ruler anymore, a council of the Seven Skies seems to still exist, with the leaders of the most powerful crews, the Skylords, as members of it. Rumours have that one of these Skylords is a former member of the Foreign Knights.Corsairs
To fight the threat of pirates, the government of Manawa appointed a special force, known as Corsairs, to fight against them. Not directly controlled by the army, these mercenaries serve the Empress and follow orders from the Vizier. Their main duty is to fight pirates and stop their raids and assaults.Foreign Relations
Dressing
While most of the country still dress as in the Old Empire, new styles have developed on the different levels of Karaihe. On the middle level, Karaihte, a more common style has been used, ones that can be found in all of Whenua, while on the top level, Karaihtei, the tradition is mixed with innovation, using magical garments and materials the Old Empire style was reborn in the one of the New Empire. In the Ourskirts of the top level, a completely different style was used.Traditional
Shendyt (Loincloth)
Description: a wrap-around kilt or skirt worn by men, typically tied or belted around the waist. It is the most common garment for men of all classes.
Material: Made from linen, the shendyt could be pleated or left plain, and its length varied. Workers and commoners wear shorter versions, while nobles and pharaohs might wear longer, more ornate shendyts.
Occasion: Everyday wear, wear by laborers, soldiers, and even royalty.
Kalasiris (Tunic or Dress)
Description: The kalasiris (sometimes called a sheath dress) is worn by women and, at times, by men. For women, it is typically a tight-fitting tube-like dress that extends from the chest or shoulders down to the ankles.
Material: Linen, with finer, more transparent linen reserved for wealthier individuals. The dress could have straps or be strapless.
Occasion: Everyday wear for women, with more elaborate versions adorned with jewellery or embroidery for higher classes.
Nemes Headdress
Description: a striped cloth headdress worn by pharaohs and became one of the most iconic symbols of royal power in Manawa.
Material: Made from linen or other fine fabrics.
Occasion: Exclusively worn by royalty, especially depicted in statues and paintings of pharaohs like Tutankhamun.
Mantle or Cloak (Himation-like Garment)
Description: Mantles are large, rectangular pieces of cloth worn draped over the shoulders, often by nobility. They could be worn loosely or wrapped around the body.
Material: Often made from fine linen, and in later periods, some versions were dyed or embroidered.
Occasion: Special occasions or for added warmth in the cool desert nights.
Sashes and Belts
Description: Sashes and belts are used to secure garments like the shendyt or kalasiris. They are functional but could also serve decorative purposes, often elaborated with jewels or intricate patterns.
Material: Linen, leather, or braided fibres, sometimes adorned with beads or gold for the wealthy.
Occasion: Everyday wear but more ornate for ceremonies or royalty.
Sandals
Description: Sandals are the most common footwear in Manawa, though many people, especially the lower classes, went barefoot.
Material: Leather or papyrus. Wealthier individuals might have sandals with more ornate designs or gold embellishments.
Occasion: Sandals are worn both by commoners and nobility, though they were often removed indoors, especially in temples and palaces.
Wesekh (Broad Collar)
Description: one of the most iconic pieces of jewelry from Manawa. It is a wide, circular necklace made of beads, stones, and metal.
Material: Crafted from gold, faience, semi-precious stones, and other materials. Pharaohs and nobility wore the most elaborate versions.
Occasion: Ceremonial and high-status events. It symbolises wealth, power, and religious significance.
Wigs
Description: Both men and women commonly wear wigs, especially during ceremonies or formal events. Wigs are often seen as a status symbol.
Material: Made from human hair or vegetable fibres, wigs could be styled in various ways, including intricate braids or curls.
Occasion: Special occasions, religious festivals, and elite gatherings. Pharaohs, nobility, and even well-off commoners often wear wigs.
Kohl
Description: While not a clothing item, kohl (a type of eye makeup) is an important aspect of appearance in Manawa. Both men and women applied it around their eyes.
Material: Made from powdered minerals like galena (lead sulphide), kohl is applied using sticks or small applicators.
Occasion: Worn daily for both aesthetic and practical purposes, as it was believed to protect the eyes from the harsh sun and ward off evil spirits.
Nemes Cloak or Robe
Description: Royalty often wear full-length cloaks or robes, often decorated with gold or intricate patterns. These garments were draped over the shoulders and fastened at the waist.
Material: Fine linen or, for the wealthy, embellished with gold or jewels.
Occasion: Worn by royalty during formal occasions, ceremonies, or religious rituals.
Jewellery and Amulets
Description: Jewellery, including bracelets, anklets, rings, and earrings, is worn by both men and women. Amulets have a protective function and are often shaped like sacred symbols (e.g., the scarab, ankh, or Eye of Kāhrus).
Material: Gold, silver, faience, and semi-precious stones.
Occasion: Daily wear for the wealthy, with more elaborate pieces for ceremonial use. Even commoners wear simple jewellery or amulets for protection.
The Outskirts
Kimono
Description: The kimono is perhaps the most iconic garment of the Outskirts, worn by both men and women. It is a long, T-shaped robe that wraps around the body and is secured with a sash.
