*Not sure why I hadn’t thought of it before, but I really like using Chord to tell the stories of the various things in my world. Hope you guys are enjoying it too.*
The kingdom of Hammon sits directly above Cheshire, along with Vorlaria, pinching the upstart kindgom of Cerak between the three of them. For his part, the mad King Cerakin sees no threat, but only challenges on three fronts and wages a never ending crusade against them all.
Hammon is a theocracy. The ruling power is known as the Revered Father. Currently the Revered Father is a Cardinalof the sun god (also known as the Lord of Light) Aeruus. A Revered Father is chosen every six years, by the Council of Fathers. The term is a misnomer as there are at least two Patriarchs on the council that are female. There are currently no limits as to how many times a Revered Father may serve, consecutively or otherwise. It is common for a Revered Father to in office however.
The Revered Father is not to be confused with the Highfather. The Highfather technically out ranks the Revered Father, the equivalent of a Pope, but there are checks in place to ensure the Highfather can’t destabilize the regime. The Highfather is chosen, by the gods not by men. Once chosen a Highfather retains that position for life. A successor is chosen at or near the moment of his death. A Revered Father has the distinction of having to serve all the gods, good and bad, one year at a time. He may choose which god to serve, but it has been known to happen when a god makes the choice for him. Typically this happens when a Revered Father has served three or more good gods in a row, and an evil god feels slighted. When serving a god, the Revered Father acts in the best interest of that god at all times. This can be problematic, as when serving the god of tyranny right after serving the god of justice. This is why, while the Revered Father can act as a voice, and even veto a Highfather’s decision, it rarely occurs. When it does, the Council of Patriarchs can vote to accept or veto that decision (or any).
Hammon is also blessed with the distinction of choosing a Justicar. Justicar’s are the divine might of a god. Most Justicar’s serve Aeruus, regardless of the Highfather, or Revered Father’s current divine inclination. Serving the Lord of Light, means stamping out evil where ever it is found. I consider them an elevated form of paladins.
For a kingdom of worshippers, Hammon can be quite close-minded. They currently have an Edict of Purging in place. Top of that list are orcs. Centaurs and satyrs are on that list as well, as are goblins and hobgoblins. To be placed on an Edict of Purging means the offending race is to be killed on sight. For those inclined, you may return the head of an offender for a small bounty.
It surprises me that minotaurs aren’t on the list. I imagine it’s only a matter of time. For my part, I was invited to the Holy Flame temple to perform for the Highfather. I also met the current Revered Father, currently worshipping the goddess of magic.
Beyond that, Hammon is what you would expect from a human kingdom. As a theocracy, temples dedicated to all the gods are everywhere. The more popular the god, the more temples. Aeruus is the current god in favor so I was seeing symbols of the sun everywhere. By contrast I only saw one temple of Varduk, the god of tyranny. Granted there may have been some hidden temples. I did not seek any of those out. Prejudices aside, they behave like most humans. Differing views, differing cultures, differing tastes all melding to make a unique if not obnoxius kingdom.
Culturally speaking, Hammonites have distinct classes: a lower class, middle class, and a constantly bickering upper class. They also have a huge slave population. Criminals are often sent to serve as slaves rather than languish in prisons. The harsher the crime, the harsher the tasks assigned. For a criminal, the choice is slavery, or become a gladiator.
Hammonites have a love of gladiatorial games, perhaps even more than my minotaur brethren. For a criminal, this is their best chance at freedom. Winning three games in a row guarantees freedom. It does not provide immunity from further crimes. For some, they choose to remain as a free gladiator. Free gladiators earn winning from their victories as well as the chance to become Arena Champion. The current Arena Champion is a mul named Morn.
Among the nobility, ranks are based on worship. There are no barons or dukes here. Instead there are bishops and vicars and cardinals, and the like. The title doesn’t necessarily grant large tracts of land, but it is common. A priest or vicar may own farmland for example, while a bishop may only have a temple. The priest however must tithe to those above him, ensuring the Patriarchs at the top of the clergy (including the Highfather and Revered Father) are the wealthiest in the land.
To say Hammon is decadent is a bit unfair, but the noblesse are given to excess, and the poor are little better off than the slaves that clean the sewers. It is a wonderful place to visit, just mind your manners. Openly displaying your holy symbols can get you into places faster than not. Atheists are shunned. Mind your rival gods. Many fights have taken place because a priests of opposing gods crossed paths.
While they are not the forgiving metropolis that is the city of Cheshire, the city of Hammon is a jewel of its own that should be experienced at least once in a lifetime.
Yours Truly
Chord, the Ivory Bard
A Darkness Rising 