Material: Silk for the upper classes, while cotton or hemp might be used by commoners. The colours and patterns of the kimono often reflected the season, rank, or occasion.
Occasion: Everyday wear, but with significant variation based on class. Warriors wear simple kimonos, while aristocrats adorn more elaborate, multilayered kimonos.
Hakama
Description: Hakama are wide-legged pants or skirt-like garments worn over the kimono. They are typically worn by men but also by women of the warrior class during specific occasions.
Material: Silk or cotton, depending on the wearer’s social class.
Occasion: warriors wear hakama for formal or martial occasions, such as archery, tea ceremonies, or while on duty. They were also part of the attire for religious or ceremonial events.
Junihitoe
Description: The junihitoe is a highly elaborate, multilayered kimono worn by court women during the Heian period. The name means "twelve layers," though in practice, the number of layers varied.
Material: Fine silks in different colours, with each layer often representing a season or status. The most luxurious versions could weigh up to 20 kilograms.
Occasion: Worn by aristocratic women at court, particularly during formal or ceremonial events.
Kataginu
Description: The kataginu is a sleeveless jacket or vest with exaggerated, stiffened shoulders, worn by warriors and high-ranking officials. It is often paired with hakama.
Material: Silk or sturdy fabrics, often with clan crests or patterns.
Occasion: Formal occasions or during service at court. It is part of a warrior formal attire, often worn during important meetings or rituals.
Kamishimo
Description: The kamishimo was a formal outfit worn by warriors and consisted of two parts: the kataginu (the sleeveless jacket) and hakama. The stiffened shoulders gave the outfit a distinctive, angular look.
Material: Typically made from silk or other fine fabrics, often adorned with the wearer’s family crest.
Occasion: Worn by warriors during official duties or formal events such as ceremonies at court.
Uchikake
Description: The uchikake is a long, elaborate outer robe worn by women, often over the kimono. It is designed to trail along the ground.
Material: Luxurious silks with embroidered patterns of flowers, birds, or traditional symbols. It is often richly decorated and vibrant in colour.
Occasion: Worn by noblewomen and brides during wedding ceremonies or other special events.
Tabi
Description: Tabi are socks that have a separation between the big toe and the rest of the toes. They are designed to be worn with sandals.
Material: Cotton, linen, or silk for the upper classes. Typically white for formal occasions, though commoners may have worn darker colours.
Occasion: Worn daily, especially when sandals were worn. Warriors, noblemen, and even commoners use tabi, particularly indoors.
Geta and Zori
Description: Geta are elevated wooden sandals, while zori are flat, straw or wooden sandals worn with the tabi socks. Both styles are common across all social classes.
Material: Wood for geta; straw, wood, or lacquered materials for zori. The straps are often made of cloth.
Occasion: Geta are practical for walking on uneven ground or in wet conditions, while zori are more formal, worn by warriors, aristocrats, and the nobility during ceremonies.
Eboshi
Description: The eboshi is a black, pointed hat worn by men, especially warriors and courtiers, as part of formal dress.
Material: Made from black lacquered cloth, often stiffened to hold its shape.
Occasion: Worn by warriors and aristocrats during formal occasions, ceremonies, or at court.
Suikan
Description: The suikan is a lightweight robe worn by noblemen and warriors, with loose, flowing sleeves and a distinctive cut. It has a somewhat informal, elegant style.
Material: Typically made from lightweight fabrics such as hemp or silk.
Occasion: Worn by noblemen during informal events or outdoor gatherings. It is practical yet elegant enough for semi-formal events.
Yoroi
Description: Yoroi refers to the armour worn by warriors. The armour is often highly decorative as well as functional, with intricate designs that reflected the warrior’s clan or status.
Material: Constructed from small iron or leather plates laced together with silk cords, and layered to offer protection while maintaining flexibility.
Occasion: Worn during battle or military campaigns, with ceremonial versions used during processions or court appearances.
Jingasa
Description: The jingasa is a lightweight, broad-brimmed hat worn by warriors, particularly during travel or battle. It is often lacquered to make it waterproof.
Material: Lacquered wood or leather.
Occasion: Worn by warriors while on military duty or during long journeys.
Hachimaki
Description: The hachimaki is a cloth headband tied around the forehead, often worn by warriors.
Material: Simple cloth, often in white or red.
Occasion: Worn in battle or during training, symbolising determination and focus. Warriors often wore it under their helmets during combat.
Kesa
Description: Kesa is a garment, a rectangular cloth draped over the shoulder, worn by monks. It symbolises renunciation of worldly life.
Material: Made from humble fabrics such as cotton or hemp, though wealthier patrons would donate fine silks for kesa.
Occasion: Worn during religious ceremonies or daily rituals by monks. Warriors who took religious vows might also wear a form of kesa.
Economy
Magic,technology and knowledge are the main exchange goods of Manawa. Due to the high concentration of scholars in the capital of magic, and the great innovations created using the power of the crystal, Manawa is now the most advanced kingdom in Whenua and it exports its technologies all over Whenua.
Of course, not everything is shared with the rest of the continent and some stuff stays in the Empire unless the government decides otherwise.
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